Title
CONTRACT NO. K-1213-31: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO PROVIDE A DISPUTE MEDIATION PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF NORMAN THROUGH JUNE 30, 2013.
ACTION NEEDED: Motion to approve or reject Contract No. K-1213-31 with the Alternative Dispute Resolution System of the State of Oklahoma through June 30, 2013; and, if approved, authorize the execution thereof.
ACTION TAKEN: ________________________________________
Body
BACKGROUND: In April 1988, the City of Norman through the City Council approved and directed the implementation of the Dispute Mediation Program to be administered by the City Attorney’s Office. On June 14, 1988 the City of Norman entered into the first contract between the City and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) System of the State of Oklahoma.
This contract formally recognizes our Program as part of the ADR System of the State of Oklahoma. This contract allows our Program and the volunteers who mediate for our Program to fall under the protection of the State Statutes regarding mediation which includes immunity from testifying in any court proceeding regarding matters that have gone through our mediations. Additionally, as a part of the ADR system of the State of Oklahoma, we are able to train volunteers to mediate our cases at no cost to the City or the volunteers. Finally, participation in the Program allows us access to staff at the Administrative Offices of the Courts which is the governing body of all judicial branches of the State of Oklahoma.
DISCUSSION: This Program is designed to offer resolutions to disputes to all citizens before they reach the stage of general litigation. Through the mediation program, disputes may be addressed much quicker and resolutions reached before a case can be heard on the court docket. There are no costs for mediation services for citizens of the City of Norman utilizing these services, and t...
Click here for full text