Meeting Summary
The City Council held a conference to discuss the state's mental health crisis response system, including 988 and iPad deployment for officers, prompted by recent community tragedies. In the regular meeting, the Council approved land use changes for a mixed-use development and allocated $1.786 million in ARPA funds to 20 local non-profits as recommended by United Way of Norman.
Key Decisions & Votes
Land Use Plan Amendment (Item 23)
1:29:00The resolution to amend the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan was adopted, changing the designation of property north of Indian Hills Road and east of 48th Avenue Northwest to mixed-use.
Property Rezoning (Item 24)
1:30:30An ordinance rezoning property north of Indian Hills Road and east of 48th Avenue Northwest from R1 and Co districts to PUD (Planned Unit Development) District was adopted on its second and final reading.
Redlands Edition Preliminary Plat (Item 25)
1:32:00The preliminary plat for Redlands Edition, a planned unit development west of 36th Avenue Northwest on Indian Hills Road, was approved.
ARPA Fund Recommendations
1:47:00The recommendations from United Way of Norman for the allocation of ARPA funds to qualifying local non-profits were accepted.
ARPA Fund Contracts and Appropriations
1:50:00Contracts and subsequent budget appropriations for the allocation of ARPA funds to 20 local non-profits were approved.
Financial Matters
ARPA Funds Allocation
Allocation of $1,786,000 in federal stimulus funds to 20 local non-profits based on United Way of Norman's recommendations.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the city's response to mental health crises, particularly in light of recent deaths in detention. Speakers shared personal experiences with law enforcement interactions during mental health emergencies, criticized current protocols, and advocated for a city-run, unarmed mental health crisis response team. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of existing state and local services, the training of police officers, and the city's responsibility in providing mental healthcare. A few speakers also expressed gratitude for the ARPA fund allocations to non-profits.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Register to vote or update status by January 20th for the February 14th elections.
Watch For
- Future discussions on integrating the state's mental health crisis system with the City of Norman's services.
- Deployment of 46 iPads to Norman Police officers by March 1st, with policy development for their use.
Announcements
- Councilmember Schuler announced the OG&E franchise agreement election and sought volunteers for the Comprehensive Plan Committee and Strong Towns Committee.
- Councilmember Lynn shared personal news about starting a Master's in Divinity and launching a church for military and first responders.
- Councilmember Grant thanked Ward 4 residents for committee interest and encouraged others, especially those near schools or in ODOT, to apply.
- Councilmember Tortorello thanked Ward 5 members for committee interest and reminded citizens to vote.
- Councilmember Holman shared a personal story about moving from a historic house and requested volunteers for Habitat for Humanity to salvage materials. He also encouraged voter registration for upcoming elections.
- Mayor Heikila encouraged submitting resumes for committee applications and educating oneself on the February 14th elections.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding Mental Health crisis response
Presentation and discussion on the state's 988 system, mobile crisis teams, urgent recovery centers, and the deployment of iPads to Norman Police officers for mental health interventions.
Consent Docket Items 1-22
Routine administrative and operational items.
Consideration resolution r223-553 amending Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan
Amendment to remove property north of Indian Hills Road and east of 48th Avenue Northwest from low density residential and office designation to mixed-use designation.
Consideration 22 23 16 upon second and final reading an ordinance rezoning property
Rezoning property north of Indian Hills Road and east of 48th Avenue Northwest from R1 single family dwelling district and Co suburban office commercial district to PUD planned unit development district.
Preliminary for Redlands Edition
Approval of a preliminary plat for a planned unit development generally located west of 36th Avenue Northwest on the north side of Indian Hills Road.
Consideration of the recommendation from United Way of Norman to provide grants using the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds
Review and approval of United Way's recommendations for allocating $1,786,000 in ARPA funds to 20 qualifying local non-profits.
Approve contracts k-22388 through k223107 allocating arpa funds to non-profit recipients
Approval of contracts and subsequent budget appropriations for the allocation of ARPA funds to 20 local non-profits.