Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on March 24th, 2025, included a proclamation for Flood Awareness Month and presentations by OSU art students on potential mural designs for the Chris Salmon Plaza. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the response and recovery efforts following the March 14th wildfire and severe weather disaster, detailing the extensive damage and community support. The council also approved a map amendment for rezoning and an ordinance related to land development.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment MA25-1
00:23:00A 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 RTM and two-family residential RT to solely two-family and multi-family RTM district was approved.
Ordinance 3563 (First Reading)
00:54:30An ordinance rezoning attractive land at 814, 816, 818, and 820 North Lincoln Street, 822, and 8.24 North Lincoln Street, 11:02, 11:04, 11:06, 1108, and 1110 West Tyler Avenue was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3561 (Second Reading)
00:55:20An ordinance amending the city code regarding land development, specifically major subdivisions and contents of the final plat, was adopted.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance 3561
00:55:50The emergency clause for Ordinance 3561, related to land development, was adopted.
Appointment to Stillwater Housing Authority
00:56:40Debbie Tiger was reappointed to a new three-year term on the Stillwater Housing Authority, expiring in February 2028.
West College Sewer Project Amendment
01:10:00Amendment number two for a fee of $574,446 for the West College sewer 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 given the 30-day waiting period for new policies.
OSU Art Students Chris Salmon Plaza Mural Project Presentation
Students from OSU's visual thinking class presented four mural designs based on the theme 'Stillwater Foodways' for the Chris Salmon Plaza.
Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)
Held at the First United Methodist Church and Family Life Center, providing resource assistance to 60 individuals impacted by the wildfires.
Stillwater Armory Distribution
Remains open for distribution of essential supplies to those impacted by the fires. Specific donations like new pillows, iPhone chargers, canned meat, and gift cards are being accepted.
Annual Trash Off Event
Volunteers to meet at Couch Park Pavilion (1270 East Alcott Drive). RSVP by March 27th to Chris Franks at 405-533-8482 or chris.franks@stillwater.gov.
Annual Household Hazardous Waste Event
At the Convenience Collection Center (807 South Perkins Road), accepting oil-based paint, pesticides, herbicides, mixed fuels, and other hazardous materials for free.
Financial Matters
West College Sewer Project Amendment
Amendment number two for the West College sewer project, increasing the total project expenditures to $1,838,900, including design, land acquisition, permitting, bidding, construction administration, and contingency. Funds are available in the sewer fund, with a $5 million congressional directive from Senator Inhof for construction.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- March 27th: RSVP for Annual Trash Off Event
- April 28th: Order rain barrels online
- April 1st: Election Day for Animal Welfare Facility proposition
Watch For
- Future discussions on community resilience and preparedness for disasters like wildfires.
- Further updates on the Stillwater Strong Relief Fund and its allocation committee.
- Rebuilding efforts and streamlined processes for demolition and reconstruction following the wildfire.
Announcements
- The Red Cross shelter at the Payne County Expo closed as of 4 PM on the day of the meeting, with all residents transitioned to other living options.
- The Stillwater Armory will continue to serve as a distribution center for fire-impacted residents.
- The United Way of Payne County has established a 'Stillwater Strong Relief Fund' for monetary donations, with a disaster allocation committee being formed for transparent distribution.
- A dedicated webpage, stillwater.gov/emergency, has been created for disaster information.
- The city's citizen request tracker (stillwater.gov/report) is available for residents to report concerns.
- Positions are open on the Board of Drainage Appeals and the Building Trades Board (stillwater.gov/citizenboards).
- Rain barrels are available for purchase through the City of Stillwater (stillwater.gov/stormwater).
- Early voting for the Animal Welfare Facility proposition is Thursday and Friday of the current week at the Payne County Administration building and in Cushing. Election day is April 1st.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Flood Awareness Month
Proclamation of March 2025 as Flood Awareness Month in Stillwater, emphasizing flood safety and insurance.
Presentation: OSU Art Students Chris Salmon Plaza Mural Project
Megan Brazzle from Prairie Arts and OSU professors and students presented four mural designs for the Chris Salmon Plaza, themed 'Stillwater Foodways'.
Consent Docket
Approval of various routine administrative items, with a correction noted for the March 10th meeting minutes.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment MA25-1
Received public comment and considered a request to rezone properties on North Lincoln Street and West Tyler Avenue to a two-family and multi-family RTM district.
General Orders: Wildfire and Severe Weather Disaster Update
Discussion and update regarding the response and recovery efforts related to the March 14th wildfire and severe weather disaster, including reports from Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director, Electric Utility Director, Development Services, and Vice Mayor.
Ordinance 3563 (First Reading)
An ordinance rezoning attractive land at multiple addresses on North Lincoln Street and West Tyler Avenue.
Ordinance 3561 (Second Reading)
An ordinance amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 23, Article 16, Division 2, Section 23-327 regarding major subdivisions and final plat contents.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance 3561
Consideration and adoption of an emergency clause for Ordinance 3561.
Appointment: Stillwater Housing Authority
Reappointment of Debbie Tiger to a new three-year term on the Stillwater Housing Authority.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Utilities Authority, with item B pulled for discussion.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket Item B
Discussion and approval of an item related to the status and expense of engine rebuilds at the energy center.
Stillwater Utilities Authority General Orders: West College Sewer Project
Approval of Amendment Number Two for a fee of $574,446 for the West College sewer project, authorizing total project expenditures and a budget amendment.