Meeting Summary
The city council discussed the need for an additional $307,777 appropriation to purchase two new fire trucks due to rising costs and equipment needs. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the future of the homeless shelter at 109 West Gray Street, with council members suggesting an RFP for a new site and property appraisal before proceeding with renovations. The council also approved a major mixed-use development, Liberty Point Addition, which includes an RV luxury resort, through several land use, zoning, and platting ordinances.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket (Items 1-20)
01:20:40All routine agenda items on the consent docket were approved unanimously.
Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan Amendment (Liberty Point)
01:29:50A resolution was adopted to amend the land use and transportation plan for property east of US Highway 77, designating it for mixed-use and moving a portion into the current urban service area.
Rezoning of Liberty Point Property
01:38:30An ordinance was adopted on second and final reading to rezone property east of US Highway 77 from I1 Light Industrial District to PUD Planned Unit Development District for the Liberty Point project.
Closure of 24th Avenue Southeast Right-of-Way
01:45:00An ordinance was adopted on second and final reading to close 66 feet of 24th Avenue Southeast statutory right-of-way as part of the Liberty Point development plan.
Preliminary Plat for Liberty Point Addition
01:47:00The preliminary plat for the Liberty Point addition, a planned unit development, was approved.
NUA Contract for Liberty Point Lift Station Fee
01:50:00A contract between the Norman Utilities Authority and Wiggin's properties was approved, authorizing a monthly lift station fee for developed lots in the Liberty Point development.
Upcoming Community Events
Aim Norman Neighborhood Workshop
Lake View, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
MLK Interfaith Breakfast
Rescheduled from last month
30th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
Judged by council members
Financial Matters
Fire Apparatus Purchase
Seeking an additional appropriation for the purchase of two new fire trucks and loose equipment, supplementing the existing budget due to increased costs.
109 West Gray Street Renovations
Estimated cost for asbestos removal, fire suppression system installation, and basic interior build-out for the building currently housing a homeless shelter.
Liberty Point Lift Station Fee
Contract authorizing the collection of a monthly fee from developed lots in the Liberty Point development to cover the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of the Post Oak lift station.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns about the impending destruction of a homeless encampment and an invitation for council members to observe the eviction. Other comments criticized council meeting procedures, term limits, and alleged manipulation of citywide voting results, while also highlighting other major event center developments in the Oklahoma City metro area.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Election Day for even wards (polls close at 7 PM tonight)
- OG&E franchise agreement election (March 5th)
- Norman Public School Board District Four seat election (April 2nd)
Watch For
- Aim Norman neighborhood workshops (February 15th at Lake View, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, and additional dates in March)
- MLK Interfaith breakfast (This Saturday)
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting (Next Thursday, 4 PM, at City Hall and on YouTube)
- RFP for a permanent homeless shelter site selection and appraisal of 109 West Gray Street
- Fire truck delivery (estimated 40-42 months from order)
- Liberty Point development completion (estimated early summer 2025)
Announcements
- The Downtowner Association has released an in-depth questionnaire and survey on problems faced by downtown businesses and residents.
- Aim Norman is holding a series of workshops throughout the city, with the next one on February 15th at Lake View from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. More dates are available in March on the city website.
- Tonight is Election Night for even-numbered wards; polls close at 7 PM. Encouragement was given to all candidates and voters.
- Upcoming elections include the OG&E franchise agreement on March 5th and the Norman Public School Board District Four seat on April 2nd.
- AARP offers a free tax preparation assistance program called Tax-Aide for older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes, held at The Well. Appointments can be made by calling 405-292-7275.
- A warning was issued to protect against 'ghost tax preparers' who do not sign tax returns or provide a P10, and advice was given to verify credentials through the IRS directory.
- February is Black History Month; a reflection was shared on the life and impact of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, born February 8, 1924.
- The 30th annual Mardi Gras parade was held last Saturday, with Danza Esta awarded Best in Show.
- The City of Tulsa has selected City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma to operate a low-barrier shelter for the homeless, expected to serve 50-75 households.
- The MLK Interfaith breakfast, rescheduled from last month due to weather, will be held this Saturday.
- Council member Holman visited Kennedy, Reagan, Madison, and Norman High schools, noting significant changes and improvements.
- A reminder was given that every vote makes a difference in local elections, citing past close election results.
- Appreciation was expressed for all candidates running for office, acknowledging the commitment and challenges involved.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the purchase of fire trucks
Chief discussed the need for an additional $307,777 appropriation to cover the increased cost of two new fire apparatus and loose equipment, supplementing the existing $830,000 per apparatus budget.
Discussion regarding renovations to 109 West Gray Street
Council discussed potential renovations to the building currently housing a homeless shelter, including asbestos removal and fire suppression. The discussion leaned towards issuing an RFP for a new shelter site and appraising the current property before committing to renovations.
Consent Docket (Items 1-20)
Routine agenda items approved by unanimous consent.
Resolution amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan
Amending the plan to remove a portion of property east of US Highway 77 from mixed-use and low-density residential designation and place it in a mixed-use designation, and remove another portion from the future urban service area to the current urban service area, and remove from special planning area 7 designation (Liberty Point).
Ordinance rezoning property east of US Highway 77
Rezoning property east of US Highway 77, south of East Cedar Lane Road, and north of Post Oak Road from I1 Light Industrial District to PUD Planned Unit Development District (Liberty Point).
Ordinance closing 66 ft of 24th Avenue Southeast statutory right away
Closing a portion of 24th Avenue Southeast right-of-way as part of the Liberty Point development plan.
Preliminary plat for Liberty Point addition
Approval of the preliminary plat for the Liberty Point addition, a planned unit development.
Contract between the Norman Utilities Authority and Wiggin's properties
Authorizing collection of a monthly lift station fee from developed lots in the Liberty Point development for the operation, maintenance, and replacement of the Post Oak lift station.