Public Meetings - Norman, Oklahoma

This meeting included two agenda items: a presentation and discussion on the Westwood Master Plan, and a discussion on a proposed sponsorship for a small developer training program. Council members provided feedback and direction to staff, but no formal votes were taken. Discussion Items - Westwood Master Plan: Jason Olson, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented a $54 million conceptual plan to renovate Westwood Park, including the golf course, tennis facilities, pickleball courts, clubhouse, and improved pedestrian connections. The plan, developed with a steering committee, aims to address aging infrastructure (e.g., 50-year-old clubhouse, irrigation system at end of lifespan), improve water management, and add amenities like a restaurant and covered driving range. Cost estimates are preliminary and would be phased if funded through a potential bond election (Norman Forward II). Council members raised concerns about noise/light pollution from night operations, parking, pedestrian connectivity, and preserving the natural creek. Council member Peacock emphasized that extending Fairway Drive through the neighborhood is not an option. Council member Grant supported restoring Merkle Creek and improving pedestrian connections between the swim complex, tennis, and golf. The plan is still conceptual and will be refined based on feedback. - Small Developer Training Sponsorship: A council member (speaker not identified in transcript) proposed the City of Norman serve as the anchor sponsor ($50,000) for a series of training events by the Incremental Development Alliance (Inkdev). The training would include a public lecture, a workshop, and a boot camp for up to 50 small-scale developers, aiming to equip residents to undertake infill projects (e.g., ADUs, small commercial). Council members expressed support, noting potential to diversify development and generate long-term tax revenue. Discussion included timing (targeting October 2025), staff capacity, and possible incentives for graduates to build in Norman. Staff indicated they would explore funding and coordination with the Inkdev team. Key Outcomes - Westwood Master Plan: Council directed staff to incorporate feedback on pedestrian priority, parking alternatives (on-street along Fairway Drive), and maintaining a playground. The plan will be refined with additional slides and notes on connectivity. No formal action was taken. - Small Developer Training: Council expressed general support and directed staff to work with the proposing council member to identify funding sources and coordinate with the Incremental Development Alliance. No formal vote was taken; next steps involve confirming sponsorship and scheduling.

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Norman City Council held a study session to discuss updates to local regulations for mobile food vendors, driven primarily by Oklahoma House Bill 1076 (effective November 1, 2025) and a related fire marshal bill. The session was led by Assistant City Attorney Beth Makala, who presented a red-line draft of ordinance amendments. Council members discussed state-imposed constraints, potential opportunities for designated parking, and fee structures. Discussion Items - State Law Changes (HB 1076): Makala explained that HB 1076 mandates municipalities to recognize state-issued licenses for mobile food vendors and limits local deviations from state law. Key provisions include: - Operational areas: On municipal property, cities can set rules; on private commercial property, vendors need permission but cities cannot specify how that permission is obtained; on residential property, time limits apply and permission from the property owner is required. - May and May Not lists: Cities may restrict noise within 23 feet, require special permits, enforce health/safety rules, and develop metered parking permits for longer stays. Cities may not limit the number of licenses, require constant motion, mandate additional insurance (except on municipal property/events), or require multiple health inspections. - Definitions: The ordinance aligns with state definitions for mobile food establishment (no more than 12 hours at one location, 14 days max on private property), push cart, retail food, and mobile food vendor. - Fire Marshal Requirements: A separate state bill (effective November 1, 2025) gives the State Fire Marshal exclusive authority over inspection of mobile food preparation vehicles. The city will accept proof of state fire marshal approval within the last year rather than conducting its own inspections. - Fees: To comply with the requirement that fees only cover administrative costs, the draft ordinance adjusts temporary fees downward (one-day $20, 30-day $30, 180-day $40) and establishes an annual permit at $50. The renewal fee was noted as needing to match the original fee (currently $10 placeholder). Council members discussed the need for a broader fee review, including potential differences between fixed and mobile