Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting addressed several proclamations, including National Wreaths Across America Day and Small Business Saturday. Key decisions included the adoption of an ordinance allowing home occupations with restrictions and the approval of a student housing development with an amended height. Most notably, the Council approved a contract with City Care Inc. to operate the emergency overnight shelter, replacing the current provider, Food and Shelter, whose contract was subsequently terminated.
Key Decisions & Votes
National Wreaths Across America Day Proclamation
03:00The Mayor's proclamation designating December 14, 2024, as National Wreaths Across America Day was acknowledged by the Council.
Small Business Saturday Proclamation
07:00The Mayor's proclamation designating November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday was acknowledged by the Council.
Consent Docket Approval
20:00Items 3 through 20, with the exception of item 15, were approved as part of the consent docket.
Home Occupations Ordinance Amendment
30:00An ordinance amending Chapter 36 to allow home occupations with stated restrictions in Residential Estate Dwelling and RM4 Mobile Home Park Districts, and to redefine language, was adopted on second and final reading.
Student Housing Development Ordinance Amendment (Height)
42:00An amendment to the ordinance for the student housing development at 310 East Boyd Street was approved, capping the maximum building height at seven stories instead of nine.
Student Housing Development Ordinance Adoption
44:00The ordinance to rezone the property at 310 East Boyd Street for a student housing development, as amended to a seven-story height limit, was adopted on second and final reading.
City Care Inc. Shelter Contract Approval
1:55:00The service and lease agreement with City Care Inc. for the operation of an emergency overnight shelter, including funding appropriations, was approved.
Termination of Food and Shelter Contract
2:00:00A resolution directing staff to terminate the contract with Food and Shelter for the operation of the emergency overnight shelter, effective January 15, 2025, was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
National Wreaths Across America Day
10:00 AM at Warren Cemetery at Brook Haven. Wreaths can be purchased for $17 until December 2nd at 10:00 PM.
Small Business Saturday
Aim Norman Project Open House
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Young Family Athletics Center (2202 Trey Young Drive)
Aim Norman Project Open House
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Development Center (225 North Webster)
Norman Holiday Parade
Starts at 6:00 PM downtown.
Winter Fest on Main Street
Starts at 7:00 PM downtown, following the Holiday Parade. Features food trucks, Wilson Elementary choir, tree lighting, drone show, McFarland bell choir, frozen bounce house, and various vendors.
Financial Matters
Wreaths Across America Wreath Purchase
Cost to purchase a wreath to honor a veteran.
City Care Inc. Contract Funding
Total funding requested for the contract with City Care Inc. for shelter operation, including ARPA funds and site improvements.
City Care Inc. Contract Payments
Amount allocated for contract payments to City Care Inc. for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Shelter Site Improvements
Funding for safety equipment and freeing up an existing bathroom at the shelter location.
ARPA Funding Allocation
Portion of the City Care contract funding from leftover ARPA funds from an affordable housing project.
Previous Food and Shelter Contract Monthly Cost
Monthly cost of the previous contract with Food and Shelter.
New City Care Contract Monthly Cost
Increased monthly cost for the new contract with City Care, including new housing navigator positions.
Cleveland County Detention Center Booking Fee
Cost to the city for booking an individual at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
Cleveland County Detention Center Daily Fee
Daily cost to the city for an individual's stay at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
Norman Animal Shelter Monthly Budget
Current monthly budget for the Norman Animal Shelter.
Public Comments
Public comments were predominantly focused on the emergency overnight shelter contract. Speakers expressed strong opinions both for and against the city's involvement in operating a shelter, with themes including the will of the voters, the cost-effectiveness of the shelter, perceived increases in crime, the need for affordable housing, and the humanitarian aspect of providing shelter. Concerns were raised about the previous operator's performance, the potential for attracting homeless individuals from other areas, and the lack of comprehensive solutions. Supporters emphasized the importance of the shelter for vulnerable populations and the city's responsibility to its residents.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Last day to purchase a wreath for Wreaths Across America is December 2nd at 10:00 PM.
- ARPA funding for the City Care contract needs to be obligated by the end of the year.
Watch For
- Future discussions on inclusionary zoning policies for housing projects.
- Development of a new, more permanent shelter location on Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services property, potentially with a TIF district.
- Exploration of day labor services to assist unhoused individuals.
- Consideration of an ordinance prohibiting unsanctioned relocation of homeless individuals from other communities to Norman.
- Potential for adulting classes to help individuals develop life skills.
Announcements
- Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
- Firehouse Art Center has various free holiday programs, including veterans and kids classes; check their website for details.
- Norman Animal Welfare Center offers affordable spay/neuter, microchipping, and rabies shots; encourages adoption of animals for Christmas.
- Shop Norman Local is this Saturday and every other Saturday.
- Two open houses for the Aim Norman project: December 10th (6:30-8:30 PM at Young Family Athletics Center) and December 11th (11:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Development Center).
- Mutual Aid in downtown Norman operates an outdoor fridge pantry behind Yellow Dog Coffee (222 South Porter), accepting veggies, dairy, and snacks.
- Ward 4 has partnered with a local business for a new Ward 4 themed t-shirt fundraiser.
- Norman Holiday Parade is next Saturday, December 7th, downtown starting at 6:00 PM.
- The first inaugural Winter Fest on Main Street will follow the parade on December 7th at 7:00 PM, featuring food trucks, choirs, tree lighting, a drone show, and various vendors.
- Officer Ben Gomez has been named Regional Officer of the Year for his service, including saving a choking child and resolving a nuisance house issue.
- Norman Police Department is hosting a 'Fill the Cruiser' toy and diaper drive at 112 West Wall Street for children in need.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming Saturday, December 14, 2024, as National Wreaths Across America Day in the City of Norman.
A proclamation recognizing National Wreaths Across America Day, honoring veterans and Gold Star families.
Item 2: Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming Saturday, November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday in the City of Norman.
A proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday and the contributions of local small businesses to the economy and community.
Items 3-20 (excluding 15): Consent Docket
Routine agenda items grouped for a single vote.
Item 21: An ordinance upon second and final reading amending Chapter 36 to allow home occupations with stated restrictions to be carried in Residential Estate Dwelling District and RM4 Mobile Home Park District and to redefine and make language throughout the zoning ordinance consistent.
Amending zoning code to permit certain home occupations, including personal service salons, in additional residential districts and clarifying definitions and parking requirements.
Item 22: An ordinance upon second and final reading amending Section 36-201 of the Code to remove all of the Second State University Addition from the RM6 Medium Density Apartment District and place the same in the SPUD Simple Planned Unit Development District at 310 East Boyd Street.
Rezoning a 2.5-acre site for a purpose-built student housing project, replacing existing apartments with a higher-density, multi-story development including podium parking and green infrastructure.
Item 24: Consideration of approval, acceptance, rejection, amendment and/or postponement of Contract K-2425-58, a service and lease agreement with City Care Incorporated for the operation of an emergency overnight shelter and fund appropriations as outlined in the staff report.
Approval of a contract with City Care Inc., an Oklahoma City-based provider, to operate the emergency overnight shelter on Gray Street, including funding for mobilization, operation, and site improvements.
Item 23: A resolution directing staff to terminate the contract with Food and Shelter for operation of an emergency overnight shelter.
Resolution to terminate the existing contract with Food and Shelter, effective January 15, 2025, to facilitate the transition to City Care Inc. as the new operator.