Meeting Summary
The City Council held a conference session to discuss a proposed agreement with the Oklahoma Humane Society for animal shelter services, which was continued for further discussion. The regular meeting included the approval of a comprehensive consent docket and the second public hearing for the FYE 2021 operating and capital budget, with public and council comments received.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket Approval
39:59Items 4 through 22, including bond election ordinances, judicial reappointments, financial reports, equipment purchases, and various resolutions, were approved.
FYE 2021 Budget Public Hearing
1:39:15The second public hearing for the FYE 2021 operating and capital budget was closed after receiving public and council comments. The budget will be considered for adoption on June 9th.
Financial Matters
Proposed Agreement with Oklahoma Humane Society
Discussion included a proposed annual payment of $400,000 to the Humane Society, a $35 fee per animal transferred, and an estimated annual savings of $150,000 for the city's general fund by avoiding facility maintenance requests.
Hardware Upgrades for Intelligent Transportation System
Authorization for the purchase of hardware upgrades for the on-board intelligent transportation system from GMV Syncromatics for the city's public transportation fleet.
Donation from Shelter Animals Count
Acceptance of a donation to be used at the Norman Animal Welfare Center.
Donation from Annie's Rescue Foundation
Acceptance of a generous donation to be used at the Norman Animal Welfare Center. Councilmember Wilson abstained from this vote.
Change Order for Summit Valley Interceptor Project
Change order number one decreasing the contract amount for the Summit Valley interceptor project, with a revised contract price of $573,595 and an extension of 60 calendar days.
Public Art Contract for Ruby Grant Park
Contract with Valerie Thei Berg for the design, fabrication, and installation of public art in conjunction with the Ruby Grant Park project.
FYE 2021 Projected Revenues (All Funds)
Projected total revenues for all funds for fiscal year 2021, representing a 15.5% decrease from FY2020 due to bond proceeds received in the current year.
FYE 2021 Projected Expenditures (All Funds)
Projected total expenditures for all funds for fiscal year 2021, representing a 6% increase over FY2020 due to increases in debt service and transit program maintenance.
FYE 2021 General Fund Revenues
Projected general fund revenues for fiscal year 2021, with 60% from sales tax, a 1% increase from current year estimates.
FYE 2021 General Fund Expenditures
Projected general fund expenditures for fiscal year 2021, a 7% decrease from current year estimates mainly due to decreased capital equipment expenditures.
Sales Tax Revenue Shortfall (March collections)
Norman's sales tax remittance for March collections was down 7.8% compared to the previous year, a hit of over $300,000.
Projected Fines and Forfeitures Revenue
Projected revenue from fines and forfeitures for the general fund.
Public Comments
One public comment questioned the water fund's operating expenditures exceeding revenues and the drop in the water reclamation fund. Another comment asked about monitoring racism within law enforcement departments.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Voter Registration for June 30th Election: June 5th
- Absentee Ballot Request for June 30th Election: June 23rd (5:00 p.m.)
Watch For
- Continued discussion on agreement with Oklahoma Humane Society: Next Tuesday
- FYE 2021 Budget Adoption: June 9th
- Short-term rental tax proposal: Coming before Council in July
- Tourism Improvement District (TID) proposal: Depending on upcoming elections
Announcements
- Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drives: May 27th & 28th, Noon-6:00 p.m. at Reeves Park (Constitution and Jenkins). Appointments required via OBI.org. Free COVID-19 antibody test for donors.
- Census Participation: Norman's participation rate is 61.8%, surpassing the state average of 53.7%. Citizens encouraged to complete their census forms.
- June 30th Election: Important municipal election including a ward seat, Norman Public School board seat, state question on Medicaid expansion, and primaries for US Senate, US Representative District 4, and State Senate District 15. Early voting: June 25th (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), June 26th (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), June 27th (9 a.m.-2 p.m.).
- Appreciation for City Staff: Recognition for extraordinary work and dedication in maintaining city services during the public health emergency.
