Meeting Summary
The City Council acknowledged October as Pedestrian Safety Month and unanimously approved all items on the consent docket. Key decisions included the approval of preliminary plats for both the Brook Haven #45 Edition and the Summit Lakes Villa Edition. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding affordable housing and proposed improvements to city services.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation of October as Pedestrian Safety Month
02:00The Mayor's proclamation designating October as Pedestrian Safety Month was formally acknowledged by the council.
Consent Docket Items 2-13
21:00All routine agenda items grouped on the consent docket were approved in a single unanimous vote.
Preliminary Plat for Brook Haven #45 Edition
33:00The preliminary plat for the Brook Haven #45 Edition, encompassing 22 lots on approximately 8 acres, was unanimously approved.
Preliminary Plat for Summit Lakes Edition Summit Lakes Villa Edition
40:00The preliminary plat for the Summit Lakes Villa Edition, a planned unit development with 66 lots across approximately 22 acres, was unanimously approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Fall Cleanup Days
Check the city website for specific trash days by ward.
Aviation Festival
9 AM at the Norman airport.
Community Planning and Transportation Committee Meeting
4 PM at City Hall; also available live on the city of Norman YouTube channel. Topics include transit ridership updates and road construction projects.
Firehouse Art Center Classes
Classes for children and veterans, including free options. Check their website for details.
Financial Matters
Compost Price Increase Proposal
A proposal to increase the price of compost per scoop by $10 annually until it reaches $40, to fund a mobile trash can cleaning truck and 95-gallon compost trash cans.
Tiny Home Cost Information
Information on a 350 square foot tiny home model costing approximately $50,000 to purchase and install, presented as a potentially more affordable housing option.
Opioid Settlement Funds
The city is expecting an opioid settlement, with a proposal to use funds for a 2-year pilot program establishing slots at local sober centers.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed concerns about the lack of affordable housing in Norman, advocating for smaller, more affordable homes and incentives for developers. Other comments included positive feedback on the city's recycling program, proposals for increasing compost fees to fund new waste management services, and a suggestion to use opioid settlement funds for sober living facilities. One speaker voiced strong disappointment with a council decision, emphasizing the need to protect future generations.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Voter registration deadline for the November 5th elections: October 11th
Watch For
- Discussions on changing the structure of funding for cities, as sales tax is deemed insufficient.
- Further strategies and options for addressing affordable housing issues in Norman.
- Updates and potential actions regarding police staffing levels and SRO coverage in schools.
Announcements
- A stoplight at 36th and Bart Connor is anticipated to begin work in approximately 18 months.
- Fall cleanup days for Norman residents are scheduled from September 28th through October 26th on weekends; residents should check the city website for their specific trash day.
- The Aviation Festival will take place this Saturday at 9 AM at the Norman airport.
- The fourth annual Brew Tober Fest at Reeves Park was a success.
- The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting is this Thursday at 4 PM at City Hall, offering updates on transit ridership and road construction projects.
- The voter registration deadline for the November 5th elections is October 11th, with online registration available.
- Norman experienced significant sports tourism this past weekend, with hotels and car rentals fully booked and positive visitor reviews.
- Citizens are collecting signatures daily at The Root Salon (Porter and Main Street) regarding the recently passed TIF district ordinance.
- A council member attended the Oklahoma Municipal League conference and the Oklahoma Housing Conference, learning about initiatives to change city funding structures and strategies for affordable housing, including a demo model of a $50,000 tiny home.
- Congratulations were extended to Jenna Brian and Eric Piper, owners of Oscillator Press.
- The Firehouse Art Center offers various classes for children and veterans, including free options.
- The Police Department has implemented a new Spidertech system for incident reporting and feedback, receiving positive citizen reviews.
- Discussions were held regarding mental health support for police officers and concerns about the current staffing levels (146 active officers out of 184 authorized, with a recommended 215) and SRO coverage in elementary schools.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming the month of October as Pedestrian Safety Month in the City of Norman
A proclamation recognizing October as Pedestrian Safety Month to raise awareness and promote safety for pedestrians.
Items 2 through 13 on the Consent Docket
Routine agenda items grouped for a single vote.
Consideration of awarding acceptance approval rejection Amendment And/or postponement of a preliminary plat Brook Haven number 45 Edition
Approval of the final phase of the Brook Haven development, including 22 lots on approximately 8 acres, located southwest of Rock Creek Road on the west side of Brook Haven Boulevard.
Consideration of awarding acceptance approval rejection Amendment And/or postponement a preliminary plat for Summit Lakes Edition Summit Lakes Villa Edition
Approval of a preliminary plat for Summit Lakes Villa Edition, a planned unit development south of Alameda Street and east of 24th Avenue Southeast, comprising approximately 22 acres with 66 lots.