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City Council Meeting

July 15, 2020 City Council Meeting

July 15, 2020 Norman, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council approved the Norman Area Land Conservancy's 20th anniversary, discussed a change order for a sewer maintenance project, and reviewed the ACOG weighted voting resolution. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed 'The Noun Hotel' project, which was ultimately approved despite concerns about its height and adherence to the Center City Form-Based Code. The Council also passed an ordinance raising the age for tobacco and vapor product sales to 21, aligning with state and federal law, and amended a contract approval threshold to $50,000 with a new monthly reporting requirement.

Key Decisions & Votes

Change Order #1 for FYE 2017 Sewer Maintenance Project Phase 2

00:02:00

Approved adding 640 feet of 15-inch sewer line and 3 manholes to the project, increasing the contract by $92,329 to a total of $462,434, and extending the project by 30 days. This ensures a new pipe all the way north to the existing interceptor, minimizing future disturbances.

Approved

ACOG Weighted Voting Resolution

00:07:00

Adopted Resolution 2021-12, approving the June 28, 2018, weighted voting amendment to the agreement creating the 9-1-1 Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. This updates the voting structure from landlines to population-based metrics.

Adopted

The Noun Hotel Land Use Plan Amendment (Resolution 1920-73)

02:02:00

Approved amending the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan to change the designation of properties at 542 and 434 South University Boulevard from high-density residential to mixed-use, allowing for the proposed hotel project.

Adopted

The Noun Hotel Rezoning (Ordinance 1920-52)

02:04:00

Approved rezoning properties at 542 and 534 South University Boulevard from Center City Form-Based Code to Center City Planned Unit Development for 'The Noun Hotel' project, despite concerns about height and specific uses.

Adopted

Closing Utility Easements for The Noun Hotel (Ordinance 1920-53)

02:06:00

Approved closing utility easements located at 542 South University Boulevard, a companion item to the hotel project's rezoning.

Adopted

Prohibiting Furnishing Tobacco/Vapor Products to Under 21 (Ordinance 1920-65)

02:10:00

Approved an ordinance prohibiting the furnishing of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21, aligning local code with federal and state laws.

Adopted

Amending Contract Approval Threshold (Ordinance 1920-40)

02:15:00

Approved amending the city code to raise the city council approval threshold for contracts from $25,000 to $50,000. An amendment was added requiring the city manager to provide a monthly report of all purchases between $25,000 and $50,000.

Adopted as Amended

Upcoming Community Events

July 14, 2020

Norman Area Land Conservancy 20th Anniversary

Resolution 2021-13 commending and extending recognition to the Norman Area Land Conservancy Incorporated for their 20th anniversary.

Thursday, July 16th, 6-8 PM

Porter Acres and Porter Court/Streetscape Project Public Meeting

Virtual public meeting to discuss the project, accessible via YouTube channel, Channel 20, or ATT U-Verse channel 99.

Deadline: Friday, July 17th, 5 PM

United Way ABC School Supply Program

Online sign-up for lower-income families in Norman, Noble, Little Axe, Lexington, and Robin Hill. unitedwaynorman.org/ABC

Financial Matters

FYE 2017 Sewer Maintenance Project Phase 2 Change Order

Increase in contract amount for additional sewer line and manholes.

$92,329

ACOG Dues Assessment

Payment for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

$65,166

Oklahoma Municipal League Dues Assessment

Payment for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

$65,000

Anonymous Donation for Protective Masks

Donation for the purchase of 100,000 masks for city-wide distribution.

$60,000

Emergency Solutions Grant CR2020 Application

Application to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

$145,657

Certified Local Governments Grant Funding

Funding for development and support of local historic programs.

$19,459

Special Claim by Kira Silig

Payment for medical expenses, travel, and pain/suffering due to a collision with a police vehicle.

$4,285

Frank and Hubert Drainage Improvement Project Change Order

Increase in contract amount for drainage improvements.

$14,661.85

Wildlife Services Division Contract

Contract for control of aquatic rodents.

$20,000

Hidalgo Trading LLC Contract

Purchase of real property for Water Reclamation and Sanitation facilities.

$388,500

Nelson Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc. Contract

Professional consultant services for updating the transit long-range plan.

$150,000

Cleveland County Sheriff's Department Contract

Incarceration of city prisoners at $52 per day per prisoner.

Center for Children and Families Inc. Contract

Funding for Boys and Girls Club of Norman.

$120,000

Venom Engineering LLC Contract

Design, bidding, construction administration, and inspection for Cascade water tower resurfacing.

$30,000

Conor Energy Holdings LLC Contract

Design, bidding, and construction administration for a 30-kilowatt net metered rooftop solar installation.

$30,000

Oklahoma Water Resources Board and U.S. Geological Survey Contract

Monitoring Canadian River water quality and quantity.

$5,900

Frank Crawley Workers Compensation Settlement

Settlement for claim under Oklahoma Workers Compensation statutes.

