Public Meetings - Norman, Oklahoma

The Oversight Committee met on October 9, 2025, to receive updates on the Opportunity Knox litter abatement and wraparound services program, and to discuss new portable restroom options for city parks. The meeting featured detailed presentations by Environmental and Sustainability Manager Michelle Ladenbach and staff member Jason Olson. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was provided or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were presented. Discussion Items Opportunity Knox Program Update (June–September 2025) - Program Overview: Michelle Ladenbach presented the results of the first quarter operation (June to September) of the Opportunity Knox program. The program is a joint city–Mental Health Association of Oklahoma initiative that combines litter cleanup with wraparound services to help participants achieve stability. It is funded by opioid settlement funds and a city allocation. - Cleanup Results: 89 participants have ridden the van; the program collected 32.9 tons of litter, putting it on track to nearly double the highest prior annual totals (previous high was 29 tons in 2023). The crew focuses on city-owned property, stormwater easements, priority mowing areas, and resident service requests. - Wraparound Services Outcomes: 57 participants have elected to receive services; 2 were referred for permanent housing, 2 for recovery services, 5 for benefit applications, 11 for medical referrals, and 6 for mental health referrals. 64% enrolled in the employment program (benchmark 10%), 100% submitted job applications, and 3 participants have already secured permanent jobs (at Taco Mayo, Salvation Army, and one other employer). 7% have achieved stable employment (against 25% benchmark). - Partnerships: A new partnership with Goodwill will provide certification programs in forklift operation, customer service, unarmed security, and warehouse work. - Budget: Approximately 25% of the budget has been spent, with a vacant van driver position temporarily covered by an employment specialist. - Participant Recruitment: Participants are recruited from City Care, food and shelter providers, and the drop-in center. Pickup locations are flexible and based on participant preference. - Future Steps: Fill the van driver position, expand beautification efforts and employer/partner relationships, and issue quarterly reports. - Councilmember Holman praised the program and noted that reported litter corridors were addressed within a day. Councilmember Grant highlighted that the opioid settlement funding provides an 18-year horizon for the program. Councilmember Deansbury requested brochures for distribution at hospitals. Portable Restroom Options Update - Good to Go: A vendor offering QR-code-based restroom access for retail spaces. The system provides a timestamp but no user feedback or data collection. It is not designed for park use and would require integration with surveillance systems. - Throne Labs: A more complete solution—a self-contained, ADA-accessible, air-conditioned/heated mobile restroom that can be moved quarterly. Features include QR-code access with user registration (including cards for unhoused individuals without phones), 24/7 monitoring, timed use, and ability to revoke access for bad actors. Cleaning can be arranged 1–3 times per day. - Cost and Installation: Throne Labs units cost about $80,000 per year (lease), compared to a permanent Portland Loo at $225,000–$250,000 plus $100,000–$150,000 for installation. - Considerations: Throne Labs requires 15 units in the metro area to reach critical mass for maintenance. The city is interested in 2–3 units, potentially placed at Andrews Park, downtown, and a rotating location. Other possible sites include Reeves Park and Saxon Park (which currently has no restroom). - Councilmember Holman raised concerns about QR-code access for unhoused individuals and suggested gathering data on cell phone ownership among shelter users. Councilmember Grant noted that the lease model makes the program flexible and could be funded through hotel bed tax revenue. Key Outcomes - Opportunity Knox: Committee members expressed strong support for the program and its dual mission. The committee agreed to receive quarterly updates going forward. - Portable Restrooms: No formal decision was made. The committee will hear a full presentation from Throne Labs at the next Oversight Committee meeting. Meeting Adjourned.

