Meeting Summary
The Norman City Council meeting saw the unanimous adoption of resolutions honoring Patty Drenin for her musical contributions and awarding the 2025 Human Rights Awards to Bria Clark and "Women in Action for All." A significant decision was the approval of rezoning for an OEC electric substation, despite public concerns about environmental impact and proximity to homes. The council also postponed a rezoning for a planned unit development and approved changes to the Norman Regional Hospital Authority board structure.
Key Decisions & Votes
Recognition of Patty Drenin
02:00A resolution honoring Patty Drenin for her outstanding contributions to music education and coral composition, including a Grammy nomination for her work 'Requiem of Light'.
2025 Human Rights Award (Individual)
06:00Awarded to former Mayor Bria Clark for her significant contributions to human rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion in Norman, including establishing the inclusive community subcommittee and sponsoring the first Juneteenth festival.
2025 Human Rights Award (Group)
14:00Awarded to 'Women in Action for All' for their work addressing community needs, supporting marginalized groups, and promoting positive change in areas like homelessness, environment, and voting rights.
Universal Human Rights Month Proclamation
16:40Mayor proclaimed December 2025 as Universal Human Rights Month, encouraging residents to reflect on human rights and support equality and justice.
Rezoning for OEC Electric Substation (Second Reading)
1:05:00Approved rezoning for a special use permit to allow Western Farmers/OEC to build an electric substation north of Edawa Road on 72nd Avenue SE to address critical capacity issues, despite public concerns.
Rezoning for OEC Electric Substation (Final Reading)
1:05:40Final approval of the ordinance to rezone property for the OEC electric substation, passing by a vote of 8 to 1.
Rezoning for Planned Unit Development (1107 & 1111 S Shankqua Ave)
1:09:00Ordinance to rezone property from R1 to PUD was postponed until February 10, 2026, to allow for further work and discussion with concerned residents. Council Member Peacock abstained due to a conflict of interest.
Norman Regional Hospital Authority Board Expansion (Second Reading)
1:17:00Approved an ordinance to increase the number of Norman Regional Hospital Authority board members and allow up to two members to be appointed from other communities where the hospital operates facilities.
Norman Regional Hospital Authority Board Expansion (Final Reading)
1:17:40Final approval of the ordinance to expand the Norman Regional Hospital Authority board, passing unanimously.
Norman Regional Hospital Authority Trust Indenture Amendment
1:19:00Approved a resolution to amend the trust indenture of the Norman Regional Hospital Authority, a companion item to the ordinance expanding the board, confirming the city's acceptance of beneficial interest.
Upcoming Community Events
Red Dirt Collective Mutual Aid Fair
Provided 200-250 coats and various free services to approximately 450 people, including food, toys, and bikes.
Winterfest and Holiday Parade
Included a drone show, tree lighting ceremony, bands, and food trucks.
Second Friday Art Walk
Downtown Norman, free to attend.
Opouls Toy Drive
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, during Christmas karaoke brunch.
Food Not Bombs Community Meal
1:00 PM at Norman Computers, 916 West Main.
Norman Christmas Dinner
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Norman High School Commons Cafeteria, 911 West Main Street. Santa will distribute toys and gifts.
City of Norman Ugly Sweater 5K and 1M Fun Run
Legacy Park.
Ward 3 'Listen and Learn'
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Pink Pig on West Main.
Financial Matters
General Fund Revenue and Expenditures
Sales tax revenue and general fund revenue were below budget, but general fund expenditures were also below budget.
Economic Development Incentives Policy
Discussion on modernizing the 2013 economic development incentives policy to follow best practices, with concerns raised about disproportionate representation on the Economic Development Advisory Board and the use of sales tax growth as a measure of economic impact.
Norman's Revenue Growth Comparison
Norman's revenue growth (86% since 2010) is significantly lower than other comparable cities, and the city is spending less per resident (inflation-adjusted) than in 2010.
