By Carol Cole-Frowe
Norman city councilmembers will consider strengthening the City of Norman's ordinances on reporting of campaign expenditures and contributions after controversy arose after last spring's municipal elections over late-reported contributions.
The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. today in council chambers at City Hall, instead of its regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting, to recognize and honor veterans on Veteran's Day. City offices will be closed Tuesday.
Recommendations from Norman's Enforcement Authority would be to require one last campaign expenditures and contribution report at noon Monday before an election. The report would not be required if additional contributions or expenditures were not made after the preceding Friday report.
Candidates for municipal office would also be required to retain all campaign records, including supporting documentation for a period of one year from the date of the election.
The Enforcement Authority's final report would be amended to contain any ongoing investigations.
And the time allowed to file a complaint would be changed from seven to 14 days of the filing of the candidate's or committee's final report.
The recommendations from the Enforcement Authority came after some authority members and citizens expressed concerns when $8,450 in contributions reported by unsuccessful Ward 2 council candidate Chebon Marshall came in after the noon Friday deadline. Most of Marshall's last-minute contributions came from the development community, which had resulted in a backlash against candidates in previous municipal races.
Council also will consider issuance of $5.475 million in general obligation bonds to pay for various public improvements included in a referendum approved by voters on Jan. 25, 2005.
The referendum included:
· The Railroad Underpass at Robinson Street and Duffy Crossing Realignment;
· Street and intersection widening projects at seven locations;
· Pavement resurfacing projects throughout the City
· Fire Station 3 reconstruction and relocation
Sidewalk and pathway construction projects included in the vote were not approved.
Council also will consider an amendment in a "limits of no access" area along Manor Hill Drive to allow for a driveway entrance.
A second amendment on a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition to 516 Chautauqua will be considered. The amendment for the home in the in the Chautauqua Historic District includes changes in size of three windows and moving one window.
At the council's pre-meeting conference at 5:30 p.m. today in the study session room, councilmembers will discuss a change order and review the relationship of the Norman Regional Hospital Authority with the City of Norman.
Carol Cole-Frowe 366-3538 ccole@normantranscript.com
