Meeting Summary
The City Council held a conference to discuss the future of the emergency low barrier shelter, exploring options for relocation, contract amendments, and potential new sites, but reached no immediate consensus on its closure. In the regular meeting, a proclamation for 'Water's Worth It' and 'Lakes Appreciation Month' was acknowledged, and a resolution and ordinance were adopted to allow a funeral home at 4300 West Indian Hills Road.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation of Water's Worth It and Lakes Appreciation Month
07:00Mayor proclaimed July 2024 as 'Water's Worth It' and 'Lakes Appreciation Month,' and July 21-27 as 'Love Your Lake Week' to promote water conservation and lake appreciation.
Land Use and Transportation Plan Amendment (4300 West Indian Hills Road)
38:40Resolution to remove part of Lot 1, Block 1 of Bridgeview United Methodist Church Edition from low density residential and place it in office designation to allow for a funeral home.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (4300 West Indian Hills Road)
42:00Ordinance to remove Lot 1, Block 1 of Bridgeview United Methodist Church Edition from R1 single family dwelling district with special use for a church and place it in the Spud simple planned unit development district for a funeral home.
Upcoming Community Events
Water's Worth It and Lakes Appreciation Month
Visit green.org and ltw.org for educational events.
Love Your Lake Week
Details available on the green.org website.
Second Friday Artwalk
Walker Arts District in downtown Norman.
Grand opening of new Norman Emergency Operations and Communications Center
East Robinson.
Ribbon cutting for Norman Regional Hospital Health Plex Expansion Project
West Side.
International Non-Binary People's Day
Non-Binary Awareness Week
Financial Matters
Combined sales tax and use tax growth projection
Projected to grow at 2.9% for FY2025.
Expenses growth projection
Projected to grow at 3.9% for FY2025.
Funds spent on current emergency shelter
Total amount spent on the emergency shelter to date.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the emergency shelter, with strong opposition to its closure without a viable alternative, citing concerns about heat-related deaths and increased homelessness. Speakers also criticized the lack of a permanent shelter solution, questioned the shelter's effectiveness, and raised issues about the proposed TIF district for the OU Entertainment District. Some comments also touched on the perceived burden of homelessness on police and the community.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Appraisal on Carter Street property by July 15th
- Norman Emergency Operations and Communications Center grand opening: July 18th, 2 PM
- Norman Regional Hospital Health Plex Expansion Project ribbon cutting: July 19th, 2 PM
- Love Your Lake Week: July 21st-27th
- Discussion on Carter property appraisal: July 23rd
- State camping ban goes into effect: November 1st
Watch For
- Updates on potential lease of the former gymnasium on Griffin campus for a temporary shelter
- Development ideas for Grey Street parcels (mixed-use/residential)
- Potential permanent shelter location on Griffin land
- Discussions with Norman Regional about a sobering center
- Amended operating agreement for the current shelter (late July/early August)
- Community outreach to neighborhoods around Griffin property
- Discussion on single room occupancy (SRO) development
Announcements
- Council Member Holman is responding to messages about the shelter.
- Council Member Holman thanked former seatmate Council Member Peacock.
- Officer Casey Mallister won the law enforcement division of the 2024 Global CrossFit competition.
- Reminder about the City's Action Center (405-366-5396, action.center@normanok.gov, normanok.gov/government/contact-city/action-center).
- FY2025 budget projections: combined sales tax and use tax to grow at 2.9%, expenses at 3.9%.
- Parks and Recreation received compliments for the Fourth of July celebration fireworks display.
- Council Member Grant was sworn in for another two-year term, noting hyper-local campaign spending.
- Council Member Grant thanked former council member Lee Hall for mentorship and family for support (including stocking the downtown Pantry).
- International Non-Binary People's Day is July 14th, during Non-Binary Awareness Week (July 8-14).
- Council Member Dixon thanked voters and family.
- New voter-approved Norman Emergency Operations and Communications Center grand opening on July 18th at 2 PM on East Robinson.
- Ribbon cutting for the Norman Regional Hospital Health Plex Expansion Project on July 19th at 2 PM.
- Council Member Holman reflected on 11 years of service, noting high council member turnover (average 1.47 terms).
- Council Member Nash thanked family, noted Ward 8's participation in Citizens Academy, praised Firecracker 5K.
- Mama Brenda (staff) has a new grandbaby.
- Ward 8 email address is ward8@normanok.gov.
Agenda Summary
Discussion of amendments to the contract between Food and Shelter and the city to operate an emergency low barrier shelter known as a Friend's House
Discussion regarding the future of the emergency shelter, including potential contract amendments, exploration of new locations (Griffin property, Carter Street, Norman Regional Hospital), and an RFP for the current Grey Street site.
Consent Docket (Items 2 through 24)
Approval of routine administrative and operational items.
Resolution R-2324-147 of the Council of the city of Norman amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan so as to remove part of lot one block one of bridge view United Methodist Church Edition from low density residential designation and place it in the in the office designation
Amending the land use plan for 4300 West Indian Hills Road to change designation from low density residential to office for a funeral home.
Ordinance O-2324-53 upon second and final reading amending section 36201 of the code of the city of Norman so that as to remove lot one block one of bridge view United Methodist Church Edition from the R1 single family dwelling district with special use for a church and place same in the in the Spud simple planned unit development district and providing for the several ability thereof
Amending the zoning code for 4300 West Indian Hills Road to change from R1 with special use for a church to Spud simple planned unit development district for a funeral home.