Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, included several proclamations recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Humane Society's 50th anniversary, and Stillwater as a "You Are Beautiful" community. Key decisions involved approving text amendments to the land development code and utility ordinances, particularly regarding utility main development agreements and plat subdivision processes. The council also received a presentation on the FY26 budget, highlighting flat sales tax revenues and increased utility sales, with a focus on maintaining service levels and addressing capital funding challenges.
Key Decisions & Votes
Text Amendment: Utility Main Development Agreements
00:20:45The council approved a text amendment to Chapter 23 and Chapter 41 of the city code, replacing 'lease purchase agreements' with 'utility main development agreements' for water and sewer infrastructure. This change allows the city to own and maintain infrastructure while enabling developers to recapture investment when others tie into the system.
Text Amendment: Plat Subdivision Approval Process
00:29:40An amendment to Chapter 23, Section 23-63, was approved, requiring all improvements for residential subdivisions to be constructed and accepted, or a development agreement with a bond to be in place, before a final plat can be filed. This aligns residential and commercial subdivision requirements.
Resolution for Animal Welfare Facility Bonds
00:54:50Resolution CC-2025-6 was adopted, fixing the amount of bonds to mature each year, setting the time and place for their sale, and authorizing the city clerk to give notice. This is a step towards financing the new animal welfare facility approved by voters.
Ordinance 3565: Utility Main Development Agreements (First Read)
00:56:00Ordinance 3565, which codifies the changes related to utility main development agreements, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3566: Plat Subdivision Approval Process (First Read)
00:57:00Ordinance 3566, codifying the changes to the plat subdivision approval process, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3564: Easement Closure
00:57:40Ordinance 3564, closing a portion of a general utility drainage and pedestrian easement at 410 West Franklin Lane, was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Proclamation read, with representatives from Wings of Hope speaking about the issue and their efforts.
Humane Society's 50th Anniversary
Proclamation read, with the director of the Humane Society speaking about their 50 years of service and impact on the community.
Stillwater as a 'You Are Beautiful' Community
Proclamation read, recognizing Stillwater's alignment with the 'You Are Beautiful' national project, promoting positivity and mental wellness. An installation is at the Stillwater Community Center.
Annual Spring Used Book Sale
Organized by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, with a preview night on Thursday, open to the public Friday and Saturday, and an unlimited dollar bag sale on Sunday evening. Held at the Stillwater Community Center.
Financial Matters
FY26 Proposed Budget Presentation
Christy Cluck presented the FY26 proposed budget, projecting relatively flat revenues for most funds except SUA, which anticipates increases from scheduled rate adjustments. Total proposed expenditures are $148.2 million, an increase of $3.5 million from FY25, with personnel being the largest component. Capital funding for general fund departments remains a challenge.
SUA Operating Fund Deficit
The SUA operating fund shows a negative net income of $4.8 million, which will be covered by using the beginning fund balance.
Annual Transfer from SUA to General Fund
The annual transfer from the Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) to the city's general fund for FY26 is projected to be $23.7 million, an 8.7% increase from FY25.
Animal Welfare Facility Bonds
A resolution was adopted to fix the amount and sale details for bonds to finance the new animal welfare facility.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- May 19th: Public hearing for FY26 budget
- June 2nd: Budget adoption
- July 1st: Start of fiscal year
Watch For
- Further resolutions on May 19th to issue animal welfare facility bonds and approve other issuance details.
Announcements
- Stillwater Electric Utility earned diamond status from the American Public Power Association's 2024 safety awards and the reliable public power provider diamond designation for the second consecutive year.
- Last week was Linemen Appreciation Day, recognizing the hard work and dedication of linemen.
- The 'Boys from Oklahoma' concert series was a success, with significant efforts from city staff, particularly the Waste Management department, which collected over 29 tons of trash.
- The city's voluntary opt-in notification system for important information (severe weather, emergencies, trash/recycling schedule changes) has been revamped and now includes fire and wildfire emergencies. Residents can enroll or unenroll at stadoc.gov/notify.
- Emergency Management Director Rob Hill has been named to the Governor's Wildland Fire Response Working Group.
- Last week (April 13th-19th) was National Animal Control Appreciation Week and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, with appreciation expressed for animal control officers and 911 dispatchers.
- Tyler Bridges has been welcomed as the new superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Proclamation: Humane Society's 50th Anniversary
Proclamation recognizing the Stillwater Humane Society's 50 years of service.
Proclamation: Stillwater as a 'You Are Beautiful' Community
Proclamation recognizing Stillwater as a 'You Are Beautiful' community, promoting positivity and mental wellness.
Stillwater Electric Utility Diamond Status Recognition
Recognition of Stillwater Electric Utility for earning diamond status from the American Public Power Association's 2024 safety awards and reliable public power provider diamond designation.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment for Text Amendment: Utility Main Development Agreements
Receive public comment for a proposed text amendment to Chapter 23 and Chapter 41 regarding utility main development agreements.
Public Comment for Text Amendment: Plat Subdivision Approval Process
Receive public comment for a proposed text amendment to Chapter 23 regarding the plat subdivision approval process.
FY26 Budget Presentation
Presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Resolution CC-2025-6: Animal Welfare Facility Bonds
Resolution fixing the amount of bonds to mature each year, fixing the time and place of sale, and authorizing notice for the new animal welfare facility.
Ordinance 3565 (First Read): Utility Main Development Agreements
Ordinance amending city code to replace lease purchase agreements with utility main development agreements.
Ordinance 3566 (First Read): Plat Subdivision Approval Process
Ordinance amending city code to require improvements before plat filing for residential subdivisions.
Ordinance 3564 (Second Read): Easement Closure
Ordinance closing a portion of a general utility drainage and pedestrian easement at 410 West Franklin Lane.