Meeting Summary
The city council acknowledged October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month and honored a police sergeant. The most significant discussion revolved around the resolution to terminate the emergency overnight shelter contract with Food and Shelter Incorporated. After extensive public comment and an amendment to extend the termination notice period from 30 to 60 days, the resolution was ultimately postponed to October 22, 2024, to allow for further consideration of alternative operators.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation P 2425 D7: Cyber Security Awareness Month
03:00The Mayor's proclamation designating October 2024 as Cyber Security Awareness Month in Norman was acknowledged.
Consent Docket Items 3-18
24:00All routine items placed on the consent docket were approved unanimously by the council.
Amendment to Resolution K22 23-56
40:00An amendment was passed to change the termination notice period in the resolution concerning the emergency shelter contract from 30 days to 60 days.
Resolution K22 23-56: Emergency Overnight Shelter Contract Termination
1:35:00The resolution to terminate the contract with Food and Shelter Incorporated for the emergency overnight shelter was postponed until October 22, 2024.
Upcoming Community Events
Second Friday Artwalk
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Norman First American Gala
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at McFarland Church
Candidate Forum
6:30 PM at The Well in downtown Norman (for State House Districts 45 & 46 and Senate District 15)
Financial Matters
Tiny Home Construction Costs (Food and Shelter)
Allegations of financial discrepancies regarding the cost and funding of tiny homes built by Food and Shelter, with claims of public charges, grant money, and donated materials.
Webster Shelter Funding
Reported allocation of $38,000 from the police budget to fund the Webster shelter.
Arena TIF Project
Discussion regarding the economic development agreement for the arena TIF project, involving up to $600 million in taxpayer funds over 25 years, with questions raised about OU Athletics' commitment and private investment figures.
Public Comments
Public comments were overwhelmingly focused on the emergency shelter contract. Many speakers urged the council not to close the shelter, emphasizing the humanitarian impact of displacing vulnerable individuals, especially with winter approaching. Concerns were raised about the lack of a clear alternative plan, the city's process, and the perceived politicization of the issue. Some speakers also presented crime statistics and criticized the current operator, while others defended the operator and the services provided.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution directing staff to terminate contract K22 23-56 with Food and Shelter Incorporated for emergency overnight shelter (postponed to October 22, 2024)
Deadlines
- Fall residential cleanup dates: October 5, 12, 19, 26 (for Tuesday-Friday polycart service)
Watch For
- Decision on emergency overnight shelter contract
- Potential new operator for emergency shelter
- Discussion on affordable housing initiatives
Announcements
- Sunset Park, Norman's first pink park, has opened in Ward 1.
- The Second Friday Artwalk will be held this Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- An Original Town Site neighborhood cleanup was held last Saturday.
- Fall residential cleanup dates for Tuesday through Friday polycart service are October 5, 12, 19, and 26.
- The Norman First American Gala, celebrating Indigenous People's Day, will be held on October 14, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at McFarland Church.
- A candidate forum for State House Districts 45 and 46 and Senate District 15 will be held this Thursday at 6:30 PM at The Well in downtown Norman.
- A new sit-down Mexican restaurant, Casa Herrera, has opened on East Alam.
- City of Norman employee Laura Hogot was nominated for Norman Next 40 Under 40 Awards.
- A Norman police officer (lieutenant) is assisting in Florida disaster relief efforts.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation P 2425 D7: Cyber Security Awareness Month
Consideration of a proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Norman proclaiming October 2024 as Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Presentation of a Medal of Valor to Sergeant David Stevenson
Presentation of a Medal of Valor to Sergeant David Stevenson for his quick and professional actions in saving a fellow team member who was shot.
Consent Docket Items 3-18
Approval of routine items placed on the consent docket.
Resolution directing staff to terminate contract K22 23-56 with Food and Shelter Incorporated for emergency overnight shelter
Consideration of a resolution to terminate the service and lease agreement with Food and Shelter Incorporated for the operation of an emergency overnight shelter.