Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its June 16, 2025 meeting, addressing various city matters including a public hearing on an alley closing and a significant discussion on a proposed planned unit development (PUD) for Cowboy Landing. The PUD, which generated considerable public opposition due to density and neighborhood compatibility concerns, was ultimately tabled for further review. The meeting also included presentations from the Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) and New Gen Strategies regarding a solid waste study, along with approvals for airport rates and a small business enhancement allocation.
Key Decisions & Votes
Alley Closing at 1101 & 1123 West University Avenue
00:20:50Ordinance 3572, concerning the closing of an alley right-of-way for the Sigma Chi fraternity's new $17 million facility, was advanced to its second reading. The fraternity plans to replace the alley with a new north-south connector and a 50-space parking lot.
Cowboy Landing Planned Unit Development (PUD)
00:22:00The proposed Cowboy Landing PUD, seeking to develop 42 residential units on 4.2 acres at 1924 and 2002 East McElroy Road, was tabled until July 21st. This decision was made to allow the developer to address significant concerns raised by the public and council members regarding density, parking, neighborhood transition, and internal sidewalks.
Stillwater Regional Airport Rates and Charges Schedule
01:32:00Resolution CC-2025-10, establishing the fiscal year 2025-2026 rates and charges schedule for the Stillwater Regional Airport, was adopted. The only change from the current schedule is a CPI adjustment, with a comprehensive rates and charges study expected to be completed in December.
Small Business Enhancement Allocation and Policy Guide Amendments
01:34:00Resolution CC-2025-11 was adopted, approving an additional $150,000 allocation to the small business enhancement category under the TIFF 3 implementation policy guide. It also authorized city staff and special counsel to propose further amendments to the policy guide for clarity and usability.
Storm Water Quality and Management Ordinance Amendments
01:39:00Ordinance 3568, amending Chapter 35 of the city code regarding storm water quality and management, was adopted. These amendments clarify existing regulations on drainage easements and enforcement procedures, without adding new regulations for property owners.
Miscellaneous Nuisances Ordinance Amendments
01:40:00Ordinance 3569, amending Chapter 18 of the city code concerning miscellaneous nuisances, was adopted. This ordinance is related to improving enforcement capabilities.
Rezoning 102 South Husband Street
01:40:30Ordinance 3571, to rezone 102 South Husband Street from two-family residential to commercial business, was adopted.
Tile House Small Business Enhancement Assistance
01:57:00An application for $15,000 in small business enhancement assistance was approved for Tile House, a new interior design selection center and specialty store located at 102 South Main Street. The funds will support exterior facade improvements.
Apex Title Small Business Enhancement Assistance
02:00:00An application for $15,000 in small business enhancement assistance was approved for Apex Title, a new business opening at 114 West 8th Street. The funds will be used for extensive exterior renovations, including a new glass front.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Public Library Summer Reading Program
Fun learning and networking events for all ages.
Summer Cinema
Held at the Community Center.
Senior Center Activities
Art and dance classes, guitar lessons, Zumba, card games, and more. Check stillwater.gov for weekly activities.
Boomer Blast Fireworks Show
Boomer Lake Park, 6:30 p.m. festivities, 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Streamed live on City of Stillwater Facebook and YouTube. More info at stillwater.gov/boomerblast.
Crazy Days
Community-wide retail event, including downtown and campus corner. Details at visitstillwater.org.
Crazy Days Ring Registers Promotion Giveaway
Details at visitstillwater.org.
Juneteenth Celebration
Southern Woods Park, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Games, music, free food, drink, and entertainment. More info at visitstillwater.org/swCommunity.
Block 34 Grand Opening
During Dancing Turtle event. Construction progress noted, landscaping and sod being installed.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Regional Airport Rates and Charges Schedule
Established for fiscal year 2025-2026, with a CPI adjustment for leases and agreements. A full rates and charges study is underway.
Small Business Enhancement Category Allocation
Additional allocation to the small business enhancement category under the TIFF 3 implementation policy guide, enabling CEDA to fund more eligible applications.
Waste Management Solid Waste Study Findings
New Gen Strategies presented findings indicating under-recovery in residential services and recommending phased rate increases. Potential cost savings of $76,000 from a cardboard bailing operation and $250,000-$300,000 from transitioning to front-load commercial dumpsters were identified. Forecasted residential rates for a 96-gallon cart could reach $29.17-$29.72 by 2030.
