Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed and received an update on the microtransit pilot program, with a consensus to expand service to the west side and continue the program for another year. A public hearing was held, and a resolution was adopted to declare a property on Wood Crest Creek Drive a public nuisance, ordering city services to be disconnected. Additionally, the Council approved the issuance of $16 million in General Obligation Bonds for bridge repairs and rejected a contract to purchase property on Hutner Drive for a potential future shelter or services.
Key Decisions & Votes
Adjournment to Executive Session
00:59The Council voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss pending class action litigation related to PFAS contamination.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
01:03Minutes from various City Council and committee meetings were approved unanimously.
Acknowledgement of Earth Day and Green Norman Eco Month Proclamation
01:09The Council acknowledged receipt of a proclamation designating April 22, 2024, as Earth Day and March 22 through May 19, 2024, as Green Norman Eco Month.
Public Nuisance Abatement at 3104 Wood Crest Creek Drive
02:49Following a public hearing and police presentation detailing extensive illegal activities and disturbances, the Council adopted a resolution declaring the property a public nuisance and ordering city services disconnected for six months.
Awarding Bid for $16 Million General Obligation Bonds Series 2024A
02:50The Council accepted bids and awarded the purchase of $16 million in General Obligation Bonds for bridge projects to Robert W. Baird and Company, the lowest bidder.
Ordinance for Issuance of $16 Million General Obligation Bonds (Second Reading)
03:00The ordinance providing for the issuance of $16 million in General Obligation Bonds for bridge projects was adopted on its second reading.
Approval of Emergency Section 10 for Bond Ordinance
03:04The emergency section of the bond ordinance was approved, allowing for immediate action due to fluctuating bond market conditions.
Ordinance for Issuance of $16 Million General Obligation Bonds (Final Reading)
03:06The ordinance for the issuance of $16 million in General Obligation Bonds was adopted on its final reading.
Rezoning 305 East Boyd Street
03:09An ordinance to rezone property at 305 East Boyd Street from Center City Form Based Code to Center City Planned Unit Development was adopted unanimously, allowing for a three-story townhome project with commercial adaptability.
Rezoning 221 East Boyd Street
03:22An ordinance to rezone property at 221 East Boyd Street from Center City Form Based Code to Center City Planned Unit Development was adopted unanimously, for a companion three-story townhome project.
Contract for Purchase of Property at 5451 Hutner Drive
03:26A contract to purchase 6.17 acres of undeveloped property on Hutner Drive for $940,000, intended for a potential future shelter or services, was rejected by a vote of 2-7.
Upcoming Community Events
Mural Dedication
6:00 PM at the Firehouse Art Center
Candlelight Vigil for Nex Benedict
Andrews Park
OU Indigenous Student-Led Walkout / March for Rights / March for Nex Benedict
12:00 PM, from Seed Sower statue on South Oval to Andrews Park
Second Friday Art Walk
Walker Arts District (Downtown Norman)
Municipal Court Ribbon Cutting
3:00 PM at the new Municipal Court building (Building A)
Young Family Athletic Center (WFAC) Official Opening
AIM Popup Shop (Land Use Plan Input)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Truman Elementary (600 Parksite Road)
Green Norman Eco Month
Free activities at various locations throughout the city
Earth Day Festival
Noon to 5:00 PM at Reeves Park
Earth Day
Star Wars Day Electronics Waste Collection Event
Reeves Park
Financial Matters
Microtransit Pilot Program Contract
Initial contract amount with Via Transportation was $640,000. OU contributed $121,000 for extended Safe Ride hours and additional vehicles. Proposed expansion through August 2024 would cost an additional $51,000, or $102,000 for a 'Premier' service with an added vehicle.
Microtransit Fares Collected
Revenue collected from microtransit fares since September/October 2023.
General Obligation Bonds Series 2024A
Awarding of the bid for $16 million in General Obligation Bonds for bridge repair and replacement, with Robert W. Baird and Company as the lowest bidder at a 3.4% interest rate. This is the first tranche of a $50 million voter-approved program.
Contract for Property Purchase at 5451 Hutner Drive
Consideration of a contract to purchase 6.17 acres of undeveloped property for a potential future shelter or services. The property was listed for $1 million and appraised at $940,000. The proposal included a $25,000 earnest money deposit.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two major items: the public nuisance property on Wood Crest Creek Drive and the proposed purchase of property on Hutner Drive. Residents near Wood Crest Creek Drive expressed severe safety concerns due to ongoing drug activity, violence, and disturbances, strongly advocating for abatement. Regarding the Hutner Drive property, most speakers opposed the purchase, citing concerns about fiscal responsibility, the remote location's unsuitability for a homeless shelter due to lack of services and transportation, potential negative impacts on nearby businesses and children's safety, and a perceived lack of transparency and comprehensive planning from the city. Other themes included low voter turnout, potential conflicts of interest, and general concerns about crime and homelessness in the community.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Voting for Strongest Town March Madness starts March 4th
- Special election for OG&E franchise agreement and presidential primary preference on March 5th
- Early voting for March 5th election: February 29th, March 1st (8 AM-6 PM), March 2nd (8 AM-2 PM)
- Ribbon cutting for new Municipal Court on March 8th at 3:00 PM
- WFAC (Young Family Athletic Center) officially opens March 11th
- AIM popup shop for land use plan input on March 11th, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM at Truman Elementary
- Community workshops for 'A Norman' parks, recreation, and open space question run until March 14th
- Earth Day Festival at Reeves Park on April 21st
- Earth Day on April 22nd
- Norman Public School Board seat for Ward 3 election on April 2nd
- Ward 2 election runoff on April 2nd
- Star Wars Day Electronics waste collection event at Reeves Park on May 4th
- Green Norman Eco Month concludes May 19th
- Microtransit pilot program initial contract ends August 21st, 2024
Watch For
- Discussion on continuing microtransit service for another year and exploring partnership with More Norman Tech
- Revisiting discussion on City Council meeting time change at the next Council Retreat
- Future phases of Reeves Park improvements
- Updates on the Griffin property and its potential uses
- Development of software for Embark Plus to become a more on-demand system
- Potential for other land options for permanent supportive housing or affordable housing solutions
Announcements
- Norman will be one of 16 cities in the Strongest Town March Madness bracket, with voting starting March 4th.
