Meeting Summary
The City Council of Norman, Oklahoma, held a meeting on May 27, 2025, where three proclamations were unanimously passed: Juneteenth Day, Pollinator Week, and Natural History Week. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget was adopted, and the consent docket, including items 4 through 19, was approved. Public comments included community event ideas and significant concerns regarding the city's forensic audit and alleged financial mismanagement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Juneteenth Day Proclamation
03:00The Mayor's proclamation designating June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Norman was acknowledged and received by the council.
Pollinator Week Proclamation
10:30The Mayor's proclamation designating June 16-22, 2025, as Pollinator Week in Norman was accepted by the council.
Natural History Week Proclamation
17:45The Mayor's proclamation designating June 29 - July 5, 2025, as Natural History Week in Norman was acknowledged and received by the council.
Placement of Items on Consent Docket
29:40Items 4 through 19 were moved to the consent docket for streamlined approval.
Approval of Consent Docket
30:25The consent docket, comprising items 4 through 19, was unanimously approved by the council.
Upcoming Community Events
Juneteenth Festival
6 PM at Reeves Park
Second Friday Art Walk
Main Site (featuring 'Spiritual But Not Religious' by Curtis Jones)
Aqualops Celebration
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Sam Noble Museum 25th Anniversary Events
Farmers Market
At the well
Financial Matters
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Adoption
The city's budget for Fiscal Year 2026 was passed.
Forensic Audit Plan
A citizen expressed concern about the city council's reaction to the forensic auditor's findings and urged continuation of the FY25-FY27 comprehensive audit plan, citing alleged wasteful spending and diverted legacy funds over 25-30 years.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. One speaker suggested ideas for a 'Dust Bowl' themed event and museum, and shared business advice from a book. The second speaker raised serious concerns about the city's forensic auditor, alleging council dissatisfaction with findings of financial waste, diverted funds, and unfulfilled infrastructure promises over decades, urging the continuation of the audit plan.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Robinson Street construction to resume mid-next week, weather permitting
- Future discussions regarding the city's forensic audit findings
Announcements
- The Juneteenth Festival will take place on Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at 6 PM at Reeves Park.
- The replay of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget adoption meeting is available on the city of Norman YouTube channel.
- The 'Queer Joy Exuberant Exhibition' raised $2,612 and paid out $1,050 to artists, performers, and storytellers.
- The Second Friday Art Walk will be held this Friday, featuring 'Spiritual But Not Religious' by Curtis Jones at Main Site.
- A bespoke stuffed unicorn from the Queer Joy exhibition is on display at Opelis for Pride Month.
- Robinson Street roadway and pipe have been removed; work is expected to resume mid-next week, dependent on dry weather.
- Everlasting Life Baptist Church will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September.
- Community Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 45th anniversary in April and is currently holding Vacation Bible School.
- The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is celebrating its 126th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of its new building, with events through April of next year.
- Pollinator facts will be posted on greenorman.org and the city's Facebook page during Pollinator Week.
- The Farmers Market is happening this Saturday.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation of Juneteenth Day
A proclamation proclaiming Thursday, June 19th, 2025 as Juneteenth Day in the city of Norman, commemorating the abolition of slavery.
Proclamation of Pollinator Week
A proclamation proclaiming June 16, 2025 through June 22nd, 2025 as Pollinator Week in the city of Norman, recognizing the importance of pollinators to agriculture and ecosystems.
Proclamation of Natural History Week
A proclamation proclaiming June 29th through July 5th, 2025 as Natural History Week in the city of Norman, celebrating the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and the Aqualops americananis fossil.
Council Announcements
Opportunity for council members to share information and updates.
Consent Docket (Items 4-19)
Routine agenda items grouped for approval by a single motion.
Miscellaneous Comments
Opportunity for citizens to address the city council on various topics.