Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on February 26, 2024, included a presentation by Highland Park Elementary students on a Stillwater travel guide for kids. Key decisions involved approving an air service agreement with American Airlines and adopting an ordinance to rezone land on North Perkins Road. The Economic Development Authority approved a redevelopment agreement for Empire Slice House, and the Utilities Authority approved engineering services for pole replacement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Air Service Agreement with American Airlines
09:12:00The council approved the renewal of the minimum revenue guarantee with American Airlines, acknowledging an increase in cost per flight due to larger planes and general cost increases. Efforts to increase load factor and awareness of flying from Stillwater are underway.
Rezone Land at 601 and 699 North Perkins Road
38:00:00Ordinance 3531 was adopted, rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential district (RSS) to general industrial district (IG).
Washington School Advisory Committee Appointments
38:40:00Five individuals (Karen Washington, James Beacom, Dr. Laura Arata, Norman McNichol, and Gary Clark) were appointed to the new Washington School Advisory Committee.
Empire Slice House Redevelopment Agreement
58:00:00The Economic Development Authority approved a significant impact development assistance for Progressive Development Corp. for the Empire Slice House project, applying 18% of the total development cost to the assistance, and directed staff to negotiate a redevelopment agreement.
Engineering Services for Pole Replacement
01:03:00The Utilities Authority approved $129,000 for engineering services for the replacement of two unique, custom-engineered, and critical dead-end pole structures that were found to be rotten.
3M and Dupont Settlements
01:08:00The city council voted to withdraw the exclusion to opt out of the settlements and participate in the 3M and Dupont class action settlements.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Animal Welfare Facility Community Meetings
In-person meeting on Tuesday, March 26th at 5:30 p.m. at the Stillwater Community Center (Dining and Event Hall). Online meeting on Thursday, March 28th at 5:30 p.m. More info at Stillwater.ok.gov/AnimalWelfare.
Annual Trash Off Event
From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers meet at Couch Park pavilion (1270 East Alcott Drive). RSVP by March 28th by calling 405-533-8482. More info at Stillwater.ok.gov/TrashOff.
Election Day
Polls open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. New polling location for Precinct 4 is Fire Station 3 (416 East Lake View Road). Sample ballots at vote.paynecounty.com or elections.ok.gov.
Washington School Banquet
Honored the State basketball team from 1956 and explored the future of the Washington School project.
Financial Matters
Rural Fire Fee Analysis
A presentation by New Gen Strategies and Solutions analyzed the current rural fire fee structure, which has not been updated since 2008. Recommendations include increasing residential membership fees to $125, implementing a commercial membership fee of $250, charging for EMS services with a discount for members, and marketing the program. The goal is to move closer to full cost recovery for services provided outside city limits.
RAISE Grant Application
Resolution 2024-5 authorizes the submission of a fiscal year 2024 Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant application for multimodal corridor improvements near the airport. The grant, if awarded, would require zero local match.
Empire Slice House Redevelopment Assistance
The Economic Development Authority approved significant impact development assistance for the Empire Slice House project, applying 18% of the total development cost ($2.2 million) to the assistance, resulting in an award of $395,500.
Engineering Services for Pole Replacement
Approved for engineering services related to the replacement of two critical, custom-engineered dead-end pole structures in the electric utility system.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- RSVP for Annual Trash Off by March 28th
- Mail-in rain barrel order forms due by April 26th
- Online rain barrel orders due by April 28th
Watch For
- Staff proposal on rural fire fee system (effective calendar year 2025)
- Redevelopment agreement for Empire Slice House
- Tiff committee discussion on infrastructure funds for parking around Empire Slice House
- Update to the Tiff implementation policy guide
Announcements
- Highland Park Elementary's fifth-grade gifted and talented class presented their 'Stillwater Travel Guide for Kids'.
- The convenience collection center now accepts credit cards.
- Rain barrels are available for purchase through the City of Stillwater to save money on water bills and reduce stormwater runoff.
- The Washington School Advisory Committee has been officially appointed.
Agenda Summary
Presentation by Highland Park Elementary's Fifth Grade Gifted and Talented Class
Students presented their 'Stillwater Travel Guide for Kids', a guide created for kids and by kids, highlighting local attractions.
Consent Docket (City Council)
Approval of various routine items.
Approval of Air Service Agreement with American Airlines
Renewal of the minimum revenue guarantee with American Airlines, with discussion on increased costs and efforts to boost passenger numbers.
Presentation of the Rural Fire Fee Analysis by New Gen Strategies and Solutions
Informational presentation on the current rural fire fee structure, its costs, and recommendations for updates.
Resolution 2024-5: RAISE Grant Application
Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for multimodal corridor improvements near the airport.
Ordinance 3531: Rezoning at 601 and 699 North Perkins Road
An ordinance to rezone a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to general industrial district.
Appointments to the Washington School Advisory Committee
Appointment of five individuals to the newly formed advisory committee.
Executive Session
Discussion regarding confidential communication between the city council and the City attorney concerning pending litigation and class action settlements with 3M and Dupont.
Recommendation from Executive Session
Motion to withdraw the exclusion to opt out of the settlements and for the city to participate in the 3M and Dupont settlements.
Consent Docket (Economic Development Authority)
Approval of regular meeting minutes.
Recommendation from Stillwater Reinvestment Plan Implementation Policy Committee regarding Progressive Development (Empire Slice House)
Consideration of a recommendation for Tiff assistance for the Empire Slice House project.
Consent Docket (Utilities Authority)
Approval of various routine items.
Engineering Services for Pole Replacement (Utilities Authority)
Approval of engineering services for the replacement of two critical electric utility pole structures.