Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting primarily focused on the postponement of a resolution concerning the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's "Access Oklahoma" program until August 27, 2024. This decision followed extensive public comments from citizens expressing strong opposition to the turnpike project, highlighting concerns about eminent domain, environmental impact, and the OTA's conduct. Routine minutes and consent docket items were approved unanimously.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
02:20Minutes from various city council and authority meetings were approved unanimously.
Consent Docket (Items 2-38)
15:00A block of 37 routine agenda items were approved by unanimous consent.
Resolution regarding Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program (Item 39)
16:30A resolution concerning the OTA's Access Oklahoma program and environmental protection was postponed to August 27, 2024, for further discussion and review.
Upcoming Community Events
Porchfest 2024
6-10 PM, Miller historic district
Original Townsite Neighborhood Meeting
10 AM, American Legion Post number 88 (710 East Main Street). Open to residents, property owners, businesses, and nonprofits within specific boundaries.
Adult Swim 'Ditch Your Boots'
Westwood, country-themed, 21 and up
Ribbon Cutting - James Garner Boulevard and Roundabout
7 PM
Ribbon Cutting - New Norman Emergency Operations Center
East Robinson
Financial Matters
Fair Housing Services
Funding requested by the Metropolitan Fair Housing Council to provide Fair Housing Services for residents of Norman, including educational outreach and investigation of fair housing complaints.
Norman Affordable Housing Corporation
CDBG policy committee recommended funding for the acquisition of property to be utilized for affordable housing.
Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity
Funding for purchasing land for affordable housing. Requires documentation, appropriate appraisal, site evaluation, and environmental review prior to fund distribution.
Home Buyer Assistance
Funding available to assist eight households with home purchases. Clients are not required to be first-time home buyers but must utilize the property as their primary residence for 5 years, meet minimum property standards (not in 100-year flood zone), and have a household income at or below 80% medium family income.
Public Comments
Citizens overwhelmingly expressed opposition to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's "Access Oklahoma" program. They thanked the council for postponing the resolution and urged them to maintain opposition, citing concerns about eminent domain, lack of adherence to the Uniform Relocation Act, environmental impact on Lake Thunderbird and the Canadian River, the OTA's alleged bullying tactics, and financial misconduct. Many requested further study sessions with citizen experts.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution of the Council of the city of Norman Oklahoma acknowledging the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program (Item 39) postponed to August 27, 2024.
Deadlines
- Pioneer Library summer learning program: Final week for logging reading time.
- Youth volleyball sign-up at Young Family Athletic Center: Late registration through August 25th.
- Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) requested resolution by September 2nd.
Watch For
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting: Next Thursday at 4 PM at City Hall to discuss public transit ridership and road construction projects.
- Aim Norman project: Ongoing comprehensive master plan and land use plan, input available at aimnorman.com.
Announcements
- Porchfest 2024 is scheduled for August 31st, 6-10 PM, in the Miller historic district.
- The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations.
- Ward 2 Resident Chris Purcell is slated to serve on the Economic Development Advisory Board.
- Interim Director Scott Stewart and staff were thanked for working on getting ADA Compliant sidewalks in Ward 3.
- Residents are reminded to report flood damage to the Storm Water Division through the form at www.normanok.gov/flood-damage-form.
- The Original Townsite Neighborhood meeting is on August 17th at 10 AM at the American Legion Post number 88 (710 East Main Street).
- Ward 4 Resident Janice Oak will be appointed to the ADA Citizens Advisory Committee for a three-year term.
- This is the final week for the Pioneer Library summer learning program.
- Youth volleyball late registration at the Young Family Athletic Center runs through August 25th.
- An adult swim event, 'Ditch Your Boots' (country themed, 21+), is scheduled for this Friday night at Westwood.
- Norman Public School students and private school students, teachers, and administrative staff will go back to school on Thursday.
- A ribbon cutting for the new James Garner Boulevard and roundabout will be held on August 22nd at 7 PM.
- A ribbon cutting for the new Norman Emergency Operations Center on East Robinson will be held on August 27th.
- The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting will be held next Thursday at 4 PM at City Hall to discuss public transit ridership and road construction projects.
- The Aim Norman project, a comprehensive master plan and land use plan, is ongoing, and input can be provided at aimnorman.com.
- Ward 8 resident Chip McTy was appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
- Citizens are encouraged to check the city website for openings on various boards and commissions.
Agenda Summary
Approval of minutes
Approval of city council, Norman Utility Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority, city council business and Community Affairs committee, and city council finance committee meeting minutes.
Consent Docket (Items 2-38)
Designation and approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
Item 39: Resolution regarding Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program
A resolution acknowledging the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program to improve and construct Turnpike facilities in the city of Norman and to protect and preserve the Lakes Thunder Lake Thunderbird Watershed and the Canadian River Corridor, the city's water drinking water supply in the city's flood Hazard areas.