Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on May 5th, 2025, included the recognition of Jaci Gray for her contributions to the Sister Cities program and the introduction of the new Chief of Police, Christopher Hass. The council also advanced two ordinances related to stormwater quality and management and adopted two ordinances concerning land development and utility services. Several reappointments were made to the Stillwater Housing Authority, Public Library Board, and Tourism Advisory Committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3568: Stormwater Quality and Management
20:45This ordinance amends Chapter 35 of the Stillwater Code of Ordinances to expand the definition of drainage facilities and clarify maintenance responsibilities for property owners, providing additional enforcement mechanisms for the city.
Ordinance 3569: Public Nuisance Code (Drainage Facilities)
21:50This ordinance amends Chapter 18 of the city code to include accumulation of trash, garbage, debris, brush, or vegetation in drainage facilities as a public nuisance if it causes or has the potential to cause flooding.
Ordinance 3565: Land Development Code (Water/Sewer Systems)
22:45This ordinance amends various sections of the Stillwater Code of Ordinances related to water distribution, sanitary sewer collection systems, and utility service extensions.
Ordinance 3566: Land Development Code (Plat Subdivision Approval)
23:30This ordinance amends Chapter 23 of the city code concerning the plat subdivision approval process within the Land Development Code.
Reappointment to Stillwater Housing Authority
24:00Austin Pard was reappointed to a new three-year term on the Stillwater Housing Authority.
Reappointments to Stillwater Public Library Board
24:40Matt Upson, Robin Cornwell, and Martha McMillan were reappointed to three-year terms on the Stillwater Public Library Board.
Appointments to Tourism Advisory Committee
33:00Several individuals, including Vice Mayor Amy Jowleski, Chris Norris, Kyle Ray, Bayar Jansahi, Christine Weights, and Jay Martin, were appointed or reappointed to the Tourism Advisory Committee.
Upcoming Community Events
Cops and Bobbers
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Boomer Lake. Free youth fishing event with local law enforcement and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. No fishing license required, equipment provided.
Oklahoma State University Graduations
Oklahoma Special Olympics Summer Games
Celebrating 40 years in Stillwater.
Meridian Technology Center's Graduation
Stillwater Public Schools Graduation
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Real ID required for flying through any US airport starting Wednesday, May 7th.
Watch For
- Block 34 substantially complete by mid-to-end of June, fully open for Dancing Turtle event at the end of July.
Announcements
- Proclamation in appreciation of Jaci Gray for her service as Sister City student representative and her upcoming move to Kameoka, Japan, to work at City Hall as Coordinator of International Exchange Programs.
- Introduction of Christopher Hass as the new Chief of Police for Stillwater, joining from the Houston Police Department.
- Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar presented a report on their mission, educational programs, community events, and preservation efforts, highlighting their focus on lifelong learning and community building.
- Stillwater's two free splash pads at Boomer Lake Park and Southern Woods Park will open on Monday, May 19th, and operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. Trash and recycling services will run on their regular schedule.
- Thousands of visitors are expected in Stillwater over the next few weeks for graduations and special events; residents are advised to allow extra travel time and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- A tour of the electric generation facility was conducted, highlighting its importance and the ongoing maintenance.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in appreciation of Jaci Gray
Recognition of Jaci Gray for her instrumental role in the Sister Cities program and her upcoming position in Kameoka, Japan.
Introduction of Chief of Police Christopher Hass
Formal introduction of the new Chief of Police, Christopher Hass, formerly of the Houston Police Department.
Consent Docket (City Council)
Approval of routine administrative items.
Report from the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar
Presentation by Katarina de Arujo on the museum's mission, educational programs, community building efforts, and future plans.
Ordinance 3568 (First Read): Amending Stillwater Code of Ordinances, Chapter 35 (Stormwater Quality and Management)
Amending definitions and provisions related to drainage facilities and property owner maintenance responsibilities.
Ordinance 3569 (First Read): Amending Stillwater Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18 (Miscellaneous Nuisances)
Amending the public nuisance code to include obstructions in drainage facilities that cause or could cause flooding.
Ordinance 3565 (Second Read): Amending Stillwater Code of Ordinances, Chapter 23 (Land Development Code) and Chapter 41 (Utilities)
Amending provisions related to water distribution systems, sanitary sewer collection systems, and utility service extensions.
Ordinance 3566 (Second Read): Amending Stillwater City Code, Chapter 23 (Land Development Code)
Amending the plat subdivision approval process within the Land Development Code.
Appointment to Stillwater Housing Authority
Reappointment of Austin Pard to a three-year term.
Appointments to Stillwater Public Library Board
Reappointment of Matt Upson, Robin Cornwell, and Martha McMillan to three-year terms.
Reports from the Officers and the Board
Updates from city officials, including progress on Block 34, splash pad openings, Memorial Day closure, and upcoming community events.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Economic Development Authority)
Approval of routine administrative items for the SEDA.
Appointments for the Tourism Advisory Committee
Appointments and reappointments of members to the Tourism Advisory Committee.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Approval of routine administrative items for the SUA.