Meeting Summary
The City Council held a special session to discuss the future of the Lindsay Water Tower, ultimately deciding to solicit bids for both demolition and rehabilitation/painting options before making a final decision. During the regular session, the Council adopted an ordinance to establish a film permit and associated fees for film and television production events. Additionally, a resolution for a land use plan amendment and related zoning changes for a property on North Porter Avenue was postponed for further review.
Key Decisions & Votes
Film or Television Production Event Ordinance
1:56:40Ordinance 02324 45 was adopted on second and final reading, establishing a film permit and associated fees for film and television production events, and allowing for limited street closures.
Preliminary Plat for Hall Brook Edition
2:02:40The preliminary plat for Hall Brook Edition, located at the southwest corner of East Rock Creek Road and 24th Avenue Northeast, was approved.
Land Use Plan Amendment (1720 North Porter Avenue)
1:59:30A resolution to amend the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan for property at 1720 North Porter Avenue, along with related zoning changes, was postponed to the March 26, 2024, council meeting for further review and negotiation of site plan details.
Upcoming Community Events
Art Walk
OU student-led teaching style event
Annual Art One Art Event
Theme: Area 51, bid on art for auction, purchase tickets via Norman arts.org
Ward 3 Town Hall
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Westside Library (300 Norman Center Court)
Coffee with Council
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at the Chamber of Commerce building
Disability Resource Fair
Held at The Well
Financial Matters
Lindsay Water Tower Demolition
Estimated cost to demolish the Lindsay Water Tower.
Lindsay Water Tower Exterior Painting
Estimated cost to paint the exterior of the Lindsay Water Tower to serve as a monument/billboard.
OU Logo Contribution
Estimated contribution from OU for placing logos on the water tower.
General Fund Contribution for Water Tower Painting
Potential contribution from the general fund to cover the difference between painting cost and NUA's demolition cost.
Film Permit Fee (4-15 production days)
Fee for film or television production events lasting 4 to 15 production days.
Film Permit Fee (16+ production days)
Fee for film or television production events lasting 16 or more production days.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics including the inaccessibility of City Hall bathrooms, the urgent need for more housing and resources for unhoused individuals in Norman, the ongoing plans for the OU Arena 2.0 and its financing, the importance of proper breathing techniques for health, and concerns about the lack of affordable housing development in Norman.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution amending Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan (Item 19) postponed to March 26, 2024.
- Related rezoning and preliminary plat items (20 and 21) postponed to March 26, 2024.
- Final decision on Lindsay Water Tower (demolition vs. painting) postponed until bids are received and reviewed.
Deadlines
- Strongest Town competition voting (Norman vs. Davis, CA)
- Big Trash Day: Monday polycart service (April 6th)
- Big Trash Day: Tuesday polycart service (April 13th)
- Big Trash Day: Thursday polycart service (April 27th)
- Big Trash Day: Friday polycart service (May 4th)
- E-waste collection event: First week of May (May 4th)
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting: March 28th at 4 PM at City Hall (monthly report on public transit, road construction updates, traffic collisions, Highway 9 safety)
- Oversight Committee meeting: Second Thursday of every month at 4 PM (emergency shelter update, Cleveland County Health Department presentation on 'Shred the Stigma', parking requirements for ADUs)
- Coffee with Council: Tomorrow morning from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at the Chamber of Commerce building
Watch For
- Water reuse project (potential for federal funding)
- OU Arena 2.0 building plans and TIF financing program (expected to come before council in May/July)
- OEC deal (potential for renegotiation)
Announcements
- Norman native Christopher Bell won a NASCAR race in Phoenix.
- Norman resident and musician AJ Harvey appeared on The Voice, advancing in the competition.
- Taylor Johnson and Embark public transit staff were recognized for their service and increasing ridership.
- The passing of Miss Morray Quinn, a former Norman High leadership teacher and community figure, was announced.
- Information on city resources (Norman News, city manager updates, emergency alerts, social media) is available in utility bills and via a QR code.
- The Strongest Town competition is in its second round, with Norman competing against Davis, California.
- A downtown business owner reported a customer with children being hit by a car in a crosswalk.
- Ward 4 residents and business owners are calling for a ceasefire resolution.
- Visit Norman website lists many local events, including the annual Art One Art event on March 23rd with an 'Area 51' theme.
- The start of Ramadan was noted.
- A disability resource fair was held at The Well.
- City Hall women's bathroom accessibility was raised as a concern.
Agenda Summary
Lindsay Water Tower Discussion
Discussion regarding the future of the Lindsay Water Tower, including options for rehabilitation for recycled water, potable water service, demolition, or preservation as a monument. Financial analysis indicated demolition as the most cost-effective for the utility.
Consideration of Adjournment into Executive Session
To discuss the possible purchase of real property located at 601 South Carter Avenue.
Proclamation: Public Transit Professional Appreciation Day
Proclaiming March 18, 2024, as Public Transit Professional Appreciation Day in the City of Norman.
Council Announcements
Council members shared various community updates, recognitions, and upcoming event information.
Consent Docket (Items 2-18)
Routine agenda items grouped for approval by a single motion.
Resolution amending Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan (1720 North Porter Avenue)
Amending the land use plan to change the designation of property at 1720 North Porter Avenue from low-density residential to office, to allow for a medical facility.
Ordinance 02324 45: Amending Special Events to include Film or Television Production Event
Establishing a film permit and associated fees for film/television production events, allowing for complete street closures for limited durations, and making grammar/formatting corrections.
Preliminary Plat for Hall Brook Edition
Preliminary plat approval for Hall Brook Edition, generally located at the southwest corner of East Rock Creek Road and 24th Avenue Northeast.
Miscellaneous Comments
Opportunity for citizens to address the City Council on various topics.