- Tribute to Tom Turner: A constituent and volunteer at the Animal Welfare Center, who regularly attended council meetings and friendly market, passed away a few months ago and will be missed.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding an agreement with the Oklahoma Humane Society
Discussion regarding an agreement with the Oklahoma Humane Society to provide shelter services for the city of Norman Animal Welfare Center, including benefits of partnership, financial implications, and operational details.
Ordinance 1920-61 (First Reading)
Authorizing a special election on August 25, 2020, for general obligation bonds not to exceed $89,800,000 for parks, recreational, and community facilities.
Ordinance 1920-62 (First Reading)
Authorizing a special election on August 25, 2020, for general obligation bonds not to exceed $90,620,000 for municipal services facilities.
Ordinance 1920-63 (First Reading)
Authorizing a special election on August 25, 2020, for general obligation bonds not to exceed $24,300,000 for municipal services facilities.
Ordinance 1920-64 (First Reading)
Authorizing a special election on August 25, 2020, for general obligation bonds not to exceed $5,000,000 for economic and community development.
Proposed Nominations for Reappointment of Municipal Criminal Court Judges
Submission of proposed nominations for reappointment of David Porch as presiding judge, Gail Blaylock and Drew Nichols as associate judges, and Kristy Chesley as acting judge, each for a term beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2022.
Finance Director's Investment Report
Finance Director's investment report as of April 30, 2020.
Monthly Departmental Reports
Monthly departmental reports for the month of April 2020.
City Manager's Change Order Report
The city manager's change order report.
Authorization for Hardware Upgrades for On-Board Intelligent Transportation System
Authorization for the purchase of hardware upgrades for the on-board intelligent transportation system from GMV Syncromatics in the amount of $145,370 for the city's fixed route public transportation fleet.
Declaration of Surplus and/or Obsolete Equipment and Materials
Declaration of surplus and/or obsolete equipment and materials and authorizing the sale or disposal thereof.
Acceptance of Donation from Shelter Animals Count
Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $500 from Shelter Animals Count to be used at the Norman Animal Welfare Center.
Acceptance of Donation from Annie's Rescue Foundation
Acceptance of a generous donation in the amount of $11,933.55 from Annie's Rescue Foundation to be used at the Norman Animal Welfare Center.
Final Acceptance and Final Payment of Contract 1819-126
Final acceptance and final payment of contract 1819-126 with McKee Utility Contractors Incorporated for the Robinson water line project from the water treatment plant to 24th Avenue Northeast.
Change Order Number One to Contract 1920-4
Change order number one to contract 1920-4 with Matthews Trenching Company Incorporated, decreasing the contract amount by $6,380 for a revised contract price of $573,595 and extending the contract time by 60 calendar days for the Summit Valley Interceptor Project and final acceptance of the project.
Contract 1920-53 with Valerie Thei Berg
Contract 1920-53 with Valerie Thei Berg in the amount of $40,000 for the design, fabrication, and installation of public art in conjunction with the Ruby Grant Park project.
Resolution 1920-88
Fixing the amount of general obligation bond series 2020A to mature each year, fixing the time and place the bonds are to be sold, designating a paying agent registrar, approving the preliminary official estate and distribution thereof, and operating the clerk to give notice of said sale as required by law and fixing other details of the issue.
Resolution 1920-113
Appropriating funds from the Community Parkland Fund to pay for completion of the accessible and inclusive playground at Ruby Grant Park.
Resolution 1920-116
Accepting and adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan that includes the city of Norman and is managed by the Cleveland County Emergency Management Office.
Resolution 1920-118
Supporting fair direct federal emergency support to reopen and rebuild local American economies, addressing budgetary shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Second Public Hearing Regarding the FYE 2021 City of Norman Proposed Operating and Capital Budget
Second public hearing for the FYE 2021 city of Norman proposed operating and capital budget, including a brief presentation on projected revenues and expenditures.