Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its November 4, 2024 meeting, which included a public hearing on the proposed Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan. The council decided to continue action on the associated ordinance to December 2nd to finalize the Economic Development Agreement. Additionally, the Stillwater Utilities Authority received an annual report from MMO Partners and approved an extension of their federal advocacy services.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan Ordinance
01:00:00Action on Ordinance 3546, related to the data center project plan, was continued to the December 2nd meeting to allow for finalization of the Economic Development Agreement.
Community Development Block Grant Section 3 Annual Plan
01:01:40Resolution CC-2024-35, adopting the Community Development Block Grant Section 3 annual plan, was adopted. This plan aims to increase utilization of low and very low-income residents and businesses in CDBG projects.
General Election Proclamation for City Council Seat 4
01:03:00Resolution CC-2024-36, authorizing the mayor to sign and issue an election proclamation for a general election and potential runoff for City Council Seat 4, was adopted. Candidate filing is December 2-4, 2024, with the election on February 11, 2025.
Extension Agreement with MMO Partners
01:16:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved an extension agreement with MMO Partners for federal advocacy services in the amount of $79,200, along with the associated budget amendment.
Tao and BASF Settlements
01:19:30The council voted to withdraw the exclusion to opt out of the settlements and approved participating in the Tao and BASF settlements.
Upcoming Community Events
Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Event
6:30 p.m. in Downtown Stillwater. Entry forms for parade participants are accepted until Friday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. More details at stillwater.gov/holidays.
Volunteer Day at Washington School
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers will focus on exterior cleanup, including trees, yard waste removal, and breakdown of exterior breezeways. Lunch provided by the Stillwater Community Center Foundation. Registration and waiver forms online.
Community Meeting for Parks, Community Spaces, and Public Facilities Vision Plan
Residents are encouraged to attend to provide input on the vision plan. More information at stillwater.gov/Parks.
Financial Matters
MMO Partners Federal Advocacy Services
Extension agreement for federal advocacy services with MMO Partners, including a budget amendment.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed data center project. Concerns were raised regarding environmental impact, water consumption, noise, visual impact of transmission lines, and the perceived lack of public discussion. Some speakers expressed support for the project, citing economic benefits and the company's commitment to clean energy and water recycling.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 3546: Proposed Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
Deadlines
- Parade of Lights participant entry forms: November 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
- Candidate filing for City Council Seat 4: December 2-4, 2024
Watch For
- Finalization of Economic Development Agreement for Data Center Project
- Stillwater City Council meeting on December 2nd for data center ordinance vote
- General Election for City Council Seat 4 on February 11, 2025
Announcements
- Proclamation and recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Cultural Center on November 9, 2024.
- Surveys are being conducted for neighborhood parks and Sunset Park; residents are encouraged to participate.
- New volunteer program 'SID' (Special Needs Alerts Identification) by Stillwater Police Department and dispatch to assist First Responders in emergency situations involving individuals with special needs. Contact Stillwater Police Department's records department at 405-742-8222 or stillwater.gov/Sid for more information.
- Election 2024 is underway; polls open tomorrow, November 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for official election day. Voters can find sample ballots at votan.com or elections.ok.gov. The OG&E franchise proposition will be on the ballot for Stillwater voters.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation and Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Cultural Center
Reading of a proclamation honoring the Stillwater History Museum's 50th anniversary and remarks by the museum director.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to comment on non-public hearing agenda items.
Presentation and Second Public Hearing Pursuant to 62 O.S. § 859 of the Proposed Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan
Public hearing to allow citizens to speak for or against the proposed data center project plan and its supporting incentive districts.
Resolution Number CC-2024-35: Adopting the Community Development Block Grant Section 3 Annual Plan
Resolution to adopt the Section 3 plan, which ensures employment and other opportunities from federal assistance are directed towards low and very low-income persons and businesses.
Resolution CC-2024-36: Authorizing the Mayor to Sign and Issue an Election Proclamation
Resolution to call for a general election and a runoff election if needed for City Council Seat 4.
Ordinance 3546: Proposed Stillwater Data Center Economic Development Project Plan (Second Reading)
Second reading of the ordinance related to the data center project plan.
Reports from Officers and the Board
Updates and announcements from council members and city staff.
Executive Session
Executive session to discuss confidential communication between the city council and City Attorney concerning pending litigation and class action settlements.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Utilities Authority.
Receive Annual Report by MMO Partners and Consider Approval of an Extension Agreement
Presentation of the annual report by MMO Partners for federal advocacy services and consideration of an extension agreement.