Meeting Summary
The city council discussed several proposed ordinances and initiatives. Key topics included new licensing and regulations for massage therapy and bodywork services to combat illegal activities, ordinances mirroring state law regarding electronic device use in school/construction zones and marijuana consumption in vehicles, and the strategic allocation of opioid settlement funds. Additionally, the council advanced discussions on establishing a parking and transit trust to manage long-term financial commitments for these services.
Upcoming Community Events
Public Hearing for Massage Therapy and Bodywork Services Ordinance
Public Hearing for Electronic Device and Marijuana Ordinances
Financial Matters
Massage therapy license fees
Proposed fees for new massage therapy and bodywork establishment licenses ($50) and renewals ($25).
Electronic device use violation fine
Proposed maximum fine for using handheld electronic devices in school/construction zones.
Marijuana consumption/open container violation fine
Proposed fine for consumption of marijuana or possession of an open container in a vehicle.
Opioid Settlement Funds (Unallocated)
Funds received through the Oklahoma settlement agreement, unallocated as of this meeting.
Opioid Settlement Funds (Annual Allocation)
Anticipated annual allocation of opioid settlement funds through 2038.
Opioid Abatement Grant (FY24)
Grant funding received and passed through to the Virtue Center.
Opioid Abatement Grant (FY25)
Grant funding received and passed through to the Virtue Center.
A Better Way Opportunity Knocks Program
Current annual cost of the program, funded by opioid settlement funds ($334,000) and sanitation ($50,000). Proposed to move to grant funding.
Narcan for Police Department
One-time expense requested for additional Narcan supply.
Drug Treatment for Norman Residents at County Detention
One-time expense to support costly drug treatment for Norman residents at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
Municipal Court Officer Overtime
Proposed annual expense for additional officer overtime in municipal and community courts.
Proactive Community Engagement Team Overtime
Proposed annual expense for additional officer overtime for the proactive community engagement team.
Social Worker Position
Proposed annual expense for a new social worker position, potentially housed in the City Manager's office.
Community Resiliency Manager Position
Proposed annual expense for a new Community Resiliency Manager position, focused on grant management, coordination of services, and overseeing unsheltered incident command.
OU School of Social Work Intern Stipend
Proposed annual expense for a stipend for an intern from the OU School of Social Work.
Projected Parking Revenues (FY26)
Total projected parking revenues for the current fiscal year, primarily from leases, meters, and enforcement.
Estimated Parking Expenses (FY26)
Estimated expenses for parking operations, including equipment, maintenance, and shared staff costs.
Public Comments
While no formal public comment period occurred, council members relayed citizen and business owner input regarding the proposed massage therapy ordinance, including concerns about removing the 'adult entertainment' stigma from legitimate businesses and challenges in enforcing illegal activities. For the electronic device and marijuana ordinances, council members discussed the impact on youth and the need for public education campaigns.
Coming Up
Watch For
- First reading of massage therapy and bodywork services ordinance (January)
- Public hearing for massage therapy and bodywork services ordinance (January 27th)
- Public hearing for electronic device and marijuana ordinances (January 27th)
- Updates to parking management plans (December 9th agenda)
- Resolution for Norman Parking and Transit Authority (December 9th agenda)
- Council appropriation for opioid fund projects (early January/February 2026)
- TIFF modification for Campus Corner (potentially next Tuesday's agenda)
- Development agreement for vertical parking structures
Agenda Summary
Ordinance for massage therapy and bodywork services
Discussion of a proposed ordinance to license and regulate massage therapy and bodywork establishments, aiming to prevent illegal activities, close loopholes, and remove the 'adult entertainment' stigma from legitimate businesses. It includes licensing requirements, operational standards, and enforcement mechanisms.
Ordinance limiting the use of electronic devices in school zones and construction zones
Discussion of a proposed ordinance mirroring state law (HB 2263) to prohibit handheld electronic device use while operating a motor vehicle in designated school and active construction/maintenance work zones, with the goal of improving safety.
Discussion regarding consumption of marijuana and inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke while in a vehicle
Discussion of a proposed ordinance mirroring state law (SB 786) to prohibit consumption of marijuana and inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke in a motor vehicle on public roadways, and possession of open containers of marijuana in passenger areas, to enhance public safety and maintain consistency with state law.
Discussion regarding use of opioid funds
Discussion on the allocation of opioid settlement funds for evidence-based strategies in treatment, prevention, criminal justice, and oversight. Proposed projects include Narcan, drug treatment at the county detention center for Norman residents, municipal court and proactive community engagement team overtime, a social worker, a community resiliency manager, and an OU social work intern.
Discussion regarding the establishment of a parking trust for parking and transit operations
Discussion about creating a public trust (Norman Parking and Transit Authority) to manage long-term financial commitments for parking and transit, including planning, development, and administration of facilities, and potential debt issuance. Council expressed support for including transit and having council members serve as trustees.