July 9, 2025 City Council Meeting

Announcements 📅

• Water's Worth It Month: July 2025 has been proclaimed "Water's Worth It Month" in Norman to increase community awareness and promote protection and conservation of the city's water resources.
• "Habitat and All That" Event: Celebrate Water's Worth It and Lakes Appreciation Month on 📅 Saturday, July 12th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at The Well (210 James Garner Avenue). This family-friendly event will feature educational and hands-on activities like seed bomb making and watershed games, with local experts speaking at 11:00 a.m.
• Ward 1 Meet & Greet: Council Member Gandesberry plans to announce a public meet and greet for Ward 1 residents by the 📅 end of July.
• Ward 1 Adopt-a-Street Cleanup: The Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (C-PAN) Adopt-a-Street program will organize a cleanup of Alameda Street (from 12th to 24th Street). Ward 1 residents will be contacted around 📅 July 18th to participate.
• Oil and Clay Studio 10th Birthday: Celebrate at the 📅 Second Friday Art Walk at The Standard (315 East Gray). Enjoy a free craft, shop studio goods, and a champagne toast.
• Uncanny Art Hang Exhibition: Visit Gallery as (106 East Main) on 📅 this Friday (July 11th) from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a curated collection of work from local artists, interactive elements, and community connections.
• Equality Club Zine Making Workshop: The Firehouse Art Center (444 South Flood) will host a free Zine making workshop on 📅 Sunday, July 13th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This event, in collaboration with Norman Pride, provides a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and allies. RSVP at Normanfirehouse.com/firehouse-equality-club.
• Griffin Silo Art Project Ribbon Cutting: Attend the ribbon cutting for the new murals on the grain silos at Griffin Park on 📅 this Thursday (July 10th) at 10:00 a.m.
• SBA Disaster Assistance Deadline: Citizens affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds have 📅 two weeks (approximately until July 22nd) to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA or low-interest loans from the SBA for physical damages to homes and vehicles. Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and nonprofits have a deadline in 📅 February.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Proclamation of Water's Worth It Month: The Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the Mayor's proclamation.
• Consent Docket Approval: Items 2 through 18, and 20 through 22 were unanimously approved as part of the consent docket.
• Item 19: Purchase and Sale Agreement with Golden Twins LLC: Discussion was held regarding the purchase of land for permanent supportive housing. A vote on this item was pending at the conclusion of the provided transcript.

Financial Matters 💰

• Land Purchase for Permanent Supportive Housing: The Council discussed a $400,000 purchase and sale agreement with Golden Twins LLC for Lot 1, Block 1 of Triad Addition Section 8. This land is intended for the development of permanent supportive housing.
  • Funding for this project is sourced from the city's annual Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program appropriation and ARPA HOME funds, specifically allocated to address homelessness through permanent housing solutions.

Public Comments

On Item 19: Purchase and Sale Agreement for Permanent Supportive Housing

• Support for the Project:
  • Several speakers, including representatives from the Norman Housing Authority and Thunderbird Clubhouse, strongly supported the project, emphasizing the critical need for affordable and permanent supportive housing in Norman. They highlighted that it is an apartment community, not a shelter, with residents screened, leases, and supportive services like case management to help individuals regain stability.
  • The location was praised for its proximity to bus stops and a grocery store, crucial for future residents.
  • It was noted that this project has been years in the making, with staff diligently seeking suitable sites.
  • One speaker from the CDBG Policy Committee stated that 9,400 affordable housing units are needed in Norman.
  • Council members reiterated that this is a "next step" in helping unhoused people find stability and pride of ownership, not a traditional homeless shelter, and that residents will be screened.
• Concerns from Area Residents:
  • Residents from the Triad Village Drive area expressed strong opposition and feelings of deception, stating they were not adequately informed about the project until it appeared on the agenda.
  • Concerns included the loss of green space, potential for increased problems, and the impact on the existing community, particularly 54 units of senior housing nearby.
  • Speakers questioned the suitability of the site, citing proximity to daycares and a bus route that was recently reinstated after a two-year cancellation.
  • One resident suggested exploring alternative locations, such as Griffin Park, which has existing infrastructure and mental health resources.
  • It was clarified by staff that this is only the land purchase, and further public hearings will occur for rezoning and operator contracts.

General Public Comments

• University North Park (UNP) Development: One resident suggested an "entertainment tax" for the UNP district to fund a new aerial lift fire truck and additional police officers for I-35 and the UNP. They also praised Legacy Park maintenance but called for improved upkeep of other UNP areas, including potholes, dead trees, and landscaping.
• Community Engagement: A representative from the nonprofit "Racism Stinks" congratulated new council members and expressed a desire to work with the city.
• Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns: A resident inquired about the relocation of aquatic rodents (from a consent docket item), the city's preparations and warnings for flooding, and whether Greek house zoning could be applied to supportive housing.
• Gratitude for City Services: A resident expressed deep gratitude for the Norman Fire Department's assistance in Texas and highly commended Norman's transit system, encouraging council members to ride the bus. They also thanked a city staff member, Taylor, for his helpfulness.
• Health and Sustainability: A resident encouraged attendance at the farmer's market, discussed reducing plastic use (e.g., bamboo toothbrushes), and shared personal health practices like fasting and consuming bone broth. They also quoted Eleanor Roosevelt on the nature of political life.
• Disaster Assistance Reminder: An SBA Public Information Officer reminded citizens about the upcoming deadline for federal disaster assistance for recent wildfires and straight-line winds.

Agenda Summary Table