vendors. - Parking and Leasing Opportunities: Council members raised questions about: - Municipal property: Whether the city could lease long-term parking spots (e.g., city-owned lot on ASP) to a food truck, citing a real example of a taco truck on Campus Corner losing its lease. - Metered on-street parking: Interest in creating designated food truck spots (e.g., on Santa Fe) using Flowbird for payment, similar to practices in other cities (e.g., Oxford, MS). - Infrastructure: Consideration of providing power and water hookups in dedicated areas to reduce generator noise and attract vendors. - Zoning: Council members noted that the city's current zoning code does not address food trucks, but the land use update (ongoing) could incorporate siting standards. Key Outcomes - Advance Ordinance Amendments: The council reached consensus to advance the ordinance amendments for first reading at the September 2025 regular meeting, ensuring the city is compliant with state law by November 1, 2025. - Further Exploration: The council directed staff to investigate: - The state fee for mobile food vendors. - Feasibility of allowing food trucks to rent metered on-street parking spaces and city-owned parking lots (including unused corners of lots) for longer-term operations. - Infrastructure needs (power, water) for dedicated food truck areas. - Future Committee Discussion: Fees and policy details (including the renewal fee and potential split between fixed and mobile) will be discussed in upcoming committee meetings (CPTC or Baca). The council acknowledged the need for a holistic review of all licensure fees. No formal votes were taken; the session was a study/discussion only.

The meeting covered three agenda items: a presentation on June/July public transit ridership, continued discussion on an Embark Well mobility management pilot for seniors, and an update on the city's bicycle route map. No formal votes were taken; staff received direction to pursue funding opportunities and finalize map details. Discussion Items - June/July Transit Report: Taylor (Transit and Parking Manager) presented data for June and July. For the full fiscal year 2025 (ending June 30), combined fixed-route and paratransit ridership was reported as 54,898 passengers, a 25.2% increase over the FY2024 total of 403,229. Fixed-route ridership alone rose 44%. July 2025 (start of FY2026) showed nearly 43,000 riders, a 25% increase from July 2024. Staff attributed growth to route changes from the Go Norman plan and noted capacity constraints on Norman On-Demand (almost 2,800 rides in July). A constituent concern about bus stop proximity to a dialysis center was raised; staff offered to connect the individual with a mobility navigator for paratransit eligibility. Staff also reported progress on a paratransit software transition, with fewer complaints following corrective actions. - Embark Well Mobility Pilot: Staff continued a discussion from two months ago on implementing an Embark Well program in Norman, modeled on Oklahoma City's service for seniors aged 60+ (focusing on social determinants of health). Proposed pilot parameters: weekday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., zone one service area (Core Norman), four initial destinations (Adult Wellness & Education Facility, Norman YMCA, Well on James Garner, Norman Regional Health Club), three trips per week per participant, cap of 100 participants. Estimated annual budget: $75,000–$100,000. Operators could include Uber/Lyft or a contracted provider. Staff suggested pursuing funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) via the Oklahoma Mobility Institute and possibly AARP grants. Council members expressed support and directed staff to explore TSET and other grants, and to include the pilot in the FY2027 budget request. No formal vote was taken. - Bicycle Route Map Update: David and the Bicycle Advisory Board presented a revised city bike map, last updated in 2014. The map shows bike lanes, multi-modal paths, signed routes, and future routes. Some old routes were removed due to safety concerns. The committee plans one more review to incorporate the AIM Norman plan and recent trail projects (e.g., Tecumseh multi-modal path, lake trails). Printing costs will be covered by TSET. Staff discussed QR codes for digital maps, placement at bike shops, and eventual integration into GIS. Council members supported moving away from in-street bike lanes toward separated multi-modal paths, noted the green paint program has been discontinued, and highlighted the map's alignment with eco-tourism goals. Key Outcomes - Staff will pursue TSET grant funding and other opportunities (AARP) for the Embark Well pilot, with a budget request to be refined for FY2027. - The bicycle route map will undergo one more committee review before final printing; QR codes will link to an online version that can be updated without reprinting. - Council emphasized continued coordination with the AIM Norman plan and regional partners (ACOG) for active transportation projects.

