Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed survey results for a potential bridge bond program, reaching a consensus to move forward with a 10-year, $50 million bond for an October 10th election. Several ordinances were adopted, including rezoning for a new apartment complex, expanding the Visit Norman board, and renewing the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company's franchise, which will be put to a public vote. The meeting also included the swearing-in of a new council member and recognition of outstanding city employees.
Key Decisions & Votes
Bridge Bond Program
N/ACouncil reached a consensus to move forward with a 10-year, $50 million bond program for bridge maintenance, with an election targeted for October 10th.
Rezoning 101 West Sims
N/AAn ordinance was adopted to rezone 101 West Sims, allowing for a four-story apartment complex oriented towards James Garner Boulevard, with provisions for future commercial space on the ground floor.
Domerica Edition Preliminary Plan
N/AThe preliminary plan for the Domerica Edition at 3360 South Classen Boulevard was approved, allowing a commercial development to proceed with established stormwater and traffic impact fee provisions.
Visit Norman Board Expansion
N/AAn ordinance was adopted to increase the number of voting board members for the Convention and Tourism Development Funds (Visit Norman) from 13 to 19, to include additional representatives from the sports industry.
Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Franchise Renewal
N/AAn ordinance was adopted to grant Oklahoma Natural Gas Company a 25-year franchise renewal, which will be submitted to the qualified voters of the city in a special election on September 12, 2023.
Special Election for ONG Franchise
N/AA resolution was adopted to notify the Cleveland County election board of a special election on September 12, 2023, for the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company franchise renewal.
Repealing Public Arts Program Ordinance
N/AAn ordinance was adopted, as amended, to repeal Article 2 2 1 1-2, which established the Public Arts Board. Its functions will now be managed by a committee under the Norman Arts Council to improve efficiency and community involvement.
Upcoming Community Events
Lake Thunderbird Watershed Alliance Rain Garden workshop
Cleveland County extension office
City of Norman Rain Chain workshop
Central Library
Central Library Story Time (water themed)
City of Norman workshop and cleanup
Central Library
Lake Thunderbird Watershed Alliance Love Your Lakes, Bugs, and Fishes event
One Norman town hall meeting (Vision for Norman first draft)
6 PM at the Nancy O'Brien Center for the Performing Arts
Second Friday Art Walk
Downtown Norman
Financial Matters
Bridge Bond Program
Consideration of a 10-year, $50 million bond program or a 5-year, $20 million bond program for bridge maintenance. Consensus was reached for the 10-year, $50 million option.
Nextera Energy Transmission Southwest Easement Compensation
Compensation for an easement on city property for the Draper Pleasant Valley Minko transmission line project.
Nextera Energy Transmission Southwest Lay Down Yard Lease
Lease for a short-term lay down yard for construction materials and activities.
Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Franchise Revenue
Annual revenue generated for the city through the natural gas franchise.
Friends House Funding
Monthly funding for the Friends House shelter, with a breakdown for safety/security and direct homeless assistance.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on concerns about crime and safety, particularly related to the unhoused population in downtown Norman, with specific anecdotes of incidents and calls for increased police presence and accountability. Other comments addressed the length of the 25-year franchise agreements (for ONG and in comparison to OG&E), the expansion of the Visit Norman board and its implications for arts vs. sports funding, and the importance of permaculture design principles in development.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Amendment to the Nextera Energy road use agreement and a right-of-way agreement will be on a future agenda, possibly July 25th or August.
Deadlines
- First reading for the bridge bond ballot ordinance on July 25th, with a hearing on August 8th.
- Special election for the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company franchise on September 12, 2023.
Watch For
- One Norman town hall meeting on July 12th at 6 PM at the Nancy O'Brien Center for the Performing Arts to present the first draft of the Vision for Norman.
- Creation of a mural program for the city.
- Installation of a large mural and a rotating gallery of Norman artists in the new Development Center.
Announcements
- Thanks extended for the Fourth of July events and festivities.
- Welcome back to Councilmember Michael Nash.
- Welcome to Councilmember Montoya.
- Congratulations to Stephen Hardiman for his Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Reminder about the Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Norman.
- Council Retreat scheduled for next month (August) to discuss priorities.
- Committee meetings will resume in August.
- Councilmember Schuler announced she will be unplugging for a week for her honeymoon.
Agenda Summary
Administering of the oath office and seating of council member elect Michael Nash Ward 5
Michael Nash was sworn in as the new council member for Ward 5.
Resolution of the council commending and recognizing city of Norman employees
Resolution recognizing city employees Janita Hatley Factor, Stephen Hardiman, Taylor Johnson, Cindy Robbins, and Brett Scoville for their awards and exemplary service.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of July 2023 is Water's Worth It Month
A proclamation by the mayor declaring July as 'Water's Worth It Month' to promote water awareness and conservation.
Consent Docket (Items 4-40)
Approval of routine agenda items.
Ordinance 02223 rezoning property located Sims from the center city form-based code and place the same in the center city planned unit development
Rezoning 101 West Sims to allow for a four-story apartment complex, orienting the building towards James Garner Boulevard.
Preliminary plan for the Domerica Edition generally located at 3360 South Classen Boulevard
Approval of an expired preliminary plat for a commercial development, maintaining previous design and stormwater detention plans.
Ordinance 0222352 increasing the number of voting board members to the recipient entity of the convention and tourism development funds from 13 to 19
Expansion of the Visit Norman board to include additional representatives from the sports industry, aligning with the new sports commission funding.
Ordinance 0222353 granting Oklahoma Natural Gas Company a franchise for a period of 25 years
Renewal of a non-exclusive franchise for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company to operate within the city, subject to a public vote.
Resolution giving the Secretary of Cleveland County election board notice of a special election to be held on September 12, 2023
Setting a special election date for the public to vote on the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company franchise renewal.
Ordinance 0222354 repealing Article 2 2 1 1-2 art and public places program
Repealing the ordinance establishing the Public Arts Board, transitioning its functions to a committee under the Norman Arts Council.