OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Norman City Council Meeting – February 24, 2026

Public Meetings & Live-Streams — Wednesday, February 25, 2026
BodyNorman, Oklahoma
SessionPublic Meetings & Live-Streams
DateWednesday, February 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:11:59

Transcript — Verbatim
4:52

Good evening, and welcome to the City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting of February 24th, 2026.

5:04

Madam Clerk, will you call the roll?

5:06

Councilmember Gandisbury.

5:08

Here.

5:09

Councilmember Peacock?

5:10

Yeah.

5:11

Councilmember Bruce?

5:12

Here.

5:12

Councilmember Grant.

5:14

Present.

5:15

Councilmember Nofire.

5:16

Here.

5:17

Councilmember Hinkle.

5:18

Councilmember Blodgett is absent.

5:21

Councilmember Dixon?

5:22

Here.

5:23

Mayor Holman.

5:24

Here.

5:25

Please join me for the pledge of allegiance.

5:31

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

5:37

To the Republic for which it stands one nation under God in the law.

5:43

Liberty and justice for our oath of office.

5:53

Administering the oath of office to and seating of council member elect Robert Bruce for Ward 3.

6:00

And I'll recognize Judge Nichols to administer the oath of office.

6:16

Perfect.

6:18

Bruce, if you raise your right hand, repeat after me.

6:22

I state your name.

6:23

I Robert Bruce.

6:25

Do solemnly swear.

6:26

You solemnly swear that I will support, obey, and defend.

6:29

That I will support obey and defend.

6:31

The Constitution of the United States.

6:32

The Constitution of the United States.

6:34

And the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma.

6:37

And the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma.

6:39

And then I will not knowingly receive.

6:42

I will not knowly receive directly or indirectly.

6:45

Directly or indirectly.

6:46

Any money or other valuable thing.

6:48

Any money or other valuable thing for the performance or non-performance.

6:51

For the performance or non-performance.

6:56

Any act or duty pertaining to my office?

6:58

Other than the compensation allowed by law.

7:00

Other than the compensation allowed by law.

7:02

I further swear, I further swear.

7:04

That I will faithfully discharge my duties.

7:06

Oh, faithfully discharge my duties.

7:08

As council member to the best of my ability, so help me guide.

7:12

As council member as council member to the best of my ability.

7:17

So help me.

7:18

So help me guide.

7:19

Yes, sir.

7:27

I declare you duly sworn as council member for the city of Norman.

7:32

Thank you.

7:32

Sir.

7:34

All right.

7:38

Item number two, a resolution of the Council of the City of Norman honoring and recognizing Jennifer Baker for her exceptional contributions to arts education and her receipt of the Arts and Education Award at the 46th Governor's Arts Awards.

7:57

The motion on the floor on the floor is to adopt the resolution.

8:00

Council members, you may cast your votes.

8:08

All votes have been cast in the motion to adopt a resolution pass this unanimously.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use███████████████████19%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Procedural████████████12%
Cannabis Regulation███████████11%
Tax Increment Financing████████8%
Public Engagement███████7%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Legal Issues█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Norman City Council Meeting – February 24, 2026

The Norman City Council, along with the Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority, met on February 24, 2026, to conduct a regular meeting. The agenda included the swearing-in of a new council member, recognition of award recipients, approval of a consent docket, and action on several ordinances and plats. Key items included a rezoning for a mixed-use development at 24th and Alameda, a property detachment, and adoption of state-mandated traffic safety ordinances regarding marijuana consumption and handheld device use in school and construction zones. The meeting also featured extensive public comment on the Rock Creek Entertainment District TIFF and other matters.