$20,864.69

Public Comments

20 citizens spoke

Public comments were primarily focused on 'The Noun Hotel' project, with many expressing strong support for the economic benefits, increased tourism, and revitalization of the Campus Corner area. Supporters highlighted the project's design, the applicant's engagement with the community, and the need for a boutique hotel near the university. Opponents, largely residents of the surrounding neighborhood, voiced concerns about the hotel's height exceeding the Center City Form-Based Code, potential for increased noise and light pollution, and the precedent set by granting variances. There were also comments regarding the SRO program, with some advocating for a dedicated study session to address financial and racial disparity concerns.

Support for 'The Noun Hotel' (economic benefits, tourism, revitalization) Opposition to 'The Noun Hotel' (height, variances, neighborhood impact, precedent) Concerns about SRO program (financials, racial disparities, need for study session) Importance of Center City Form-Based Code integrity Impact of COVID-19 on city finances and services Need for affordable housing

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Discussion on SRO program funding and concerns (requested study session)
  • Reconvening the Center City administrative delay ad hoc committee

Deadlines

  • United Way ABC School Supply Program sign-up: Friday, July 17th, 5 PM

Watch For

  • Update on SRO grant flexibility and discussions with Norman Public Schools
  • CPT meeting on July 30th for transit updates and tree policy discussion
  • Future discussions on Center City TIF utilization

Announcements

  • Mayor's appointments to various boards and commissions were announced.
  • Chief King announced the distribution of 100,000 masks, purchased with an anonymous $60,000 donation, at fire stations starting tomorrow.
  • Public transit report highlighted successful first year of operations, Saturday service starting August 15th, and long-range plan update.
  • Councilmember Biermann mentioned a successful oversight committee meeting on alternative policing programs.
  • Councilmember Patron urged mask-wearing and compassion due to rising COVID-19 cases.
  • Mayor Clark encouraged contacting Senators Langford and Inhofe to support direct federal funding for cities.

Agenda Summary

Item 3: Approval of Minutes

Approval of city council study session minutes of February 18, 2020, city council conference minutes of February 25, 2020, and city council special session minutes of June 16, 2020.

Approved

Item 4: Resolution 2021-13

Commending and extending recognition to the Norman Area Land Conservancy Incorporated in their 20th anniversary year.

Adopted

Item 5: Consent Docket

Approval of items 6 through 44 on the consent docket.

Approved

Item 6: Ordinance 1920-55

Amending the planned unit development approved in ordinance 0203-2 to amend setbacks and landscaping requirements for an office complex on 2.7857 acres on 24th Avenue NW.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 7: Ordinance 1920-56

Amending chapter 23 and chapter 22 of the city code providing fees and guidelines for short-term rentals.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 8: Ordinance 1920-57

Rezoning request from O-1 Office Institutional District to PUD planned unit development for approximately 29.6 acres at the SW corner of State Highway 9 and 24th Avenue SE.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 9: Ordinance 1920-61

Requesting special use for a medical marijuana processor in the M1 restricted industrial district for property at 4520 East Franklin Road.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 10: Mayor's Appointments

Appointments to various boards and commissions.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 11: Mayor's Appointment of Jan Knotts

Appointment to the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and Adoption of Resolution 2321-19.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 12: Bid for Ferric Sulfate

Bid for the purchase of ferric sulfate for the water treatment facility.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 13: Bid for Liquid Ammonia Sulfate

Bid for the purchase of liquid ammonia sulfate for the water treatment facility.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 14: Bid for Fluorosilic Acid

Bid for the purchase of fluorosilic acid for the water treatment facility.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 15: Contract with Cavin's Construction Group LLC

Acceptance of RFP and approval of contract and bonds for $234,328 for Rotary Park restroom construction project and Adoption of a resolution granting tax-exempt status.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 16: Contract with Arrowhead Industries Incorporated

Bid contract and bonds for $155,839, with change order #1 decreasing the contract amount by $9,680 for a revised amount of $146,159 for the water treatment plant wet laboratory remodel project.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 17: Contract with First Water Contracting LLC

Bid contract and bonds for $1,258,743 for the urban asphalt pavement project FYE 2021 locations and Adoption of a resolution granting tax-exempt status.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 18: Contract with Garnier Companies Incorporated

Bid contract and bonds for $1,978,875 for the Robinson water line replacement project phase three.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 19: Contract with RDNJ LLC

Bid contract and bonds for $1,183,072.50 for the urban concrete pavement project FYE 2021 locations and Adoption of a resolution granting tax exempt status.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 20: Contract with Rudy Construction Company

Bid contract and bonds for $73,422.50 for the alley reconstruction project Macy Street to Emeline Street and Adoption of a resolution granting tax exempt status.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 21: Final Plot for Sooner Mall

