The Norman City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday evening calling for March 2010 election to let voters decide a $21.25 million bond issue.
Voters will decide the bond issues March 2, 2010.
The first proposition is seeking $19 million to continue a citywide street maintenance program, which staff says will have a minimal impact on taxpayers. The new maintenance program also will include $4 million for street reconstruction near the city's core.
City Manager Steve Lewis said the bond was developed following a recent citizen survey indicating that residents want their roads improved, among other things.
The second proposition is seeking $2.25 million to replace the city-owned outdoor warning system, which staff says is aging and largely obsolete.
Fire Chief James Fullingim said the new warning system will increase the number of city-owned outdoor warning sirens from 38 to 74 units. He said the 74-siren system would cover the entire city, whereas the current system only reaches a little more than half of Norman.
Fullingim said the new outdoor warning system would last about 30 years and the city's goal is to have it ready in time for the "storm season of 2011."
Council also heard from a group of Norman residents who had recently been evicted from a home they rented, which they had dubbed "Universe City." Neighbors and residents told the council the house was used as a performance venue for musicians, as well as a place to live, and also served as a haven for those wanting to avoid the bar scene right down the road at Campus Corner.
Along with numerous other residents of the 89-year-old house, 783 Debarr Ave., Stephen Holman told council that he was evicted and given only two hours notice to move out last Friday. The group claimed they weren't given adequate time to collect their belongings and the personal effects of several of the residents are still locked in the house.
City Attorney Jeff Bryant said the city fire marshal was called to the residence following a complaint from a neighbor who was concerned about an upcoming event at Universe City. Bryant said that officials working the scene found so many violations that the residence was deemed unlivable.
Many of the residents claimed they were left homeless a week before Christmas.
The city council and the residents blamed the landlord.
Councilman Doug Cubberley said the problem isn't anything new.
"We need to address the issue, it's long overdue," Cubberley said. "Substandard housing is a huge issue that's not being addressed."
Cubberley said the issue needs to brought back "to the forefront," and Mayor Cindy Rosenthal urged staff to do something about the way the city evicts people.
Bryant said a hearing is set for Jan. 7, 2010, to try and find a way to bring the home back into compliance with city code.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
Local news
Council: Voters to decide $21.25 million bond issue in March 2010
City Council hears complaints from ex-Universe City residents
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