Norman City Council, Utilities Authority, Municipal Authority, and TIF Authority Meeting – July 22, 2025

The meeting opened with three proclamations, followed by council announcements, a consent docket, a pulled contract for neighborhood alliance activities, approval of a land purchase for Griffin Park, and public comments on various topics. All votes were unanimous.

Proclamations

• National Service Dog Month (September 2025): Proclaimed by the Mayor. Canine Companions representatives Jeannie Salman and Eileen Grubbs spoke about the work of service dogs and the organization's placement of over 8,000 dogs free of charge.
• Disability Pride Month (July 2025): Proclaimed by the Mayor. Chris Nanny, a member of the ADA Citizens Advisory Committee, accepted. He noted that 15.5% of Norman's population (about 19,000 people) identify as having a disability. He highlighted ongoing accessibility improvements, including 27 intersection and sidewalk upgrades by Public Works and two inclusive playgrounds at Ruby Grant and Andrews Parks.
• Purple Heart Day (August 7, 2025): Proclaimed by the Mayor. Ernest Martin III, commander of the American Legion, accepted. He noted over 24,000 veterans in Cleveland County and that the Legion has brought in over $9 million in disability benefits for county residents in the past year.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4 through 28 (with the exception of item 17) were placed on the consent docket and approved unanimously. These routine items included various contracts, reports, and approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 17 (Neighborhood Alliance contract): Dr. John Scammyhorn initially spoke but was redirected; no public comment was offered on this item.
• Item 29 (Griffin Park purchase):
  • Dr. John Scammyhorn (Ward 1) urged careful spending and expressed caution based on past experiences with the city's supportive housing project, but did not oppose the purchase.
  • Mayumi Wendler (Ward 2) supported the purchase, noting the credit for past rent payments.
  • Janice Oak expressed full support and urged fast-tracking.
• Miscellaneous Comments (open forum):
  • Diana Hudzel (Ward 5) raised concerns about Norman's financial outlook, including the Central Library mold lawsuit, declining per capita income (adjusted for inflation, a $4,300 drop in buying power), falling sales tax revenues (down 8 of the last 12 months), and the city's large land area (nearly 200 square miles) relative to population (130,000). She suggested evaluating deannexation of outlying areas.
  • Mayumi Winler (Ward 2) echoed the deannexation idea and noted that June sales tax revenues were $1.78 million below budget, and general fund expenses were cut $7.61 million from budget. She also expressed concern about the shrinking of Frances Kate Park in the Griffin Hospital area conceptual plans.
  • Chris Nanny (Ward 1) raised safety concerns at the Wellness Center: lack of lifeguards at the pool, incomplete kitchen drains (hot water splashing on cooks), and restroom door locks. He also requested recycling collection at the center.
  • Evan Dunn spoke in support of the Griffin Park purchase and praised the city's asset portfolio.
  • David Davila (Ward 1) commented on the Griffin Hospital relocation, noting job losses and potential exacerbation of homelessness.
  • Greg Stover (Ward 1, Wyndham Place) expressed concerns about the planned supportive housing near his senior living facility, citing safety and lack of communication.
  • Russell Rice (Ward 2) requested a cooling station for the library, thanked the city for restoring the mayor's parking spot to a handicapped spot, and urged installation of a stoplight at the new James Garner cut-through near the railroad tracks.

Discussion Items

• Item 17 – Neighborhood Alliance Inc. Contract ($50,000): Councilmember Gansbury asked about the purpose. Staff explained it is a fourth-year contract to help voluntary neighborhood associations organize, providing training on forming associations, officer duties, and HOA basics. Councilmember Grant inquired about interest in other neighborhoods. Staff noted that three voluntary associations have formed in CDBG target areas (primarily Ward 4), and others (e.g., Original Townside) are active. The contract was approved unanimously.
• Item 29 – Interlocal Agreement for Griffin Park Purchase ($3,306,480): Anthony Pierinson (city legal staff) presented the history: the city has leased the 156-acre soccer park from the state since 1983; Norman Forward (2015) included funding for land acquisition; negotiations stalled until 2023 when the state planned to relocate Griffin Hospital. The purchase price is based on a December 2024 appraisal. Past rent payments ($500,000) will offset the purchase price, leaving a net of $2.8 million from Norman Forward funds. The property is currently used for soccer fields and has received significant city investment. Council members Nash and Mayor noted the economic impact of soccer tournaments, the risk of losing the fields if sold to a private party, and the long-term savings. The agreement was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations acknowledged unanimously.
• Consent docket (items 4–28, except 17) approved unanimously.
• Item 17 (Neighborhood Alliance contract) approved unanimously.
• Item 29 (Griffin Park purchase interlocal agreement) approved unanimously. Closing expected within 30 days.
• Council announcements included: congratulations to City Clerk Brenda Hall for being named to the 2025 Municipal Clerk's Honor Roll; upcoming community events (oscillator print camp, Bubbles in the Park, Summer Breeze concert); vacancies on the Human Rights Commission; and a study session on the Griffin Hospital property held earlier that day.
• Councilmember Gansbury noted continued outreach to stakeholders (Wyndham Place, Middle Earth, The Meadows) regarding the supportive housing project.