A re-plot of lot one block one amended plot of Sooner Fashion Mall Edition north of West Main Street between I-35 right of way and 36th Avenue Northwest.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 22: Conveyance of Title to Independent School District #29

Conveyance of Title by quick claim deed for property known as the Norman High School gymnasium located at 911 West Main Street.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 23: Payment of FYE 2021 Dues Assessment to ACOG

Payment of $65,166 to the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments for July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 24: Payment of FYE 2021 Dues Assessment to Oklahoma Municipal League

Payment of $65,000 to the Oklahoma Municipal League for July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 25: Acceptance of Donation for Protective Masks

Acceptance of donation in the amount of $60,000 from an anonymous donor for the purchase of protective masks and budget appropriation.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 26: Submission of Application for Emergency Solutions Grant

Submission of an application by the city of Norman to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of $145,657 for Emergency Solutions Grant CR2020.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 27: Acceptance of Certified Local Governments Grant Funding

Acceptance of grant funding in the amount of $19,459 for local historic programs and approval of contract 2021-14.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 28: Special Claim Submitted by Kira Silig

Special claim in the total amount of $4,285 for medical expenses, travel expenses, and pain and suffering.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 29: Final Acceptance and Payment for Water Treatment Plant Backwash Tower Resurfacing

Final acceptance and final payment of the contract with CTEX Construction Services LLC A M Construction and Utilities Incorporated.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 30: Change Order Number One to Contract 1920-78

Increasing the contract amount by $14,661.85 for a revised contract amount of $93,238.85 for the Frank and Hubert Drainage Improvement project, final acceptance, and budget transfer.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 31: Change Order Number One to Contract 1920-123

Increasing contract by $92,329 for revised amount of $462,434 and adding 30 calendar days to the contract for the FYE 2017 sewer maintenance project phase two.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 32: Contract with Oklahoma Department of Agricultural Food and Forestry Wildlife Services Division

Contract in the amount of $20,000 for control of aquatic rodents effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 33: Contract with the Board of Cleveland County Commissioners

Cooperative interlocal agreement for the maintenance, construction, and repair of section line roads within the city of Norman from July 1st, 2020, through June 30th, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 34: Contract with Hidalgo Trading LLC

Contract in the amount of $388,500 for the purchase of real property located at 333 Bratcher Minor Road plus closing costs for the Water Reclamation facility and sanitation facilities and acceptance of an easement.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 35: Contract with Nelson Nygaard Consulting Associates Incorporated

Contract to provide professional consultant services in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for updating the transit long-range plan and to perform associated tasks.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 36: Contract with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department

Contract to provide for the incarceration of City prisoners in the Cleveland County jail facility at a cost of $52 per day per prisoner.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 37: Contract with Center for Children and Families Incorporated

Contract in the amount of $120,000 for use in the Boys and Girls Club of Norman.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 38: Contract with Venom Engineering LLC

Contract in the amount of $30,000 for design bidding construction administration services and an inspection for the Cascade water towering resurfacing project.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 39: Contract with Conor Energy Holdings LLC

Contract in the amount of $30,000 to provide design bidding and construction administration services for a 30 kilowatt net metered rooftop solar installation.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 40: Contract with the Alternative Dispute Resolution System of the State of Oklahoma

Contract for the purpose of certifying Norman's dispute mediation program beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 41: Contract with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the U.S. Geological Survey

Contract in the amount of $5,900 to provide for Canadian river water quality and water quantity monitoring through June 30, 2021.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 42: Resolution 2021-11

Authorizing and joining petition settlement of the claim filed by Frank Crawley under Oklahoma workers compensation statutes for workers compensation commission case 2019-07594Y in the amount of $20,864.69.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 43: Resolution 2021-12

Approving the June 28, 2018, waiting voting Amendment to the agreement creating the 9-1-1 Association of Central Oklahoma Governments.

Adopted (on consent docket)

Item 44: Resolution 2021-18

Reaffirming the house rules code of conduct adopted in 2005 and adopting additional rules for meetings held by video conference.

Approved (on consent docket)

Item 45: Resolution 1920-73

Amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to remove property located at 542 and 434 South University Boulevard from high density residential designation to mixed-use designation.

Adopted

Item 46: Ordinance 1920-52

Rezoning property located at 542 and 534 South University Boulevard from Center City form-based code to Center City planned unit development.

Adopted

Item 47: Ordinance 1920-53

Closing utility easements located at 542 South University Boulevard.

Adopted

Item 48

Withdrawn by staff.

Withdrawn

Item 49: Ordinance 1920-65

Prohibiting the furnishing of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21.

Adopted

Item 50: Ordinance 1920-40

Amending section 8203 of Article 2 chapter 8 from requiring city council approval for all contracts exceeding twenty five thousand dollars to requiring city council approval for all contracts exceeding fifty thousand dollars.

Adopted as Amended

Item 51: Miscellaneous Discussion

Opportunity for citizens to address city council.

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