Meeting Summary
The city council meeting featured numerous proclamations recognizing community contributions and important awareness months, including Kids to Parks Day, Mental Health Awareness Month, Public Works Week, Small Business Month, Bike Month, and Poppy Day. Key decisions included the adoption of the 2025-20 Consolidated Plan for CDBG and HOME funds and the rezoning of a property for an indoor athletic facility. Public comments primarily addressed local flooding and erosion issues, as well as concerns regarding a new job program for the homeless.
Key Decisions & Votes
2025 Norman Animal Welfare Volunteerism Award
01:50The council unanimously adopted a resolution to award Deb Melner the 2025 Norman Animal Welfare Volunteerism Award for her significant contributions to animal and human welfare in the community.
2025-20 Consolidated Plan and First-Year Action Plan for CDBG/HOME
49:20The council authorized the submission of the application to HUD for over $1.3 million in federal housing and community development funds, based on a five-year plan focusing on affordable housing, special needs populations, and neighborhood revitalization.
Rezoning 1451 12th Avenue Southeast
58:40An ordinance was unanimously adopted on final reading to rezone the property at 1451 12th Avenue Southeast, allowing for the development of an indoor athletic facility.
Upcoming Community Events
Kids to Parks Day
10 AM - 12 PM at Bentley Park, featuring snow cones, Nerf battles, inflatables, story time with the library, and music.
Public Works Department Employee Recognition
Public Works Department School Children Education
Educating local school children in aspects of public works operations.
Public Works Art Contest
Engaging the community with a public works art contest.
American Craft Beer Week
Encouraged visiting locally owned craft breweries.
Bike to Work Day Rally
8:30 AM at Andrews Park.
More Lindsay House 50th Anniversary
508 North Peters Avenue. Admission is free. More information at normanhismuseum.org/50thinvitation.
Mayfair
Campus Corner, with Buchanan Street closed, booths, and artists.
Poppy Day
American Legion Auxiliary will be distributing poppies in Norman.
American Legion Auxiliary at Warren Cemetery
American Legion Auxiliary at IWOF
Splash Pads Opening
All splash pads are about to open.
Westwood Pool Opening
Getting ready to open. Discounted veteran rates available for summer pool passes.
Financial Matters
2025-20 Consolidated Plan and First-Year Action Plan for CDBG/HOME
Application for federal funds from HUD to support affordable housing, social services, and community development programs. The total application amount is $1,334,879, with an estimated $944,814 for CDBG and $400,000 for the HOME program.
Post Oak Road Project
A joint project with the city of Noble for resurfacing and deep patching Post Oak Road, with a total estimated cost of $400,000. Norman and Noble will each contribute $50,000, with the remainder covered by an 80/20 grant split.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns from residents about severe erosion and flooding in the Boggy Creek and 10 Mile Flats areas, attributing issues to heavy rains and inadequate stormwater management. One resident criticized a new city program for the homeless, alleging theft by participants. Another speaker praised city initiatives and OU women's gymnastics, while also advocating for action regarding Gaza.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Official award letters for CDBG and HOME funds
- Bids for a new four-bedroom structure on Leaning Elm
- Contract approval for Home ARP money
Announcements
- The 'A Better Way Opportunity Knocks' program had its ribbon cutting and unveiling, providing job opportunities for residents facing housing or employment difficulties, funded partly by federal and opioid settlement funds.
- The More Lindsay House will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 17, from 1 PM to 4 PM, located at 508 North Peters Avenue, with free admission.
- The Mayfair festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday on Campus Corner, featuring street closures, booths, and artists.
- Norman Music Fest and Earth Day were successful events.
- The Norman Pride Parade recently occurred, with Thunderberg Clubhouse winning 'most energetic'.
- An art show opening at Uncanny Art House on Second Friday ArtWalk featured a queer joy exuberant exhibition.
- Deborah Engel was appointed to the Library Board, and David Nemo and Andy Shearer were appointed to the Norman Regional Hospital Authority.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder and OU softball teams are both fighting for national championships.
- Norman's Prospects, a 14U AAA boys baseball team, won first place in Springdale, Arkansas, potentially earning an automatic bid into the Little League World Series.
- The Parks and Recreation Department is opening splash pads and Westwood Pool soon, with discounted summer pool passes available for veterans.
- Congratulations were extended to all recent graduates from OU, Norman, and Norman North.
Agenda Summary
Resolution awarding the 2025 Norman Animal Welfare Volunteerism Award
A resolution in conjunction with the Norman Animal Welfare Oversight Committee awarding the 2025 Norman Animal Welfare Volunteerism Award to Deb Melner for her extensive volunteer work.
Proclamation proclaiming Saturday, May 17, 2025, as Kids to Parks Day
A proclamation encouraging families to get outdoors and visit Norman's parks, promoting active lifestyles and appreciation for nature.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month
A proclamation to raise awareness, educate communities, eliminate stigma, and encourage treatment for mental illnesses.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 18-24, 2025, as Public Works Week
A proclamation recognizing public works professionals for their vital contributions to infrastructure, facilities, and services.
Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Small Business Month
A proclamation recognizing small businesses as the backbone of the economy, driving innovation and creating jobs in Norman.
Proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Bike Month and Friday, May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day
A proclamation promoting bicycling as a viable and environmentally friendly form of transportation, fitness, and recreation.
Proclamation proclaiming Friday, May 23, 2025, as Poppy Day
A proclamation designating the red poppy as a symbol of sacrifice for lives lost in wars and encouraging citizens to wear it in tribute.
Items 8 through 29 on the Consent Docket
Routine agenda items grouped for approval by one motion.
Public hearing for the proposed 2025-20 Consolidated Plan and First-Year Action Plan for the 51st year Norman Community Development Block Grant application
A public hearing for the proposed plan, including the 2025 HOME program, totaling $1,334,879, to be submitted to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 1451 12th Avenue Southeast
An ordinance rezoning property from SPUD Simple Planned Unit Development District to an alternate SPUD Simple Planned Unit Development District to allow for an indoor athletic facility.