Tile House Small Business Enhancement Assistance
Assistance for exterior improvements at 102 South Main Street, with a total project cost of $32,000.
Apex Title Small Business Enhancement Assistance
Assistance for exterior improvements at 114 West 8th Street, with a total project cost of $30,370.
Public Comments
Public comments were predominantly focused on the Cowboy Landing PUD, with numerous residents expressing strong opposition. Key themes included concerns about increased density, inadequate parking, lack of internal sidewalks, negative impact on neighborhood character and property values, and the development's compatibility with existing large-lot residential areas. Residents also questioned the developer's adherence to city codes and previous promises regarding lot sizes.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Cowboy Landing Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 1924 and 2002 East McElroy Road (tabled until July 21st meeting)
Deadlines
- FEMA and SBA on-site presence at Meridian Technology Center ends Wednesday, June 18th (last office hours June 17th and 18th)
- Juneteenth (City Hall closed Thursday, June 19th)
Watch For
- Further amendments to the TIFF 3 implementation policy guide
- Recommendations on solid waste rates and operational changes from New Gen Strategies
- Completion of the Stillwater Regional Airport rates and charges study (expected December)
Announcements
- Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) presented an update on their activities, league participation, community service, and challenges due to rain affecting tournaments. They highlighted the need for turf fields to remain competitive with other cities.
- FEMA assistance is available for homeowners and renters affected by March wildfires and straight-line winds; only 55% of eligible Payne County residents have applied. On-site assistance at Meridian Technology Center concludes June 18th.
- City Hall will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will proceed as usual.
- Progress on Block 34 construction is significant, with landscaping being installed. The grand opening is scheduled for July 26th during Dancing Turtle.
- Residents are encouraged to utilize city parks and splash pads (Boomer Lake Park and Southern Woods Park), which are free and open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- The city's communications team was praised for their educational video and social media efforts regarding storm water ordinance updates.
- The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and city staff were commended for their work in hosting the 'select' event, bringing site selectors to Stillwater to showcase the community.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative matters.
Item I from Consent Docket (Golf Course Maintenance)
Discussion regarding golf course maintenance and golf cart procurement, following citizen complaints.
6A: Public Comment for Alley Closing (CC-25-92)
Receive public comment for a closing of an alley right-of-way abutting properties at 1101 and 1123 West University Avenue, 221 South Lincoln, and 206 South Monroe.
6B: Public Comment for Cowboy Landing PUD (CC-25-93)
Receive public comment to establish a planned unit development PUD25-02 and small lot single family residential zoning at 1924 and 2002 East McElroy Road.
7: Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) Presentation
Presentation from Carolyn Walstead on SASA's activities, community impact, and challenges.
8A: Resolution CC-2025-10
A resolution establishing the Stillwater Regional Airport fiscal year 2025-2026 rates and charges schedule.
8B: Resolution CC-2025-11
A resolution approving an additional $150,000 allocation to the small business enhancement category and authorizing amendments to the implementation policy guide.
9A: Ordinance 3572 (First Reading)
An ordinance closing an alley right-of-way abutting properties located at 1101 and 1123 West University Avenue, 221 South Lincoln, and 206 South Monroe Streets.
9B: Ordinance 3568 (Second Reading)
An ordinance amending Chapter 35 of the Stillwater Code of Ordinances regarding storm water quality and management.
9C: Ordinance 3569 (Second Reading)
An ordinance amending Chapter 18 of the Stillwater Code of Ordinances regarding miscellaneous nuisances.
9D: Ordinance 3571 (Second Reading)
An ordinance to rezone 102 South Husband Street from two-family residential to commercial business.
Waste Management 2025 Solid Waste Study Presentation
Presentation by New Gen Strategies and Matt Faulker on findings from the solid waste study, focusing on operational efficiency, cost of service, and rate design.
Consider Application of Tile House for Small Business Enhancement Assistance
Application for assistance for a new business at 102 South Main Street for exterior improvements.
Consider Application of Apex Title for Small Business Enhancement Assistance
Application for assistance for a new business at 114 West 8th Street for exterior improvements.