- A mural dedication will take place tomorrow, February 28th, at 6:00 PM at the Firehouse Art Center.
- Reeves Park's Kids Space playground, 25 years old, is experiencing issues due to age, with planning underway for replacement and improvements.
- The adult softball league in Norman is run by the Optimus Club, not the city, with hopes for its continuation.
- The Young Family Athletic Center (WFAC) had its ribbon cutting last week and officially opens March 11th, with ample parking available in nearby lots.
- A ribbon cutting for the new Municipal Court will be held on March 8th at 3:00 PM, featuring a dedicated juvenile courtroom.
- The Community Planning and Transportation (CPNT) committee meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 4:00 PM, providing updates on public transit, sidewalks, and road construction.
- Volunteers are needed for the Human Rights Commission, with three current vacancies; applications are available at normanok.gov or City Hall.
- A candlelight vigil for Nex Benedict took place on February 24th at Andrews Park.
- An OU Indigenous student-led walkout and March for Rights/Nex Benedict will occur on February 28th at 12:00 PM, starting at the Seed Sower statue.
- The Second Friday Art Walk in the Walker Arts District (downtown Norman) is scheduled for March 8th.
- A special election for the OG&E franchise agreement and presidential primary preference is scheduled for Super Tuesday, March 5th, with early voting available.
- The Norman Public School Board seat for Ward 3 will have an election on April 2nd.
- An AIM popup shop for input on the land use plan will be held at Truman Elementary on March 11th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
- A town hall for Ward 3 is planned for April.
- The Ward 2 election runoff will be on April 2nd.
- A new 'A Norman' question about parks, recreation, and open space was recently posted on a norman.com, with community workshop opportunities until March 14th.
Agenda Summary
Update and discussion of the microtransit pilot program
Presentation and discussion on the progress, ridership data, financial aspects, and potential expansion of the microtransit pilot program, including its partnership with OU Safe Ride.
Discussion regarding time change for City Council meetings
Discussion among council members about potentially changing the regular meeting time from 6:30 PM to an earlier slot, considering staff and public accessibility.
Consideration of adjournment into executive session
Consideration to adjourn into executive session to discuss pending class action litigation against 3M Company and EI Dupont de Nemours and Company involving PFAS contamination.
Approval of minutes
Approval of minutes from the City Council Oversight Committee meeting of February 2, 2022, City Council Special Meeting minutes of October 31, 2023, November 21, 2023, and December 19, 2023, and the City Council Finance Committee meetings of February 15, 2024.
Presentation of a civilian service medal and certificate to Christy Stubs
Presentation recognizing Christy Stubs for her outstanding performance and teamwork with the Norman Police Department in a cardiac arrest incident.
Proclamation proclaiming Monday, April 22, 2024, as Earth Day and March 22 through May 19, 2024, as Green Norman Eco Month
A proclamation by the Mayor recognizing Earth Day and Green Norman Eco Month, highlighting environmental awareness and related community events.
Resolution for abatement or condemnation of 3104 Wood Crest Creek Drive as a public nuisance
A public hearing to determine appropriate action for abatement or condemnation of the property at 3104 Wood Crest Creek Drive due to numerous police calls, illegal activities, and health/safety violations, with an order to disconnect city services.
Awarding of the bid for the purchase of $16 million General Obligation Bonds Series 2024A
Awarding the bid for the first tranche of voter-approved bridge bonds to Robert W. Baird and Company as the lowest and best bidder.
Ordinance providing for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2024A
An ordinance detailing the issuance of $16 million in General Obligation Bonds, including provisions for tax levy, registration, and other financial details, and declaring an emergency.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 305 East Boyd Street
Rezoning property at 305 East Boyd Street from Center City Form Based Code (CCFB) to Center City Planned Unit Development (CCPUD) for a three-story townhome project with commercial adaptability.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 221 East Boyd Street
Rezoning property at 221 East Boyd Street from Center City Form Based Code (CCFB) to Center City Planned Unit Development (CCPUD) for a three-story townhome project, companion to 305 East Boyd Street.
Contract for purchase of property located at 5451 Hutner Drive
Consideration of a contract to purchase 6.17 acres of undeveloped property at 5451 Hutner Drive for $940,000, with potential future uses including a shelter or other services.