The Business and Community Affairs Committee of the Norman City Council met on October 2, 2025, to discuss two agenda items: proposed changes to minimum lot sizes for development and potential scheduling of a charter election alongside other spring elections. No consent calendar or public testimony were heard. Discussion Items Minimum Lot Sizes for Development Jane Hudson, Planning Director, presented options for reducing or eliminating minimum lot size requirements in residential zones (R1A, R1, R2, RM2, R3). Current minima range from 4,500 to 7,000 square feet. Proposed options include: no minimum lot size, or setting a low minimum such as 1,400 square feet (inspired by Houston and Austin). Hudson noted that associated regulations like front yard setbacks (currently 25 feet) and street frontage (50 feet, 35 on cul-de-sacs) could be adjusted to 20-foot front setbacks and 35-foot frontage. Lot depth is currently 100 feet. Coverage is currently 65% total; smaller lots might require higher coverage (up to 75% or 85% with engineering). Committee members expressed strong support for eliminating minimum lot sizes, stating that the market and engineering requirements would self-regulate. Some suggested a recommended minimum (e.g., 1,500 sq ft) for guidance but not a hard requirement. Discussion included examples from The Villages and St. James Park subdivisions with lot widths of 30-35 feet. The committee agreed that developers should demonstrate that smaller lots work, especially on corner lots. The chair indicated intention to take the proposal to a full council study session. Charter Election and Other Spring Elections The committee considered scheduling a street maintenance bond renewal (20-year program, reapproved four times) and potential charter amendments alongside the February city council elections or an April election. Charter amendments discussed include: changing the swearing-in time for elected officials (from months after election to within 30 days of certification), increasing council pay, and possibly revisiting a utility rate change (allowing a non-council trust to recommend rates). Previous charter amendments in the last review had nine questions; six passed, three failed (including term length, pay, and utility rates). Ballot fatigue was noted: the first question had over 1,000 more votes than the ninth. The committee considered splitting items between February and April to avoid overload. Staff preferred April for more time, but February could leverage candidate campaigns for outreach. A pending state Supreme Court ruling on a referendum (related to a TIF district) could also require a citywide vote, affecting timing. No final decision was made; staff will bring recommendations to the full council on October 28. Key Outcomes - Minimum Lot Sizes: The committee gave direction to staff to prepare a proposal for eliminating minimum lot sizes for a future full council study session. - Charter Election: No vote was taken. The committee discussed options for February or April 2026 elections, with a preference for balancing ballot items. Staff will present a recommendation at the October 28 council meeting. - No other decisions or votes were recorded.

This meeting of the Norman Community Planning and Transportation Committee featured updates on public transit ridership, the street maintenance bond program, vehicular detection technologies at intersections, and potential future uses for the city-owned Asp Street parking lot. No formal votes were taken, but several next steps were identified for future meetings. Discussion Items - Public Transit Ridership Update – Transit staff reported that August 2025 fixed-route and paratransit ridership totaled 43,718 rides, an increase of less than 1,000 over August 2024 (42,950). Paratransit rides per service hour improved from 1.2–1.3 to 1.8–1.9. Fixed-route weekday ridership per service hour was 20.12. Norman On-Demand rides in August 2025 were 2,640, down from 4,694 in August 2024, attributed to intentional reduction in service hours to balance annual capacity. Saturday fixed-route service saw a 16.3% overall increase. Staff also noted upcoming purchases of three large buses using grant funding and ongoing paratransit software transition improvements. - 2021 Street Maintenance Bond Update and 2026 Bond Renewal Discussion – Public Works staff presented the history and success of the five-year street maintenance bond program, noting a citywide Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 77 and a backlog of poor/very poor roads at 2.2% (well below the national average of 8–12%). The program has operated on a no-new-tax basis since 2005. Staff discussed potential election dates for the renewal: February 2026 (bundled with city council elections) or April 2026. The mayor requested staff return in October 2025 with the full project map and proposed program so council can decide on the election date. - Vehicular Detection Options at Signalized Intersections – Staff explained Norman’s nearly citywide use of video detection (156 out of 158 signals) and the reasons for sticking with that platform: a $2 million investment, reduced need to put maintenance personnel in roadways, ability to remotely view intersections, and standardization for technicians. While radar detection has advantages in certain conditions, switching would require replacing all hardware and retraining staff. No action was taken. - Possible Uses for the Asp Street Parking Lot – The mayor and council discussed several possibilities for the city-owned lot, including leasing spaces to a nearby student housing developer, accommodating a food truck operator, or constructing a parking structure. Staff noted existing game-day leases with Campus Corner merchants and the potential to use parking revenues to finance a structure. A large development group has expressed interest. Staff will bring a parking management plan update and further discussion to the next committee meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were held. - Staff will return in October 2025 with the complete 2026 street maintenance bond program map and project list, allowing council to decide on a February or April election date. - Staff will also bring an update on the Asp Street parking lot discussions, including a possible parking trust and management plan revisions, to a future meeting. - The committee received information on transit ridership and signal detection but took no further direction.

