Meeting Summary
The City Council received an extensive update on the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement recommendations, highlighting progress in reducing emissions and outlining future sustainability goals. Several zoning and special use permits were approved, including a multi-family development and a special use permit for a car wash to sell wine and beer. Public comments raised significant concerns about homelessness, crime, and the impact of rising rents on local businesses and residents.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning 463 Elm Avenue
53:00Approved rezoning from R1 to Spud, allowing a four-bedroom unit (no Airbnb) and a three-bedroom unit (Airbnb allowed), with the condition that the four-bedroom unit would not be used as an Airbnb.
Land Use Plan Amendment for 2281 36th Avenue NW
59:00Amended the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to change the designation of 2281 36th Avenue Northwest from commercial to high-density residential, facilitating a 36-unit multi-family project.
Rezoning 2281 36th Avenue NW
01:02:00Approved rezoning from C1 local commercial to Spud for a 36-unit multi-family project, incorporating additional trees and a revised unit mix including one-bedroom units.
Alley Closure and Easements for 2281 36th Avenue NW
01:04:00Approved closing a portion of a platted alley and accepting easements to create a new alley path, necessary for the parking layout of the multi-family project at 2281 36th Avenue NW.
Special Use Permit for 1235 West Main Street
01:14:00Granted a special use permit to Cruising Car Wash to allow the sale of wine and beer, with conditions including limitations on hours and a company policy for a two-drink maximum.
Upcoming Community Events
48th Annual Chili Supper
Benefiting the Cleveland County Christmas Store, held at Norman High at 5:30 p.m.
League of Women Voters City Council Forum
Held in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.
Norman School Board Election
Absentee in-person voting available February 9-10 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) at the Cleveland County Election Board.
Art Walk
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Norman Mardi Gras Parade
Downtown Norman at 7 p.m. (night parade), theme is 'Dancing with Dragons', celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Community Planning and Transportation Committee Meeting
Held at City Hall at 4 p.m. (occurs on the 4th Thursday of every month).
Red Dirt Collector Mutual Aid Fair
Held at Irving Middle School.
Election Day for Even-Numbered Wards
Local elections, emphasizing the importance of every vote.
Norman High Black Student Union Showcase
To showcase black culture and diversity, inviting schools from the metro area and the Divine 9, free to the community.
Financial Matters
Electric bill for Trey Young Family Athletic Center
Authorized monthly expenditure for the electric bill.
Equipment and furniture for Trey Young Family Athletic Center
Authorized expenditure for equipment and furniture.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed concerns about the withdrawn Item 26 (Hutner Drive property) for an unhoused shelter, citing unsuitable location and cost. Several speakers detailed rising crime rates, particularly related to the homeless population, and shared personal experiences of nuisance properties, drug activity, and safety concerns. There were also comments on the impact of rising rents on local businesses and the overall financial health of the city, with criticism directed at spending on projects like the Trey Young Family Athletic Center over infrastructure.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- January 29th: Last day to request an absentee ballot to vote in the February 13th City Council election for even wards.
- January 29th: Budget requests for Ward 4 can be sent to W4@normanok.gov.
Watch For
- The Chief of Police is scheduled to speak next month regarding the 2023 crime review.
- The Airbnb ordinance will be revisited by the council.
- A decision is expected soon from ACOG regarding a grant for three additional EV chargers.
- A solar initiative is planned for Norman.
- Changes are anticipated regarding apartment and business recycling opportunities.
- The update to the forestry master plan and community forest management plan is underway and expected to be met within the next year.
- Bee classes are scheduled to begin this spring.
Announcements
- Item 26, the purchase of property on Hutner Drive, has been withdrawn by staff.
- Safety tips from Chief King and Chief Foster were shared, including signing up for emergency weather alerts, protecting from extreme elements, and ensuring animal safety.
- Sheri Duncan and Nick Lillard from the Norman Arts Council were recognized.
- The Mayor thanked staff and employees for their diligent work during the recent ice event.
Agenda Summary
Review and Update of Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement Recommendations
Presentation on the review and update of the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, covering greenhouse gas emissions, land policies, alternative transportation, renewable energy, sustainable building practices, municipal fleet vehicles, water/wastewater efficiencies, recycling, and healthy urban ecosystems.
Approval of the City Council Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting minutes of March 24, 2022
Approval of past meeting minutes.
Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma proclaiming the month of February 2024 as Black History Month
Official proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 463 Elm Avenue from R1 single family dwelling District to Spud simple planned unit development District (Second Reading)
Rezoning property to allow a four-bedroom unit (no Airbnb) and a three-bedroom unit (Airbnb allowed), with changes from previous proposal to remove Airbnb status from the four-bedroom unit.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 463 Elm Avenue from R1 single family dwelling District to Spud simple planned unit development District (Final Reading)
Final adoption of the rezoning ordinance for 463 Elm Avenue.
Resolution amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to remove property located at 2281 36th Avenue Northwest from commercial designation and place the same in high density residential designation
Amending the land use plan for a 36-unit multi-family project, changing designation from commercial to high-density residential.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 2281 36th Avenue Northwest from C1 local commercial District to Spud simple planned unit development District (Second Reading)
Rezoning property for a 36-unit multi-family project.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 2281 36th Avenue Northwest from C1 local commercial District to Spud simple planned unit development District (Final Reading)
Final adoption of the rezoning ordinance for 2281 36th Avenue Northwest.
Ordinance closing a portion of a platted alley in Lots four and five AKA lot 5A block one Prairie Creek Edition and acceptance of easements accommodating A New Path for the alley (Second Reading)
Closing a portion of an alley and accepting easements to create a new path for the alley, accommodating parking for a multi-family project.
Ordinance closing a portion of a platted alley in Lots four and five AKA lot 5A block one Prairie Creek Edition and acceptance of easements accommodating A New Path for the alley (Final Reading)
Final adoption of the ordinance closing an alley portion and accepting easements.
Ordinance granting special use for a bar lounge or Tavern in C2 General commercial district for property located at 1235 West Main Street (Second Reading)
Granting a special use permit to Cruising Car Wash to allow the sale of wine and beer.
Ordinance granting special use for a bar lounge or Tavern in C2 General commercial district for property located at 1235 West Main Street (Final Reading)
Final adoption of the ordinance granting special use permit for 1235 West Main Street.