Meeting Summary
The City Council adopted the comprehensive AIM Norman Land Use Plan and its associated master plans for Housing, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Transportation, and Parks & Recreation. A significant debate occurred regarding population growth projections, land use policies, and the proposed 30-acre minimum lot size in urban reserve areas, with several amendments proposed but largely failing. Additionally, ordinances to update city code to align with the newly adopted plans were passed, though emergency clauses for these ordinances failed.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation of Parks and Recreation Month
01:40Acknowledged receipt of the proclamation designating July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.
Consent Docket Items 3-23
19:00Approved all routine agenda items as a block.
Rezoning 427 West Sims
20:30Approved the rezoning of property at 427 West Sims from CCBFC to CCPUD for a triplex development.
AIM Norman Comprehensive Land Use Plan
1:29:00Adopted the comprehensive land use plan, with Council Member Nash voting against due to concerns about population projections and specific language.
AIM Norman Housing Strategy Plan
1:30:00Adopted the housing strategy plan, with Council Member Nash voting against. An amendment to include disclaimers about population projections failed.
AIM Norman Water Utility Master Plan
1:30:40Adopted the water utility master plan unanimously.
AIM Norman Wastewater Utility Master Plan
1:31:10Adopted the wastewater utility master plan unanimously.
AIM Norman Storm Water Master Plan Update
1:31:40Adopted the stormwater master plan update unanimously.
AIM Norman Comprehensive Transportation Plan
1:32:10Adopted the comprehensive transportation plan, with Council Member Nash voting against.
Norman Parks and Recreation and Cultural Master Plan
1:32:40Adopted the parks and recreation and cultural master plan unanimously.
Ordinance amending Chapters 20 and 30 (Licenses and Occupations, Subdivision)
1:59:00Adopted the ordinance to update city code to align with the new comprehensive plan. An amendment to change the 30-acre minimum to 10 acres failed. The emergency clause for the ordinance also failed.
Ordinance amending Chapter 36 (Zoning)
2:09:00Adopted the ordinance to update zoning code to align with the new comprehensive plan. The emergency clause for the ordinance failed.
Upcoming Community Events
William Morgan Park Rededication
Part of a Norman Forward project in Ward 8.
Juneteenth Festival
Held at Reeves Park, fifth year, growing event with food vendors, dominoes tournament, fireworks.
Jazz in June
City of Norman's Fourth of July Festival
Held at Reeves Park, with food trucks and live music.
Public Ceremony for New and Outgoing Council Members
Annual Citywide Garage Sale
No city permit required; participating addresses available at Norman Development Center or normok.gov.
Financial Matters
Water Capacity Prices
Water capacity prices are projected to increase in the future at an increasing rate.
Stormwater Project Funding
Ongoing discussion needed on how to fund stormwater projects, including utility fees, general obligation bonds, or integration with other city projects.
Housing Trust Fund
Maintaining an affordable housing development fund or trust fund is a strategy in the housing plan.
Impact Fees
Suggestion to increase impact fees for new development to ensure it pays its own way, rather than increasing costs on all citizens.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a wide range of concerns, primarily focusing on the newly adopted AIM Norman plans and related ordinances. Key themes included strong opposition to the inclusion of turnpike routes on maps, concerns about the accuracy of population growth projections, and the potential for increased sprawl and environmental degradation, particularly with the proposed 30-acre minimum lot size in urban reserve areas. Many speakers urged the council to pause or amend the plans to better protect rural character, water resources, and existing neighborhoods, and expressed frustration over the perceived lack of transparency and rushed decision-making, especially regarding emergency clauses for ordinances. Additionally, significant public input was received regarding a proposed supportive housing project, with residents of a nearby senior community and daycare expressing strong safety and ethical concerns about its location and potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Coming Up
Watch For
- New council terms and public ceremony next week.
- Further discussion and potential amendments to the AIM Norman plans and related ordinances.
- Rewriting of the zoning and subdivision ordinance.
- Regular review and updates to engineering design criteria (recommended every two years).
- Discussion on the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition contract.
Announcements
- Fourth of July safety warnings regarding fireworks, drinking and driving, and lake safety.
- Rededication of William Morgan Park, a Norman Forward project.
- Success of the fifth annual Juneteenth Festival at Reeves Park.
- Jazz in June events were held.
- City of Norman's Fourth of July festival at Reeves Park is upcoming.
- This is the last council meeting of the fiscal year, with new terms starting next week.
- A public ceremony for new council members and outgoing members will be held next Tuesday.
- Appreciation for Ward Six resident Danny Hail's service on the Norman Regional Hospital Authority.
- Thanks to Ward 4 resident Shannon Buckingham for willingness to serve on the Norman Forward Citizens Financial Oversight Board.
- Congratulations to Henderson Family Community Pillar Award winners Tori Collier and Angela Jimenez Calhoun.
- The 2025 annual citywide garage sale will take place June 27th, 28th, and 29th, with no permit required.
- Commendation for Mayor Hikla's three years of service.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming the month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Norman.
A proclamation recognizing the importance of parks and recreation programs and facilities to the community's quality of life, health, and economic well-being.
Consent Docket Items 3-23
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
Item 24: An ordinance rezoning property located at 427 West Sims from CCBFC (Center City Form-Based Code Detached Frontage) to CCPUD (Center City Planned Unit Development).
Rezoning a property to allow for a triplex with an owner-occupied unit and two long-term rental studios, addressing non-compliant existing use and accessibility.
Item 25: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Adoption of a comprehensive plan guiding future land use, developed over two years with extensive community and expert input.
Item 26: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Housing Strategy Plan.
Adoption of a plan focused on modernizing regulations, increasing housing variety, enhancing attainable housing, promoting infill, and streamlining incentives.
Item 27: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Water Utility Master Plan.
Adoption of a plan to bolster water supply and improve the distribution system, identifying a potential 9 MGD supply gap by 2045.
Item 28: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Wastewater Utility Master Plan.
Adoption of a plan for wastewater collection and reclamation, recommending continued build-out of the existing facility.
Item 29: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Storm Water Master Plan Update.
Adoption of an updated plan focusing on water quality, flood risk reduction, ecological improvement, and education.
Item 30: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the AIM Norman Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Adoption of a plan updating the 2014 master plan, emphasizing active transportation, roadway improvements, and regional consistency.
Item 31: A resolution of the Council of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, adopting the Norman Parks and Recreation and Cultural Master Plan.
Adoption of a plan to optimize department operations, support diverse housing, improve neighborhood attractiveness, and create a robust park system.
Item 32: An ordinance amending Chapter 20 (Licenses and Occupations) and Chapter 30 (Subdivision) of the Code.
Updates to city code to align with the newly adopted AIM Norman Comprehensive Plan, including references to a 30-acre minimum lot size for rural certificates of survey in urban reserve areas.
Item 33: An ordinance amending sections throughout Chapter 36 (Zoning) of the Code.
Updates to zoning definitions and references to ensure compatibility with the AIM Norman Comprehensive Plan and its master plans, including striking the northern community separator overlay district.