City Council Oversight Committee Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK CITY COUNCIL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room, 201 West Gray, Norman, OK 73069 Thursday, November 09, 2023, at 4:00 PM MINUTES The Oversight Committee of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Regular Session in the Executive Conference Room in the Municipal Building, on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 at 4:00 PM, and notice of the agenda of the meeting was posted at the Norman Municipal Building at 201 West Gray and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Schueler called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT Councilmember Ward 2 Lauren Schueler (Chair) Councilmember Ward 3 Bree Montoya Councilmember Ward 7 Stephen Holman ABSENT Councilmember Ward 1 Austin Ball OTHERS PRESENT Councilmember Ward 2 Helen Grant Mr. Darrel Pyle, City Manager Ms. Kathryn Walker, City Attorney Mr. Anthony Purinton, Assistant City Attorney Ms. Michele Loudenback, Environmental and Sustainability Manager Mr. Shawn O’Leary, Director of Public Works, Mr. Jason Olsen, Director of Parks and Recreation Mr. Chris Mattingly, Director of Utilities Mr. Taylor Johnson, Transit and Parking Program Manager Ms. April Heiple, Executive Director, Food and Shelter Ms. Lisa Webb, Admit Tech III, City Clerk CITY COUNCIL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, November 09, 2023 Page |1 AGENDA ITEMS 1. UPDATE ON THE EMERGENCY SHELTER OPERATION. Presenter: Ms. April Heiple, Executive Director, Food and Shelter. Ms. Heiple provided an update on the status and performance of the emergency shelter services operated by Food and Shelter. She shared recent utilization data, success stories, and challenges in meeting the community's needs. Ms. Heiple also spoke about ongoing collaboration with the City and other agencies to expand capacity and ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to safe, supportive housing and case management services. Committee members asked questions regarding funding sources, capacity constraints, and potential partnerships for long-term solutions. ***** 2. CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING THE USE OF TWO VANS AUTHORIZED IN THE FYE 2023 BUDGET. Presenter: Darrel Pyle, City Manager Mr. Pyle discussed the Council-approved purchase of two vans during the FYE 2023 budget cycle. The conversation focused on how these vans could be used to support homelessness response and outreach services. Mr. Pyle outlined options such as transportation for emergency shelter access, mobile case management, and delivery of supplies to encampments. Committee members debated the vans’ best use, accountability for scheduling, coordination with service providers, and alignment with broader homelessness initiatives. ***** 3. UPDATE ON A PUBLIC PANTRY POLICY. Presenter: Jason Olsen, Director of Parks and Recreation Mr. Olsen provided an update on the City’s efforts to develop a policy for managing public pantries placed on City property. He highlighted community interest in mutual aid pantries and outlined concerns related to location, maintenance, sanitation, and liability. Mr. Olsen explained that the Parks Department is working on a policy framework that supports the public’s intent while maintaining public safety and operational consistency. Councilmembers discussed examples of successful pantries, potential pilot locations, and criteria for ongoing evaluation. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, November 09, 2023 Page |2