Meeting Summary
The City Council unanimously rejected a resolution related to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program, signaling strong opposition to the proposed turnpike projects and prioritizing the protection of Lake Thunderbird Watershed and residents. They also postponed a resolution for a temporary moratorium on permits for large projects to allow for further development of robust ordinances. Several community events and city initiatives were announced.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of minutes
02:00Approval of various meeting minutes from city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman tax increment Finance Authority, and swearing-in ceremony.
Ordinance to Grant Special Use for Mini Warehouse
40:00Approved special use for an existing storage facility at 4801 West Main Street to convert open parking to interior climate-controlled storage.
Resolution to protect and preserve Lake Thunderbird Watershed (regarding OTA)
01:00:00The City Council unanimously rejected a resolution that would have acknowledged the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program, signaling strong opposition to the proposed turnpike projects and supporting the protection of the city's critical areas.
Resolution declaring a temporary moratorium on permits for large projects
02:40:00The City Council postponed a resolution for a temporary moratorium on permits for large projects to allow for further investigation, committee review, and development of a comprehensive ordinance with more stringent requirements.
Upcoming Community Events
Farm Girl Fair
72nd Tumpa, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (fundraiser for The Virtue Center)
Porch Fest
6 p.m., Historic Miller District, McMichael music, 405 Brewing (family friendly, encourages walking/scootering/biking)
Old Silk Stocking Neighborhood Night Out
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church
First Home Game
Financial Matters
Thunderbird Clubhouse
Consent docket item for an organization helping individuals with mental health disabilities, job placement, training, housing, and life skills.
Grant from the Dickies foundation for tactical helmets
Consent docket item for fire department equipment for the rescue task force.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed overwhelming opposition to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's proposed projects and gratitude for the council's rejection of the related resolution. They advocated for stronger local ordinances to protect the environment, prevent displacement, and ensure democratic oversight of large developments. Concerns were also raised regarding homelessness, police conduct, and the need for thorough economic impact studies for future city projects like the proposed arena.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution declaring a temporary moratorium on the issuance of permits for large projects (postponed to Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting on September 26th at 4 PM for further discussion and ordinance development).
Deadlines
- Norman Solar Initiative evaluation deadline: September 1st (lock in rate by 9/1, buy by December and install to keep rate).
Watch For
- Construction on Highway 9 (bridges over Bishop Creek between Jenkin and Southeast 12th Avenue) by ODOT to begin September 3rd, project term 425 days.
- Annual Council retreat (policy objectives and goal setting for upcoming year).
- Town hall tomorrow afternoon at 5:30 at the Adult Wellness Center (discussing Tiff, shelter).
Announcements
- Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, is Virtue Center Appreciation Day.
- Acceptance of a grant from the Dickies foundation for tactical helmets for the fire department's rescue task force.
- Fire Marshall Matt Elliot named Fire Marshall of the year; fire department's plans review component recognized as best in state; fire department combat medic team recognized for hot zone operations.
- Emergency Operations Center opened, housing 911 dispatch, Traffic Control Management Center, and emergency management team, designed to withstand F5 tornado, with expanded facilities for dispatchers and real-time traffic signal operation.
- Ashley Durham appointed to the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee.
- Contract between the City of Norman and Norman Public Schools for School Resource Officers (SROs) is on the consent docket; recent school lockdowns highlight the importance of SROs.
- Community resources are available for mental health, homelessness, and addiction recovery, with examples of successful interventions.
Agenda Summary
Approval of minutes
Consideration of city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman tax increment Finance Authority special meeting minutes, city council conference minutes and the city council swearing in ceremony minutes.
Proclamation proclaiming Wednesday September 11th 2024 is Virtue Center Appreciation Day
A proclamation recognizing The Virtue Center for its dedicated services in mental health, addiction recovery, and personal development, and its positive impact on the community.
Consent Docket Items 3-35
Routine agenda items approved or acknowledged by one motion.
Ordinance to Grant Special Use for Mini Warehouse in C2 General Commercial District for 4801 West Main Street
Granting special use for an existing storage facility to convert open parking to interior climate-controlled storage, with discussion on stormwater management.
Resolution of the City of Norman to protect and preserve Lake Thunderbird Watershed, Canadian River Corridor, city's drinking water supply, and flood hazard areas, acknowledging OTA's Access Oklahoma program.
A resolution concerning the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program and its impact on critical areas in Norman, including the Lake Thunderbird Watershed and flood hazard areas.
Resolution declaring a temporary moratorium on the issuance of permits for large projects until July 1st, 2025, or until the enactment of a new ordinance placing additional requirements on such projects, whichever occurs sooner.
A resolution to temporarily halt permits for large-scale projects (meeting specific criteria like covering 640+ acres, 100+ acres in watershed/floodplain, taking 20+ properties/10+ homes, cumulative cost $500M+, crossing impaired stream, major transportation corridor construction) to allow for the development of a new ordinance with more stringent requirements.