Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on November 4, 2024, included a proclamation for the 50th anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding the proposed Stillwater Data Center economic development project plan, which generated considerable public comment both for and against the project. The council ultimately decided to continue action on the associated ordinance to a future meeting to finalize the economic development agreement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation for Stillwater History Museum 50th Anniversary
01:00The council adopted a proclamation recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Cultural Center, highlighting its role in preserving local history and offering educational programs.
Consent Docket
04:00The consent docket, containing routine administrative items, was approved by the council with a unanimous vote.
Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan Ordinance (3546)
34:00Action on Ordinance 3546, related to the Stillwater Data Center economic development project plan, was continued to the December 2, 2024, regular meeting to allow for finalization of the economic development agreement.
Community Development Block Grant Section 3 Annual Plan
36:00Resolution CC-2024-35, adopting the Community Development Block Grant Section 3 annual plan, was adopted. This plan aims to increase the utilization of low and very low-income residents and businesses in CDBG projects.
Election Proclamation for City Council Seat 4
37:50Resolution CC-2024-36, authorizing the mayor to sign and issue an election proclamation for a general election for City Council Seat 4 on February 11, 2025, with a potential runoff on April 1, 2025, was adopted.
Executive Session Action on Litigation Settlements
59:00Following an executive session, the council moved to withdraw the exclusion to opt out of settlements and approved participating in the Tao and BASF settlements, with one abstention.
Upcoming Community Events
Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Event
6:30 p.m. in Downtown Stillwater. Entry forms for parade participants are due by Friday, November 15th at 5:00 p.m. More info at Stillwater.ok.gov/holidays.
Volunteer Day at Washington School
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed for exterior cleanup, including trees, yard waste removal, and breakdown of exterior breezeways. Lunch provided by the Stillwater Community Center Foundation. Registration and waiver forms available online.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
The project involves a proposed $500 million investment for each of two phases, creating 30 high-quality jobs per phase. It is projected to generate between $750 million and $1.5 billion in positive economic impact per phase over the long term. Payments in lieu of taxes would amount to approximately $867,000 annually, growing by 1% per year, plus a Community Betterment Payment of over $132,000 annually to the city. If the OG&E franchise extension is approved, an additional 3% annual franchise fee could generate up to $4.5 million per year, totaling $3 to $3.5 million or more annually from the company to the community.
MMO Partners Extension Agreement
Approval of an extension agreement with MMO Partners for federal advocacy services in the amount of $79,200, along with an associated budget amendment.
Public Comments
Several citizens spoke during the public hearing on the Stillwater Data Center project. Concerns were raised about potential environmental impacts, water usage, noise, lack of public discussion, and the long-term implications of the tax exemption. Supporters highlighted the economic benefits, job creation, and the potential for clean energy integration.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 3546: Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
Deadlines
- Parade of Lights participant entry forms due: Friday, November 15th at 5:00 p.m.
- Candidate filing for City Council Seat 4: December 2nd through December 4th
Watch For
- Finalization of the Economic Development Agreement for the Stillwater Data Center project
- Discussion and vote on Ordinance 3546 at the December 2, 2024, regular meeting
- Results of the OG&E franchise proposition election on November 5, 2024
- Community meeting on January 9, 2025, for input on a vision plan for Parks, Community Spaces, and Public Facilities
Announcements
- Surveys are being conducted for neighborhood parks and Sunset Park; residents are encouraged to participate.
- A new volunteer program called SID (Special Needs Alerts Identification) has been launched by the Stillwater Police Department and dispatch. It allows individuals to submit information about special needs and health conditions to assist First Responders in emergency situations. Contact the Stillwater Police Department's records department at 405-742-8222 or visit Stillwater.ok.gov/Sid for more information.
- Election 2024 is underway; polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on ballot items. Information on polling locations and sample ballots can be found at VotePayneCounty.com or elections.ok.gov. Stillwater residents will receive two ballots: one for the general election and a separate one for the OG&E franchise proposition.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation and Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum
Reading and adoption of a proclamation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Cultural Center.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearing
Opportunity for public to comment on items not part of a scheduled public hearing.
Presentation and Second Public Hearing pursuant to 62 O.S. § 859 of the proposed Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
Second public hearing to allow public comment on the proposed Stillwater Data Center economic development project plan and its supporting six incentive districts.
Resolution No. CC-2024-35: Adopting the Community Development Block Grant Section 3 Annual Plan
Resolution adopting the city's Section 3 plan to increase utilization of low and very low-income residents and businesses in CDBG projects.
Resolution CC-2024-36: Authorizing the Mayor to sign and issue an election proclamation for a general election and a runoff election if needed in the City of Stillwater
Resolution calling for an election for City Council Seat 4 on February 11, 2025, with a potential runoff on April 1, 2025.
Ordinance 3546: An Ordinance of the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Adopting the Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
Second reading of an ordinance to adopt the Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan.
Reports from Officers and the Board
Updates and announcements from council members and city staff.
Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. Section 307 B4
Executive session for confidential communication between the city council and City attorney concerning pending litigation and class action settlements.
Receive an annual report by MMO Partners; consider approval of an extension agreement with MMO Partners for federal advocacy services in the amount of $79,200; approve the associated budget amendment and authorize the General Manager to sign the documents
Presentation of annual report by MMO Partners and consideration of extending their federal advocacy services agreement.