Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved new rate structures for electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater utility services following extensive public engagement and studies. They also voted to retain legal counsel to represent the city's interests in class-action litigation related to PFAS contamination. Additionally, the council recognized National Runaway Prevention Month and supported the Heartland Flyer extension.
Key Decisions & Votes
Retention of Legal Counsel for PFAS Litigation
00:34:00The City Council approved retaining McAfee & Taft and Fulmer & Sill to represent the city's interests in class-action litigation against 3M and DuPont regarding PFAS contamination, with the agreement being contingency-based.
Bridge Inspection Consultant Selection
00:39:00Resolution CC-2023-39 was adopted, selecting Burgess & Niple as the bridge inspection consultant for contracts commencing April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026.
Revised Electric Sales Rate Structure
00:41:00Resolution CC-2023-40 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for electric sales, providing for subsequent rate increases and an effective date.
Revised Water and Wastewater Utility Services Rate Structure
00:52:00Resolution CC-2023-41 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services, providing for subsequent rate increases and an effective date.
Revised Stormwater Utility Monthly Fee Schedule
00:54:00Resolution CC-2023-42 was adopted, implementing a revised monthly fee schedule for the stormwater utility and providing an effective date.
Rezoning at 716 West 11th Avenue
00:55:00Ordinance 3527 was adopted on second reading, rezoning a tract of land at 716 West 11th Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family multi-family district.
Rezoning at 847 West Escridge Avenue
00:56:00Ordinance 3528 was adopted on second reading, rezoning a tract of land at 847 West Escridge Avenue from small lot single-family residential district to two-family residential district.
Upcoming Community Events
Midsouth Gravel Cycling Event
The 13th annual Midsouth event will feature a weekend endurance festival, including a beer can release party at Iron Monk, a vendor expo, and live music. It is expected to be the biggest year yet with over 2900 participants from 46 states and 5 countries.
Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights
The parade will kick off on Main Street from 9th to 7th Avenues over to Husband at 6:30 p.m., with the parade starting at 7 p.m. and the official tree lighting at 8:00 p.m. at Chris Salmon Plaza. The theme is 'Holidays in Stillwater'.
Financial Matters
Electric Sales Rate Structure
Revised rate structure adopted, providing for subsequent increases.
Water and Wastewater Utility Services Rate Structure
Revised rate structure adopted, providing for subsequent increases.
Stormwater Utility Monthly Fee Schedule
Revised monthly fee schedule adopted.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed utility rate changes. Concerns were raised about cost allocation for electric rates, potential penalties for low-usage residential customers, and the transfer of funds from the SUA to the general fund. Suggestions were made for the city to explore conservation programs and assistance for low-income residents.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Deadline to submit entries for the Holiday Parade of Lights: Friday, November 17th
Watch For
- Further evaluation of conservation programs for utility customers
- Research into state and federal programs to support low-income community members with utility bills
Announcements
- November is National Runaway Prevention Month.
- The city supports the Heartland Flyer extension in Oklahoma, which would connect additional communities via passenger rail.
- The Midsouth gravel cycling event is scheduled for March 15-16, 2024, and is expected to be the largest yet.
- The City Hall main phone number has changed to an automated system, effective October 30th.
- Citizens are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive severe winter weather warnings and alerts.
- The city is accepting applications for a citizen representative to fill a Board of Adjustment position.
- City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual, but the convenience collection center will be closed, and yard waste will not be collected.
- The Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights will be on Thursday, December 7th.
- The city recently hosted sister city students and a delegation from Kamyoka, Japan, and plans for Stillwater students to visit Kamyoka next year.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in recognition of National Runaway Month
A proclamation recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month and encouraging support for vulnerable young people.
Proclamation in support of a Heartland Flyer extension in Oklahoma
A proclamation encouraging the Heartland Flyer Extension Program to include Edmund, Guthrie, Perry, and Ponca City as transportation options and economic influencers.
Update on the 2024 Midsouth event
Presentation by Bobby Winn on the upcoming Midsouth gravel cycling event, highlighting its growth, economic impact, and community engagement.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearings
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on topics not on the agenda for public hearing.
Consideration of possible retention of McAfee & Taft and Fulmer & Sill to represent the interest of the city in pending class action litigation against 3M and EI DuPont and others involved in PFAS contamination
Discussion and decision on retaining legal counsel for class-action lawsuits related to PFAS contamination.
Resolution CC-2023-39: Resolution concerning the city of Stillwater's bridge inspection responsibility
Resolution to select a bridge inspection consultant for the period of April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026.
Resolution 2023-40: Resolution adopting the revised rate structure for electric sales
Resolution to adopt new electric utility rates.
Resolution 2023-41: Resolution adopting the revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services
Resolution to adopt new water and wastewater utility rates.
Resolution 2023-42: Resolution adopting a revised monthly fee schedule for the storm water utility
Resolution to adopt a revised monthly fee schedule for stormwater services.
Ordinance 3527: Rezoning attractive land located at 716 West 11th Avenue
Second reading of an ordinance to rezone land from small lot single-family residential to two-family multi-family district.
Ordinance 3528: Rezoning attractive land located at 847 West Escridge Avenue
Second reading of an ordinance to rezone land from small lot single-family residential district to two-family residential district.
Reports from the officers and the board
Updates and announcements from city officials and council members.