The meeting began with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and council announcements. The council approved a consent docket of routine items, recognized the Emergency Management Volunteer Program, and considered two rezoning ordinances (SPUDs) for signage and mixed-use development. Public comments addressed SPUD procedures, traffic management, zoning diversity, and the status of advisory boards. All agenda items were approved unanimously. Council Announcements - Ward 1: Encouraged joining the Kennedy PTA to support struggling parent-teacher organization. - Ward 3: Announced fall residential cleanup dates: October 4 for Monday polycart service, October 11 for Tuesday service. - Ward 4: Thanked Jessica Schwager for serving on the Human Rights Commission; promoted community events (Midway Delhi concert on August 29 benefiting Thunderbird Clubhouse, Ink the Block Party on September 20, and a downtown resource list for shelters and food pantries, available at bit.ly/40PF0JK). - Ward 6: Thanked Holly Pepler for serving on the Bicycle Advisory Committee; highlighted Norman Arts Council exhibition through September 12, Porch Fest on September 13, and OU football. - Ward 7: Thanked Council Member Grant for the resource list and Kayla Molina for serving on the Historic District Commission. - Ward 8: Rescheduled a town hall from August 27 to August 28 at 6:30 PM at the WIFAC tournament room. - Mayor Holman: Recognized the start of school, encouraged patience with traffic; noted the grand opening of Norman North stadium, Bell Helicopter training school, Simper Fly Helicopters expansion, new control tower at the airport, Main Event opening, Love Works ribbon cutting, and Stevenson Cancer Center; reminded of the Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting on August 28 at 4 PM. Consent Calendar - Items 1 through 21 were placed on the consent docket and approved unanimously. Recognition of Emergency Management Volunteer Program - Fire Chief Travis King and Emergency Management Coordinator David Grizzle recognized the volunteer program, formalized in 2005. Grizzle noted the program averages 4.3 events per year under the Medical Reserve Corps, and highlighted groups: Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team, Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps, South Canadian Amateur Radio Society, La Leche League, Envisioned Success for Veterans, and Oklahoma Small Animal Response Team. Volunteers provide rehab at fires, community event support, cooling tents at OU games, and disaster response. Discussion Items Item 22 – Rezoning for Off-Premise Sign (Stony Brook Drive and North Interstate Drive) - Applicant Presentation: Caitlin Turner explained the SPUD allows a single off-premise sign on a 0.1-acre portion of the property near I-35, restricted to sign use only to mitigate neighbor concerns. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. - Public Comment: Steve Ellis (Ward 4) criticized the SPUD process, arguing that the application does not meet the “special deal” intent of SPUDs and that the city should require a clear community benefit. He did not oppose the sign itself. - Council Discussion: Council Member Grant asked about the AIM Norman Comprehensive Plan and signage; staff clarified that the SPUD allowed a reduced area and reduced uses compared to straight C2 zoning, which would have required platting. The council voted to adopt the ordinance on second and final reading, both unanimously. Item 23 – Rezoning for Mixed-Use Development (2880 and 2886 Classen Boulevard) - Applicant Presentation: Sean Regular presented a SPUD for 2.75 acres: 13,000 sq ft of commercial (two buildings, 10 units) and 18 residential units in the rear. The site has existing sidewalks, no floodplain, and is infill. Staff noted consistency with the AIM Norman Comprehensive Plan. No neighbors attended the pre-development meeting or planning commission, and the commission approved unanimously. - Council Questions: Council Member Peacock asked about detention; Engineer confirmed water is piped to stormwater. Council Member Grant asked about home occupations; Regular explained the SPUD allows a slight uptick from standard R1 allowances (one customer by appointment, modest signage). Mayor Holman asked about parking (below recommended but speculative), pedestrian connectivity (striped crosswalks between buildings), tree preservation (some trees to be saved, Bradford pear and cottonwood removed), and consolidation of two driveways into one aligning with the opposite curb cut. A sidewalk connection from the street to the commercial buildings was confirmed. - Public Comment: Steve Ellis (Ward 4) commended this SPUD as a good example of a deal where the applicant