Meeting Summary
This public forum featured candidates for Norman City Council Wards 2, 4, 6, and 8, discussing critical city issues. Candidates presented their views on topics including the potential for Norman to become a sanctuary city, strategies to address homelessness, the redevelopment of the Porter hospital campus, the future of public transportation, and approaches to balancing the city budget and generating new revenue. No formal decisions were made as this was a candidate forum.
Upcoming Community Events
Forum on State Question 804
6:00 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church Westwind, 1309 West Boyd. Training for signature gatherers after.
League of Women Voters Annual Meeting
Memorial Presbyterian Church on 24th Avenue.
Financial Matters
City Budget Deficit
The city is facing a budget deficit, estimated to be between $3.7 million and $5 million.
Connection Fees for Developers
Discussion about increasing the percentage of connection fees paid by developers, currently at 30%, to generate more city revenue.
Municipal Broadband Service
Proposed as a new revenue source by selling access to existing fiber optics or providing service to residential customers.
Solar Panel Farm at Lake Thunderbird
Proposed as a way to generate clean energy and sell excess to surrounding cities, creating revenue.
Equitable Stormwater Tax
Proposed to ensure fair charges, not charging a Walmart parking lot and a rural citizen the same.
Federal Transit Authority Grants
The city is working to establish credentials to collect grants for public transit.
Federal Grant Money (US Treasury Refund)
The city is working with its congressional delegation to collect federal grant money.
Bus System Repair Facility
Estimated cost to build a repair facility for the city's bus system.
OU Bus Repair Facility Use
Monthly payment to OU for the use of their bus repair facility.
Public Comments
Citizens submitted multiple questions to City Council candidates on various local issues, including sanctuary city status, homelessness, the future of the Porter campus, public transportation, and city finances.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Election on February 11th
Watch For
- Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling on State Question 804
- City Council study session on sanctuary city recommendation (February 4th)
- TIF hearing on February 24th
- Development of a plan by the Chamber of Commerce and Norman development folks to improve the business environment
- Future debates on city budget and revenue sources
Announcements
- This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment.
- A forum on State Question 804 will be held on February 4th at 6:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church Westwind, 1309 West Boyd. Training for signature gatherers will follow.
- The League of Women Voters annual meeting will be on April 18th at Memorial Presbyterian Church on 24th Avenue.
- The general election for City Council and a contested school board election (Office 5) is on February 11th.
Agenda Summary
Sanctuary City Status
Candidates discussed whether Norman should become a sanctuary city, with some supporting inclusivity and humane treatment, while others expressed concerns about conflicting with state/federal laws or potential negative impacts.
Addressing Homelessness
Candidates proposed solutions for the growing number of homeless individuals, including expanding warming shelters to year-round facilities, addressing root causes like affordable housing and mental illness, implementing 'housing first' models, and managing encampments.
Future of Norman Hospital Porter Campus
Discussion centered on the redevelopment of the Porter campus, including proposals for a senior wellness center, behavioral health center, urgent care clinic, and variety care facility, while considering the impact on surrounding communities and existing services.
Norman Transportation Plan (CART and Light Rail)
Candidates debated the attainability and funding of expanding CART services and developing a light rail system connecting the metro area. Focus was on revamping local bus routes, improving reliability, and long-term regional connectivity.
City Budget Cuts and Revenue Sources
Candidates addressed strategies for balancing the city budget, emphasizing protecting jobs, exploring new revenue streams (e.g., municipal broadband, solar farms, connection fees), and the role of TIFs in economic development.