City Council Study Session, 8/18/26

The City of Norman, Oklahoma City Council held a study session on August 18, 2026, focusing primarily on pedestrian safety improvements near Robinville Public School and the formation of an ad hoc committee to review fire and police department needs assessments and funding strategies. The council discussed the challenges of installing a midblock crosswalk on a 50 mph road, with staff recommending a safer long-term solution involving ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks at a stop-controlled intersection, estimated at around $100,000. Funding options such as the ACOG grant program were considered, with potential cost-sharing partnerships with the school or church also discussed. Additionally, the council explored creating a nine-member committee to oversee public safety capital projects, including potential bond measures for fire and police facilities, staffing, and IT infrastructure enhancements. The committee would provide regular updates and help strategize funding approaches, with an anticipated one-year term and monthly meetings. The session concluded with plans to move forward on these initiatives and an executive session to discuss litigation and real estate matters related to a bond project.