Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed and gave direction to prepare an ordinance for a 3% increase in the city's guest tax to fund a sports commission and venue enhancements. They also approved the purchase of 4.85 acres of land for $525,000, intended for future affordable housing development. Additionally, regulations for carport construction were amended to reduce costs and administrative hurdles for residents.
Key Decisions & Votes
Guest Tax Increase Proposal
01:07:00Council gave clear direction to staff to prepare an ordinance for a 3% guest tax increase to be placed on a May ballot.
Land Use Plan Amendment for Student Housing
01:30:00Resolution 222354 was adopted, amending the Norman 2025 land use plan for property on Classen Boulevard to high-density residential for a student housing project.
Rezoning for Student Housing Project
01:31:00Ordinance 0-22317 was adopted on second and final reading, rezoning the Classen Boulevard property to PUD for the student housing development.
Preliminary Plan for The Verve Norman Edition
01:32:00The preliminary plan for The Verve Norman Edition, a 650-bed student housing project, was approved.
Carport Regulations Amendment
01:47:00Ordinance 22320 was adopted on second and final reading, amending regulations to simplify and reduce costs for carport construction.
Purchase of Land for Affordable Housing
02:07:00Contract K22-209 for the purchase of 4.85 acres for affordable housing was approved by a 5-2 vote. A six-month due diligence period will precede a final decision.
Financial Matters
Proposed Guest Tax Increase
A 3% increase in the guest tax (from 5% to 8%) is proposed, projected to generate an additional $1.05 million annually. The new revenue split would be 75% to Visit Norman (for a sports commission) and 25% to Arts.
Purchase of Land for Affordable Housing
Contract for the purchase of 4.85 acres at Oakhurst Avenue and Imhoff Road for future affordable housing development, utilizing ARPA and Home Grant funds.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the affordable housing land purchase. Some speakers expressed opposition, arguing that providing subsidized housing is not a municipal government's role and could lead to financial burdens. Others strongly supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, the use of specific federal funds, and the city's role in resident welfare. One speaker also discussed permaculture and a 'youthrone' system during miscellaneous comments.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- School bond election: February 14th
Watch For
- Ordinance for guest tax increase to be prepared for a May ballot, with first and second readings in February.
- Further discussions and decisions on the affordable housing land purchase after a 6-7 month due diligence period, including rezoning and developer partnerships.
Announcements
- Encouragement to support the upcoming school bond election for the benefit of Norman Public Schools.
- Highlighting the efforts of private citizens, human rights commissioners, and city staff for the Martin Luther King Interfaith breakfast.
- Highlighting the work of Norman Caravans in providing shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
- Thanks to the League of Women Voters for hosting the city council candidate forum.
Agenda Summary
Presentation from Dan Shem, Visit Norman
Regarding a proposed 3% increase in the city's guest tax to fund a sports commission and venue enhancements for Norman Forward facilities.
Consent Docket Items 1-17
Routine agenda items approved by unanimous consent.
Resolution 222354
Amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to change property on Classen Boulevard from commercial to high-density residential, excluding floodplain areas, for a student housing project.
Ordinance 0-22317
Rezoning property on the west side of Classen Boulevard from C2 General Commercial and A2 Rural Agricultural to PUD Planned Unit Development for a student housing project.
Preliminary Plan for The Verve Norman Edition
Approval of the preliminary plan for a five-story, 650-bed student housing development on Classen Boulevard.
Ordinance 22320
Amending regulations related to the construction of carports, moving them from Chapter 22 to Chapter 5 and simplifying requirements.
Contract K22-209 with CS Holding
Purchase of 4.85 acres located at the northeast corner of Oakhurst Avenue and Imhoff Road for affordable housing development.