Norman City Council Meeting – September 9, 2025: Appointments, Proclamations, and Plat Approval
Norman City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority Meeting – September 9, 2025
The meeting opened with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council accepted the nomination of Brandon No Fire as Ward 5 Councilmember and administered the oath of office, replacing outgoing Councilmember Michael Nash, who was honored with a resolution of appreciation. Two proclamations were acknowledged (Constitution Week and Hispanic Heritage Month). Following council announcements, the consent docket (items 6–23) was approved unanimously. The council discussed and approved a preliminary plat for a replat at 1508 Shady Brook Drive. Public miscellaneous comments included congratulations to the new councilmember, suggestions for agenda transparency, and concerns about homelessness policies and the arena TIF.
Consent Calendar
- Items 6 through 23 were placed on the consent docket and approved unanimously without further discussion, as recommended by staff.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Diana Hetzel (Ward 5): Congratulated Brandon No Fire on his appointment and thanked his family. She offered two suggestions: (1) add ward numbers to agenda items to help residents identify relevant items, and (2) post the City Council handbook on the city website for transparency.
- Stephen Ellis (Ward 4): Congratulated Councilmember No Fire and expressed support for the appointment process. He urged the council to oppose any expansion of Governor Stitt's operation regarding unhoused people into Norman, arguing that encampment clearances harm individuals and do not reduce homelessness.
- Cindy Rogers (Ward 4): Promoted a book on water politics. She noted that two of the three parties in the arena TIF development agreement (county commissioners and the city) now favor a public vote, and asked if the council has formally requested a pause in deadlines from the third party (OU Foundation). She also distributed a handout on best practices for future TIF evaluations.
- Evan Dunn: Associated himself with previous speakers and congratulated Mr. Nofire.
Discussion Items
- Nomination and Oath of Office – Ward 5: The council accepted the nomination from the Ward 5 Candidate Selection Committee (motion passed). Brandon No Fire took the oath of office administered by Judge Nichols.
- Resolution Thanking Michael Nash: The council adopted a resolution (motion passed unanimously) expressing gratitude to Michael Nash for his service as Ward 5 Councilmember from July 11, 2023, to August 12, 2025.
- Proclamations: Items 4 (Constitution Week, September 17–23, 2025) and 5 (Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, 2025) were acknowledged by a single motion (passed unanimously). Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Oklahoma Historical Society accepted the proclamations.
- Council Announcements: Councilmembers from each ward made announcements, including congratulations to Councilmember Nofire, event reminders (Art Walk, Porch Fest, Ink the Block), updates on city committee appointments, and reports on the Oklahoma Municipal League conference (focus on homelessness) and the new SEC Mayors Alliance. Mayor Holman also discussed the need for coordinated solutions for homelessness.
- Item 24 – Preliminary Plat for 1508 Shady Brook Drive: A replat of three lots (two existing and one new) to create an additional buildable lot. Scott Sturtz (Public Works) explained it would have minimal impact, using private well and septic, with access via Pebble Beach Road. No applicant representative was present. The planning commission had approved it 8–0 with no protests. Councilmember Peacock inquired about access. Public comment from Stephen Ellis asked about topography. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Brandon No Fire appointed and sworn in as Ward 5 Councilmember (unanimous).
- Resolution thanking Michael Nash adopted (unanimous).
- Proclamations for Constitution Week and Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledged (unanimous).
- Consent docket (items 6–23) approved (unanimous).
- Preliminary plat at 1508 Shady Brook Drive approved (unanimous).
- Public suggestions regarding agenda ward labeling and posting the City Council handbook were noted but no formal action taken.
- No formal action on the arena TIF or homelessness concerns; the mayor committed to continued dialogue.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting of September 9th, 2025. Madam Clerk, will you call the roll? Councilmember Gandisbury? Here. Councilmember Montoya. Present. Councilmember Grant. Present. Councilmember Belogett? Here. Present. Mayor Holman. Here. All right, please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. I entertain a motion to accept or reject the nomination from the Ward Five Candidate Selection Committee. The motion on the floor is to accept the nomination. Council members, you may cast your votes. All right, item number two is administering the oath of office to and seating of council member elect Brandon No Fire, Ward 5. And we have recognized recognize Judge Nichols, who will conduct the oath of office. Repeat after me. And I will support obedient Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma. And the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma. And then I will not knowingly receive. And that I will not know it receive, directly or indirectly. Directly or you learned any money or other valuable thing. Any money or other valuable things, whether performance or non-performance. Performance or non-performance of any act or duty pertaining to my office. Other act would you be pertaining to my office other than the compensation allowed by the law? Other than the compensation allowed by law. I further swear. I further swear. I will faithfully discharge my duties. And I will faithfully discharge my duties. As council member to the best of my ability. As council member to the best of my abilities. Thank you. And I want to take a moment and just express my appreciation and thankfulness for the members of the Ward 5 selection committee. I really appreciate you all accepting the challenge and being very thorough with your interviewing and consideration for the candidates. And I just really appreciate that. And on behalf of the City of Norman, I just want to extend that thanks to all of you. And thank you for showing up, those of you that could here tonight to support your decision. And so thank you very much for that. Item number three is a resolution extending appreciation to Michael Nash for serving as Ward 5 Councilmember in Norman, Oklahoma. I entertain a motion to adopt or reject the resolution. Motion to adopt. Second. The motion on the floor is to adopt the resolution. Council members, you may cast your votes.
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