The meeting began with proclamations for Pedestrian Safety Month (October) and Healthy Aging Month (September). Councilmember Montoya announced her immediate resignation. The council then approved a consent docket of 20 routine items, followed by several rezoning, plat, and ordinance amendments. Public comments focused on stormwater concerns, budget deficits, and the recent social media controversy surrounding Councilmember Montoya. Consent Calendar - Items 3‑22 were placed on the consent docket and approved unanimously with no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Stephen Ellis (Ward 4) questioned the trade-offs in PUDs/SPUDs, asking what the city gains in exchange for flexibility. - Diana Hudzel (Ward 5, President of Cedar Lake Estates HOA) raised concerns about cumulative stormwater runoff from multiple developments (St. James Park, St. James Center, etc.) overwhelming the Cedar Lake dam, which is privately maintained and has already required $56,000+ in repairs. She urged the city to account for compounding effects and consider taking over the dam (citing the Summit Lakes precedent). - Cheryl Andenzo (Wards 4 & 6) expressed worry about increased traffic congestion at the Cedar Lane/Classen intersection. - Steve Ellis (Ward 4) and Marguerite Larson (Ward 6) both asked about transparency after the state preempted local campaign finance disclosures; the city clerk confirmed a link to the state ethics portal will be provided. - Audra Abbott (former resident) called for civil dialogue and urged leaders to represent everyone. - Paul Wilson and Robin Strader called for a formal code of conduct for council members, citing the existing code of ethics. - Several speakers (Chelsea Gravel, Carlinda Gravel, Joseph Love, others) addressed the social media posts by Councilmember Montoya and another council member, urging accountability and expressing concern about the city’s reputation. - Diana Hudzel also noted a $5.8 million general fund deficit in FY25 and a projected $7.2 million deficit for FY26, urging the council to grow sales tax revenue and discuss budget openly. Discussion Items - Proclamations (Items 1‑2): Recognized October as Pedestrian Safety Month and September as Healthy Aging Month. Accepted unanimously. - Council Announcements: Councilmember Montoya resigned effective immediately. Councilmember Nofire announced a public meeting on the OTA turnpike extension. Councilmember Gansbury highlighted a barber giving free haircuts in Ward 1. Councilmember Hinkle reported on the day labor van program: 279 referrals, 63 riders, 42 receiving services, 1 permanent job, and 23.96 tons of trash removed from 127 locations. - Item 23 – SPUD at Flood & Tecumseh: Applicant presented a mixed-use commercial/industrial SPUD with 80% masonry requirement added at planning commission. No protests. Council approved unanimously. - Item 25 – PUD at St. James Park Extension: Applicant Sean Reger presented a 373‑lot single‑family development with two areas (standard R1‑like lots and smaller 3,500‑sq‑ft lots). A floor amendment reduced the front yard setback for area two from 25 to 20 feet. Public comments raised stormwater runoff concerns. Staff and applicant explained that drainage meets code and historic flows are not exceeded. Council approved the amended ordinance unanimously. - Items 24, 26, 27, 29 – Preliminary Plats: Companion plats for the above developments were approved unanimously. - Item 28 – Rezoning to I‑1 at Hutner Drive: Applicant sought to remove a PUD that locked in an RV park site plan; straight I‑1 zoning allows flexibility for speculative industrial park. Approved unanimously. - Item 30 – Rezoning with special use for bar/lounge at 3250 W Robinson: Applicant (Cruise & Auto Spa) requested C2 zoning with special use to serve beer/wine in customer waiting area (max 3 drinks, no to‑go). Approved unanimously. - Item 31 – Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance: Assistant City Attorney Beth Makela presented amendments to comply with state law (HB 1076). Key changes: annual license option, alignment with state categories, added insurance requirements, removal of park permit provision (to be revisited later). Effective November 1, 2025. Approved unanimously. - Item 32 – Campaign Disclosure Ordinance: Assistant City Attorney Catherine Walker explained repeal of local election commission and campaign finance reporting due to state preemption (SB 890). The city will provide a link to the state ethics portal. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent docket (Items 3‑22) approved unanimously. - All zoning and plat items (23‑30) approved unanimously, with the amendment to Item 25 (front yard setback reduction) passed unanimously. - Mobile food vendor ordinance (Item 31) adopted unanimously on final reading. - Campaign finance ordinance (Item 32) adopted unanimously, effective November 1, 2025. - Councilmember Montoya’s resignation effective immediately; no successor announced. - Council members committed to revisiting a code of conduct and to improving public dialogue. - Public comments will be considered in future budget discussions and stormwater management policies.