Consent Calendar

  • Oath of Office: Council Member Elect Robert Bruce (Ward 3) was sworn in by Judge Nichols.
  • Recognition of Jennifer Baker: The council adopted a resolution honoring Jennifer Baker for her contributions to arts education and receipt of the Arts and Education Award at the 46th Governor's Arts Awards.
  • 25-Year Service Awards: The council recognized city employees who completed 25 years of continuous service, including a posthumous acknowledgment for Carl Leganis.
  • Consent Docket (Items 4–26): Approved unanimously. Council Member Peacock abstained from Item 5 due to a professional conflict. The docket included funding for upgrades to Eagle Cliff Park (Ward 7) and a voter-approved park for Sutton Place (Ward 6).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Rezoning at 24th and Alameda (Items 27–28): Several residents spoke. Cindy Rogers (Ward 4) expressed support for infill but called for updated analysis of stormwater volume and fiscal impacts. Cherilyn Denzel (Wards 4 and 6) supported the project, noting a need for more duplexes. No other public speakers opposed the item.
  • Detachment of 2800/2801 Hensley Road (Item 29): Cindy Rogers spoke in favor, stating that property owners who do not receive city services should be allowed to detach. Billy Jewell (Ward 5) asked whether approval would set a precedent and raised concerns about environmental regulation and future land use. The applicant's representative clarified that the property is at the end of an unmaintained road and that owners have been refused services.
  • Marijuana Consumption in Vehicles Ordinance (Item 30): Multiple residents spoke. Paul Wilson (Ward 1) and Steve Ellis (Ward 4) expressed concerns about ride-share drivers and passengers with THC balms/tinctures. Ben Plummer (Ward 4) and Trey Kirby (Ward 5) opposed the ordinance, arguing it targets medical marijuana users and could lead to enforcement issues. Cherilyn Denzel urged adoption for housekeeping consistency with state law. Cullen Beaver (Ward 3) questioned the lack of a measurable impairment standard for marijuana.
  • Handheld Device Use in School/Construction Zones (Item 31): Paul Wilson supported a broader ban on phone use while driving. Steve Ellis questioned the need for redundancy with state law. Ben Plummer argued against additional legislation. Sherilyn Denzel and Billy Jewell supported the ordinance for safety. A citizen questioned whether manual transmission driving could be considered a distraction.
  • Miscellaneous Comments: Several residents addressed the Rock Creek Entertainment District TIFF. Paul Wilson, Steve Ellis, Ben Plummer, Trey Kirby, Rob Norman, and others urged the council to repeal the TIFF ordinance and put it to a public vote, citing potential financial risks and the right of voters to decide. John Scammy Horn advocated for homeless relocation programs. Chelsea Gravel warned of state intervention if the budget is in deficit. Ella Crenshaw (Ward 6) requested a four-way stop at James Garner and Acres. Council Member Gandisbury reported on conversations with homeless individuals about shelter needs.

Discussion Items

  • Rezoning and Preliminary Plat at 24th and Alameda (Items 27–28): The applicant presented a proposal to change existing C2 (General Commercial) zoning to a mix of C2 on 1.4 acres and RM6 (Medium Density Apartment) on the remainder, for a 60-unit duplex development with a small commercial building. The site is currently undeveloped but zoned for intense commercial use. Staff found the project largely aligned with the AIM Norman land use plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. Council discussion focused on density, park proximity, stormwater detention, and traffic. Council Member Hinkle (Ward 6) voted no, citing numerous protests from constituents. The motion passed 7-1.
  • Detachment of Property at 2800/2801 Hensley Road (Item 29): Assistant City Attorney Beth Muckala explained that the 20.1-acre property is unplatted and located on the city's southern boundary. All owners signed the petition under state law. The property is accessed by a road not maintained by the city, and owners have been refused services. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Council discussed the lack of city benefits and the unique situation. The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Marijuana Consumption in Vehicles Ordinance (Item 30): Assistant City Attorney Jeannie Snyder and Major Barber presented the ordinance to mirror state law effective November 1, 2025. It prohibits driving while consuming marijuana (including medical), inhaling secondhand smoke, and possessing an open container of marijuana in the passenger area. The ordinance allows city citations, reducing officer time compared to state charges. Council discussed enforcement, discretion, and the distinction between impairment and possession. The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Handheld Device Use in School/Construction Zones (Item 31): The ordinance prohibits holding a handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in designated school zones and active construction zones, with exceptions for voice-activated use and emergencies. The measure aims to reduce distracted driving and align with state law. Council clarified that the ban applies to any handheld use, not just texting. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 27 (Rezoning) and Item 28 (Preliminary Plat): Approved 7-1, with Council Member Hinkle dissenting.
  • Item 29 (Detachment): Approved unanimously.
  • Item 30 (Marijuana in Vehicles): Approved unanimously.
  • Item 31 (Handheld Devices): Approved unanimously.
  • Consent Docket (Items 4–26): Approved unanimously, with Council Member Peacock abstaining from Item 5.
  • Recognition of Jennifer Baker and 25-year employees: Adopted unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, and welcome to the City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting of February 24th, 2026. Madam Clerk, will you call the roll? Councilmember Gandisbury. Here. Councilmember Peacock? Yeah. Councilmember Bruce? Here. Councilmember Grant. Present. Councilmember Nofire. Here. Councilmember Hinkle. Councilmember Blodgett is absent. Councilmember Dixon? Here. Mayor Holman. Here. Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic for which it stands one nation under God in the law. Liberty and justice for our oath of office. Administering the oath of office to and seating of council member elect Robert Bruce for Ward 3. And I'll recognize Judge Nichols to administer the oath of office. Perfect. Bruce, if you raise your right hand, repeat after me. I state your name. I Robert Bruce. Do solemnly swear. You solemnly swear that I will support, obey, and defend. That I will support obey and defend. The 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. I will not knowly receive directly or indirectly. Directly or indirectly. Any money or other valuable thing. Any money or other valuable thing for the performance or non-performance. For the performance or non-performance. Any act or duty pertaining to my office? Other than the compensation allowed by law. Other than the compensation allowed by law. I further swear, I further swear. That I will faithfully discharge my duties. Oh, faithfully discharge my duties. As council member to the best of my ability, so help me guide. As council member as council member to the best of my ability. So help me.

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