City Council Business & Community Affairs Committee Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room, 201 West Gray, Norman, OK 73069 Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 4:00 PM MINUTES The City Council Business & Community Affairs Committee of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Regular Session in the Executive Conference Room on the 4th day of August, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. and notice of the agenda of the meeting were posted at the Municipal Building at 201 West Gray and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Heikkila called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmember Ward 4 Helen Grant ABSENT Councilmember Ward 8 Matthew Peacock (Chair) Councilmember Ward 5 Rarchar Tortorello OTHERS PRESENT Mayor Larry Heikkila Councilmember Ward 1 Brandi Studley Councilmember Ward 7 Stephen Holman Mr. Anthony Francisco, Finance Director Mr. Darrel Pyle, City Manager Mr. Jason Olsen, Parks and Recreation Director Ms. Kathryn Walker, City Attorney Ms. Erinn Gavaghan, Norman Arts Council Ms. Jamie Meyer, Administrative Technician IV CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, August 4, 2022 Page |1 AGENDA ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION WITH NORMAN ARTS COUNCIL REGARDING THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM Presenter: Erinn Gavaghan, Norman Arts Council Ms. Gavaghan provided a comprehensive presentation proposing the restructuring of the Norman Public Arts Board (PAB) into a committee under the Norman Arts Council (NAC), to be known as the Norman Public Arts Committee. Key Points from the Presentation:  Historical Background: o Collaboration between the City of Norman and NAC spans over 40 years. o In 2007, the Public Arts Board was created, and in 2016 NAC began administering Norman Forward’s 1% for Art funds.  Proposal Summary: o Transition the Public Arts Board to become the Norman Public Arts Committee, fully integrated under the NAC. o This shift aims to clarify oversight, improve efficiency, and expand the scope of public art.  Five Main Benefits Identified: 1. Legal Clarity: Defines the legal standing of the committee and aligns oversight under the NAC as a 501(c)(3). 2. Increased Community Involvement: Broader, more inclusive membership and outreach. 3. Flexibility: Frees committee from Open Meeting Act constraints, allowing more nimble operations. 4. Unified Mission & Expanded Reach: Merges overlapping functions, extends public art projects beyond city-owned properties. 5. Dedicated Staff Support & Fundraising: Centralizes fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and operations under NAC.  Utility Bill Donations: o The utility bill donation mechanism (generating ~$10,000 annually) would continue but be designated for public art on city property.  Next Steps and Oversight: o NAC would continue reporting to the Parks Board and City Council. o City Council members and staff would retain involvement opportunities. o Appointed PAB members support the proposed transition.  Initial Goals of the New Committee: o Expand committee membership. o Launch a strategic planning initiative. o Explore mural programs and artist-initiated projects. o Advocate for permanent 1% for Art in Norman Forward II. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, August 4, 2022 Page |2 Item 1, continued:  Discussion Points and Questions: o Clarification on committee appointment processes and maintaining accountability. o Concerns about transparency, board membership accessibility, and historical context. o Affirmation that the transition could streamline operations and encourage public involvement.  Closing Remarks: o Councilmembers expressed general support. o Staff was directed to prepare necessary ordinance changes and bring the item forward to a study session for formal consideration. ***** Meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, August 4, 2022 Page |3