provides something special (mixed-use) in exchange for zoning flexibility, contrasting with Item 22. - The council voted to adopt the ordinance on second and final reading, both unanimously. Item 24 – Preliminary Plat for 2880 Classen Boulevard Addition - This companion item to Item 23 was approved unanimously without further discussion. Miscellaneous Comments from the Public - Ben Plummer: Complained about Norman Police directing game-day traffic down Flood Street, causing congestion near homes. Suggested using James Garner Avenue instead of the recommended routes. - Steve Ellis: Thanked the council and city manager for the presentation on Item 15 (Norman Citizens Corps) and the volunteer recognition. - Mayumi Windler (Ward 2): Expressed interest in more diverse zoning (e.g., allowing duplexes in R1 areas) and mixed-use developments like the Classen Boulevard SPUD. Asked about the status of the Economic Development Advisory Board, which has not met in a long time. Key Outcomes - Consent docket (Items 1–21) approved unanimously. - Item 22 (rezoning for sign SPUD) adopted on second and final reading: both votes unanimous. - Item 23 (rezoning for mixed-use SPUD) adopted on second and final reading: both votes unanimous. - Item 24 (preliminary plat) approved unanimously. - No other motions or votes were taken.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Norman City Council held a conference to discuss two agenda items: the reassignment of the contract for the Adult Wellness and Education Center operator and the transition of the cafe at the Young Family Athletics Center (YFAC) to city operations. The meeting began at 5:30 PM. City staff presented updates, answered council questions, and outlined next steps. Both items received supportive discussion. Discussion: Resolution R2526-38 – Contract Reassignment for Adult Wellness and Education Center - City staff reviewed the history of the operator contract, originally signed in April 2021 with Healthy Living and Fitness Inc. (OKC-based). In November 2023, the Adult Wellness and Education Center opened, operated by Healthy Living Norman LLC (a separate entity). In December 2024, the operator requested further separation from the OKC organization. - The proposed resolution (R2526-38) reassigns the contract from Healthy Living Norman LLC to Healthy Living Center Norman Inc., a newly formed Norman-based nonprofit. The contract terms remain unchanged, including a five-year term with three optional five-year extensions, utility assistance (100% first year, declining by 40% annually), janitorial and landscaping services for three years, and pool maintenance for five years. - City staff stated the move is in the best interest of Norman residents, as the new board will consist entirely of Norman residents (including former council members, a former mayor, representatives from Norman Regional, an attorney, and a OU employee). The executive director noted that the new board members are drawn from the existing local advisory board, serve three-year staggered terms, and must be Norman residents or work in Norman. The city manager's designee (Parks and Recreation Director Jason Olsen) serves as ex-officio. - Council member Mark Black asked about board selection and term lengths; staff clarified that board members are nominated and selected by the board, with qualifications of Norman residency or employment. Council member expressed support for local control. The resolution is scheduled for consent agenda (Item 21). Discussion: Operation of Cafe at Young Family Athletics Center (YFAC) - Parks Director Jason Olsen reported that the city had contracted with Beanstalk Coffee and Snow to operate the YFAC concession stand since December 2023. After the first full fiscal year, both parties mutually agreed to separate due to the chaotic nature of tournament schedules; Beanstalk was successful but required too much time from owners. A 60-day notice was given June 23, 2025. - The city will now operate the concession stand directly, reopening in October 2025. Staff propose to expand the scope of the existing Food and Beverage Coordinator (currently at Westwood) to manage both locations, with three new permanent part-time positions and seasonal part-time staff at $13–14/hour (permanent) and $10/hour (seasonal). No full-time jobs will be created. - Financial data for YFAC's first full fiscal year showed a net loss of approximately $290,000. However, a consultant noted that all rec centers operate at a loss, with profitability typically achieved within 3–5 years. The city projects concession operations could generate $400,000 in revenue with $235,000 in costs, yielding a net positive of $165,000. Staff also highlighted additional economic benefits