Meeting Summary
The city council appointed Robert Bruce to fill the Ward 3 vacancy after extensive public discussion on the selection process. They also repealed the municipal 'Peeping Tom' ordinance to allow state-level prosecution, aiming for better tracking of offenders. Additionally, a significant mixed-use Planned Unit Development at Rock Creek Road and Porter Avenue was approved, and several proclamations were acknowledged.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ward 3 Council Vacancy Appointment
00:59:50After extensive public comment and council discussion regarding the selection process and candidate qualifications, Robert Bruce was appointed to fill the Ward 3 council vacancy.
Robert Bruce Sworn In
01:00:00Robert Bruce was officially administered the oath of office and seated as the new Ward 3 Council Member.
Rezoning Property North of Edawa Road
01:26:00An ordinance for rezoning property north of Edawa Road to grant special use for a public utility was postponed until December 9, 2025, as not all parties could be present and a related court case had recently settled.
Repeal of Municipal Peeping Tom Ordinance
01:49:00The city council voted to repeal the municipal ordinance for 'Peeping Tom' offenses, allowing such cases to be prosecuted under state law. This change aims to ensure offenses are entered into state and national databases, aiding in tracking repeat offenders and potentially preventing escalation to more serious crimes.
Rezoning Property at Rock Creek Road and Porter Avenue to PUD
02:14:00An ordinance to rezone approximately 70 acres at the southwest corner of Rock Creek Road and Porter Avenue to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) district was approved. This allows for a mixed-use development including commercial, multi-family, and senior housing, while preserving a central pond and incorporating a trail system.
Approval of Preliminary Plat for 2020 North Porter Avenue PUD
02:17:00The preliminary plat for the 2020 North Porter Avenue Planned Unit Development, a companion item to the rezoning ordinance, was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Small-scale Development Lecture
5:30-7:30 PM at The Standard, offering happy hour prices and free appetizers. Online registration available.
Feed Thy Neighbor
3 PM at Franciscape Park. Participants encouraged to make chili/soup to feed neighbors; free event, come and go, chili contest.
Out of Darkness Community Walk
Around 5 PM at Ruby Grant Park, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Attendees encouraged to wear bright clothing.
Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
2 PM at Reeves Park.
Electronic Waste Collection Event
9 AM to noon at Westwood Aquatic Center parking lot (107 Fairway Drive). Accepts anything with a cord; R2V3 certified for data wiping.
Financial Matters
Grant for roundabout at James Garner and Acres
Staff is applying for a grant to fund a roundabout at James Garner and Acres to reduce pollution and congestion.
Pilot program for Embark Well
Staff will pursue T-step funds for a pilot program to help people 50+ get to wellness centers.
City budget deficit
The city experienced a $5.8 million deficit last year and faces a $7.2 million shortfall this year, with added uncertainty from a federal government shutdown.
Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition contract
Discussion about renewing a contract with the coalition to attract new employers and expand the tax base, with past financial information deemed satisfactory.
Cost of municipal court of record
Discussion about the potential significant budgetary impact of establishing a municipal court of record, including the need for full-time judges and court reporters.
City Auditor resignation
Public comments expressed concern over the city auditor's resignation, linking it to findings of fiscal irresponsibility (e.g., credit card use, police keys, food/shelter issues).
Sidewalk expenditures
Concerns raised about 'sidewalks to nowhere' and significant money spent on oversized sidewalks in areas with low usage, questioning fiscal responsibility.
T-set money for Highway 9 sidewalk
Resolution 38 approved using T-set money for a sidewalk on the north side of Highway 9 between 84th and 96th Street, with public questioning its necessity.
Public Comments
Public comments were extensive and covered a wide array of local issues. Key concerns included the transparency and fairness of the Ward 3 council appointment process, the implications of repealing the municipal Peeping Tom ordinance, and the city's approach to planned unit developments (PUDs). Citizens also voiced strong opinions on transportation infrastructure (Lindsay Street expansion, traffic light sequencing, bus stops for the elderly), the need for public restrooms, and the city's financial health, particularly regarding the city auditor's resignation and perceived fiscal irresponsibility. Several speakers addressed council member conduct, free speech, and the importance of ethical behavior and accountability from elected officials.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance for rezoning property north of Edawa Road (postponed to December 9th, 2025).
