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CONTRACT K-1920-27: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOR THE PURPOSE OF CERTIFYING NORMAN'S DISPUTE MEDIATION PROGRAM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020.
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BACKGROUND: In April 1988, the City of Norman, through the City Council, approved and directed the implementation of a Dispute Mediation Program. On June 14, 1988, the City of Norman entered into the first contract between the City and the Alternative Dispute Resolution System of the State of Oklahoma.
This contract formally recognizes the City of Norman's program as part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) System of the State of Oklahoma. This contract allows the City of Norman's program and the volunteers who mediate for the 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 mediations conducted by the program. Additionally, as a part of the ADR system of the State of Oklahoma, volunteers to mediate cases can be trained at no cost to the City or the volunteers. Finally, participation in the program allows access to staff at the administrative offices of the courts which is the governing body of all judicial branches of the State of Oklahoma.
This contract is renewed on an annual basis. This item brings forward to Council renewal of the contract for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.
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 the entire process is both voluntary and confidential. The City of Norman ...
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