This special meeting of the Norman City Council convened at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Councilor Peacock was absent, and Councilman Logit was expected later. The agenda included two items: a discussion of the Central Oklahoma long-range transit plan and a consideration of adjourning into executive session for pending litigation. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Central Oklahoma Long-Range Transit Plan Update: Staff members Taylor Johnson (Transit Parking Program Manager) and Chip Nolan (Planning Manager, Embark) presented the third update on the 30-year regional transit plan, the first such effort in 20 years. The plan projects 434,000 new residents and 320,000 new jobs by 2045, resulting in 1.1 million daily trips. It is broken into short-term (local service investments, no RTA projects), mid-term, and long-term phases. The proposed vision includes 16 high-frequency routes (430 miles), 8 crosstown routes, 13 on-demand zones, and RTA corridors. Capital costs are estimated between $500 million and $725 million, with annual operations and maintenance costs of $125 million to $175 million. Economic benefits include 151,000 additional jobs accessible by transit, 1,300 sustained jobs, $100 million in annual economic growth, and $28 million in annual savings from reduced congestion. The plan is in its final phase and will be presented to the ACOG board for adoption in November. Councilor Grant asked about ADA accessibility and access to heat maps for underserved populations. Staff noted the plan used census data on elderly, low-income, and non-driving populations, and that maps are available on the project website (connectcentralok.com). Councilor Williams suggested regular updates through the CPTC committee, and the Mayor offered to share the project link in the city's weekly newsletter. - Executive Session: The council considered a motion to adjourn into executive session, authorized by Oklahoma statutes, to discuss pending litigation in Wadi Wolf Inc. vs. G. E. Johnson. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken on the transit plan; the presentation was for discussion only. The plan is expected to be presented to ACOG for adoption in November 2025. - The council agreed to stay updated on regional transit progress, with the Mayor offering to include the project link in the city's weekly communication. - The council unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting began with a brief discussion on audit materiality and tolerable error, followed by a detailed presentation on the closeout of fiscal year 2024-25 for the General Fund and the Norman Forward Fund. Staff highlighted revenue shortfalls, expenditure trends, and concerns about future fund balances, particularly due to mandated salary increases outpacing revenue growth. Council members asked clarifying questions and discussed trade-offs between debt financing and pay-as-you-go project funding. Discussion Items - Audit Materiality Explanation: A staff member (likely from the audit team) explained the concepts of materiality (typically 5–10% of total assets) and tolerable error, noting that these are judgment-based thresholds used to assess whether misstatements would affect financial statement users. The discussion concluded with thanks to the presenters. - FY25 General Fund Closeout: Staff presented actual figures compared to budget estimates for the largest city fund. Key points included: - Sales tax revenue was $1.8 million below estimate. - Other revenue (including convenience fees) was significantly short due to the city absorbing a $3 per transaction credit card fee (previously passed on) after a merchant processor rate reduction; the fee was budgeted at about $750,000. - Capital outlay revenue and expenditure were both below budget, offsetting each other. - Total revenue was $4 million short; total expenditures were $4 million short. - Transfers from the General Fund to other funds were lower than planned: the transfer to the public safety sales tax fund was $212,000 instead of the estimated $2.6 million, while unexpected transfers of $260,000 were made to the Westwood Fund and a similar amount to the WIFAC (YFAC) fund. - The General Fund ended the year with a loss of $5.8 million (vs. an estimated loss of $5.6 million) and a fund balance of $11.8 million, which is $4 million above the mandated 3% reserve. - Staff warned that because FY25 actual sales tax revenue was lower than budgeted and FY26 is budgeted flat, the city projects a $7.2 million loss in FY26, leaving a fund balance of only $4.6 million ($1.3 million above reserve). - The primary