Meeting Summary
The Norman City Council acknowledged February 2025 as Black History Month, featuring an inspiring address from Dr. George Henderson. The council unanimously approved the preliminary plat for the 12th Avenue Northwest Industrial development, which will bring light industrial uses and a church to 30 acres. Discussions also included the Norman Forward program's successes and future plans, as well as concerns about the city's financial outlook and rising homeless-related crime.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation of Black History Month
02:00The Mayor's proclamation of February 2025 as Black History Month in Norman was formally acknowledged by the council.
Placement of items 2-17 on Consent Docket
29:00Routine agenda items 2 through 17 were grouped and approved together under the consent docket.
Approval of Consent Docket
47:00The entire consent docket, including items 2 through 17, was approved by the council.
Preliminary Plat for 12th Avenue Northwest Industrial (PP 24255)
57:00The preliminary plat for a 30-acre development on 12th Avenue Northwest, consisting of three lots for light industrial uses and a church, was approved. Council Member Hingle abstained due to a potential conflict of interest.
Upcoming Community Events
Police Academy Graduation
2 PM
Chili Supper Benefit
Norman High
Ward 4 Quarterly Meetings
9-11 AM, Norman Development Center, 225 North Webster Avenue. Topics include organized neighborhood, municipal disaster preparedness, budget updates.
CCFI Free Coats to Kids
3:30-6 PM, The Well, 210 James Garner Avenue. Coats for kids up to 18, sizes toddler to adult 2X, first come first served.
Daddy Daughter Dance
Second largest in the country, over 4,000 tickets sold.
Farmers Market
9 AM - 1 PM. Features craft kombucha, local meat/eggs, paleo bars, sourdough bread.
Financial Matters
Norman Forward Sales and Use Tax Revenue
The Norman Forward Citizens Financial Oversight Board presented an annual report on sales and use tax revenue, noting rebalancing and re-estimation.
Norman Forward Project Budgets
Overview of Norman Forward projects, including Westwood Family Aquatic Center (under budget), Norman Public Library Central (under budget), Norman Library East (under budget), Westwood Tennis Center (over budget), Griffin Soccer Complex (over budget), Young Family Athletic Center (over budget), Adult Wellness Center (14.1M final cost), James Garner Avenue (under budget).
Interest on Norman Forward Debt Financing
Discussion on the approximately $25 million paid in interest across three tranches of debt for Norman Forward projects, contrasting bond financing with pay-as-you-go options.
City Operational Reserves
Public comment highlighted a drop in operational reserves from $13.4 million to $10.6 million, with an intent to use $6 million for Griffin and Sutton Wilderness properties.
Projected Deficit Spending
Public comment warned of projected deficit spending increasing over the next five fiscal years, with current FY projected at $5 million, next FY at $5.5 million, FY27 at $6.2 million, FY28 at $7.8 million, FY29 at $10 million, and FY30 at $12 million.
Proposed Olympic Committee Funding
Public comment proposed allocating $150,000 from hotel tax revenue this fiscal year to an Olympic Committee to explore Norman hosting a country for the 2028 Olympics.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics including support for the industrial plat due to its potential tax revenue, concerns about the city's financial stability and increasing deficit spending, detailed statistics on homeless-related crime and its impact, suggestions for zoning changes and new development types (solar energy, capsule hotels), an invitation to participate in a cultural unity parade, a proposal for Norman to host an Olympic team for the 2028 games, and personal reflections on local law enforcement and community issues.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Proposed 48th Avenue West Road diet between Main Street and Robinson (expected back to Community Planning and Transportation Committee next month for further discussion)
Deadlines
- Early voting for City Council Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and Mayor (Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th, 8 AM - 5 PM)
- Election Day for City Council Wards 1, 3, 5, 7 and Mayor (February 11th)
Watch For
- Future Norman Forward 2 proposal
- Saxon Park development design completion and discussions
- Neighborhood park improvements
- More work on Griffin Sutton land acquisition
- Development of trails
- Traffic improvements
- Canadian River Park on 24th
- Situation with the Central Library
- Griffin Park wilderness land acquisition
Announcements
- Thanks to Dr. Henderson and his family for their contributions to Norman.
- Thanks to emergency responders for their work in apprehending a vehicle theft suspect in Ward 7.
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting from last Thursday is available to watch on the city YouTube channel, discussing public transit ridership reports and the proposed 48th Avenue West Road diet.
- Candidate forums: Thursday at OU (hosted by nondoc) and next Monday, February 3rd, at the Chamber of Commerce building (4:00-7:00 p.m.).
- League of Women Voters forum from last night is available on their Facebook page.
- Parks and Recreation calendar is available at the Parks and Rec Department.
- Digital water meters are being installed, with 10% (4,300 out of 42,000) currently operational, offering future benefits like an app for water usage monitoring and leak detection.
- The WFAC hosted the Special Olympics volleyball state final after OU's cancellation due to bad weather, with city employees assisting.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming the month of February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Norman.
A formal declaration by the Mayor recognizing and celebrating Black History Month, with remarks from Dr. George Henderson.
Consent Docket (Items 2 through 17)
A collection of routine agenda items designated for approval or acknowledgment by a single motion.
Consideration of awarding acceptance approval rejection Amendment Andor postponement of pp 24255 preliminary plat for 12th Avenue Northwest industrial generally located on the west side of 12th Avenue Northwest approximately 1 half mile north of Rock Creek Road.
Review and decision on a preliminary plat for a 30-acre site to be developed with three lots for light industrial uses and a church, including public street, water, and sewer extensions, and stormwater management plans.