Meeting Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution awarding the 2024 Human Rights Award to Ashley Creed for her extensive work with the Red Dirt Collective and mutual aid fairs. They also permanently adopted an ordinance establishing a visitable dwelling incentive program for new residences. Additionally, the council declared a vacancy in Ward 5 following Council Member Nash's resignation, initiating a process for a temporary appointment and future elections.
Key Decisions & Votes
2024 Human Rights Award
03:20A resolution was unanimously adopted to award the 2024 City of Norman Human Rights Award to Ashley Creed for her significant contributions to the community through the Red Dirt Collective and mutual aid fairs.
Proclamations Acknowledgment
17:20The council unanimously acknowledged receipt of proclamations for United Way Day (September 5, 2025) and World Humanitarian Day (August 19, 2025).
Consent Docket
29:00Items 4 through 26 on the agenda were unanimously approved as part of the consent docket.
Visitable Dwelling Incentive Program Ordinance
46:40An ordinance amending building codes to establish a permanent visitable incentive program for residences was unanimously adopted on its second and final reading.
Minnik Materials Edition Preliminary Plat
52:00The preliminary plat for Minnik Materials Edition at 6665 Interstate Drive was unanimously approved, allowing for the rebuilding of an existing structure and site code updates.
Ward 5 Vacancy Declaration
1:00:00A declaration of vacancy in Ward 5 was unanimously approved following Council Member Nash's resignation, initiating the process for a replacement.
Upcoming Community Events
RDC Mutual Aid Fair
Irving Rec Center from 12 to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday Croquet Yard Games
2:00 p.m.
Financial Matters
Visitable Dwelling Incentive Program
A program offering a reduction in the building permit fee (e.g., $420 for a 3,000 sq ft house) for builders who construct homes meeting visitable dwelling criteria.
Low-Income Housing Project Electrical Meters
A citizen reported issues with OEC denying 10 individual electric meters for a low-income housing project in an HUD opportunity zone, which would have provided housing under $800/month.
Public Comments
Public comments addressed challenges in developing low-income housing due to utility company policies, called for increased due diligence and public involvement in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) decisions, and expressed concerns about the lack of updates regarding a proposed land sale for permanent supportive housing. One speaker also invited the public to a community event and shared philosophical thoughts.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Ward 5 City Council application process will go live on the city's website this week, with about a week-long open application period.
- Ward 5 appointment is hoped to be made by the first or second meeting in September.
Watch For
- Oversight meeting on Thursday at 4 PM to discuss shelter updates and public access to public restrooms at city facilities.
- Formal resolution recognizing Council Member Nash at a future meeting when his replacement is appointed.
- Ward 5 election in February or April (if runoff) to serve the remaining one-year term of Council Member Nash.
- Another Ward 5 election in Spring 2027 to fill the full regular two-year term.
Announcements
- Council Member Gadis Ferry thanked Norman PFD for their quick response to a hospital event and recognized Ashley Creed's mutual aid fairs in Ward One.
- Council Member Peacock announced the appointments of Aubrey Gibson to the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee and Alex Laner to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
- Council Member Mononttoya congratulated Chuck Thompson and Shelley Cox on reappointment to the Economic Development Advisory Board, Sherry Stansil to the Flood Permit Committee, and Aisha Ali to the Human Rights Commission. She reminded citizens to watch for school speed zones as school starts.
- Council Member Grant thanked Council Member Nash for his service, congratulated Ashley Creed and RDC, announced a mutual aid fair on August 17th, and the appointment of Susan Scapic to the Historic District Commission. She also noted upcoming discussions on shelter updates and public access to restrooms.
- Council Member Nash announced his last meeting and discussed the process for appointing his replacement in Ward 5.
- Council Member Hinkle thanked Dr. Nash for his service and announced appointments/reappointments for Ward 6 residents: Ann Wimberly to the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Tyler Burns to the Historic District Commission, Romina Navaro Vega to the Human Rights Commission, and Cynthia Allen to the University of North Park TIF Oversight Committee. He wished students and teachers a great school year.
- Council Member Vagget congratulated Britney Elliot (Public Safety Oversight) and Kelly Fel (Human Rights Commission) on their service, and wished Dr. Nash well, noting he moved to Ward 7. She also congratulated Ashley Creed.
- Council Member Dixon announced the nomination of Jackie Farley to the Human Rights Commission and encouraged Ward 8 residents to apply for boards and commissions. He mentioned handing out ice cream sandwiches to teachers at Whittier and reminded drivers to stop for school buses.
- Mayor Hullman extended appreciation to Council Member Nash, reiterated the Ward 5 appointment process, thanked Ashley Creed and all board/commission volunteers, and wished good luck to all students, teachers, and staff for the upcoming school year.
Agenda Summary
1. Resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, awarding the 2024 City of Norman Human Rights Award in conjunction with the Norman Human Rights Commission.
Awarding the 2024 City of Norman Human Rights Award to Ashley Creed for her humanitarian efforts, particularly with the Red Dirt Collective and mutual aid fairs.
2. Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming September 5th, 2025 as United Way Day in the City of Norman.
Proclaiming September 5th, 2025 as United Way Day, recognizing United Way of Norman's nearly 70 years of service to the community.
3. Proclamation of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming August 19th, 2025 as World Humanitarian Day in the City of Norman.
Proclaiming August 19th, 2025 as World Humanitarian Day, honoring humanitarian workers and celebrating global solidarity.
Consent Docket (Items 4-26)
Routine agenda items grouped for a single approval motion.
27. Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma amending building codes to establish a visitable incentive program for residences visitable dwellings and providing for the severability thereof.
Second and final reading of an ordinance to make the visitable dwelling incentive program a permanent policy, offering a building permit fee reduction for homes meeting specific visitable criteria.
28. Preliminary plat for Minnik Materials Edition, generally located 1 half mile north of Indian Hills Road on the east side of Interstate Drive, 6665 Interstate Drive.
Approval of a preliminary plat for an existing Minnik Materials development, involving rebuilding a structure and bringing the site up to current codes.
29. Consideration of approval of a declaration of vacancy in Ward 5 under Article 2 Section 22 of the Norman City Charter.
Official declaration of a vacancy in the Ward 5 City Council seat following Council Member Nash's resignation.