driver of the deficit is the mandated 4% annual merit increase for all city staff, while major revenue sources are not growing at the same rate. - Norman Forward Fund Closeout: Staff reported: - Sales tax revenue below estimate; use tax on target. - $8.6 million in capital project expenditures mostly representing carryover from prior years. - $9 million in debt service payments, which will continue as programmed. - Projected ending fund balance of $6.8 million for FY25. - Earlier cash flow concerns for FY26-27 have eased; the Citizens Financial Oversight Board (CFOB) will discuss project coverage and recommendations. - Mayor Holman noted that over 90% of Norman Forward projects are completed. - Debt vs. Pay-as-You-Go Discussion: Council members discussed the trade-off between issuing debt to build projects quickly (as with Norman Forward) versus slower pay-go funding to avoid debt service. Mayor Holman mentioned that a potential Norman Forward 2 could consider more pay-go, but acknowledged that project cost escalation might offset interest savings. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The discussion was informational. - Staff will provide additional fund detail in upcoming council packets. - The CFOB will continue to evaluate Norman Forward Fund cash flow and make recommendations on project priorities. - The city faces a structural imbalance in the General Fund that will require future action to address expenditures outpacing revenues.

The Norman Planning Commission met on September 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Commissioners present at roll call: Brewer, McDaniel, McCowan, Jablonsky, Byrd, and McClure. Commissioners Griffith, Kindle, and Parker were also listed but did not respond; a quorum was declared. The meeting addressed a consent docket, several postponements, and a major rezoning and preliminary plat approval. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approval of the minutes from the August 14, 2025 Planning Commission meeting. Approved unanimously (7-0). - Items 2 & 3: Certificate of Survey items: - COS-2425-8 (Ridgeline Estates, 338.27 acres, generally located a quarter mile west of 144th Avenue Southeast and south of Cedar Lane Road). - COS-2526-1 (Joshua Oaks Estates, 79.77 acres, at the southwest corner of Bethel Road and 108th Avenue Northeast). Both approved unanimously as part of the consent docket (7-0). Discussion Items - Items 4 & 5 (Ordinance 0-2425-38 and PP-2425-12 – Ironwood Hills PUD, 77.97 acres south of East Lindsay Street between 36th and 48th Avenues Southeast): The applicant requested postponement to the October 9, 2025 meeting. Motion to postpone carried 7-0. - Items 6 & 7 (Ordinance 0-2526-6 and PP-2526-7 – Coal Rain Multifamily PUD, 32.50 acres north of East Imhof Road between Glass and Boulevard and 24th Avenue Southeast): These items had already been postponed; the commission voted to postpone to the October 9, 2025 meeting (7-0). - Items 8 & 9 (Ordinance 0-2526-9 and PP-2526-9 – Mixed-use PUD at 2200 North Porter Avenue, 69.68 acres at the southwest corner of Porter Avenue and Rock Creek Road): - Staff (Justin Fidget Plain Department) presented the rezoning and preliminary plat, noting the site is currently zoned C2, RM6, and A2, and the proposed PUD would allow a mix of commercial and residential uses across two development areas. The plan includes approximately 24 acres of green space (35% of the site), a trail around an existing pond, and extension of Crystal Circle to improve interconnectivity. The Parks Board gave unanimous approval. Staff recommended approval, finding consistency with the AIM Norman Comprehensive Land Use Plan. - Applicant Sean Rieger presented further, explaining the rationale for blending existing zones (C2 does not allow residential; RM6 does not allow commercial) to allow upper-story residential and ground-floor commercial. No protests were reported. In response to Commissioner Jablonsky’s question about green space and the ability to modify the site plan, the applicant clarified that any significant changes would require a return to the commission for site plan approval. - No public comments were received. - The commission approved the rezoning and preliminary plat unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Consent docket (minutes and two certificate of survey items) approved 7-0. - Three postponements to October 9, 2025 (Items 4/5, 6/7, and note: Items 6/7 were already postponed) all approved 7-0. - Rezoning (Ordinance 0-2526-9) and Preliminary Plat (PP-2526-9) for the PUD at 2200 North Porter Avenue approved 7-0. - No other business; meeting adjourned.

