December 13, 2023 City Council Meeting

Public comments included appreciation for grassroots community efforts and human rights award recipients, advocacy for food foresting and environmental sustainability, and concerns regarding the homelessness crisis, crime, and accountability within the community. An incident involving a shelter worker being fired for sharing information about a criminal was also raised.

• A warrant has been issued by the District Attorney for the intruder at the Airbnb.
• The Police Cadet graduation will be held Thursday at 2 PM at Bethel Church, welcoming nine new recruits to the Police Department.
• The 48th annual police and fire chili supper is scheduled for January 25th, with all proceeds benefiting the Christmas store.
• The Weather Museum, located off Rock Creek Road, is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, offering tours on meteorology, history, and aviation.
• The Norman High School Aviation Academy and Norman Tech Center offer aviation programs, with a combined OU program for an associate's degree with a high school diploma coming next year.
• A new Council announcements page will be available on Friday city manager reports, providing links to individualized Ward announcements.
• Due to the Central Library closure, a bus route is available to the Westside Library, and a temporary route to the East Side Library is being established to manage overflow.
• The Oversight Committee meeting on Thursday, December 14th at 4 PM at City Hall will review the Homebase action plan for addressing homelessness, provide an emergency shelter update, and discuss interior improvements to 109 West Gray.
• The Aim Norman (Area Infrastructure and Master Plan) initiative is seeking resident feedback on monthly questions via aimnorman.com, with the next popup booth on Thursday, December 14th, from 7 AM to 9:30 AM at Yellow Dog Coffee (222 South Porter Avenue).
• The Andrews Park master plan, a long-range planning goal developed by citizens, is available for review and could help address stormwater runoff issues in that part of town.
• The new art piece 'Mechan 14' was unveiled last week at Reeves Park, funded by the voter-approved 1% for public art budget from the Norman Forward initiative.
• The Pioneer Library system has waived all late fees, encouraging residents to get a library card and continue using library services.
• The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meets monthly at 4 PM at City Hall (live-streamed) for updates on public transit and road construction, including a recent presentation on traffic control methodology.
• Council Members Schuler and Peacock will conduct a walking audit of West Lindsay Street (from Barry to McGee) on Sunday, from 12 PM to 1 PM, to identify improvements for walkability and accessibility.
• Lawrence McKinney, President and CEO of Norman Economic Development Coalition, received North America's Top 50 Economic Developer Award from Consultant Connect.