Meeting Summary
The city council meeting included a presentation from the North Development Coalition on Norman's economic vision and challenges, emphasizing the need for a unified community vision and improved partnerships. The council recognized Norman Caravans with a Human Rights Award and Karen Chapman with an Environmental Excellence Award. A significant portion of the meeting involved public and council member discussions on the recent death of Shannon Hanchett in custody, leading to urgent calls for a study session and funding for a mobile mental health crisis response unit.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
01:04City Council study session minutes of September 6, 2022, and city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of September 13, 2022, and city council study session minutes of October 18, 2022 were approved.
2022 Human Rights Award
01:05Resolution 23-7-3 was adopted, awarding the 2022 city of Norman Human Rights Award to Norman Caravans for their work with the unhoused community.
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Award Presentation
01:09A motion was approved to allow the presentation of a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Environmental Excellence Award to Ms. Karen Chapman.
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Proclamation
01:16The proclamation of December 2022 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the city of Norman was acknowledged.
Consent Docket Approval
01:36Items 5 through 29, excluding item 24, were approved as part of the consent docket.
EV Charging Station Pricing Ordinance (Second Reading)
01:42Ordinance 0222319, empowering the city manager to set prices for city-owned EV charging stations, was adopted on second reading.
EV Charging Station Pricing Ordinance (Final Reading)
01:43Ordinance 0222319, empowering the city manager to set prices for city-owned EV charging stations, was adopted on final reading.
Upcoming Community Events
Ward 5 Mini Town Hall
Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church, discussing open meeting act lawsuits against OTA.
OG&E Franchise Agreement Election
Voter registration deadline is December 16th.
School Bond Election
Norman Public School System bond, includes funding for Oklahoma Aviation Academy.
Financial Matters
Incubator Funding
The city council previously voted to give $1 million for an incubator, with the county also contributing $1 million and NEDC investing $2.5 million in the Commerce building.
Call Center Incentive
The private sector (NEDC) provided an incentive to a call center to help renovate a facility, which aims to hire 770-800 people with an annual payroll of $30 million.
Oklahoma Aviation Academy Funding
The state provided $20 million for the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, contingent on the Norman Public School System passing a $32 million bond in February.
Mobile Crisis Response Unit Funds
Funds previously allocated for a mobile crisis response unit were partially used for Neighborhood Alliance and other smaller acquisitions, but a substantial balance remains in the account.
EV Charging Station Pricing
Pricing for city-owned EV charging stations will be set by the city manager's designee to break even and cover electricity costs, adjusting for rate increases.
Public Comments
Public comments largely focused on the need for improved mental health crisis response, particularly in light of Shannon Hanchett's death, and criticized the city's handling of the unhoused community, including evictions and lack of funding for organizations like Norman Caravans. Speakers also called for greater transparency, better public engagement, and a re-evaluation of public safety policies.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- December 16th: Voter registration deadline for the OG&E franchise agreement election.
- December 30th (5 PM): Deadline to submit Environmental Design Criteria (EDC) comments.
Watch For
- January 10th: City Council meeting to discuss and vote on the formation and funding of a mobile crisis response unit, preceded by a study session.
- February 2023: Tentative adoption of new EDC and construction drawing specifications.
- Future discussions on the operation of the Y-FAC by Santa Fe Life Center, Norman Optimist Club, and Sooner Swim Club.
- Future discussions on the Canadian River and Lake Thunderbird outdoor narrative and recreation opportunities.
Announcements
- The city council will only have one meeting in December; the next meeting will be on January 10th.
- Ward 2, Ward 4, and Ward 7 residents are sought to serve on ad hoc committees for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Strong Towns visioning process.
- Recognition of Norman Caravans for receiving the Human Rights Award and Karen Chapman for receiving the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Environmental Excellence Award.
- Mayor's proclamation of December 2022 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
- Discussion and calls for action regarding the death of Shannon Hanchett while in custody, including requests for a study session on mobile crisis response units and policing policies for mental health incidents.
Agenda Summary
Presentation from the North Development Coalition on the community survey
Presentation on NEDC's findings from interviews with community leaders, focusing on Norman's economic health, vision, and strategies for growth, including the role of OU and state partnerships.
Approval of minutes
Approval of city council study session minutes of September 6, 2022; city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of September 13, 2022; and city council study session minutes of October 18, 2022.
Resolution 23-7-3 awarding the 2022 city of Norman human rights award
Awarding the Human Rights Award to Norman Caravans for their work with the unhoused community.
Presentation of a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Environmental Excellence Award to Ms. Karen Chapman
Recognition of Karen Chapman as an Affiliate Champion for her environmental efforts, particularly with Bishop Creek.
Proclamation of December 2022 as National impaired driving prevention month
Acknowledging December as a month to prevent impaired driving.
Consent Docket (items 5 through 29, excluding item 24)
A collection of routine agenda items approved by one motion.
Ordinance 0222319 upon secondary reading
Amending chapter 2 of the city code to empower the city manager or designee to set prices for city-owned EV charging stations for public and governmental use, and setting signage requirements.
Ordinance 0222319 upon final reading
Final adoption of the ordinance regarding city-owned EV charging station pricing.