Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed the potential sale of the Grey Street property, currently housing a warming shelter, and directed staff to draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit development ideas. Key decisions included approving several financial and community development amendments, and adopting an ordinance to close a portion of the Daw Street right-of-way. Public comments focused on the arena proposal, conditions at the warming shelter, and local development issues.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
nullApproved the City Council Finance Committee minutes of March 21st, 2024.
Consent Docket
nullApproved items 4 through 20 on the consent docket.
FY20 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan Amendment
nullApproved Amendment Number Two to the FY20 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan, expanding the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative area.
Bethesda Contract Amendment and FY18 CDBG Action Plan Amendment
nullApproved Amendment One to the contract with Bethesda and Substantial Amendment Two to the FY18 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan, changing the use of $25,000 funds for Bethesda from property acquisition to equipment purchase.
Daw Street Right-of-Way Closure Ordinance
nullAdopted an ordinance closing a portion of the Daw Street right-of-way, which was part of the Porter Corridor project design.
Upcoming Community Events
Norman Job Fair
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Well Market Hall
Second Friday Art Walk
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Joint Neighborhood Cleanup
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, starting at Yellow Dog Coffee (Original Townsite & First Courthouse neighborhoods)
Ward 7 Big Trash Pickup
For most of Ward 7, check city website for allowed items.
Earth Day Festival
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Reeves Park (free, all ages, family/pet friendly, live music, vendors)
Ward 3 General Meeting
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Westside Library
Norman in the Know Event
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the City of Norman Development Center
Norman in the Know Event
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the City of Norman Development Center
Electronics Recycling Event
Andrews Park
Ward 4 & 7 Combined Meeting on ADUs
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Adult Wellness Education Center
Norman Music Festival
Aim Norman Meeting
6:00 PM at Kennedy Elementary School (Master Plan update input)
Financial Matters
Grey Street Property Appraisal
Appraisal of city-owned property in the 100 block of West Grey Street (three buildings and empty lot on north side, half-acre lot on south side).
Grey Street Property Purchase Price (2011)
Original purchase price of the Grey Street property for municipal purposes.
Asbestos Remediation Estimate
Estimated cost for asbestos removal from Grey Street buildings.
Building Demolition Estimate
Estimated cost for complete demolition of Grey Street buildings.
CDBG and HOME Program Funding (past 4 years)
Total Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds received by the community.
CDBG Program Funding (past 50 years)
Total CDBG funds received by Norman over 50 years, with an estimated economic impact.
Bethesda Contract Amendment
Change of use for awarded funds from property acquisition to purchase of equipment for Bethesda.
Public Comments
Citizens raised concerns regarding the CoAlign contract for the arena proposal, advocating for a comprehensive economic and fiscal impact analysis beyond loan qualification. Several speakers expressed strong opposition to the enforcement of an ordinance restricting prepared food distribution and the lack of refrigeration at the Gray Street warming shelter, citing humanitarian and practical issues. Other comments included suggestions for pedestrian lanes, non-smoking bars, and concerns about aggressive unhoused individuals and crime. There were also commendations for the police department and the council's willingness to listen to public input.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Drafting of an RFP for the sale of the Grey Street property.
- Discussions on a permanent shelter facility location.
- Regional Transit Authority question to voters in mid-2025.
- Further analysis on the CoAlign contract and arena proposal's economic and fiscal impact.
Announcements
- Ward 1 spring cleanup for Friday trash pickup routes is on May 3rd.
- An electronics recycling event will be held on May 4th at Andrews Park.
- Council members' role is to forward concerns and demand accountability, not to issue direct orders to city employees.
- Ward 3 will hold a general meeting on April 21st, 3-5 PM, at the Westside Library.
- Council Member Montoya will speak at the OU Price College of Business next Tuesday on business valuation and litigation support.
- A Norman Job Fair will take place on Wednesday, April 10th, 3-6 PM, at The Well Market Hall.
- The Second Friday Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, April 12th, 6-9 PM.
- A joint neighborhood cleanup for Original Townsite and First Courthouse neighborhoods will be on April 20th, 9 AM-12 PM, starting at Yellow Dog Coffee.
- Ward 7's big trash pickup day is Wednesday, April 20th; residents should check the city website for allowed items.
- The Medieval Fair was a successful event with perfect weather and large crowds, benefiting Reeves Park.
- The Earth Day Festival will be held on Sunday, April 21st, 12-5 PM, at Reeves Park, offering a free, family-friendly event with live music and vendors.
- An Aim Norman meeting for Master Plan update input is scheduled for Thursday at 6 PM at Kennedy Elementary School.
- April is Child Abuse Neglect Prevention Month; 812 children were abused or neglected in Cleveland County last year. The Exchange Club of Norman needs help, and blue lights on the Main Street Christmas tree represent these children.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the possible sale of property in the 100 block of West Brave Street
Presentation of appraisal results ($1.03 million vacant, $1.17 million improved) for city-owned property on Grey Street, purchased for $1.65 million in 2011. Discussion on issuing an RFP to solicit development proposals, considering the current warming shelter and potential use of funds for a new permanent shelter.
Consideration of adjournment into an executive session
To discuss possible litigation regarding the acquisition of Right-of-Way in connection with the 60th Avenue Northeast Bridge Project and mitigation in the case of Smith versus city of Cleveland County District Court.
Approval of the city council finance committee minutes of March 21st, 2024
Approval of the minutes from the previous City Council Finance Committee meeting.
A proclamation of the mayor of the city of Norman Oklahoma proclaiming the month of April 2024 is fair housing month in the city of Norman
Proclamation designating April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in Norman.
A proclamation of the mayor of the city of Norman Oklahoma proclaiming the week of April 8th through 12th 2024 is National Community Development week in the city of Norman
Proclamation designating April 8th-12th, 2024 as National Community Development Week in Norman.
Consent Docket (Items 4-20)
Approval of routine agenda items placed on the consent docket.
A public hearing for consideration of the amendment number two to the fy20 Community Development block grant action plan
Public hearing and consideration of an amendment to expand the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative area to include First Courthouse and Old Silk Stocking neighborhoods.
A public hearing regarding the amendment Amendment one to the contract with Bethesda along with substantial Amendment two to the fy18 Community Development block grant action plan
Public hearing and consideration of an amendment to change the use of $25,000 awarded to Bethesda from property acquisition to purchase of equipment.
An ordinance closing a portion of the Daw street right of way
Consideration of an ordinance to close a portion of the Daw Street right-of-way, which was part of the Porter Corridor project design.