Jackson Lyle of Amber Integrated presented a December survey of 339 registered Norman voters that found 81% view homelessness as very or somewhat serious and 86% consider a shelter important to the community. Lyle said awareness of the existing city-owned, contractor-operated shelter and the city’s funding pressures is low, and that the bond question tested at roughly 50% support, with 32% opposed and 18% unsure.

"Generally, in Norman, homelessness is viewed as a serious issue," Lyle said during the study session, and he told council the survey suggests education and fiscal framing could persuade undecided voters. The survey script shown to council described a 20‑year bond to construct a 100‑bed permanent shelter on Reed Avenue for an estimated $8,000,000; the consultant also presented cross‑tabs showing variation by council district, age and voter engagement.

Architects from FSB sketched a two‑building site plan for the triangular Reed Avenue site, noting constraints including a flood plain, an easement and a required detention pond. The program presented included a 13,250‑square‑foot building to house about 76 men and 44 women, plus a second building of roughly 6,700 square feet containing four family apartments and 10 respite rooms for people with short‑term medical needs. Architects said prefab metal construction for a single‑phase build would reduce cost and free funds for landscaping, lighting and other neighborhood‑facing elements.

FSB described a conceptual, "all‑in" cost estimate of about $8 million that includes design and contractor fees and an owner contingency the team discussed at roughly $500,000. Project staff told council the figure was vetted at a conceptual level with subcontractors and a general contractor and emphasized it remains a conceptual estimate that will be refined in design development.

Council discussion focused on capacity and operations, neighborhood impacts (sidewalks, fencing, signage), procurement and contract terms for service providers, and financing details. Staff said the city could reduce debt burden via the potential sale of the West Grama Street properties (estimated in the presentation around $750,000 for both parcels) and that CityCare indicated a preference to focus fundraising on operations rather than construction; CityCare currently receives roughly $700,000 a year from the city’s discretionary general fund for shelter operations, staff said.

On timing, staff outlined election windows and the reading schedule required for an April ballot; several council members expressed support for placing a first reading on next Tuesday’s council agenda to preserve the option of an April election. Council did not take a formal recorded vote in the study session, but staff was directed to prepare ordinance language and place the item on the upcoming agenda unless members objected.

Next steps: staff and the design team will refine operational cost projections, provide more precise O&M estimates, finish construction documents and return to council with procurement and financing details. If council proceeds, formal ordinance readings would be required to place a bond question on the ballot.