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City Council Meeting

July 23, 2025 City Council Meeting

July 23, 2025 Norman, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council acknowledged three proclamations for National Service Dog Month, Disability Pride Month, and Purple Heart Day. Key decisions included the unanimous approval of the consent docket, a $50,000 contract with Neighborhood Alliance, Inc. for neighborhood development, and a significant interlocal agreement to purchase the 156-acre Griffin Community Park for approximately $2.8 million net, fulfilling a 2015 Norman Forward initiative. Public comments covered financial concerns, city services, and the Wellness Center.

Key Decisions & Votes

Proclamations (National Service Dog Month, Disability Pride Month, Purple Heart Day)

02:00

The council acknowledged receipt of three proclamations honoring National Service Dog Month, Disability Pride Month, and Purple Heart Day.

Acknowledged receipt

Consent Docket Approval

40:00

Items 4 through 28, with the exception of item 17, were approved as part of the consent docket.

Approved

Contract with Neighborhood Alliance, Inc.

56:00

A $50,000 contract with Neighborhood Alliance, Inc. for Norman Neighbors activities, supporting neighborhood organization and engagement, was approved.

Approved

Purchase of Griffin Community Park

01:19:00

An interlocal agreement for the purchase of the 156-acre Griffin Community Park for a net cost of approximately $2.8 million was approved, fulfilling a Norman Forward initiative.

Approved

Upcoming Community Events

Registration deadline July 24th

Oscillator Print Camps

Classes in relief, intaglio, screen printing, ceramics, and cyanotype. Enroll through oscarts.com.

August 8th

Group Print Show

During the Second Friday Artwalk at Oscillator Press, located at 315 East Main.

Saturday, July 26th at 4:00 PM

Bubbles in the Park

Andrews Park. Organizers encourage attendees to bring bubbles to share.

Sunday, July 27th at 7:30 PM

Summer Breeze Concert

Lions Park, featuring Kendrick McKini's trio and guests from the OKC jazz scene.

Tuesdays

Farmers Market

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Financial Matters

Contract with Neighborhood Alliance, Inc.

Contract for Norman Neighbors activities to support voluntary neighborhood organizations.

$50,000

Purchase of Griffin Community Park

Interlocal agreement for the purchase of the 156-acre Griffin Community Park from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

$3,36,811.84

Public Comments

9 citizens spoke

Nine citizens addressed the council, raising concerns about the city's financial stability, including library-related lawsuits, stagnant per capita income, and declining sales tax revenues. Speakers also questioned the sustainability of Norman's large geographic area and proposed potential deanexation. Other topics included safety and recycling at the Adult Wellness and Education Center, the need for cooling stations for the unhoused, and traffic safety improvements.

Fiscal health City boundaries and services Community facilities and safety Support for vulnerable populations Traffic safety

Coming Up

Deadlines

  • Oscillator Print Camps registration: Thursday, July 24th

Watch For

  • Council retreat next month (policy suggestions requested)
  • Human Rights Commission vacancies
  • Future of Griffin Hospital property (presentation available on city's YouTube channel)

Announcements

  • Council Member Mononttoya is catching up on emails and phone calls after returning from vacation.
  • Brenda Hall, City Clerk, was named to the 2025 Municipal Clerk's Honor Role.
  • Shannon Stevenson, Assistant City Manager, secured $3.5 million in funding for the Heartland Flyer.
  • Residents are encouraged to apply for vacancies on city boards and commissions, including the Human Rights Commission.
  • A discussion was held with Scott Martin and staff at Griffin State Hospital regarding the hospital's status and the future of the Griffin Hospital property; a presentation is available on the city's YouTube channel.
  • Council Member Dixon highlighted the positive impact of therapy dogs at U Children's Hospital.
  • Council Member Gansbury thanked Windham residents and Middleear daycare for productive meetings regarding upcoming projects and addressed concerns.
  • Mayor Holman encouraged Texas residents to lobby their legislature for continued Heartland Flyer funding.
  • Mayor Holman noted Norman's large geographic size relative to its population and the challenges it poses for infrastructure maintenance.
  • A scout troop was recognized and invited to participate in future city hall activities.

Agenda Summary

Proclamation: National Service Dog Month

Proclaiming the month of September 2025 as National Service Dog Month in the city of Norman.

Acknowledged receipt

Proclamation: Disability Pride Month

Proclaiming the month of July 2025 as Disability Pride Month in the city of Norman.

Acknowledged receipt

Proclamation: Purple Heart Day

Proclaiming August 7th, 2025 as Purple Heart Day in the city of Norman.

Acknowledged receipt

Items 4-28 (excluding 17): Consent Docket

Routine agenda items grouped for a single vote.

Approved

Item 17: Contract with Neighborhood Alliance, Inc.

A contract in the amount of $50,000 for Norman Neighbors activities, aimed at helping volunteer neighborhood organizations.

Approved

Item 29: Interlocal agreement for purchase of Griffin Community Park

An interlocal agreement for the purchase of real property (Griffin Community Park) from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, including appropriation of Norman Forward fund balance and transfer of funds.

Approved

Miscellaneous Comments

Opportunity for citizens to address city council on various topics.

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