Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved a conditional offer of employment for Kimberly Meek as the new City Manager. The council also discussed proposed utility rate increases and received an annual report on federal advocacy services aimed at securing grants for city projects. Additionally, several zoning amendments were approved, including one for a new townhome development.
Key Decisions & Votes
Conditional Offer of Employment for City Manager
01:00:00The City Council approved a motion to make a conditional offer of employment to Kimberly Meek for the position of City Manager. This offer is contingent on pre-employment matters and finalizing an employment agreement.
Map Amendment for 847 West Eskridge Avenue
00:20:00The City Council approved a map amendment to rezone the property at 847 West Eskridge Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential, as recommended by the Planning Commission. This allows for a proposed townhome development.
Specific Use Permit for Townhomes at 847 West Eskridge Avenue
00:30:00A specific use permit was approved to allow for the construction of nine three-story townhomes with garages at 847 West Eskridge Avenue, following the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Stillwater Regional Airport Hangar Lease Assignment
01:15:00Resolution CC-2023-38 was adopted, authorizing the assignment of the Stillwater Regional Airport hangar lease agreement from Stillwater Aircraft Services Inc. to Stillwater Flight Center Inc.
Surplus Firearms Trade-in
01:13:00Resolution CC-2023-37 was adopted, declaring firearms owned by the Stillwater Police Department as surplus property and authorizing their trade-in for credit towards the purchase of new firearms.
Upcoming Community Events
Go Purple Day (Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Community members are encouraged to wear purple to show support for survivors of domestic violence.
Stillwater Haunted Library
5:30-7:30 PM and 8:00-10:00 PM. Carnival games, stories, mini maze, refreshments. $5 (under 12), $10 (13+). Advanced reservations required at Stillwater.ok.gov/library.
Downtown Stillwater Halloween Festival
5:00-8:00 PM on Main Street (7th to 10th Avenues). Trick-or-treating, costume contests, games, face painting.
Stillwater Medical Center Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat
6:00-8:00 PM at Stillwater Medical Plaza (12th and Adams).
OSU Homecoming Walk Around
Road closures begin at 5:00 PM.
OSU Homecoming Parade
9:00 AM downtown on Main Street.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Convenience Collection Center (807 South Perkins Road). Accepts oil-based paints, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, pool chemicals, unused pharmaceuticals. Utility bill may be requested.
Financial Matters
Utility Rate Increases Discussion
Presentation and discussion on proposed utility rate increases for electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater. Examples of bill impacts for residential and commercial customers were provided. No action was taken, with potential action at the November 1st meeting.
Federal Advocacy Services Annual Report
MMO Partners provided an annual report on their federal advocacy services, highlighting efforts to secure federal funding for water infrastructure projects, including a $1 million congressionally directed spending request and technical assistance for the BRIC program.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Resolution CC-2023-36 was adopted, approving a Section 3 annual plan for the FY23 CDBG, aimed at increasing utilization of lower-income residents and businesses within the project site.
Public Comments
One resident spoke in opposition to the rezoning and specific use permit for the townhome development at 847 West Eskridge Avenue, citing concerns about proximity to a school, increased traffic, potential for transient population, and destruction of the tree canopy.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Final report from Oklahoma Targeted Opportunity Program expected end of October
- FY2025 federal funding requests submissions due by end of March or mid-April 2024
Watch For
- Potential action on utility rate increases at the November 1st meeting
- Finalized employment agreement and start date for new City Manager Kimberly Meek
- Outcome of FY2024 congressionally directed spending request (earmark)
- Progress on BRIC technical assistance process and funding proposal development
- Introduction of the House WRDA bill in Q1 2024
Announcements
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month recognized, encouraging community to wear purple on October 19th.
- Stillwater Police Department reminds residents to lock vehicles and remove valuables due to an increase in auto burglaries and stolen vehicles.
- Frost advisory for tonight (October 16th), residents advised to protect plants.
- City of Stillwater Emergency Management (STW_MA on Facebook/Twitter) provides weather updates and alerts.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Joyce read a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Brandy White from Wings of Hope Domestic Violence Shelter spoke about the importance of the recognition and invited the community to 'Go Purple Day' on October 19th.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items, with item F pulled for separate discussion.
Item F (Consent Docket - Stillwater Regional Airport Hangar Lease Assignment)
Discussion and approval of the assignment of the Stillwater Regional Airport hangar lease agreement from Stillwater Aircraft Services Inc. to Stillwater Flight Center Inc. This item was pulled from the consent docket for clarification regarding tenant relocation due to Hangar One demolition.
7A: Receive public comment regarding a request from Happy Days Investment for a map amendment to rezone property addressed at 847 West Eskridge Avenue (CC23-158)
Public hearing for rezoning request from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential to allow for a nine-unit townhome development. One public comment in opposition was received.
7B: Receive public comment regarding a request from Happy Days Investments for a specific use permit to allow townhomes in a two-family residential district at 847 West Eskridge Avenue (CC23-159)
Public hearing for a specific use permit to allow the construction of nine three-story townhomes with garages. The applicant's representative provided details on the project, including access, layout, and quality of construction.
8A: Presentation and discussion of residential and commercial utility bills and proposed utility rate increases
Christy Cluck, Finance Director, presented examples of bill impacts from proposed utility rate increases for electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater. Key drivers for each rate study and historical rate changes were reviewed. No action was taken.
8B: Consideration, discussion, and possible action to make a conditional offer of employment for the position of City Manager
The City Council discussed and approved a conditional offer of employment to Kimberly Meek for the City Manager position. Ms. Meek addressed the council and community.
9A: Resolution CC-2023-36: Resolution adopting a Section 3 annual plan for the FY23 Community Development Block Grant
Resolution related to ensuring CDBG funds are spent according to regulations, increasing utilization of lower-income residents and businesses.
9B: Resolution CC-2023-37: Resolution declaring Stillwater Police Department firearms as surplus property and authorizing trade-in
Resolution authorizing the trade-in of current police-issued firearms for credit towards new firearms, allowing for upgrades and standardization.
9C: Resolution CC-2023-38: Resolution authorizing the assignment of the Stillwater Regional Airport hangar lease agreement
Resolution authorizing the assignment of the hangar lease agreement from Stillwater Aircraft Services Inc. to Stillwater Flight Center Inc.
10A: Ordinance 3527 (First Read): Rezoning 716 West 11th Avenue
Ordinance rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential to two-family and multi-family district.
10B: Ordinance 3528 (First Read): Rezoning 847 West Eskridge Avenue
Ordinance rezoning a tract of land from small lot single-family residential district to two-family residential district.
11A: Ordinance 3526 (Second Read): Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 23 Land Development Code
Ordinance amending Chapter 23, Article 6, Division 1, Section 23-121 regarding exemptions and setbacks for fences and projections into yards.
12: Reports from Officers and Board
Announcements regarding upcoming community events, safety reminders, and weather advisories.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority Meeting
The EDA approved its consent docket and received a quarterly Economic Development report from Reagan Mitchell of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, detailing state-level projects, BR&E initiatives, and website redesign efforts.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting
The SUA approved its consent docket and received a presentation from MMO Partners on their federal advocacy services and annual report, focusing on securing federal funding for water infrastructure projects.
Executive Session
The City Council entered executive session to discuss pending claims or actions involving Gelino CCC LLC, Silverton Estates LLC, and Greg Hoskins doing business as UBC Pre-Cast.