Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its December 18, 2023 meeting, addressing several key issues. The council voted to sustain the Planning Commission's decision to issue a short-term rental license for a property on South Iser Lane, despite significant public opposition from neighborhood residents. Additionally, the council approved bids for the Fire Station 2 construction and discussed plans for a new Animal Welfare facility, including potential locations and funding through a general obligation bond.
Key Decisions & Votes
Short-Term Rental License Appeal (311 South Iser Lane)
01:00:00The City Council sustained the Planning Commission's decision to approve a short-term rental license, despite strong opposition from residents concerned about neighborhood character and enforcement. The council noted the applicant followed all existing regulations and there were no documented violations.
Public Safety Telecom Tower Specific Use Permit (623 East 8th Avenue)
01:25:00A specific use permit was approved for a 419-foot public safety telecommunication tower, exceeding 75 feet, at 623 East 8th Avenue. This new location was chosen after the previous site proved problematic.
Fire Station 2 Work Package 1 Bids
01:27:00Bids for demolition, earthwork, site concrete, site utilities, and storm sewer for Fire Station 2 were awarded to Crossland Construction for $1,297,631.30. This is the first work package for the new fire station project.
SMC Medical Center Authority Board Appointments
02:07:00Gary Clark was reappointed, and Cheryl Wilkinson and Denise Weaver were appointed to three-year terms on the Stillwater Medical Center Authority board. Dr. Mark Peyton was appointed as the medical staff representative.
Resolution Authorizing Loan from Oklahoma Water Resources Board
01:58:00Resolution CC-2023-45 was adopted, approving the Stillwater Utilities Authority's action to authorize a $37 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and related agreements.
Resolution Authorizing Foreclosure on Abatement Lien
02:00:00Resolution CC-2023-46 was adopted, authorizing the Child's Law Firm to file an action to foreclose a lien for abatement costs on a nuisance property at 1600 East 16th Avenue, totaling approximately $31,000.
Resolution Authorizing Hangar Subletting
02:04:00Resolution CC-2023-47 was adopted, authorizing the subletting of Hangar 2 and Hangar 10 space to Crosswind Aviation LLC for aeronautical activity at the Stillwater Regional Airport.
Ordinance Amending Building Codes (First Reading)
02:08:00Ordinance 3529, updating various building, residential, property maintenance, plumbing, fuel gas, mechanical, and electrical codes to the 2018/2020 editions, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance Amending Tobacco Product Regulations (First Reading)
02:15:00Ordinance 3530, updating city code regarding youth access to tobacco products to align with state law changes, was advanced to its second reading.
Upcoming Community Events
SWO for the Holidays
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at Stillwater Regional Airport. Meet Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and win American Airlines gift cards.
Fire Station 2 Groundbreaking Ceremony
10:00 AM at 1701 Northwestern Road. Open to the public, live feed on Stillwater Fire Department Facebook.
Financial Matters
Fire Station 2 Work Package 1
Awarded to Crossland Construction for demolition, earthwork, site concrete, site utilities, and storm sewer.
Oklahoma Water Resources Board Loan
Authorization for a loan to the Stillwater Utilities Authority for water projects.
Abatement Lien Foreclosure
Costs incurred by the city for abatement of a nuisance property, leading to authorization for foreclosure.
Proposed Animal Welfare Facility Funding
Discussion of potential General Obligation Bond issues for a new Animal Welfare facility, with cost estimates for 5, 7, and 10-year bond terms and impact on property taxes.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke against the short-term rental license, expressing concerns about the impact on neighborhood character, increased traffic, noise, parking, and the loss of long-term residents. They emphasized the importance of the Westwood overlay district in preserving the residential nature of the area.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- February 1st: Ballot language for Animal Welfare facility bond issue due to election board.
Watch For
- January 8, 2024: City Council to provide guidance on location and amount for the proposed Animal Welfare facility.
- January 22, 2024: Resolution calling for election for Animal Welfare facility bond issue.
- Second reading of Ordinance 3529 (Building Codes).
- Second reading of Ordinance 3530 (Tobacco Product Regulations).
Announcements
- City offices closed December 25th (Christmas) and January 1st (New Year's Day).
- Waste Management holiday collection schedule adjusted: pushed forward one day for Christmas and New Year's weeks.
- Blue trash bags available for purchase at various locations.
- Real Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Convenience Collection Center without chopping.
- Wrapping paper should be placed in regular trash, not recycling.
- Applications open for various city boards and committees.
- Stillwater Animal Welfare encourages adoption over shopping for pets.
- Burglar or fire alarm permit registration due for renewal ($6 per alarm, exemptions for seniors and government entities).
- Rural fire services contracts available for those outside city limits ($100 annual fee).
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket (Public Works Authority)
Includes meeting minutes and a deed regarding Block 34.
Consent Docket (Utilities Authority)
Several items on the consent docket.
Rural Water Advisory Board Semiannual Report
Report presented by Mr. Robertson, including history, responsibilities, and an exploration report by Steven Mayo on capacity enhancement.
Bid Award for Recovered Water Pump Station and Finished Water Pump Station Project
Consideration of bid award to Crossland Heavy Construction for $25,627,000 and associated budget amendments.
Resolution SUA 2023-9: Authorizing Loan from Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Resolution authorizing a $37 million loan for a drinking water SRF promissory note and related agreements.
Consent Docket (City Council)
Includes various routine items.
Consent Docket Item B: Audit Report
Discussion and approval of the city's audit report, noting a clean audit by a new auditor.
Public Hearing: Appeal of Short-Term Rental License (311 South Iser Lane)
Consideration of appeals to the Planning Commission's approval of a residential short-term rental license.
Public Hearing: Specific Use Permit for Telecom Tower (623 East 8th Avenue)
Consideration of a specific use permit to allow a public safety telecom tower to exceed 75 feet.
Approve Award of Fire Station 2 Work Package 1 Bids
Award of bids for demolition, earthwork, site concrete, site utilities, and storm sewer to Crossland Construction for $1,297,631.30.
Staff Presentation: Proposed New Stillwater Animal Welfare Facility
Presentation on potential locations and costs for a new Animal Welfare facility, to be financed by a possible General Obligation bond issue.
Resolution CC-2023-45: Approving SUA Action on OWRB Loan
Resolution approving the Stillwater Utilities Authority's action to authorize a $37 million loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Resolution CC-2023-46: Authorizing Foreclosure on Abatement Lien
Resolution authorizing legal action to foreclose a lien for abatement costs on a nuisance property.
Resolution CC-2023-47: Authorizing Hangar Subletting
Resolution authorizing the subletting of Hangar 2 and Hangar 10 space at the Stillwater Regional Airport.
Ordinance 3529: Amending Stillwater City Code (Building Codes)
Ordinance updating various building, residential, property maintenance, plumbing, fuel gas, mechanical, and electrical codes to newer editions.
Ordinance 3530: Amending Stillwater City Code (Tobacco Products)
Ordinance updating city code regarding youth access to tobacco products to align with state law.
Appointments to SMC Medical Center Authority Board
Consideration of appointments to the Stillwater Medical Center Authority board, including reappointments and new members.
Executive Session
Discussion of confidential communication between the city council and City attorney concerning PFAS litigation.