The meeting opened with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council accepted the nomination of Brandon No Fire as Ward 5 Councilmember and administered the oath of office, replacing outgoing Councilmember Michael Nash, who was honored with a resolution of appreciation. Two proclamations were acknowledged (Constitution Week and Hispanic Heritage Month). Following council announcements, the consent docket (items 6–23) was approved unanimously. The council discussed and approved a preliminary plat for a replat at 1508 Shady Brook Drive. Public miscellaneous comments included congratulations to the new councilmember, suggestions for agenda transparency, and concerns about homelessness policies and the arena TIF. Consent Calendar - Items 6 through 23 were placed on the consent docket and approved unanimously without further discussion, as recommended by staff. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Hetzel (Ward 5): Congratulated Brandon No Fire on his appointment and thanked his family. She offered two suggestions: (1) add ward numbers to agenda items to help residents identify relevant items, and (2) post the City Council handbook on the city website for transparency. - Stephen Ellis (Ward 4): Congratulated Councilmember No Fire and expressed support for the appointment process. He urged the council to oppose any expansion of Governor Stitt's operation regarding unhoused people into Norman, arguing that encampment clearances harm individuals and do not reduce homelessness. - Cindy Rogers (Ward 4): Promoted a book on water politics. She noted that two of the three parties in the arena TIF development agreement (county commissioners and the city) now favor a public vote, and asked if the council has formally requested a pause in deadlines from the third party (OU Foundation). She also distributed a handout on best practices for future TIF evaluations. - Evan Dunn: Associated himself with previous speakers and congratulated Mr. Nofire. Discussion Items - Nomination and Oath of Office – Ward 5: The council accepted the nomination from the Ward 5 Candidate Selection Committee (motion passed). Brandon No Fire took the oath of office administered by Judge Nichols. - Resolution Thanking Michael Nash: The council adopted a resolution (motion passed unanimously) expressing gratitude to Michael Nash for his service as Ward 5 Councilmember from July 11, 2023, to August 12, 2025. - Proclamations: Items 4 (Constitution Week, September 17–23, 2025) and 5 (Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, 2025) were acknowledged by a single motion (passed unanimously). Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Oklahoma Historical Society accepted the proclamations. - Council Announcements: Councilmembers from each ward made announcements, including congratulations to Councilmember Nofire, event reminders (Art Walk, Porch Fest, Ink the Block), updates on city committee appointments, and reports on the Oklahoma Municipal League conference (focus on homelessness) and the new SEC Mayors Alliance. Mayor Holman also discussed the need for coordinated solutions for homelessness. - Item 24 – Preliminary Plat for 1508 Shady Brook Drive: A replat of three lots (two existing and one new) to create an additional buildable lot. Scott Sturtz (Public Works) explained it would have minimal impact, using private well and septic, with access via Pebble Beach Road. No applicant representative was present. The planning commission had approved it 8–0 with no protests. Councilmember Peacock inquired about access. Public comment from Stephen Ellis asked about topography. The motion to approve passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Brandon No Fire appointed and sworn in as Ward 5 Councilmember (unanimous). - Resolution thanking Michael Nash adopted (unanimous). - Proclamations for Constitution Week and Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledged (unanimous). - Consent docket (items 6–23) approved (unanimous). - Preliminary plat at 1508 Shady Brook Drive approved (unanimous). - Public suggestions regarding agenda ward labeling and posting the City Council handbook were noted but no formal action taken. - No formal action on the arena TIF or homelessness concerns; the mayor committed to continued dialogue.

