Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a grant for the Norman Police Department for specialty equipment and training, adopted an ordinance to streamline Historic District Commission application processes, and finalized the contract and compensation for the City Attorney. Council members also shared numerous community announcements, including upcoming elections, events, and safety information.
Key Decisions & Votes
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
13:50Accepted a $46,777 grant, with Norman's portion of $30,250 allocated to the Norman Police Department for advanced specialty equipment and training, primarily for crime scene processing and the crime lab.
Historic District Commission Application Requirements Ordinance
17:50Adopted an ordinance to amend application requirements for Certificates of Appropriateness, align notification processes, add deadlines for feedback and amendments, and allow the Historic Preservation Officer to grant six-month time extensions.
City Attorney Compensation Ordinance
19:40Adopted an ordinance to fix the compensation for the City Attorney position.
City Attorney Employment Contract
21:00Approved the contract setting forth the terms and conditions of employment for Ricky J Knight as the City Attorney.
Upcoming Community Events
Firehouse Art Center Classes
Classes available for veterans, youth, elderly, and people with disabilities.
Youth Basketball at WFAC
Over 1,700 kids are currently enrolled and participating.
Spring Youth Volleyball Early Registration
The league is scheduled to begin on April 1st.
Baseball and Softball Early Registration
The softball league is scheduled to begin on April 7th.
Ward 4 Quarterly Meeting
9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Development Center (225 North Wester Avenue). Topics include organized neighborhoods, disaster preparedness, and budget updates.
Norman Resource Fair
2:00-5:00 p.m. at The Well (210 South James Garner). Offering free coats/blankets and a municipal warrant clearing event.
Norman Parks and Recreation Daddy Daughter Dance
Tickets are highly sought after.
Bridges Prom 2.0 (for adults)
Tickets are available on their website; proceeds support at-risk high schoolers.
Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan Virtual Town Hall
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at connectcentraloklahoma.com. Providing updates on regional transit.
49th Annual Police and Fire Chili Supper
Norman High School Commons, with a drive-thru open until 7 p.m.
Norman North Spud Week (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds)
A philanthropy week that raised $887,500 for four recipients, including children battling cancer, Officer Jenny Bryan's family, and the Cavett Kids Foundation.
Financial Matters
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Acceptance of a grant from the US Department of Justice for the Norman Police Department to be used for advanced specialty equipment and training, primarily for crime scene processing and the crime lab.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns about the city attorney's compensation, suggestions for council member pay, and questions regarding data requests on the city website that could be used predatorily against vulnerable citizens. There was also a general appreciation for city staff and a philosophical reflection on community and self-improvement.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Voter registration update deadline: January 17th
- Absentee ballot application deadline: January 27th
- Spring Youth Volleyball early registration: January 31st
- Softball early registration: In two weeks
Watch For
- More information on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting updates on public transit, street construction, sidewalks, and infrastructure.
Announcements
- Public restrooms are unavailable in the building due to ongoing construction; heated public restrooms are located in the south parking lot, West End.
- Residents are advised to take precautions during extreme cold weather, including protecting pipes, using heaters safely, keeping pets safe, and checking on elderly or disabled neighbors.
- The Norman Police Department is investigating a TikTok challenge involving teenagers vandalizing cars; the public is encouraged to report incidents with videos or pictures to NPD.
- Prayers were offered for victims of the California wildfires, and the city's emergency preparedness, including fire hydrant maintenance and lake water levels, was highlighted.
- A moment of reflection was shared regarding a 27-year-old's passing in Cleveland County due to fentanyl overdose, prompting discussion on drug addiction, mental health, and accountability.
- Master Police Officer Jenny Bryan was honored for her service to the community.
- Thanks were extended to Public Works, utilities, and all city workers for maintaining services during the recent cold weather.
- The Norman Parks and Recreation Forestry Division, in collaboration with the Norman Fire Department, is developing Norman's First Community Wildfire Protection Plan, with more information to follow.
- Norman North High School's 'Spud Week' (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds) recently concluded, raising $887,500 for four recipients, including children battling serious illnesses, Officer Jenny Bryan's family, and the Cavett Kids Foundation.
Agenda Summary
Items 1 through 14 on the Consent Docket
Routine agenda items approved by unanimous consent.
Item 15
Item withdrawn by staff.
Item 16 - Public Hearing regarding acceptance of a grant for the Norman Police Department
Acceptance of a $46,777 grant from the US Department of Justice, with $30,250 for NPD for advanced specialty equipment and training.
Item 17 - Ordinance amending Historic District Commission requirements
Amending application requirements for certificates of appropriateness, allowing the historic preservation officer to grant time extensions, and making consistency edits.
Item 18 - Ordinance fixing the compensation of the city attorney
Establishing the compensation for the City Attorney position.
Item 19 - Contract with Ricky J Knight as City Attorney
Setting forth the terms and conditions of employment for the City Attorney.