Norman Parking and Transit Authority
Resolution approving the creation of the Norman Parking and Transit Authority, seen as a new tool for economic development without a new tax.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on strong opposition to the OEC substation due to environmental concerns (watershed, herbicides, 'forever chemicals'), potential property devaluation, and noise. Other significant themes included concerns about AI mass surveillance (Flock cameras), calls for modernizing economic development policies to support local businesses, and comparisons of Norman's financial growth to other cities.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance rezoning property at 1107 and 1111 South Shankqua Avenue (postponed to February 10, 2026).
Deadlines
- Norman Christmas dinner delivery arrangements must be made by December 21st.
Watch For
- Oversight meeting on December 11th at 4 PM to discuss shelter updates, short-term rentals, right to counsel, and the homeless coalition.
- Second Friday Art Walk this week.
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee (CPTC) meeting on December 17th at 4 PM for transit ridership and infrastructure updates.
- Local elections in February for wards 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- OU playoff home game against Alabama next Friday.
Announcements
- Scout Troop 233 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Thanks extended to Norman High choir and Red Dirt Collective for their mutual aid fair.
- City staff and volunteers were thanked for their work on Winterfest and the holiday parade.
- Ward 2 Council member announced they will not seek re-election.
- Ward 3 will host a 'Listen and Learn' event this Friday night, 6-8 PM, at the Pink Pig on West Main.
- Ward 4 Council member spoke on homelessness and housing insecurity at a U Carceral Studies Constatorum event.
- Danny Hail, a Ward 6 resident, was appointed to the Norman Regional Hospital Authority.
- City Clerk Brenda Hall and Finance Director Anthony were recognized for their invaluable service as this is their last meeting before retirement.
- The City of Norman Ugly Sweater 5K and 1M Fun Run is this Saturday at Legacy Park.
- Mayor Holman will be on KREF radio's Plank Show every Friday from 8-8:15 AM to discuss Norman economics and sports.
- Residents were encouraged to support locally-owned small businesses, especially during the holidays.
- Ward 1 Council member will be out of state for seven days starting Saturday but will remain accessible by phone.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Resolution recognizing and honoring Patty Drenin
A resolution recognizing and honoring Patty Drenin for her outstanding contributions to music education, coral composition, and the cultural life of the Norman community, including a Grammy nomination for her work.
Item 2: Resolution awarding the 2025 City of Norman Human Rights Award to Bria Clark
A resolution awarding the 2025 City of Norman Human Rights Award to former Mayor Bria Clark for her leadership in promoting human rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including establishing the inclusive community subcommittee and sponsoring the first Juneteenth festival.
Item 3: Resolution awarding the 2025 City of Norman Human Rights Group Award to Women in Action for All
A resolution awarding the 2025 City of Norman Human Rights Group Award to Women in Action for All for their work addressing community needs, supporting marginalized groups, and promoting positive change in areas like homelessness, environment, and voting rights.
Item 4: Proclamation of Universal Human Rights Month
A proclamation proclaiming the month of December 2025 as Universal Human Rights Month in the City of Norman, observing Human Rights Day and promoting dignity, equality, and rights.
Items 5-28: Consent Docket
Routine agenda items grouped for approval by a single motion, including Item 11 (contract for shelter concept design) and Item 25 (creation of Norman Parking and Transit Authority).
Item 29: Ordinance rezoning property for public utility (OEC electric substation)
An ordinance upon second and final reading rezoning property north of Edawa Road on 72nd Avenue Southeast to grant special use for a public utility (electric substation) in an A2 Rural Agricultural District, to address critical electricity capacity issues.
Item 30: Ordinance rezoning property at 1107 and 1111 South Shankqua Avenue from R1 to Planned Unit Development
An ordinance upon second reading rezoning property from R1 single family dwelling district to planned unit development.
Item 31: Ordinance increasing Norman Regional Hospital Authority board members
An ordinance upon second and final reading increasing the number of board members for Norman Regional Hospital Authority and allowing a maximum of two board members to be appointed from another community where the authority operates a facility, consistent with the city charter.
Item 32: Resolution approving the first amendment to the amended and restated trust indenture of Norman Regional Hospital Authority
A resolution approving the first amendment to the amended and restated trust indenture of Norman Regional Hospital Authority, confirming its acceptance of the beneficial interest in said trust.