Meeting Summary
The City Council recognized the Norman Youth Council and held the second public hearing for the FYE 2025 budget. Several zoning and plat items were approved, including rezonings for a Brakes Plus and a Kia dealership. A contentious PUD amendment for an amphibious power sports business was postponed to allow the applicant to address non-compliance issues and neighbor concerns. Additionally, an ordinance removing parking requirements for smaller Accessory Dwelling Units in certain districts was adopted.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning 255 West Main Street (Brakes Plus)
01:46:00The council adopted an ordinance rezoning property at 255 West Main Street from Spud to C2 General Commercial District to allow for a new Brakes Plus facility.
Preliminary Plat for 2525 West Main Street (Brakes Plus)
01:48:00The preliminary plat for the replat of Saler Edition, associated with the Brakes Plus development, was approved.
PUD Amendment for 3766 East Robinson Street (Amphibious Power Sports)
02:29:00An ordinance to amend the PUD for 3766 East Robinson Street, proposing new buildings and driveway modifications, was postponed to June 25, 2024, to allow the applicant to address unpermitted construction, driveway variance, and neighbor concerns.
Rezoning 418 North Interstate Drive (Kia Dealership)
02:37:00The council adopted an ordinance rezoning property at 418 North Interstate Drive from PUD and C2 to Spud for the demolition and redevelopment of an existing Kia dealership.
Preliminary Plat for Sunar Kia of Norman
02:39:00The preliminary plat for Sunar Kia of Norman, related to the dealership redevelopment, was approved.
Closing Utility Easement (Kia Dealership)
02:41:00An ordinance closing a 17-foot utility easement on the west side of I-35 and North, associated with the Kia dealership project, was adopted.
Amending ADU Parking Requirements
02:54:00An ordinance amending the zoning ordinance to remove additional off-street parking requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units under 650 sq ft in R1 and R1A districts was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
OU Baseball Regional
Hosted in Norman, several collegiate teams.
Adidas Tournament at WFAC
Hosted over 200 teams from across the country for 3 days.
Behavioral Health Center at Porter Village Opening
Located at 506 Wellness Way, Ward 4. 48-bed facility, referrals accepted 24/7, accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, most private insurances.
Financial Matters
FYE 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets
Second public hearing held. Projected total revenues $307.4M, expenditures $297.9M. General Fund revenues $108.4M, expenditures $108.3M. Public Safety is largest expenditure.
Norman On-Demand Transit Program
Estimated cost for FY25 is $800,000, cost per rider $26.63, current charge $2. Suggestions to increase fare, seek contributions from OU and Norman Regional.
Crimson Flats Affordable Housing Project
City staff secured $14.5 million in competitive tax credits from Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) for a 75-unit affordable housing project (40 SRO units), accepting Section 8 vouchers.
Tiff District Discussion
Concern raised about a proposed $600 million Tiff district, its size compared to others in Oklahoma, and the reliance on sales tax. Call for due diligence and consideration of alternative scenarios.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics including the city budget, transit program finances, the Food and Shelter contract audit findings, the Norman Music Festival's economic impact, the importance of consistent rule application, and concerns about a proposed $600 million Tiff district.
Coming Up
Tabled
- PUD amendment for 3766 East Robinson Street (Amphibious Power Sports) postponed to June 25, 2024
Watch For
- Final budget meeting on June 4th at 2 PM at City Hall
- Tree ordinance presentation in July or August
- Internal Audit risk assessment and audit plan presentation by end of June
- Further discussion on Internal Audit Charter and policies in June/July
Announcements
- Applications for the Norman Youth Council are still being accepted to fill remaining seats.
- A youth council prep program will be offered this summer, including small tours of city departments.
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month; the Behavioral Health Center at Porter Village will open in June.
- City staff secured $14.5 million in tax credits for the Crimson Flats affordable housing project.
- The final city budget meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th, at 2 PM at City Hall.
- An update on the public transit system and discussions with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) regarding regional transit solutions (including rail) were held.
- Shannon Stevenson was introduced as Norman's first Assistant City Manager.
- The OU baseball team is hosting a regional tournament this weekend in Norman.
Agenda Summary
Discussion of Norman City boards, commissions, and committees
Review of city boards, commissions, and committees, including proposals for combining the Tree Board and Parks Board, codifying the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee, and changes to the Board of Adjustments and Election Commission. Council provided direction to staff to wait on Tree Board consolidation.
Discussion regarding establishing an internal audit Charter and policies
Presentation on the value and governance of internal audit, including key functions, benefits, and challenges. Council provided feedback on the draft charter and discussed future steps for codification and staffing.
Recognition of the 2023-24 Norman Youth Council
Recognition of 13 high school students who served on the Youth Council, with presentations on their experiences touring various city departments. A new advocacy project format was announced for the upcoming year.
Conducting and closing the second public hearing for the FYE 2025 city of Norman proposed operating and capital budgets
Presentation of the proposed budget, followed by public comments on various financial matters including transit, affordable housing, and Tiff districts. The budget will be considered for adoption on June 4th.
An ordinance rezoning property at 255 West Main Street from Spud simple planned unit development District to C2 General commercial District
Rezoning a portion of a property for the development of a new Brakes Plus facility, with the existing business remaining.
A preliminary plat for replat of saler Edition located at 2525 West Main Street
Approval of the preliminary plat associated with the Brakes Plus development.
An ordinance amending the planned unit development established in ordinance 02122 10 to amend the site plan and PUD narrative for the property located at 3766 East Robinson Street
Proposed amendment to an existing PUD to add two new buildings and modify a driveway for an amphibious power sports business. Concerns were raised regarding unpermitted construction, driveway design, and neighbor protests.
An ordinance rezoning property located at 418 North Interstate Drive from PUD plan unit development district and C2 General commercial District to Spud simple planned unit development District
Rezoning for the demolition and redevelopment of an existing Kia dealership, incorporating an adjacent undeveloped lot.
A preliminary plat for sunar Kia of Norman a simple planned unit development located at 418 North Interstate Drive
Approval of the preliminary plat for the new Kia dealership development.
An ordinance closing a 17 foot utility easement generally located on the west side of Interstate I35 and North
Closing a utility easement related to the Kia dealership redevelopment, with no objections from utility companies.
An ordinance amending definitions non-conforming uses and off street parking requirements in the zoning ordinance to remove parking requirements for accessory dwelling units were allowed to clarify applicability of Provisions to garage apartments nonconformity and to implement other language changes as consistent therewith
Amendment to the zoning ordinance to remove additional parking requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units under 650 sq ft in R1 and R1A districts, while requiring parking for larger ADUs in agricultural districts.