from the facility: an estimated 200,000 visitors in the first six months (average dwell time 2+ hours), with 2% visiting nearby businesses like Torchy's, and 30 of 40 tournament weekends generating overnight hotel stays, boosting sales and hotel/motel tax revenues. - Council members asked about staffing, supply offerings (Coke products, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, fresh fruit, breakfast items, and partnerships with local restaurants like Ray's Barbecue and Chick-fil-A), and plans for monitoring financial performance via a new cost center within YFAC. Council member Gainsburg inquired about increasing host fees to attract larger tournaments; staff noted that YFAC's 8-court configuration is unique in the metro area, but larger events (e.g., Adidas tournaments) require 16 courts within a 10-mile radius, which would require additional facilities. Council member Dixon thanked Beanstalk owners Jenny and Adrian for their service. - Council member Montoya questioned the finance department's involvement in budget analysis; staff confirmed coordination. Council member also raised the possibility of charging for parking to fund parking expansion, referencing Embassy Suites' paid parking model, though enforcement was noted as uncertain. Staff agreed to share detailed revenue breakdowns by category (pool, gym, memberships) with council via email. Key Outcomes - Resolution R2526-38: Discussion concluded with council support for the contract reassignment to the Norman-based nonprofit. The resolution will be placed on the consent agenda for formal approval at the regular council meeting. - YFAC Cafe Operations: Council expressed general support for the city operating the concession stand. Staff will create a separate cost center, hire three permanent part-time positions, and bring back a budget adjustment request (likely small) for additional funding. The cafe is expected to reopen in October 2025. No formal vote was taken during the study session.

The Norman City Council held a special meeting on August 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM to discuss the potential use of Flock automatic license plate readers (ALPR) by the Norman Police Department and to approve appointments to the Ward Five Candidate Selection Committee. The Flock discussion included a presentation from Deputy Chief Ricky Jackson and Flock's Director of Public Affairs Trevor Chandler, followed by extensive Q&A with council members addressing privacy, legal, and operational concerns. No action was taken on the Flock proposal; the council will collect constituent feedback before deciding. The committee appointments were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Flock Camera Presentation: Deputy Chief Jackson introduced Flock as a force multiplier to address staffing shortages and improve crime-solving. Trevor Chandler detailed the technical aspects: cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, data stored for 30 days, no facial recognition, no PII, owned by the city, auditable, optional sharing, encryption, and no ICE cooperation. Chandler cited success stories including finding missing persons, solving hit-and-runs, and aiding in kidnapping recoveries. Cost: $3,500 per camera per year initially; 10–15 cameras recommended ($30,000–$45,000 annually). - Council Concerns: Councilmember Grant raised questions about ICE cooperation, abortion tracking, data breaches, AI bias, statutory authorization (citing a 2024 bill failure and a McLean County court case limiting use to insurance enforcement), and the need for long-term policy safeguards. Councilmember Hinkle asked about other vendors, an open bid process, and whether any Oklahoma departments declined or stopped using Flock. Councilmember Dixon inquired about private cameras already in Norman and the number of sharing agreements. The mayor noted that the cameras do not reduce crime but can speed up investigations. - Officer Testimony: Crime analyst Jason and Major Barber described their use of other cities' Flock cameras to solve a carjacking and a homicide, emphasizing that Flock only provides leads, not guilt, and that all searches are logged with case numbers. Key Outcomes - No Vote on Flock Cameras: The council took no action. The mayor encouraged council members to discuss with constituents and report back to staff for a possible future agenda item. - Committee Appointments Approved: The council unanimously approved the mayor's appointments (Aisha Prather, Randy Carter, Siobhan Evans, Heidi Smith, and John Dorrigo) to the Ward Five Candidate Selection Committee. The application process remains open until Friday, August 22, 2025, with the goal of filling the seat by the September 9 council meeting.

