Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council and Stillwater Utilities Authority met to address several key issues, including the adoption of revised utility rate structures for electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater services. The council also approved the retention of legal counsel for PFAS contamination litigation and discussed the upcoming Midsouth cycling event. Public comments primarily focused on concerns regarding the proposed utility rate increases.
Key Decisions & Votes
National Runaway Prevention Month Proclamation
00:30:00Mayor Joyce proclaimed November as National Runaway Prevention Month, recognizing the efforts of Payne County Youth Services.
Heartland Flyer Extension Proclamation
00:02:00Mayor Joyce encouraged the Heartland Flyer extension program to include Edmund, Guthrie, Perry, and Ponca City as transportation options, economic influencers, and assets.
Consent Docket Approval
00:18:00The consent docket, containing routine administrative items, was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Retention of Legal Counsel for PFAS Litigation
00:27:00The city council approved retaining McAfee & Taft and Fulmer & Sill to represent the city's interests in pending class action litigation against 3M and DuPont regarding PFAS contamination.
Bridge Inspection Consultant Selection
00:32:00Resolution CC-2023-39 was adopted, approving Burgess & Niple as the bridge inspection consultant for 2024-2026.
Revised Electric Utility Rate Structure
00:34:00Resolution CC-2023-40 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for electric sales with subsequent rate increases.
Revised Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Structure
00:43:00Resolution CC-2023-41 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services with subsequent rate increases.
Revised Stormwater Utility Fee Schedule
00:45:00Resolution CC-2023-42 was adopted, implementing a revised monthly fee schedule for the stormwater utility.
Rezoning at 716 West 11th Avenue
00:46:00Ordinance 3527 was adopted, rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to two-family multi-family district.
Rezoning at 847 West ESD Avenue
00:46:00Ordinance 3528 was adopted, rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential district.
SUA Retention of Legal Counsel for PFAS Litigation
00:52:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved retaining McAfee & Taft and Fulmer & Sill to represent SUA's interests in pending class action litigation against 3M and DuPont regarding PFAS contamination.
SUA Revised Electric Utility Rate Structure
00:53:00Resolution SUA-2023-7 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for electric sales with subsequent rate increases.
SUA Revised Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Structure
00:53:00Resolution SUA-2023-8 was adopted, implementing a revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services with subsequent rate increases.
Upcoming Community Events
Midsouth Cycling Event 2024
The 13th annual Midsouth event will feature cycling races, a weekend festival, live music, and a vendor expo. It is expected to be the largest year yet with over 2900 participants registered from 46 states and 5 countries.
Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights
The parade kicks off on Main Street from 9th to 7th Avenues over to Husband at 6:30 p.m. with candy and lightsabers for kids. The parade begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by the official tree lighting at 8:00 p.m. at Chris Salmon Plaza (9th and Main). The deadline to submit entries is Friday, November 17th.
Financial Matters
Electric Utility Rate Increases
Revised rate structure adopted for electric sales, providing for subsequent rate increases.
Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Increases
Revised rate structure adopted for water and wastewater utility services, providing for subsequent rate increases.
Stormwater Utility Fee Increase
Revised monthly fee schedule adopted for the stormwater utility.
Public Comments
Three residents spoke during public comments, primarily expressing concerns about the proposed utility rate increases. Topics included cost allocation between user classes, the impact on low-usage and low-income customers, and the need for conservation programs. One speaker also raised questions about wastewater charging equity and stormwater fees.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Friday, November 17th: Deadline to submit entries for the Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights.
Watch For
- Further evaluation by staff on conservation programs and assistance for low-income residents regarding utility bills.
- Potential positive announcement regarding the Heartland Flyer extension this month.
Announcements
- The City Hall main phone number has changed to an automated system for improved efficiency, effective October 30th.
- Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive severe winter weather warnings and alerts by following Stillwater Emergency Management (STWEM) on Facebook and Twitter.
- The city is accepting applications for a citizen representative to fill a Board of Adjustment position. Applications can be submitted online at Stillwater.ok.gov/citizenboard.
- City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th, 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 city recently hosted sister city students and a delegation from Kamoka, Japan. Many gifts from the delegation are on display in the Chokre Room at the Stillwater Community Center and in City Hall.
- Appreciation was extended to City of Stillwater employees, Emergency Management, Fire Department, and Police Department for their tireless work during recent events like Homecoming and Bedlam.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in Recognition of National Runaway Prevention Month
Proclamation recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month and the work of Payne County Youth Services.
Proclamation in Support of a Heartland Flyer Extension in Oklahoma
Proclamation encouraging the inclusion of Edmund, Guthrie, Perry, and Ponca City in the Heartland Flyer extension program.
Update on the 2024 Midsouth Event
Presentation by Bobby Wintle on the upcoming Midsouth cycling event, 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 City in PFAS Litigation
Discussion and approval to retain legal counsel for pending class action litigation against 3M and DuPont regarding PFAS contamination.
Resolution CC-2023-39: Bridge Inspection Responsibility and Consultant Selection
Resolution concerning the city's bridge inspection responsibility and notification to ODOT of Burgess & Niple's selection as the bridge inspection consultant.
Resolution CC-2023-40: Revised Electric Sales Rate Structure
Resolution adopting a revised rate structure for electric sales, providing for subsequent rate increases.
Resolution CC-2023-41: Revised Water and Wastewater Utility Services Rate Structure
Resolution adopting a revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services, providing for subsequent rate increases.
Resolution CC-2023-42: Revised Monthly Fee Schedule for Stormwater Utility
Resolution adopting a revised monthly fee schedule for the stormwater utility.
Ordinance 3527: Rezoning at 716 West 11th Avenue
Ordinance rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to two-family multi-family district.
Ordinance 3528: Rezoning at 847 West ESD Avenue
Ordinance rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential district.
Reports from the Officers and the Board
Updates and announcements from city officials and board members.
SUA Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
SUA General Orders: Retention of McAfee & Taft and Fulmer & Sill for PFAS Litigation
Discussion and approval to retain legal counsel for the Stillwater Utilities Authority's interests in PFAS contamination litigation.
Resolution SUA-2023-7: Revised Electric Sales Rate Structure
Resolution adopting a revised rate structure for electric sales for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Resolution SUA-2023-8: Revised Water and Wastewater Utility Services Rate Structure
Resolution adopting a revised rate structure for water and wastewater utility services for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
SUA Reports from the Officers of the Board
Updates and announcements from SUA officials.