By Josh Dulaney Staff Writer jdulaney@oklahoman.comNORMAN — Officials here cleared an initial hurdle this week in their hunt for a new city manager. In a 5-4 vote Tuesday, the city council approved a $24,500 contract with Minnesota-based executive recruitment firm Springsted Waters to search for a replacement for Steve Lewis, who left the post in September for a similar job in Texas. Springsted Waters competed against SGR, a firm based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Ward 1 Councilwoman Kate Bierman voted for Springsted Waters based on their pitch to the city. “What struck me the most is that they sent their A squad,” Bierman told the council.Read more on NewsOK.com