The Norman Planning Commission met on August 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM to consider several rezoning requests, preliminary plats, and a special use permit. The meeting included a consent calendar, public testimony, and discussion on six main agenda items. The commission approved all items with modifications as noted, including a condition for 80% masonry on a planned unit development. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approved the Planning Commission meeting minutes of July 10, 2025. - Item 2: Approved Preliminary Plat PP-2526-4 for St. James Center, Section Two (5.77 acres, southwest corner of East Cedar Lane Road and 24th Avenue Southeast), submitted by Heritage Fine Home Investments LLC. - Item 3: Approved Preliminary Plat PP-2526-5 for 1508 Shady Brook Drive (9.76 acres), submitted by James and Jackie Palisano. - All consent items were approved by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Summers (3417 Larry Street, resident of 41 years) opposed the St. James Park PUD (Items 7 & 8), stating she preferred the area remain R1 single-family residential and expressed concerns about the proposed smaller lot sizes and the undeveloped park area being used by homeless individuals. Discussion Items - Items 4 & 5 – North Flood Business Park SPUD: Rezoning from A2 Rural Agricultural and I2 Heavy Industrial to SPUD (Simple Planned Unit Development) and preliminary plat for 3.65 acres north of West Tecumseh Road on North Flood Avenue. The applicant (Power Homes LLC) proposed six commercial/industrial buildings (3,500–5,000 sq ft each). Discussion focused on building height limits (no height specified in SPUD, but FAA regulations apply due to proximity to the airport) and exterior materials. The applicant agreed to add an 80% masonry requirement. The commission approved the motion with that condition. - Item 6 – Cruz In Auto Spa Rezoning: Rezoning from C1 Local Commercial to C2 General Commercial with a special use permit for a bar, lounge, or tavern at 3250 West Robinson Street. The business (second location, first on Main Street) plans to serve beer and wine to customers waiting for auto services. The commission approved unanimously. - Items 7 & 8 – St. James Park PUD: Rezoning from R1 to PUD and preliminary plat for 95.08 acres near the northeast corner of Classen Boulevard and Cedar Lane Road. The plan includes 373 single-family lots with two development areas: Area 1 (6,000 sq ft lots, 40 ft wide) and Area 2 (3,500 sq ft lots, 30 ft wide). Discussion covered open space (2.5% within the plat, but applicant argued nearby parks and deeded green space should count), traffic connectivity, and compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods. The commission approved 7-0. - Items 9 & 10 – 1751 East Mhoff Road: Requested postponement to September 11, 2025; approved unanimously. - Items 11 & 12 – Hutner Industrial Park: Rezoning from PUD to I-1 Light Industrial and preliminary plat for 6.18 acres at 5451 Hutner Drive. Six industrial lots (approx. 40,000 sq ft total) are proposed. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Items 4 & 5: Approved with condition that the SPUD include an 80% minimum masonry requirement for all buildings. - Item 6: Approved as presented. - Items 7 & 8: Approved (7-0). The commission noted the need for ongoing park development and traffic improvements but did not impose additional conditions. - Items 9 & 10: Postponed to September 11, 2025. - Items 11 & 12: Approved. - Miscellaneous: Staff discussed the upcoming zoning and subdivision regulations RFP (due August 25, 2025) and a parking study. Commissioners expressed interest in exploring smaller lot sizes and reduced setbacks, with some caution about premature changes before the new zoning code is adopted.

