Norman City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority, and Norman Parking and Transit Authority Joint Meeting – April 28, 2026

This joint meeting covered a wide range of topics including proclamations, a consent docket, the first public hearing on the FYE 2027 budget, zoning changes for a tattoo studio and a large multifamily development, a water purchase agreement, updates to the city’s comprehensive plan maps to reflect the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s proposed alignment, and an ordinance regarding police record towing services. The meeting included significant public testimony on homelessness, development impacts, and transparency.

Proclamations and Announcements

• Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week: The council acknowledged a proclamation declaring May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10–16, 2026 as National Police Week in Norman. The vote to acknowledge was unanimous.
• Poppy Day: A proclamation declaring May 22, 2026 as Poppy Day in Norman was similarly acknowledged unanimously.
• Council Announcements: Councilmembers praised the Norman Music Festival, Earth Day celebration, neighborhood cleanups, and highlighted all-state basketball players. Mayor Holman reported on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., meeting with federal representatives to discuss infrastructure, housing, and health care costs affecting municipal budgets.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Items (Items 3–21): The council voted unanimously to approve the consent docket, which included routine approvals such as minutes, contracts, and reports.
• Item 18 (Water Purchase Discussion): Utilities Director Chris Mattingley explained a proposed one-time purchase of 300 million gallons of water from Midwest City for $204,000 to shore up Norman’s water supply due to well issues and drought conditions. The purchase is intended to avoid water restrictions and allow the city to rest wells. The item remained on the consent docket and was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget Hearing (Item 22):
  • Mayumi Windler (Ward 2) questioned the methodology for revenue estimates, suggesting a flat assumption rather than projected increases.
  • Russell Rice (Ward 2) asked about the breakdown of public safety spending and where police department revenues (e.g., from teaching fees) go.
  • Antonio Geringer (Ward 6) expressed concern that police is the city’s largest expense and asked how Norman compares to similar cities.
• SPUD for Tattoo Studio (Item 23):
  • Carlinda Gravel (Ward 4) expressed support for the project but raised concerns about favoritism, noting the neighborhood has historically been protected from business encroachment under federal CDBG guidelines. She asked that all residents receive equal treatment in rezoning.
• PUD for Bob Moore Farms (Item 24):
  • Rebecca Patton (Pioneer Library System) requested the PUD ordinance explicitly state that the development shall not use the library’s driveway as a shared access, and that the right-of-way closure be revised to exclude a sliver of Norman Center Court at the library entrance. She argued the planning commission’s caveat should be in the ordinance.
  • Caroline Dunworth (library advocate) emphasized that the library’s access needs are critical for deliveries and programming, and that nearby gate access could cause congestion.
  • Carlinda Gravel urged the council to resolve the issue now rather than deferring to court.
• Turnpike Alignment Maps (Item 27):
  • Stephen Ellis (Ward 4) opposed updating the maps, arguing it implies city cooperation with OTA and creates uncertainty for residents.
  • Russell Rice and Carlinda Gravel expressed similar concerns, with some urging the council not to capitulate to OTA.
  • Cindy Rogers (Ward 4) noted the map influenced the AIM process and suggested a separate informational map rather than embedding in planning documents.
• Record Towing Ordinance (Item 30):
  • Stephen Ellis questioned why the ordinance gives police discretion rather than directly requiring tow lots to be within city limits.
• Miscellaneous Comments:
  • Multiple speakers addressed the homeless encampment at the Food & Shelter site, praising law enforcement for a humane approach but calling for long-term solutions.
  • Carlinda Gravel announced findings of historical discrepancies in her neighborhood’s records and promised further action.
  • Cheryl (last name not given) called for a moratorium on new building until infrastructure issues (e.g., substandard concrete) are resolved.

Discussion Items

• Item 22: First Public Hearing on FYE 2027 Budget
  • Finance Director Clint Mercer presented the proposed operating and capital budgets totaling $302 million in revenues and expenses. The general fund is $113 million. Key revenues: sales/use tax (64% of general fund), internal service charges (8%), franchise taxes (7%). Key expenses: police (27% of general fund), public works (20%), fire (19%). The largest cost driver is health care. The revenue projection is conservative (1% sales tax growth). The next public hearing is May 26, 2026.
• Item 23: Ordinance Amending Zoning for Tattoo Studio at 521 East Frank
  • Applicant Sean Rieger (representing Ken and Sarah Hall) requested change from R-1 to SPUD to allow low-intensity commercial (tattoo studio) on ground floor, with residential above. The property is in an area designated mixed-use under AIM Norman. Planning commission recommended unanimously. Council discussed home occupation rules, parking, and wastewater disposal (ink separators). The ordinance passed unanimously on second and final reading.
• Item 24: PUD Amendment for Bob Moore Farms (Multifamily Development)
  • Applicant Libby Smith requested removal of previously approved commercial uses in favor of 804 multifamily units (max 4 stories) with 43% green space, pickleball courts, pools, and trails. The site is south of Main Street, east of 36th Ave SW. The library’s driveway access was redesigned after initial conflict. Extensive debate occurred over:
    • Library access: Library requested a written prohibition in the PUD against shared access. The developer argued it is unnecessary because trespass is illegal; the city attorney noted a written notice from the library would suffice. The council did not add the library’s proposed language.
    • Walkability: Councilmember Dixon proposed an amendment requiring pedestrian access to the eastern edge of the property for future connection to Ed Noble Parkway. The amendment passed 7-1 (Councilmember Kirby opposed).
    • Right-of-way closure (Item 25): The closure of a portion of Norman Center Court was originally tied to the PUD. The legal description contained a small error (18-inch sliver). After a 10-minute recess, the parties agreed to an amended legal description. The ordinance was amended and then passed unanimously on second and final reading.
  • The PUD ordinance (Item 24) as amended passed on second reading 6-2 (Kirby and Gandisbury opposed) and on final reading 6-2. The preliminary plat (Item 26) was approved unanimously.
• Item 27: Resolution to Update AIM Comprehensive Plan Maps with OTA Alignment
  • Staff presented updated maps reflecting the most recent Oklahoma Turnpike Authority alignment. The resolution also includes a disclaimer that maps will be updated if alignment changes. Council debated the psychological impact on residents and potential liability. The resolution passed 6-2 (Kirby and Gandisbury opposed).
• Item 30: Ordinance for Record Towing Services
  • Police Department staff explained the need to require record tow services to maintain an impound lot within city limits to avoid towing vehicles outside the county. The ordinance allows the police chief to set additional equipment requirements. The title was clarified to include geographical restrictions. Ordinance passed unanimously on second and final reading.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations acknowledged unanimously.
• Consent docket (Items 3–21) approved unanimously.
• First public hearing for FYE 2027 budget held; next hearing May 26, 2026.
• Ordinance for tattoo studio (Item 23) approved unanimously on second and final reading.
• PUD amendment for Bob Moore Farms (Item 24) approved with amendment for pedestrian connectivity: second reading passed 6-2, final reading 6-2 (Councilmembers Kirby and Gandisbury voting against).
• Ordinance for right-of-way closure (Item 25) amended and passed unanimously on second and final reading.
• Preliminary plat (Item 26) approved unanimously.
• Resolution to update AIM maps with OTA alignment (Item 27) passed 6-2.
• Ordinance for record towing services (Item 30) passed unanimously on second and final reading.
• No action taken on Items 28 and 29 (withdrawn by staff).
• Miscellaneous comments received; council adjourned.