Meeting Summary
The City Council recognized the Norman Youth Council for their mental health advocacy project and proclaimed May 2025 as Oklahoma Water Safety Month. Key actions included approving rezoning for new downtown mixed-use housing and additional parking, granting a special use permit for a new bar/lounge, and adopting resolutions for the internal audit charter and triennial audit plan. The second public hearing for the FYE 2026 budget was also held.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning 223 West Main for Downtown Flats building
Approved rezoning from CCPUD to an alternate CCPUD to allow for a two-story mixed-use building with 8 residential units and ground-floor commercial space, including specific variances for clear height, open space, and signage.
Rezoning 227 West Main for Dr. Bird's dental practice parking
Approved rezoning from CCPUD to an alternate CCPUD to allow the addition of seven parking spaces, including one handicapped space, for an existing dental office.
Amending Land Use Plan for Victory Family Church
Approved a resolution to change the land use designation from industrial to institutional for property on North Flood Avenue, facilitating a church expansion and new parking lot.
Special Use Permit for Victory Family Church
Approved an ordinance granting a special use permit for a church, temple, or other place of worship in the I1 light industrial district for Victory Family Church.
Preliminary Plat for Victory Family Church 2024 Parking
Approved the preliminary plat for the new parking area for Victory Family Church, located near West Tumpsy Road, Flood Avenue, and 24th Avenue Northwest.
Special Use Permit for Maximleian Social Club
Approved an ordinance granting a special use permit for a bar, lounge, or tavern at 101 South Border, envisioning a quiet space for conversation, jazz music, and charcuterie.
Internal Audit Charter Establishment
Approved a resolution establishing an internal audit charter to formalize the purpose, authority, and responsibilities of the city auditor's office.
Triennial Audit Plan Adoption
Approved a resolution adopting a comprehensive audit framework covering three fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, outlining the city auditor's work path.
Upcoming Community Events
World's Largest Swim Lesson
At Westwood, open to the community, free water safety lesson.
Ward 4 Meeting
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Norman Development Center, 225 Northwester Avenue. Topics include AM Norman overview, council retreat priorities, city budget forecast.
Farmers Market
Starts at 8 AM.
Financial Matters
FYE 2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets
Second public hearing for the proposed budget. Total revenues projected at $316.9M, expenditures at $295.3M. General sales tax is the largest revenue source. Public safety accounts for the largest portion of expenditures.
HOME ARPA Funding for Permanent Supportive Housing
Allocation of a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to the city for developing at least 12 units of permanent supportive housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness. Item 15 on consent docket was for property acquisition related to this.
Public Comments
Public comments covered concerns about the flat city budget, potential recession, and sales tax revenues. There were also suggestions for using AI in auditing, improving city aesthetics, and addressing social issues like mental health, homelessness, and racism. Strong opinions were expressed regarding a church expansion and the proposed bar/lounge.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Youth Council applications close June 30th
Watch For
- Final budget adoption meeting on June 10th
- Council retreat priorities and feedback (July/August)
- More housing in downtown Norman
- Potential art project on east side of 223 West Main building
- Expansion of internal audit department over time
Announcements
- Youth Council presentation materials will be distributed to council members.
- The final budget adoption meeting is scheduled for June 10th.
- A replay of the Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting, including updates on public transit ridership (up nearly 30%) and road construction, is available on YouTube.
- Congratulations were extended to all high school graduates in the Norman city limits.
- Westwood Family Aquatic Center opened for the season on Memorial Day weekend and offers free water safety classes and swim lesson scholarships.
- Ward 4 will hold a meeting on Saturday, June 7th, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Norman Development Center (225 Northwester Avenue) to discuss council retreat priorities and budget forecasts.
- Ward 4 residents Kim Fairbanks and Serita Wilson were recognized for serving on the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee.
- Citizens were reminded that it is kitten season and encouraged to foster or adopt.
- The James Gardner Avenue overpass on Robinson Street was praised for its appearance.
- The sanitation fund is in good standing with a 4.4% reserve.
Agenda Summary
Recognition of the 2024-25 Norman Youth Council
Presentation by the Youth Council on an advocacy project focusing on youth mental health, proposing community events for positive relationships, life skills, and coping mechanisms.
Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Oklahoma Water Safety Month
Acknowledging the importance of water safety education and efforts to prevent drownings and water-related injuries.
Consent Docket (Items 3-15)
Routine agenda items approved by unanimous consent, including the acquisition of property for permanent supportive housing.
Conducting the second public hearing for the FYE 2026 city of Norman proposed operating and capital budgets
Presentation of the proposed budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, followed by public comments on financial projections and allocations.
Ordinance rezoning property 223 West Main from CCPUD to an alternate CCPUD
Rezoning request for a two-story mixed-use building (Downtown Flats) with residential and commercial units, including specific variances.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 227 West Maine from CCPUD to an alternative CCPUD
Rezoning request to add seven parking spaces for Dr. Bird's existing dental practice.
Resolution amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan
Amending the land use plan to change property designation from industrial to institutional for Victory Family Church's expansion.
Ordinance granting special use for a church, temple, or other place of worship
Granting a special use permit for Victory Family Church in the I1 light industrial district.
Preliminary plat for Victory Family Church, 2024 parking
Approval of the preliminary plat for a new parking lot to support Victory Family Church's expansion.
Ordinance granting special use for a bar, lounge, or tavern
Granting a special use permit for Maximleian Social Club at 101 South Border, envisioning a quiet space for conversation and jazz music.
Resolution establishing an internal audit charter
Formalizing a written agreement with the city council and finance committee regarding the purpose, authority, and responsibilities of the city auditor's office.
Resolution adopting the trienal audit plan
Adopting a comprehensive audit framework covering three fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, outlining the city auditor's work plan.