Meeting Summary
The city council discussed draft guidelines for the $5 million economic development and recovery program bond issue, providing extensive feedback to the Economic Development Advisory Board for revision. Key decisions included denying the appropriation of state seizure funds for police mobile phones, instead directing staff to find alternative funding, and adopting a resolution confirming final costs for 12th Avenue SE improvements. The council also formally recognized Councilmember Serena Wilson for her service.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket
01:15:00The council unanimously approved routine agenda items, including minutes, ordinances, appointments, and various contracts and resolutions.
Police Mobile Phone Funding
01:20:00The council voted against appropriating $7,000 from the state seizure account for police mobile phones, directing staff to find alternative funding sources due to concerns over civil asset forfeiture funds.
12th Avenue SE Improvements Recoupment
01:30:00The council adopted a resolution confirming the final costs for improvements on 12th Avenue SE, limiting recoupment to acquisition costs for undeveloped parcels.
Municipal Auditor Position Ordinance
01:35:00The council voted to postpone Ordinance 2021-6, which would create a municipal auditor position, until October 27, 2020, to align with the Charter Review Commission's recommendations.
Commendation for Councilmember Serena Wilson
01:37:00The council unanimously adopted a resolution commending Councilmember Serena Wilson for her dedicated service as Ward 5 Council Member.
Upcoming Community Events
Ward 1 & 4 Bond Meeting
6:30 PM at Andrews Park
Ward 6 & 7 Bond Meeting
6:30 PM at Griffin Community Park
Ward 2 & 3 Bond Meeting
6:30 PM at Westwood Park
Virtual Bond Meeting
12:00 PM on City of Norman Facebook page
Ward 7 & 5 Bond Meeting
6:30 PM at Reeves Park
Oversight Committee Meeting (Vote 16 Presentation)
4:00 PM, available via YouTube livestream
Virtual Bond Meeting
2:00 PM on City of Norman Facebook page
Financial Matters
Economic Development and Recovery Program Bond Issue
Discussion of guidelines for the expenditure of a $5 million bond issue for small business and non-profit recovery, including revolving loans, grants, and technical assistance programs.
Bid contract and bonds with Cimarron Construction Company LLC for the bridge maintenance project FYE 2021
Approval of a contract for bridge maintenance projects at various locations.
Change number two to contract 1819-4 with Central Contracting Services Incorporated for the FYE 2019 concrete sidewalk projects
A decrease in the contract amount for concrete sidewalk projects and final acceptance of the project.
Contract 2021-31 an enterprise agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute Incorporated
Agreement to provide software and software maintenance and support for the enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS).
City Attorney's recommendation that city council approve a settlement of Josephine Olsen versus City of Norman Cleveland County Court Case CJ 2019-1506
Approval of a settlement in a court case.
City Attorney's recommendation for acceptance of a court order regarding James Darren Morgan versus the City of Norman Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission Case 2019-07496L
Acceptance of a court order related to a workers' compensation case.
Resolution 2021-23 appropriating $7,000 from state seizure account on the monthly payment of mobile funds
Proposed appropriation of funds from the state seizure account for police mobile phones, which was denied by council.
Resolution 2021-16 adopting and confirming final cost associated with improvements on 12th Avenue Southeast
Finalization of recoupment costs for road improvements, limited to acquisition costs.
Public Comments
Public comments included an email regarding the residency of Ward 5 selection committee members, an in-person comment questioning council members' support for Antifa and the mayor's stance on 16-year-old voting, and a YouTube comment expressing love and appreciation for Councilwoman Wilson and the council.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 2021-6 (creating municipal auditor position) and related items (24 and 25) postponed to October 27, 2020.
Deadlines
- August 25th: Election Day for the bond issue and proposed charter amendments.
Watch For
- Finalized economic development guidelines from EDAB to be presented at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.
- Further discussion on the 'Vote 16' movement at the Oversight Committee meeting on Thursday.
- Ongoing planning and announcements regarding safety measures for the upcoming Big 12 football season.
Announcements
- Ward 2 and 3 will host a bond meeting at Westwood Park on August 19th at 6:30 PM.
- Virtual bond meetings will be held on the city's Facebook page on August 20th at 12:00 PM and August 24th at 2:00 PM.
- Ward 1 and 4 will host a bond meeting at Andrews Park on August 12th at 6:30 PM.
- Ward 6 and 7 will host a bond meeting at Griffin Community Park on August 13th at 6:30 PM.
- Ward 7 and 5 will host a bond meeting at Reeves Park on August 20th at 6:30 PM.
- Debris pickup from the severe storm is continuing, with contractors currently working through Ward 4.
- The Oversight Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday at 4:00 PM, featuring a presentation on the 'Vote 16' movement by Elliot Khmet.
- The Big 12 conference has decided to move forward with the 2020 football season, and the city is planning for safe tailgating and game day experiences.
Agenda Summary
Discussion of draft guideline policies from the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) regarding recommendations for the expenditure of the $5 million economic development and recovery program bond issue.
Discussion of eligibility criteria, priority considerations, and proposed funding programs for the economic development and recovery program. Council provided feedback on definitions for small businesses, eligibility for past bankruptcies, restrictions on lobbying activities, weighting of priority considerations, and funding caps for loan programs.
Consent Docket (Items 4-20)
Approval of city council minutes, various ordinances on first reading (medical marijuana processor, signage requirements, utility services), mayoral appointments, budget submissions, bid contracts, easements, declaration of surplus equipment, contract amendments, and a resolution of intent to reimburse capital funds.
Resolution 2021-23 appropriating $7,000 from state seizure account on the monthly payment of mobile funds to be used by the special investigation section investigators for FYE 2021.
A resolution to appropriate $7,000 from the state seizure account for police special investigation section mobile phone expenses. Council members expressed concerns about using civil asset forfeiture funds and directed staff to find alternative funding within the general fund budget.
Resolution 2021-16 adopting and confirming final cost associated with improvements on 12th Avenue Southeast and arterial road from 500 feet north of Cedar Lane Road to Oak Tree Avenue and authorizing the director of public works to release properties as assessments are paid.
A resolution to finalize the recoupment project for 12th Avenue SE improvements, confirming that construction costs will not exceed bond funds and recoupment will be limited to acquisition costs for a specific parcel.
Ordinance 2021-6 adding Article 5 creating the position of municipal auditor to be appointed and removed by the city council and renumbering article designation set forth in the charter after Article 5 accordingly.
A proposed ordinance to create a municipal auditor position, postponed to align with the Charter Review Commission's recommendations for a consolidated ballot.
Resolution 2021-31 commending and extending appreciation to Serena Wilson for serving as Ward 5 Council Member.
A resolution commending Councilmember Serena Wilson for her service to the community as Ward 5 Council Member from July 4, 2017, until August 11, 2020.
Miscellaneous Discussion
Opportunity for citizens and council members to make comments on various topics not on the agenda.