Norman City Council, Utilities Authority, Municipal Authority, and TIF Authority Joint Meeting - October 14, 2025
Norman City Council, Utilities Authority, Municipal Authority, and TIF Authority Joint Meeting - October 14, 2025
The joint meeting of the Norman City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority convened on October 14, 2025, at approximately 8:26 PM CT. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance, decorum reminders, approval of minutes, a proclamation, council announcements, and a consent docket before moving to an extended public comment period dominated by reaction to recent statements by council members regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Consent Calendar
- Items 3 through 34 were placed on the consent docket by unanimous vote and then approved by unanimous vote. No council member requested removal of any item.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dan Munson (Ward 7) suggested a future Norman Forward art project complementing the 2028 Olympics, possibly featuring women's softball, and proposed an annual girls' softball camp starting in 2026 through the Olympics. He also expressed concern about maintenance in University North Park, citing three large potholes (64, 40, and 75 inches wide) and unkempt landscaping, noting the city invested over $50 million in the area through TIF and Norman Forward. He called for a form-based code to maintain consistent aesthetics.
- Gary Marksdale (Ward 8) and multiple subsequent speakers criticized statements made by Councilmembers Helen Grant (Ward 7) and Kimberly Blodgett (Ward 4) about Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated. Marksdale called the rhetoric "gross, unacceptable, and violent" and demanded a public apology. Several speakers (Nathan Trapenidger, John Ryan, Trenton Rippe, Emily Griffith, Justice Chandler, OU Turning Point USA president, John Cepola, Lane Paul, Philip Holzhauser, and others) expressed that they felt personally attacked by being described as part of a "death machine" and defended Kirk's legacy, often invoking Christian faith and prayer. Some speakers reserved time for silent prayer.
- Stephen Ellis countered that the "death machine" comment, made in a Facebook dialogue, referred to gun violence as a system, not to individuals, and criticized the public prayer as performative, citing Matthew 6:5-6.
- Diane Hudzel (Ward 5) spoke in favor of the proposed agreement with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC), citing sales tax revenue shortfalls: last year fell $1.8M short leading to a $5.8M deficit, this year expected shortfall of $7.2M, and last month revenues were down over 1% below expectations. She argued the $130,000 contract (about $1 per resident) gives access to professional economic development expertise. She listed examples of past successes including $20M ARPA funding for Oklahoma Aviation Academy, $7M quality jobs tax credit, and $1M investment in Lake Thunderbird trails.
- John Dr. Scammyhorn (Ward 1) expressed concern about city finances, homelessness policies, and opposed placing permanent supportive housing near senior housing in Ward 1, saying seniors are terrorized by the proposal.
- Caleb McGee urged understanding and noted that a Fox News host suggested euthanizing the homeless, followed by two mass shootings at homeless encampments in Minneapolis causing 13 deaths. He argued that housing people is the solution to violence.
- Lindsay Brule criticized the use of religion to attack others, stating the Lord's name was taken in vain, and called for empathy.
- Mark Campbell (Ward 2) defended council members' free speech rights and mocked what he called "teeny peen USA."
- Jordan Cantrell called for consequences for the council members' statements, reading from a Facebook post and arguing it described Kirk as a necessary part of a death machine worse than gun violence.
- Michael Blunk (Ward 6) defended the character of Norman and its vulnerable residents, sharing his own work with food banks and child welfare, and rejected slander of the community.
- Marguerite Larson supported the council, calling criticism of them a "worship of idols."
- Cheryl Ann Dinzo (Wards 4 and 6) accused the council of charter-breaking by allowing mayoral and council pontification after public comments, criticized TIFs, and demanded more transparency.
- Chelsea Gravel (Ward 4) blamed the council for funding homeless services at the expense of police and fire departments, and accused some council members of activism from office.
- Cynthia Rogers (Ward 4) questioned the CCEDC contract, noting the city has not received required audits from the entity since 2021, and expressed concern about the arena TIF financing crushing the city budget.
- Russell Rice (Ward 2) called for a TIF on blighted potholes, highlighted danger at the James Garner Extension intersection, and noted only about 0.23% of Norman's population is homeless.
- Evan Dunn (Ward 7) book recommendations and nominated Tori Rose for her work with the jail.
- Lane Brown (non-resident) was cut off after directing comments to a council member by name; he claimed separation of church and state does not exist and offered a Bible to Councilmember Grant.
