Meeting Summary
The City Council of Norman, Oklahoma, held a special session to address critical city matters, including city manager compensation and a new COVID-19 pandemic ordinance. The council unanimously approved a salary adjustment for the city manager, recognizing his performance and leadership. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the adoption of a comprehensive ordinance mandating face coverings in public, imposing capacity limits in bars and restaurants, and outlining enforcement measures, which passed with amendments.
Key Decisions & Votes
City Manager Compensation
00:15:00Ordinance 1920-68, adjusting the city manager's compensation, was adopted unanimously on second and final reading. Council members praised his leadership, budget management, and handling of city challenges.
COVID-19 Pandemic Ordinance (Face Coverings & Capacity Limits)
02:20:00Ordinance 2021-22, mandating face coverings in public and imposing capacity limitations on bars and restaurants, was adopted on second and final reading with amendments. The emergency clause was also approved, making it effective immediately.
Bar Closing Times Amendment
02:00:00An amendment to strike the bar closing times (10 PM weekdays, 11 PM weekends) from the COVID-19 ordinance was approved, allowing bars to remain open with reduced capacity and social distancing requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Nomination
02:35:00Council member Holman was nominated and approved unanimously to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Financial Matters
City Manager Compensation
An ordinance to adjust the city manager's salary, noting he was hired below market average and has performed exceptionally during challenging times.
Public Comments
Public comments were divided, with several citizens expressing strong opposition to the mask mandate, citing concerns about personal liberty, constitutional rights, mask effectiveness, and economic impact. Many supporters emphasized public health, protection of vulnerable populations, and the need for collective action based on scientific evidence.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Review of bar and restaurant capacity limitations and closing times (mid-August)
- Discussion on overall ordinance effectiveness and potential amendments (regularly, with public discussion in August)
- Oversight Committee meeting (Thursday 4 PM)
Agenda Summary
Consideration of Ordinance 1920-68 upon second and final reading: City Manager Compensation
An ordinance fixing the compensation of the city manager as provided by Article 17, Section 1 of the City Charter, and providing for the effective date for compensation to begin.
Consideration of Ordinance 2021-22 upon first reading: COVID-19 Pandemic Ordinance
An ordinance adding Article 11 COVID-19 pandemic to Chapter 10 of the city code, mandating face coverings, imposing capacity limitations, setting a sunset provision, and creating penalties.
Consideration of Ordinance 2021-22 upon second reading: COVID-19 Pandemic Ordinance
Further discussion and amendments to the ordinance adding Article 11 COVID-19 pandemic to Chapter 10 of the city code.
Consideration of Emergency Section 8 of Ordinance 2021-22
A motion to adopt the emergency clause for the COVID-19 pandemic ordinance, making it effective immediately upon passage.
Consideration of Ordinance 2021-22 upon final reading: COVID-19 Pandemic Ordinance
Final vote on the ordinance adding Article 11 COVID-19 pandemic to Chapter 10 of the city code, as amended.
Administering the Oaths of Office to and Seating of Council Members Elect
Swearing in of new council members for Wards 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Election of a Mayor Pro Tem
Nomination and election of a council member to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Election of a Representative and an Alternate Representative to the Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors
Nomination and election of representatives to the OML Board.
Election of a Representative and an Alternate Representative to the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Board of Directors
Nomination and election of representatives to the ACOG Board.
Election of a City Council Member to Serve on the Board of Trustees for the City of Norman Retirement System
Nomination and election of a council member to the Retirement System Board.
Resolution 2021-8 extending appreciation to Joe Carter for serving as Ward 2 Council Member
A resolution recognizing and thanking outgoing Council Member Joe Carter.
Resolution 2021-9 extending appreciation to Bill Scanland for serving as Ward 6 Council Member
A resolution recognizing and thanking outgoing Council Member Bill Scanland.
Resolution 2021-10 extending appreciation to Alexander Scott for serving as Ward 8 Council Member
A resolution recognizing and thanking outgoing Council Member Alexander Scott.