Meeting Summary
The Sora City Council held its May 19, 2025 meeting, approving a map amendment to rezone properties on South Husband Street from residential to commercial, and advancing the fiscal year 2026 budget for adoption. The council also awarded a general obligation bond for $8.75 million and received a comprehensive update on the city's water supply and treatment projects, including the Lake McMurtry pipeline.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment for South Husband Street Properties
00:15:00The council approved a map amendment to rezone properties at 1017 and 1023 South Husband Street from two-family residential to commercial business, despite concerns about potential commercial development versus the proposed residential project.
Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
00:29:00The council directed staff to proceed with the adoption of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget by resolution at the June 2nd meeting, following a public hearing.
General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025 Award
00:31:00The council awarded the general obligation limited tax bond series 2025 in the sum of $8,750,000 to TD Securities as the lowest and best bidder.
Resolution for General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025 Issuance
00:34:00The council adopted Resolution CC-2025-7, providing for the issuance of the general obligation limited tax bond series 2025 for $8,750,000, with funds expected by June 27th.
Upcoming Community Events
National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month
Proclaimed in Stillwater, encouraging residents to participate in local events, promote bicycle safety, and share the road.
Memorial Day
City Hall will be closed. Trash and recycling services will run on their regular schedule.
Stillwater Art Integration Utility Box Art Program
Contest open to all community members with the theme 'Stillwater Strong'. Submissions at stillwater.gov/art.
Fly Day Friday Food Trucks
11 AM to 2 PM at Stillwater Regional Airport (1818 Right Drive), featuring Airside Dining.
Juneteenth Celebration
11 AM to 2 PM at Southern Woods Park, hosted by Stillwater Community United. Games, music, free food, and entertainment. City Hall closed June 19th.
Financial Matters
Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
Public hearing held and staff directed to proceed with adoption. Includes a $140,000 increase to the CEDA destination marketing fund for the Visit Stillwater contract.
General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025
Awarded to TD Securities with a true interest cost of 3.850776%. Funds are for the animal welfare project.
Water Supply and Treatment Projects Funding
Ongoing projects are funded through a combination of ARPA funds, grants (approx. $9.5 million received so far), and ratepayer loans. The FY25 program and McMurtry pipeline alone total about $95 million.
Public Comments
Public comments were received regarding the map amendment for South Husband Street, with the applicant explaining the need for commercial zoning to facilitate a residential development due to current zoning limitations. A resident expressed concerns about increased density and parking issues. No public comments were made regarding the proposed budget.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 3568 (drainage code provisions)
- Ordinance 3569 (drainage code provisions)
Deadlines
- June 2nd: Budget adoption resolution
- June 16th: Second reading for tabled drainage code ordinances
- June 27th: Anticipated closing date for bond funds
Watch For
- Results of downtown traffic signal data collection and flashing light trial
- Stillwater Art Integration Year Two contest designs
- Progress on water treatment plant expansion and filter replacement
Announcements
- Severe weather in the area is being monitored by emergency management.
- City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26th for Memorial Day.
- Stillwater Art Integration is kicking off Year Two of its utility box art program, with the theme 'Stillwater Strong'.
- Fly Day Friday Food Trucks event on June 13th at Stillwater Regional Airport.
- Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21st at Southern Woods Park.
- Candi Starring, Director of Water Utilities, announced her retirement at the end of the month, with Bill Milis taking over leadership.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in recognition of National Bike Month
Proclamation of May 2025 as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month in Stillwater.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
CC-25-80: Map Amendment to rezone properties at 1017 and 1023 South Husband Street
Public hearing and action to rezone properties from two-family residential to commercial business.
CC-25-81: Public comment regarding the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026
Public hearing on the proposed budget and direction to staff for future adoption.
Action awarding general obligation limited tax bond series 2025
Awarding the $8,750,000 bond to the lowest and best bidder.
Resolution CC-2025-7: Providing for the issuance of general obligation limited tax bond series 2025
Authorizing the issuance of the $8,750,000 bond.
Ordinance 3570: Reszone properties at 1017 and 1023 South Husband Street
First reading of the ordinance to rezone properties from two-family residential to commercial business.
Ordinance 3568 and Ordinance 3569 (drainage code provisions)
Second reading of ordinances related to drainage code provisions.
Reports from the officers in the board
Updates on various city initiatives, including downtown traffic signals, Memorial Day, utility box art, food trucks, and Juneteenth.
Water supply and treatment project updates (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Comprehensive update on the city's raw water supply and treatment projects, including the finished water pump station, chemicals project, and Lake McMurtry pipeline.