- Joe Love (Ward 1) asked for clarification or apology from council members, stating the divisive rhetoric makes people feel written off based on political affiliation.
- Vicky Garcia (Ward 4) thanked the council and suggested the state should address mental health funding at Griffin Memorial Hospital, where patients cycle in and out due to short stays.
- Kaylee Holzhauser spoke of her past involvement with Antifa and conversion to Christianity, and condemned the celebration of Kirk's death.
- Alex Kinesny (Ward 4) and Aishelle (Ward 3) thanked the council for their service and called for unity. Aishelle, a Muslim woman, noted that many council members' social media pages mock Muslims and urged working together.
Key Outcomes
- Approved minutes of previous meetings by unanimous vote.
- Acknowledged proclamation designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; passed unanimously.
- Approved consent docket (Items 3–34) unanimously, covering routine approvals.
- No substantive votes or referrals resulted from the public comments; the meeting adjourned after the public comment period without further council deliberation. The mayor reminded attendees that future zoning and development items are typical agenda topics.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting of October 14th, 2025. Councilmember Gandisberry. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, individual authority, and justice for all. All right. I'm going to go over some meeting meeting decorum real quick before we get started. Just so we're all on the same page here for everybody that's new to a council meeting here. So unauthorized remarks, stamping feet, whistling, and similar similar demonstrations are prohibited during any count any meeting of council. Furthermore, during any meeting of council, persons must not interrupt counsel's proceedings or the comments of any person recognized by the presiding officer in any manner. Make obscene or slanderous remarks, behave in a disruptive manner, refuse to follow the instructions of the presiding officer or comply with these policies or any other rules governing the board's proceedings. Direct comments to the council as a whole and not towards any one individual. And the presiding officer may order the removal of any person engaged in behavior prohibited by our policies. And these are rules that all the mayors before me have had to enforce, and I am prepared to enforce them so that everybody that's here to speak has the opportunity to do so and is not interrupted by anybody else, and that we can have a respectful professional meeting here tonight. So with that, I will move on to the next item, which is approval of minutes. Item number one, approval of various minutes of the city council conference, city council special meeting, city council Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority regular meeting. Motion. Second. Motion on the floor is to approve the minutes. Council members, you may cast your votes. All votes have been cast, and the motion to approve the minutes passes unanimously. All right. Item number two, proclamations. We have a proclamation of the mayor of the city of Norman proclaiming the month of October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in the City of Norman. And I would ask for Jody Stewart and Stephanie Pennett to join me at the podium. All right, yes. We'll do a motion to acknowledge receipt of the proclamation first. Motion. The motion on the floor is to acknowledge receipt of the proclamation. Council members, you may cast your votes. All votes have been cast and the motion to acknowledge receipt passes unanimously. All right, a proclamation of the mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, proclaiming the month of October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in the City of Norman. Whereas domestic violence is a widespread and deeply harmful issue that affects millions of individuals and families of all communities, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion causing long-term trauma, and whereas domestic violence awareness month began with the day of unity in October 1981, established by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect advocates across the country working to end violence in the home. And whereas this month serves as a national call to raise awareness, support survivors, and honor those whose lives have been lost to acts of domestic violence. And whereas domestic violence takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, and addressing it requires prevention, education, community involvement, and comprehensive support services. And whereas within the city of Norman, organizations such as Abbott Mary Abbott Children's House and Women's Resource Center provide vital support services, and at the state level, the 211 helpline offers a free confidential crisis line available 24-7 to all Oklahomans. And whereas the national domestic violence hotline number is 1800 799 safe and other offers confidential support 24 or 247 365. And whereas we honor the resilience of survivors, the tireless efforts of advocates and service providers, and renew our commitment to creating community rooted in safety, dignity, and justice for all. Now, therefore, I, Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in the City of Norman and urge all residents to take action, speak out, and support efforts to end domestic violence in all of its forms. Passed and approved this 14th day, October 2025. One, two, got it. Okay. Good evening, Mayor Holman and City Council members. On behalf of the Women's Resource Center, I am honored to accept this proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This proclamation is more than a formality. It's a powerful reminder that we stand together in acknowledging the devastating impact of domestic violence and our collective responsibility to address it. Domestic violence affects people of every age, gender, race, and background. It thrives in silence and secrecy, which is why awareness is so critical. By bringing this issue into the light, we send a clear message. Survivors are not alone, help is available, and abuse will not be tolerated in our communities.
openpublica.com