City of Norman Council Meeting Summary - January 14, 2026

The City of Norman City Council convened on January 14, 2026, to approve meeting minutes, conduct public announcements, and address routine consent items. The meeting featured significant deliberation on a zoning change for a proposed residential development at 765 Jenkins Avenue and the first reading of an ordinance to submit an $8 million bond issue for a permanent homeless shelter to the April ballot. Public testimony reflected a wide range of opinions, including strong support for affordable housing and shelter expansion, alongside deep concerns regarding city finances, the shelter's operating costs, placement in residential neighborhoods, and transparency in development processes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Unanimous approval of the minutes for the October 16, 2025, November 18, 2025, and December 2, 2025, City Council meetings; various other board and committee minutes from late 2025; and the City Council Conference Minutes.
• Consent Docket: Items 2 through 36 were placed on and approved by the consent docket by unanimous vote.
• Postponement of Item 37: The motion to postpone Item 37 (a zoning amendment for a property near US Highway 77) to January 27, 2026, for combined consideration with the preliminary plat passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmembers' Announcements: Ward representatives reported on community events including a Resource Fair, a Town Hall on voter registration (deadline January 16), a Francis Energy charger ribbon cutting, a household hazardous waste facility sculpture unveiling, and an interfaith breakfast. Councilmember Dixon emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming February 10th local elections, noting many have been decided by single-digit vote margins.
• Support for Shelter & Affordable Housing: Cheryl Antenzo supported the shelter bond. Shy Fenwick (Teacher, Ward 5) expressed full support for the shelter, citing the impact of student homelessness on education and the high eviction rates in Cleveland County. Ella Crenshaw (Ward 6) expressed complete favor for the shelter's placement on the East Side, valuing access to community resources.
• Concerns Regarding Shelter Costs, Operations, and Placement:
  • Diana Hudzel, Billy Jewel, Bill Hudzel, and Floyd Carroll expressed strong opposition to the $8 million shelter bond. Hudzel argued the city is ignoring a projected $7.6 million deficit, the opacity of operating costs (estimated $3.6M/year vs. current $1.8M/person), and the plan to rely on vague future funding from "City Care." Jewel noted only property owners fund the bond despite high renter populations. Hudzel suggested utilizing the Salvation Army, citing their lower per-capita cost ($275 vs. City Care's $1,800) and established track record.
  • Gary King and Floyd Carroll opposed a recent substation approval near a residence, citing misleading information regarding noise, lighting, and chemical use, and requested a reconsideration.
  • Steve Ellis argued that SPUDs should not be required to be "partners" in developer profitability, suggesting the city should rely on form-based codes instead of project-specific negotiations.
  • Evan Taylor (Ward 4, resident near the site) did not oppose the shelter but demanded clarity on operational assumptions regarding neighborhood impact before the second reading to maintain public trust.
  • Dr. John Scammy Horn opposed the shelter's location in residential areas, comparing it to Portland or SF, and argued for prioritizing the 130,000 housed residents over the unhoused.
  • Sheryl Landinzo warned against TIFs bankrupting the city and urged fiscal responsibility.
  • Carlinda Gravel (Ward 3) highlighted code violations near the Salvation Army (liquor/dispensary proximity) and expressed concern for an 80-year-old resident at 201 Reed, requesting contractual protections to prevent property value loss.
  • Ben Plumber suggested banning private equity property ownership and implementing an eviction tax.
  • Richard Stewickey warned of a potential mass lawsuit from Dalton Lane residents regarding a sewer line failure caused by a city-approved interceptor connection.
  • Mayumi Windler complimented the new digital agenda format and requested clarification on whether road bonds increase taxes or simply continue current rates.

Discussion Items

• Item 0-2526-21 (Jenkins Avenue SPUD Amendment):

  • Applicant Position: Gunnar Joyce (representing Incremental Development) proposed removing the mandatory ground-floor commercial requirement to allow 100% residential use (6 units: 3 units on floors 1-2, communal living on floor 3) due to market feasibility. He highlighted a new paved bike access lane and tandem parking layout, arguing the site is well-suited for student housing and walkability.
  • Councilmember Grant Position: Expressed support for the changes, specifically the removal of the commercial requirement and the exclusion of short-term rentals from allowable uses. He raised concerns about ADA accessibility and trash disposal logistics.
  • Councilmember Peacock Position: Requested and was granted an abstention from voting on this item.
  • Councilmember Bruce Position: Inquired about the sole reason for removing commerciality; the applicant explained that mixed-use financing is difficult and that current zoning language allows commercial as an option rather than a requirement to avoid killing projects. Bruce cast a "No" vote.
  • Public Comment on Zoning: Cheryl Antenzo opposed the lack of a dumpster on site, fearing sanitation issues with multi-family units. Carlinda Gravel warned the council to be responsive to citizens, referencing past issues with AIM Norman projects.
  • Staff Response: Utilities Director Chris Mattingley stated that while dumpsters are preferred, the site lacks space for brick enclosures; poly carts are a viable alternative if accessed via the rear alley. The applicant confirmed poly carts would be used and that sanitation details will be finalized during building permits.
  • Final Vote: The ordinance was approved on Second and Final Readings by a vote of 7-2, with Councilmember Peacock abstaining and Councilmember Bruce voting No.

• Item 13 (Homeless Shelter Bond Ordinance First Reading):

  • The Council considered the ordinance to submit an $8 million bond (first reading) to the April ballot. Mayor Holman noted the bond would cost taxpayers close to $12 million with debt service and that staff would present a conceptual design and cost analysis at the second reading and public hearing two weeks hence.
  • Council Position: Council members affirmed they will not pursue a pay raise for council at this time due to the city's fiscal deficit but expressed a desire to increase it eventually, noting Norman's rates are significantly lower than neighboring cities.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Calendar: All routine items (minutes, Items 2-36, and the postponement of Item 37) were approved.
• Zoning Amendment Adopted: Ordinance 0-2526-21 amending Section 36-201 Code (removing commercial requirement at 765 Jenkins Ave) was adopted.
• Shelter Bond Referral Scheduled: The Council voted to proceed with the first reading of the $8 million shelter bond ordinance. The second reading and a full public hearing are scheduled for the meeting two weeks from January 14, 2026 (January 28, 2026), with a potential final vote to send the issue to the April ballot.
• Substation Reconsideration: Council member Gary King filed an order of reconsideration regarding a previously approved substation; the Council acknowledged receipt and invited him to discuss further.
• Pay Raise Clarification: Council confirmed they are not advancing a proposal to raise council member pay at this time due to the city's budget deficit.