Meeting Summary
The City Council acknowledged two proclamations, approved a consent docket, and adopted an ordinance for an automobile service station. The most significant discussion revolved around a resolution concerning the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's East-West Connector, which was ultimately postponed indefinitely to allow for a public town hall/study session with the OTA and further citizen input.
Key Decisions & Votes
South Central CASA Day Proclamation
04:45The City Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the proclamation declaring October 22, 2024, as South Central CASA Day.
Oklahoma Mobility Week Proclamation
08:30The City Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the proclamation declaring November 3-9, 2024, as Oklahoma Mobility Week.
Consent Docket Approval
25:30Items 3 through 16 on the agenda were unanimously approved as part of the consent docket.
Ordinance 0 24254: Automobile Service Station Special Use
31:00The ordinance granting special use for an automobile service station at 3301 Classen Boulevard was unanimously adopted on its second and final reading.
Resolution regarding Oklahoma Turnpike Authority East-West Connector
01:46:30A resolution concerning the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's East-West Connector was unanimously postponed indefinitely to allow for a public town hall/study session with the OTA.
Upcoming Community Events
Fall Fest
Downtown Norman, street closure, businesses giving out candy, bounce houses, free admission.
Community Conversation on Food Security and Community Gardens
6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Infant Crisis Services Baby Mobile
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Children and Families; no appointment required, services offered on an as-needed basis for diapers, formula, and food for children aged three and under.
Impromptu Parade with Masks
Hosted by Oscillator Press on Main Street; mask-making workshop on Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m. at Oscillator Press.
Electronics Waste Recycling Event
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reeves Park, located at 251 Jenkins Avenue, in partnership with United Electronics Recycling.
Free Trees Giveaway (Right Tree Right Place)
Starts at 9 a.m. at Griffin Community Park, 101 East Robinson; attendees are asked not to arrive before 8 a.m.
Skunk Dog Cookout
11:00 a.m. at Andrews Park, hosted by Racism Stinks in collaboration with the Norman Police Department.
Financial Matters
Grant Money for Transit Department
Taylor Johnson and Jason Huff from the Transit Department secured $11,874,640 in grant money.
Grant Money for City Projects
Michelle Lenbach and Michelle Chow secured $423,000 in grant money for city projects.
Public Comments
Public comments were extensive, primarily focusing on the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) resolution. Speakers expressed strong distrust of the OTA, citing a history of broken promises, lack of transparency, and potential negative impacts on homeowners and the environment. There was a clear preference for a legally binding contract over a non-binding resolution, and many advocated for indefinite postponement until a state audit of the OTA is complete and a public hearing with direct questioning of OTA officials can be held. Concerns were also raised about the city council's transparency and the influence of developers.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution of the Council of the City of Norman requesting the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to improve and construct facilities in the vicinity of the City of Norman along the East-West Connector through its Access Oklahoma program.
Deadlines
- Early voting for the upcoming election will be held at the mall on October 30th, October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd.
- The general election date is two weeks from October 22nd (November 5th).
Watch For
- A special session/town hall meeting with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) to address council and public questions regarding the East-West Connector, with a date to be determined.
- Results of the investigative audit into the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
- Discussions on the possibility of a legally binding contract with the OTA instead of a resolution.
Announcements
- University of Oklahoma men's golf team is currently ranked number one in the country, and their head coach, Ryan Hibble, was inducted into the NCAA men's coaching Hall of Fame.
- Congratulations to the recent graduates of the Norman Citizens Academy.
- The Center for Children and Families (CCFI) will be moving Boys and Girls Club activities to the Reeves Center in Ward 7.
- Norman's fixed route bus system Route 112 will change to 30-minute service from an hour, starting October 27th.
- Ward 4 Boards and Commissions reappointments were announced for the Environmental Control and Advisory Board, Historic District Commission, Election Commission, and Housing Authority.
- The Embark bus system was praised for its free service connecting Norman to Moore and Oklahoma City.
- City employees Taylor Johnson, Jason Huff, Michelle Lenbach, and Michelle Chow were recognized for securing over $12 million in grant money for the city.
Agenda Summary
Roll Call
Verification of council members' presence.
Rules of Decorum
The Mayor read the rules of decorum for the meeting.
Proclamation: South Central Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Day
A proclamation declaring October 22, 2024, as South Central CASA Day in Norman, recognizing the organization's 40th anniversary and advocacy for abused and neglected children.
Proclamation: Oklahoma Mobility Week
A proclamation declaring November 3-9, 2024, as Oklahoma Mobility Week in Norman, highlighting various mobility options and their benefits to the community.
Council Announcements
Council members shared various community updates, recognitions, and upcoming events.
Consent Docket (Items 3-16)
Routine agenda items grouped for a single vote.
Ordinance 0 24254: Special Use for an Automobile Service Station
Second and final reading of an ordinance granting special use for an automobile service station in the C1 local commercial district for property located at 3301 Classen Boulevard.
Resolution: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority East-West Connector
A resolution requesting the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to improve and construct facilities in the vicinity of Norman along the East-West Connector through its Access Oklahoma program.
Miscellaneous Comments
Opportunity for public and council members to make comments on topics not on the agenda.