Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council addressed several ordinances, including amendments to parking regulations and camping in city parks during special events, both of which were advanced to second reading with emergency clauses. The Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority presented an update on their services and proposed a fee increase, which was well-received. The Stillwater Economic Development Authority received a semiannual report from Visit Stillwater, highlighting significant achievements in tourism and visitor spending.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3555: Amending Parking Regulations
05:00This ordinance grants the city manager authority to limit or extend parking time limits and waive other parking restrictions during special events, with an emergency clause to allow immediate implementation for upcoming events.
Ordinance 3556: Amending Camping Prohibitions in City Parks
10:00This ordinance allows the city manager to authorize overnight camping in city parks and public areas during special events, providing additional flexibility, and was also advanced with an emergency clause.
Ordinance 3554: Rezoning Land for Animal Control Facility
14:00An ordinance rezoning approximately 6.8 acres at 2020 West Airport Road (3111 North Haras Road) from light industrial to public for the animal control facility was adopted.
Stillwater Regional Airport Advisory Board Appointments
30:00Bill Arrington, Denise Roberts, and Mindy Murray were reappointed to three-year terms on the Stillwater Regional Airport Advisory Board.
Resolution SUA-225-1: Grant Application for Secondary Raw Water Delivery System Project
55:00A resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for $50 million in federal funds for the secondary raw water delivery system project, with a required local match of $16,666,666.67, was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
Tax Preparation Assistance
Stillwater Library offers free tax preparation assistance from AARP. Appointments can be scheduled online or by phone. Appointments will take place at the community center due to library construction.
Parks Open House
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Stillwater Community Center. Residents can share suggestions, concerns, and ideas about Stillwater Parks, Community spaces, and Facilities.
Financial Matters
Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority Fee Increase
The trust authority proposed increasing the monthly subscription fee on utility bills from $5 to $6 to cover rising operational costs, effective July 1st. This is expected to sustain services for the next 10 years.
Brick Grant for Secondary Raw Water Delivery System Project
The city is applying for a federal grant to fund a significant portion of the secondary raw water delivery system project, with the local match identified in the water fund.
Visit Stillwater Visitor Tax Revenue
Visitor tax revenue was trending 115% ahead of the previous year and is currently at 65% of the total for the entire last fiscal year, indicating strong tourism growth.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Deadline to register to vote for April 1st election: March 7th
Watch For
- Discussion and details on the proposed Animal Welfare facility proposition on the April 1st, 2025 ballot.
Announcements
- Stillwater Electric Utility earned first place honors from the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO) for electric operation, reliability, and safety for the second consecutive year.
- City offices will be closed for President's Day on Monday, February 17th. Trash, recycling, and yard waste will still be collected.
- The city is accepting applications for various committees, including the Board of Adjustment, Board of Drain Appeals, and Building Trades Boards.
- A proposition to construct a new Animal Welfare facility will be on the April 1st, 2025 ballot. Staff will be presenting details to local organizations and residents.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Consent Docket
Approval of proposed minutes with a verbal correction regarding a roll call vote for Councilor Clark.
Item 6A: Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority Presentation
Presentation by Christy Cluck and Jerry Mahler on the ambulance trust's service update and proposed rate structure increase.
Item 7A: Ordinance 3555 (First Read)
An ordinance amending the city code regarding motor vehicles and traffic, specifically allowing the city manager to limit or extend parking time limits and waive restrictions during special events.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance 3555
Consideration of an emergency clause for Ordinance 3555 to allow immediate implementation.
Item 7B: Ordinance 3556 (First Read)
An ordinance amending the city code regarding parks, events, and recreation, specifically allowing the city manager to grant overnight camping in city parks and public areas during special events.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance 3556
Consideration of an emergency clause for Ordinance 3556 to allow immediate implementation.
Item 7C: Ordinance 3554 (Second Read)
An ordinance rezoning approximately 6.8 acres at 2020 West Airport Road from light industrial to public for the animal control facility.
Item 8: Appointments
Reappointment of Bill Arrington, Denise Roberts, and Mindy Murray to the Stillwater Regional Airport Advisory Board.
Item 9: Reports from Officers and Board
Updates from city staff and council members on various city activities, achievements, and upcoming events.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority Consent Docket
Approval of proposed minutes with a correction to city manager Brady Moore's title.
Visit Stillwater Semiannual Report
Presentation by Blair Humphreys on the accomplishments of Visit Stillwater for the first half of the fiscal year, highlighting marketing efforts, event sponsorships, and visitor spending data.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of the consent docket.
Resolution SUA-225-1
A resolution authorizing and approving the submission of a Grant application for fiscal year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant funds for the secondary raw water delivery system project.