Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss significant updates to the animal ordinance and proposed changes to various city boards and commissions. Key animal ordinance revisions include new definitions for abandoned, community, and exotic animals, a revised Trap-Neuter-Return program, and the repeal of the pet licensing requirement in favor of microchipping. For boards and commissions, proposals include consolidating the Green Belt Commission and Tree Board into the Parks Board, increasing the membership of the Board of Adjustment and Election Commission, and codifying the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Updates to Animal Ordinance Definitions
02:00New definitions for "abandon," "animal," "community cat," "community cat caregiver," "exotic wildlife," and "native wildlife" were introduced to clarify regulations and support programs like Trap-Neuter-Return.
Prohibition of Venomous Exotic Wildlife
11:00The ordinance will make it unlawful to keep or maintain any exotic wildlife species that are venomous to human beings within city limits.
Revision of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program
12:00The TNR program ordinance was revised to be more in-depth, incorporating definitions for community cats and caregivers, and aligning with national best practices.
Repeal of Pet Licensing Requirement
20:00The requirement for pet licensing will be repealed, as microchipping is deemed a more effective method for identifying and returning lost pets to their owners.
Consolidation of Green Belt Commission and Tree Board
38:00The Green Belt Commission and Tree Board will be repealed, with their responsibilities and authority transferred to the Parks Board to streamline processes and reduce administrative burden.
Increase Membership for Board of Adjustment and Election Commission
42:00The Board of Adjustment and Norman Election Commission will be increased from five to seven members to improve quorum attainment and operational efficiency.
Codification of Animal Welfare Oversight Committee
50:00The Animal Welfare Oversight Committee, previously established by resolution, will be codified into ordinance with seven members and three-year terms to formalize its advisory role and ensure member rotation.
Upcoming Community Events
Free Microchipping Event
Financial Matters
SNIP Program (Spay/Neuter Initiative Program)
Provides free spay/neuter services for animals of low-income families in Norman, including microchipping and vaccinations. Over 300 animals served since June.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Discussion on amending ordinance for commercial goat lawn mowing services to address setbacks.
Watch For
- Further updates on the tree protection ordinance.
- Disaster training for council members at the Emergency Communications and Operations Center.
Announcements
- Recognition of Animal Shelter staff: Kelly Robertson (Shelter Manager), Major Barber (Supervisor), Dr. Amy Tyler (Veterinarian) for their excellent work and research on ordinance updates.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding updates to the animals ordinance
Review of proposed changes to animal-related ordinances, including new definitions for abandoned, community, and exotic animals, revisions to the Trap-Neuter-Return program, and the repeal of pet licensing in favor of microchipping.
Discussion regarding updates to boards and commissions
Review of proposed changes to city boards and commissions, including the consolidation of Green Belt Commission and Tree Board into the Parks Board, increasing membership for Board of Adjustment and Election Commission, and codifying the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee.