Meeting Summary
The City Council Business and Community Affairs Committee received a presentation from Dr. Gabriel Bird regarding the Norman flag project. The initiative aims to redesign the city flag to create a more effective and culturally identifiable symbol for Norman, distinct from the city seal and the University of Oklahoma. The project will be citizen-driven, involve public submissions and scoring, and will not incur costs for the city.
Financial Matters
Norman flag project funding
The project is citizen-driven and will not cost the city any funds or resources. Dr. Bird is covering current expenses, and A Creative is donating time and resources.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Submissions for new flag designs are expected to open during the school year.
- The goal is to adopt the new flag close to Flag Day next year.
Watch For
- Public scoring of finalist flag designs.
- Presentation of the highest-scoring design to City Council for a final vote.
Announcements
- Council members Peterman and Joe Carter agreed to serve as advisory committee members for the Norman flag project.
- Former Mayor Bill Nations, Bianca Gordon, Mrs. Laughlin (Oklahoma history teacher), J Nicole Hatfield (native artist), and Charlotte Mancino (Norman High senior) have committed to the flag project committee. The committee is seeking a Norman North senior and 3-5 additional members, including tribal representatives.
Agenda Summary
Presentation from Dr. Gabriel Bird regarding the Norman flag project
Dr. Gabriel Bird presented on the need to redesign the Norman city flag, outlining principles of good flag design, examples of successful city flags, and a proposed citizen-driven process for public submissions, committee selection of finalists, and public scoring to choose a new flag. The current design would remain as the city seal, and the project aims to create a distinct cultural identity for Norman without city funds.