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.
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.