The meeting began with an update from CityCare on the operations of the emergency shelter and then moved to a discussion of public restroom facilities at the transit center and Andrew's Park. Council members and staff discussed challenges, data, and potential solutions. Discussion Items - CityCare Shelter Update: Mallory Lee, Shelter Director, and Sean Lloyd, Senior Director of Homeless Services, presented data. The shelter provided over 10,000 nights of rest, with a nightly average of 54 guests and 52 guests per night (leaving one bed for emergencies). They served 297 unique individuals in the past year, while the point-in-time count for Norman was 213 people experiencing homelessness, with 74 unsheltered. Housing connections: 16 individuals housed, including 6 of 18 veterans served; 14 chat assessments in July (128 year-to-date). The shelter faces barriers in obtaining IDs and documents for guests (cost $100 per person for ID, birth certificate, Social Security card). Funding for vouchers is running out; partnerships with McFarland and First Presbyterian Church are helping. Discussion included a suggestion to engage Norman Rotary Clubs for ID fairs and coordination with quarterly resource fairs. Shelter also tracks gender (188 men, 102 women, 7 non-binary), age groups (largest 35-44), and disabilities (37 SSI, 33 SSDI). Provider referrals: 38 to DHS for SNAP, 36 to Norman Community Health for mental health. Shelter acquired the Norman Shelter Plus Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program (12 formerly homeless clients). Volunteer platform launched; furniture donations needed. Council requested tracking of guests' prior location (e.g., jail, out-of-state) via a survey. Also discussed coordination with Cleveland County jail agreement with OKCPD. - Public Restrooms Update: Jason Olson, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on issues at the Transit Center (opened Oct 2023) – problems with grinder pump, clogged pipes from flushed items, lobby door repaired and reopened Aug 14. At Andrew's Park, the restrooms (added in 1973) were closed permanently in May 2022 due to severe vandalism (explosive device in 2019, human waste, needle issues, safety concerns). Temporary porta-potties were removed after three vendors refused due to unsafe conditions. Line of sight is poor (80% blocked), creating safety hazards. The Andrew's Park Master Plan (approved early 2023) envisions a new restroom location with better sight lines and stormwater detention. Options presented: QR code entry systems (GoodToGo, Throne) to monitor usage and reduce vandalism; a mobile restroom (Portland Loo style) costing $200,000-$250,000 plus $50,000 for utilities. Council expressed interest in demolition of the existing structure (which is not historic) and using salvaged stone. Councilmember noted that demolishing the building would improve line of sight immediately. Staff confirmed no cost for demolition (Parks crew can do it). Discussion of advancing stormwater work (redirecting channel) to build new restroom near skate park first. Proposed temporary signage directing to police station restrooms (open Mon-Sat, closed Sun). Council also discussed a QR code system that requires a phone, noting that most homeless individuals have phones but staff suggested it could be a barrier for some; however, parents would need to accompany children. Key Outcomes - Shelter: Council directed staff to work with CityCare on a survey to track guests' prior location (incarceration, out-of-state) and to explore additional funding for document vouchers. No formal vote. - Andrew's Park Restrooms: Council gave informal direction to proceed with demolition of the existing restroom building (at no cost) and to explore a mobile restroom (Throne/Portland Loo) and QR code systems, with cost estimates to be brought back within 30-60 days. Staff will also evaluate advancing stormwater detention and grading work to enable new restroom construction near the skate park. City communications will update the public on current restroom availability via social media and signage. - Transit Center Restrooms: Staff will include replacement of the sewer line with a 6-inch PVC pipe and industrial grinder in future capital projects. - Next Steps: City staff will return with information on QR code and Throne solutions at a future meeting.