Deadlines
- SNAP benefits are on track to end November 1st.
- Trick-or-treating is designated for Friday, 6-9 PM.
- Electronic waste collection event on November 15th.
Watch For
- Small-scale development lecture (next Monday).
- Feed Thy Neighbor event (November 8th).
- Out of Darkness Community Walk (November 9th).
- Veterans Day parade and ceremony (November 9th).
- Electronic waste collection event (November 15th).
- Update and discussion on the Lindsay Street project at the next Community Planning and Transportation Committee in November.
- Further discussions on Senior Center bus stop and transit options, including an Embark Well pilot program.
- The voter-approved Traffic Control Management Center is scheduled to go online in February.
- Discussion regarding the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition contract, now that the council is full.
- The process for updating zoning and sub-regulations is expected to begin early next year, taking 18-24 months.
- The Raft Ellis report on the costs of growth is expected soon.
- Discussions on potential charter change amendments, including swearing-in procedures, council salaries, term lengths, and TIFF policy changes.
Announcements
- A council member's son and wife are at OU hospital, prayers requested.
- A free lecture on small-scale development will be held next Monday, 5:30-7:30 PM at The Standard, with happy hour prices and free appetizers.
- Newly appointed Council Member Robert Bruce expressed gratitude and commitment to serving Ward 3.
- The 'Feed Thy Neighbor' event will take place on Saturday, November 8th, at 3 PM in Franciscape Park, encouraging community members to share chili and soup.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host their annual 'Out of Darkness Community Walk' on Sunday, November 9th, at Ruby Grant Park around 5 PM.
- A Veterans Day parade and ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 9th, at 2 PM at Reeves Park.
- An electronic waste collection event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th, from 9 AM to noon at the Westwood Aquatic Center parking lot (107 Fairway Drive).
- Reminder about weekly committee meetings (Transportation, Business & Community Affairs, Finance, Oversight) every Thursday at 4 PM at City Hall, available live-streamed or on replay.
- The Mayor thanked Norman North students for inviting him to speak and offered to meet with other community groups.
- Thanks were extended to the organizers and sponsors of this year's Fall Fest for successfully adapting the event despite weather and venue challenges.
- Norman PD has designated trick-or-treating hours for Friday from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Agenda Summary
Item number one, nomination and appointment of an eligible person to fill the council vacancy in W 3.
Consideration of the nomination from the Ward 3 candidate selection committee to fill the vacant council seat.
Item number two, administering the oath of office to and seating of council member elect Robert Bruce. W three.
Formal swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Ward 3 council member.
Proclamations
Acknowledgement of several mayoral proclamations for various awareness months and weeks.
Consent Docket (Items 8 through 38)
Approval of routine agenda items by a single motion.
Item number 39, an ordinance upon second and final reading an reszoning property generally located north of Edawa Road on 70 72nd Avenue Southeast to grant special use for a public utility in A2 Rural Agricultural District for a strip piece or parcel of land.
Consideration of an ordinance for rezoning property to allow a public utility, previously postponed.
Item number 40, an ordinance upon second and final reading, an ordinance of the council of the city of Norman repealing all related codes and fines for the municipal criminal charge of Peeping Tom.
Consideration of repealing the municipal ordinance for 'Peeping Tom' offenses to allow state-level prosecution.
Item number 41, an ordinance upon second and final reading. reszoning property generally located at the southwest corner of Rock Creek Road and Porter Avenue intersection from C2 general commercial district um RM6 dens medium density apartment district and A2 rural agricultural district to PUD planned unit development district.
Consideration of an ordinance to rezone property for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow mixed commercial and residential uses.
Item number 42, a preliminary plat for 2020 North Porter Avenue, a planned unit development located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Porter Avenue and Rock Creek Road.
Consideration of the preliminary plat for the 2020 North Porter Avenue Planned Unit Development, a companion item to the rezoning ordinance.