The Norman City Council held a conference meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM to receive a presentation and hold a discussion on the proposed 20-year Urban Forest Master Plan developed by Davey Resource Group in partnership with city staff. The meeting covered the current state of Norman's urban forest, community engagement results, benchmarking data, and a series of strategic recommendations. Presentation of the Urban Forest Master Plan - Introduction: James Briggs, Park Development Manager, opened the presentation, explaining the plan was contracted in late summer 2024 to guide the city's forestry division for the next 15 to 20 years. He noted the plan graphically aligns with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. - Findings and Community Engagement: Dana Carcher, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist with Davey, presented the findings. The planning process included a park tree inventory, a steering committee, stakeholder focus groups, public meetings, and a community survey. Key findings showed 84% of survey respondents felt there were too few trees in the park system. Cooling shade and providing wildlife habitat were identified as the most valued benefits of trees by the community. - Current Forestry Operations: The citywide tree canopy is approximately 30%. A park inventory counted 5,775 trees (excluding wilderness areas). Eastern Red Cedar is the most prevalent species, approaching the recommended 10% diversity limit. Other major species include Lacebark Elm, Bald Cypress, American Elm, and Loblolly Pine. The forestry division operates with relatively low staffing (one primary forester and part-time support) and an annual budget of roughly $450,000, which staff noted allows them to do a significant amount of work with limited resources. - Recommendations: The plan offers five strategic pillars: 1. Grow Crew: Expand to a dedicated 3-person tree crew plus a crew chief (requiring a $1.4 million budget increase) and acquire a grapple truck. 2. Prioritize Maintenance: Implement routine maintenance cycles (5-10 years), care for young trees, and outsource high-risk removals. 3. Protect the Urban Forest: Adopt climate-resilient species, monitor pest threats like Emerald Ash Borer, manage invasive species, and track canopy changes. 4. Plan for Sustainable Growth: Identify priority planting areas, expand NeighborWoods, review development impacts on trees, and preserve historically significant trees through a mechanism for creating 'historic tree districts' currently being drafted by city staff. 5. Partner on Implementation: Engage volunteers, nonprofits, institutions, and utility forestry, along with regular reporting to the Parks Board. Council Discussion and Key Positions - Councilor McPico questioned the status of Eastern Red Cedar as an invasive species and inquired about programs for historically significant trees. The presenters confirmed the plan includes recommendations on both topics, and staff noted a 'historic tree district' ordinance is being drafted for future council consideration. - Councilor Pico asked about the proposed $1.4 million budget increase, which was confirmed as solely for new staffing and equipment, and inquired about federal funding. Dana Carcher stated that federal urban forestry programs have been heavily cut and advised the city to stop depending on such grants. Councilor Pico also asked how other cities finance these programs, learning that general funds and dedicated taxes are common. Councilor Pico expressed strong support for a parking lot tree retrofit program modeled after Hanford, California, and advocated for aggressive replanting policies on city projects, specifically suggesting a replacement ratio of four new trees for every one removed. - Another Council Member praised the work of the city's sole forester, Colin, but strongly advocated for incremental staffing additions. The member argued it is poor business practice to rely on a single person for critical institutional knowledge and expertise, stating, “It is never a good business practice to only have one person… if you lose that one person, you just lost all that knowledge.” - Councilor Pico aligned the city's priorities with the plan’s direction. He suggested identifying cost savings from reduced use of storm cleanup contractors to help fund staffing increases. He also raised the possibility of increasing the visitor tax and dedicating a portion of the revenue to fund the expanded parks and forestry functions requested in the plan. Key Outcomes - The meeting was a presentation and discussion only; no formal vote was taken on the plan or its budget recommendations. - Council members expressed general support for the plan and directed staff to consider its recommendations during the upcoming city budget development process. - City staff confirmed they are currently revising the tree ordinance to include a mechanism for neighborhoods to apply for 'historic tree district' designation, which will be brought before the council at a later date. - The Urban Forest Master Plan is intended to serve as a 20-year strategic roadmap guiding the future of Norman's forestry division.