Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on March 24, 2025, addressed the ongoing recovery efforts from the March 14 wildfire and severe weather disaster, with various city departments providing updates on their response and future plans. The council also proclaimed March 2025 as Flood Awareness Month and heard presentations from OSU art students regarding potential mural designs. Additionally, a map amendment for rezoning was approved, and an ordinance related to land development code was adopted.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment MA 25-1
01:00:00A request from Lambert Properties LLC and CSCM Properties LLC to rezone properties on North Lincoln Street and West Tyler Avenue from two-family and multi-family residential to two-family and multi-family residential was approved.
Ordinance 3561 - Land Development Code Amendment
01:30:00An ordinance amending Chapter 23 of the Land Development Code, specifically regarding major subdivisions and the contents of the final plat, was adopted with an emergency clause.
Reappointment to Stillwater Housing Authority
01:32:00Debbie Tiger was reappointed to a new three-year term on the Stillwater Housing Authority, expiring in February 2028.
West College Sewer Rehab Project Amendment
01:45:00Amendment number two for a fee of $574,500 for the West College Sewer Rehab Project was approved, authorizing total project expenditures of $1,838,900 and a related budget amendment.
Upcoming Community Events
Flood Awareness Month
Proclaimed to raise awareness about flood safety and the importance of flood insurance, especially with a 30-day waiting period for new policies.
OSU Art Students Mural Project
Presentations by four OSU art students (Olive Price, Mars Moika, Molly Maxon, Katie Reynolds) on mural designs for the Chris Salmon Plaza, with the theme 'Stillwater Foodways'.
Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)
Held at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, providing resource assistance to 60 individuals impacted by the wildfire.
Stillwater Armory Distribution
Open for distribution of essentials to fire-impacted individuals, Monday-Friday 9 AM-2 PM and Wednesday evening 4-6 PM. Specific donations like new pillows, iPhone chargers, canned meat, and gift cards are requested.
Annual Trash Off Event
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Volunteers RSVP by March 27th to Chris Franks at 405-533-8482 or chris.franks@stillwater.ok.gov. Meet at Couch Park pavilion, 1270 East Alcott Drive.
Annual Household Hazardous Waste Event
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Convenience Collection Center, 807 South Perkins Road. For disposal of oil-based paint, pesticides, herbicides, mixed fuels, and other hazardous materials.
Financial Matters
West College Sewer Rehab Project Amendment
Amendment number two to the contract for the West College Sewer Rehab Project, bringing total project expenditures to $1,838,900. Funds for design and easement acquisition are from the sewer fund, with construction funding including a $5 million Congressional directive.
United Way of Payne County Stillwater Strong Relief Fund
A separate fund established to collect monetary donations for unmet needs of individuals impacted by the Payne County wildfires. A disaster allocation committee will oversee transparent distribution.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- RSVP for Annual Trash Off Event by March 27th
- Order rain barrels by April 28th
- Election Day: April 1st
Watch For
- Future discussions on community resilience to disasters
- Further updates on wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts
- Results of the Animal Welfare facility proposition vote
Announcements
- The Red Cross shelter at the Payne County Expo closed as of 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting.
- The Stillwater Armory will remain open for distribution of essentials to fire-impacted individuals.
- A dedicated webpage, stillwater.gov/emergency, has been created for disaster information.
- The city has a citizen request tracker on its website (stillwater.ok.gov/report) for reporting concerns.
- Opportunities to serve on city committees, specifically the Board of Drainage Appeals and the Building Trades Board, are available.
- Rain barrels are available for purchase through the City of Stillwater to reduce water bills and storm water pollution.
- Early voting for the April 1st election starts Thursday and Friday of this week at the Payne County Administration Building and in Cushing.
- A proposition for a new Animal Welfare facility will be on the April 1st ballot.
Agenda Summary
Proclamations and Presentations
Proclamation of March 2025 as Flood Awareness Month and presentations by OSU art students on mural designs for Chris Salmon Plaza.
Consent Docket
Approval of meeting minutes from March 10th with a correction regarding who opened and closed public hearings.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment MA 25-1
Received public comment regarding a request from Lambert Properties LLC and CSCM Properties LLC to rezone properties on North Lincoln Street and West Tyler Avenue.
General Orders: Discussion and Update on March 14th Wildfire and Severe Weather Disaster
Updates from Fire Chief Terry Essie, Emergency Management Director Rob Hill, Electric Utility Director Lauren Smith, Development Services Director David Barr, and Vice Mayor Alisa Gerlach on response, recovery efforts, and community support.
Ordinance 3563 on First Reading
An ordinance rezoning properties at 814-820 North Lincoln Street and 1102-1110 West Tyler Avenue from two-family and multi-family residential to two-family and multi-family residential.
Ordinance 3561 on Second Reading
An ordinance amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 23 Land Development Code, Article 16 Subdivision and Preparation and Requirements, Division Two Major Subdivisions, Section 23-327 Contents of the Final Plat.
Appointments: Stillwater Housing Authority
Reappointment of Debbie Tiger to a new three-year term on the Stillwater Housing Authority.
Reports from Officers and the Board
Updates from City Manager Norman Moore on the citizen request tracker, Vice Mayor Gerlach on the annual Trash Off event, Councilor Hawkins on the Household Hazardous Waste event, Councilor Clark on citizen board opportunities, and Councilor Harden on rain barrels. Mayor Joyce reminded citizens to vote in the April 1st election.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of consent docket items, with one item (Item B) pulled for discussion regarding the status and expense of an engine rebuild project.
Stillwater Utilities Authority General Orders: Approve Amendment Number Two for West College Sewer Rehab Project
Approval of Amendment Number Two for a fee of $574,500 for the West College Sewer Rehab Project, authorizing total project expenditures of $1,838,900 and a related budget amendment.