The Norman City Council met on August 12, 2025, to conduct routine business, present awards and proclamations, consider a permanent visitable dwelling incentive program, approve a preliminary plat, and declare a vacancy in Ward 5 following Councilmember Nash's resignation. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Items 4 through 26 were approved unanimously by consent, covering routine approvals and administrative actions. Public Comments & Testimony - Cynthia Rogers (Ward 4) spoke in support of the visitable dwelling program, sharing personal experience with making her home more accessible and urging the city to help others age in place. - Evan Dunn (1400 Garfield Avenue) asked about the incentive amount and anticipated participation rate for the visitable program. - Trey Kirby (miscellaneous comments) reported difficulty with OEC refusing to provide 10 individual meters for a planned low-income housing project in an opportunity zone, stating the utility insisted on a single master meter, which would make the developer responsible for the bill. - Cynthia Rogers (miscellaneous comments) discussed due diligence for TIF districts, specifically the arena TIF, and urged council to require an oversight board, outside analysis, educational impact study, supermajority vote for major changes, and a public vote for large TIFs. - David De Vila (Ward 1) asked for an update on the city's purchase of land near his apartment complex for supportive housing and raised concerns about crime and security. - Nancy Ashton (Ward 1, Wendham Senior Residences) stated that residents have had no update for two and a half months regarding the city's purchase agreement for a lot in front of their building for permanent supportive housing, calling for an answer. - Evan Dunn (miscellaneous comments) made philosophical remarks about curiosity, science, and Carl Jung, and praised Councilmember Nash's analytical skills. Discussion Items - Human Rights Award (2024): Ashley Creed, co-founder of Red Dirt Collective and director of its Mutual Aid Fair (which had 250 participants in 2024), received the City of Norman Human Rights Award. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Creed thanked the council and emphasized collective action and the importance of local government serving all residents. - Proclamations: The council acknowledged proclamations declaring August 19, 2025, as World Humanitarian Day (accepted by Akash Patel of the Happy World Foundation) and September 5, 2025, as United Way Day (to be delivered to Darren Wilson). Both were acknowledged unanimously. - Council Announcements: Councilmembers thanked outgoing Councilmember Nash (Ward 5) for his service, announced new appointments to boards and commissions, reminded the public of the Ward 5 vacancy application process, and wished students and staff a good start to the school year. - Ordinance 27 – Visitable Dwelling Incentive Program: Greg Clark, Development Services Manager, presented the program, which offers a building permit fee waiver (e.g., $420 for a 3,000 sq ft home) for single-family, two-family, and ADU builders who include visitable features (no-step entry, wider doors, bathroom backing, etc.). The program had been operating via resolution; this ordinance makes it permanent. After public comments, the ordinance was adopted on second reading (section by section) and final reading (as a whole), both unanimously. - Item 28 – Preliminary Plat for MINIC Materials Edition: Located at 6665 Interstate Drive, this is a replat of an existing lot for a materials supplier that will demolish and rebuild a similar-sized building. The civil engineer, Caleb Morgan, stated the site will have less impervious area and meet all landscape and drainage requirements. The preliminary plat was approved unanimously. - Item 29 – Declaration of Vacancy in Ward 5: Councilmember Nash announced his resignation effective immediately, citing his upcoming move and inability to give full attention to the ward. The council unanimously approved the declaration of vacancy. The mayor outlined a process: a selection committee of Ward 5 residents, a one-week application period, interviews, and an appointment by the first or second meeting in September, followed by a special election in spring 2026. Key Outcomes - Human Rights Award: Awarded to Ashley Creed (unanimous). - Proclamations: Acknowledged unanimously. - Visitable Dwelling Ordinance: Adopted on second and final reading (both unanimous). The program is now permanent; staff will conduct a lunch-and-learn to promote it. - Preliminary Plat for MINIC Materials: Approved unanimously. - Ward 5 Vacancy: Declared unanimously. The vacancy will be filled by appointment after a public application and interview process, with a target date of September 2025. A special election will follow in spring 2026. - All other agenda items: Passed unanimously.