Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on December 18, 2023, covered several significant items. Key decisions included the approval of a bid for the recovered water pump station and finished water pump station project, and the authorization of a $37 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure. The council also heard a detailed presentation on a proposed new Animal Welfare facility, with discussions around its location, cost, and potential financing through a General Obligation bond issue.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater Public Works Authority Consent Docket
03:40:00The consent docket, including meeting minutes and a deed regarding Block 34, was approved.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
04:50:00The consent docket for the Utilities Authority was approved.
Bid Award for Recovered Water Pump Station and Finished Water Pump Station Project
29:00:00A bid of $25,627,000 to Crossland Heavy Construction for the project was approved, along with associated budget amendments appropriating $28,618,460 for total expenditures including contingency and inspection services. This project aims to replace aging infrastructure and address future water demands.
Resolution Authorizing OWRB Loan for Water Infrastructure
34:00:00Resolution SUA 2023-09, authorizing a $37 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure, was adopted.
City Council Consent Docket
36:00:00The city council consent docket was approved, with Item B pulled for separate discussion.
Item B from City Council Consent Docket (Audit Report)
37:00:00Item B, related to the clean audit report, was approved after a councilor highlighted the positive findings and staff's good work.
Appeal of Short-Term Rental License for 311 South Idler Lane
01:06:00The City Council sustained the Planning Commission's decision to approve the short-term rental license, noting the applicant followed all rules and there were no documented violations.
Specific Use Permit for Public Safety Telecommunication Tower
01:09:00A specific use permit to install a 419 ft public safety telecommunication tower at 623 East 8th Avenue was approved, following a previous site's unpopularity.
Bid Award for Fire Station 2 Work Package Number One
01:19:00A motion to award bids for demolition, earthwork, site concrete, site utilities, and storm sewer to Crossland Construction for $1,297,063.33 was approved.
Resolution Approving SUA Action on OWRB Loan
01:46:00Resolution CC-2023-45, approving the Stillwater Utilities Authority's action to issue a $37 million promissory note to the OWRB, was adopted.
Resolution Authorizing Foreclosure on Nuisance Property
01:48:00Resolution CC-2023-46, authorizing legal action to foreclose a lien for abatement costs on a nuisance property at 1600 East 16th Avenue, was adopted.
Resolution Authorizing Subletting of Hangar Space
01:49:00Resolution CC-2023-47, authorizing the subletting of Hangar 2 and Hangar 10 space to Crosswind Aviation LLC for aeronautical activity, was approved.
Ordinance 3529 (Building Code Updates)
01:57:00Ordinance 3529, updating various building codes to the 2018 and 2020 editions to comply with state regulations, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3530 (Youth Access to Tobacco)
01:58:00Ordinance 3530, amending city code regarding youth access to tobacco products to align with state law changes, was advanced to its second reading.
Appointments to Stillwater Medical Center Authority Board
02:02:00Gary Clark, Cheryl Wilkinson, and Denise Weaver were appointed to the Stillwater Medical Center Authority board, and Dr. Mark Peyton was appointed as the medical staff representative.
Upcoming Community Events
SWO for the Holidays
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Stillwater Regional Airport. Meet Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and opportunities to win American Airlines gift cards.
Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Fire Station #2
10:00 AM at 1701 Northwestern Road. Open to the public and live-streamed on the Stillwater Fire Department Facebook page.
Financial Matters
Recovered Water Pump Station and Finished Water Pump Station Project
Total expenditures approved for construction, inspection, testing, and contingency, funded by an ARPA Grant, existing OWRB loan, and a new OWRB loan.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Loan
Loan authorized from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure projects.
Fire Station 2 Work Package Number One
Awarded to Crossland Construction for demolition, earthwork, site concrete, site utilities, and storm sewer.
Nuisance Property Abatement Lien
City incurred expenses for abatement and is seeking foreclosure to recover costs.
Proposed Animal Welfare Facility
Discussion on potential General Obligation bond issues for a new Animal Welfare facility, with cost estimates for different facility sizes and features.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke regarding the short-term rental license appeal, primarily expressing concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on neighborhood character, community engagement, parking, and the intent of the Westwood overlay district. They emphasized the importance of long-term residents and the potential for increased disruptions and decreased affordable housing.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- January 8, 2024: Staff to return to Council for guidance on Animal Welfare facility location and amount.
- January 22, 2024: Resolution for Animal Welfare facility election to be presented.
- February 1, 2024: Ballot language due to election board for April election.
Watch For
- Further discussion on the Animal Welfare facility bond issue.
- Second reading of Ordinance 3529 (Building Code Updates).
- Second reading of Ordinance 3530 (Youth Access to Tobacco).
Announcements
- City offices closed on Monday, December 25th for Christmas holiday and Monday, January 1st for New Year's Day.
- Waste Management will adjust collection schedules for Christmas and New Year's holidays, pushing collection forward one day.
- Blue trash bags are available for purchase at various locations for extra trash.
- Real Christmas trees can be disposed of at the Convenience Collection Center without being chopped up.
- Residents are encouraged to apply for citizen representative positions on various city boards and committees.
- Stillwater Animal Welfare encourages adoption over shopping for pets and provides updates on Facebook.
- Residents are reminded to apply or renew burglar/fire alarm permits with the city.
Agenda Summary
Stillwater Public Works Authority Consent Docket
Approval of meeting minutes and a deed regarding Block 34.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of several items on the consent docket.
Rural Water Advisory Board Semiannual Report
Presentation by Mr. Robert Siton and Steven Mayo on the history, responsibilities, and current status of the Rural Water Advisory Board, including system improvements and ongoing needs.
Consider a bid award for the recovered water pump station and finished water pump station project
Awarding a contract to Crossland Heavy Construction for the project and approving associated budget amendments.
Resolution SUA 2023-09
Authorizing a $37 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure.
City Council Consent Docket
Approval of consent docket items, with Item B pulled for separate discussion.
Public hearing to consider appeals received to decision of the Planning Commission approving the issuance of a residential short-term rental license for property address as 311 South Idler Lane
Hearing appeals regarding a short-term rental license in the Westwood neighborhood.
Public hearing regarding an application for specific use permit to install a public safety telecommunication Tower exceeding 75 ft at property addressed as 623 East 8th Avenue
Hearing for a specific use permit for a new public safety telecommunication tower.
Approve an award of Fire Station 2 work package number one bids for demolition earthwork site concrete site utilities and storm sewer to Crossland Construction
Awarding bids for the initial work package of Fire Station 2 construction.
Staff presentation on a proposed new Stillwater Animal Welfare facility location and cost to be financed as a possible General obligation bond issue
Presentation and discussion on potential locations, costs, and financing options for a new Animal Welfare facility.
Resolution CC-2023-45
Approving action taken by the Stillwater Utilities Authority regarding the OWRB loan.
Resolution CC-2023-46
Authorizing legal action to foreclose a lien for abatement costs on a nuisance property.
Resolution CC-2023-47
Authorizing the subletting of Hangar 2 and Hangar 10 space to Crosswind Aviation LLC.
Ordinance Number 3529
Amending city code to adopt new building codes (2018 and 2020 editions).
Ordinance 3530
Amending city code regarding youth access to tobacco products.
Appointments to The Stillwater Medical Center Authority board
Appointing new members and a medical staff representative to the board.