Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its October 16, 2023 meeting, where they recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month and approved several zoning changes. A significant decision was made to extend a conditional offer of employment to Kimberly Meek as the new City Manager. The council also received a detailed presentation on proposed utility rate increases and an annual report on federal advocacy services.
Key Decisions & Votes
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
00:00:46The City of Stillwater proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, encouraging community support for survivors and highlighting the services of Wings of Hope Domestic Violence Shelter.
Consent Docket Item F (Stillwater Regional Airport Building Lease Agreement)
00:06:50The council approved the transfer of a hangar lease from Stillwater Aircraft Services to Stillwater Flight Center, which includes an agreement for Stillwater Flight Center to provide space for two tenants displaced by the demolition of Hangar One.
Map Amendment for 847 West Estridge Avenue
00:23:45A request from Happy Days Investment to rezone the property at 847 West Estridge Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential was approved, allowing for the construction of three-story townhomes.
Specific Use Permit for 847 West Estridge Avenue
00:30:50A specific use permit was approved for Happy Days Investments to allow the construction of nine three-story townhomes with garages at 847 West Estridge Avenue in the newly rezoned two-family residential district.
Conditional Offer of Employment for City Manager
00:59:30The council approved a motion to make a conditional offer of employment to Kimberly Meek, currently the city manager of Duncan, for the position of Stillwater City Manager, pending pre-employment matters and an employment agreement.
Resolution CC-2023-36 (CDBG Section 3 Annual Plan)
01:05:00A resolution adopting a Section 3 annual plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was adopted, aimed at increasing the utilization of lower-income residents and businesses within the project site.
Resolution CC-2023-37 (Surplus Firearms Trade-in)
01:06:40A resolution declaring firearms owned by the Stillwater Police Department as surplus property and authorizing their trade-in for credit towards new firearms was adopted.
Resolution CC-2023-38 (Stillwater Regional Airport Building Lease Assignment)
01:07:50A resolution authorizing the assignment of the Stillwater Regional Airport Building lease agreement from Stillwater Aircraft Services Inc. to Stillwater Flight Center Inc. was adopted.
Ordinance 3527 (Rezoning 716 West 11th Avenue)
01:09:00An ordinance rezoning land at 716 West 11th Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family and multi-family district was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3528 (Rezoning 847 West Estridge Avenue)
01:09:30An ordinance rezoning land at 847 West Estridge Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential district was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3526 (Amending Land Development Code)
01:10:00An ordinance amending Chapter 23 of the Stillwater City Code regarding land use classifications, specifically exemptions and setbacks for fences and projections into yards, was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
Go Purple Day
Wear purple to show support for survivors of domestic violence.
Downtown Stillwater's Halloween Festival
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Main Street (7th to 10th Avenues). Includes trick-or-treating, costume contest, games, and face painting.
Stillwater Medical Center Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stillwater Medical Plaza (12th and Adams).
Stillwater Haunted Library
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Fundraiser for the library, cost $5 (12 and under) / $10 (13 and older). Advanced reservations required at Stillwater.ok.gov/library or call 405-372-3633.
America's Greatest Homecoming Walk Around
Road closures begin at 5:00 PM.
America's Greatest Homecoming Parade
9:00 AM downtown on Main Street. Football game at 7:00 PM.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Convenience Collection Center (807 South Perkins Road). Free for residents with utility bill proof. Accepts oil-based paints, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, pool chemicals, unused pharmaceuticals, etc.
Financial Matters
Utility Rate Increases
Presentation and discussion of proposed residential and commercial utility bill impacts and rate increases for electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater. Electric rates are proposed to increase fixed charges and modernize structure. Water and wastewater rates propose 3% annual increases for capital improvements. Stormwater rates propose updating residential flat rates and commercial tiered rates.
Federal Advocacy Services
Annual report by MMO Partners on federal advocacy services, highlighting efforts to secure federal funding for water infrastructure projects, including a $1 million congressionally directed spending request and a $3 million funding request through the WRDA authorization.
CDBG Grant
Resolution adopted for the fiscal year 23 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to ensure funds are spent according to regulations, with a focus on increasing utilization of lower-income residents and businesses.
Public Comments
One resident spoke in opposition to the rezoning and specific use permit for 847 West Estridge Avenue, citing concerns about proximity to a school, potential for transient population, increased traffic, impact on neighborhood character, and destruction of tree canopy.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Stillwater City Council to take action on proposed utility rates at the November 1st meeting.
- Final report from Oklahoma Targeted Opportunity Program expected by end of October.
Watch For
- Finalization of employment agreement and start date for new City Manager Kimberly Meek.
- Outcome of FY24 Appropriations process regarding federal funding requests.
- Further progress on the BRIC technical assistance process with FEMA.
- Introduction of the next WRDA bill in the first quarter of 2024.
Announcements
- 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.
- Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Economic Development report highlighted progress on Project 24 (manufacturing facility), the Oklahoma Targeted Opportunity Program, and the 'Purchase on Perkins' program success.
- The Hub has selected Lambert Construction as the GC/GM for the Stillwater location.
- Small business programs launched by Stillwater Chamber, Meridian Technology Center, and Small Business Development Center.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Reading and adoption of a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items on the consent docket, with one item pulled for discussion.
Consent Docket Item F
Discussion and approval of the Stillwater Regional Airport Building Lease Agreement transfer from Stillwater Aircraft Services to Stillwater Flight Center.
Public Comment regarding Map Amendment for 847 West Estridge Avenue
Receive public comment on a request to rezone property at 847 West Estridge Avenue from small lot single-family residential to two-family residential.
Action on Map Amendment for 847 West Estridge Avenue (CC-23-158)
Consideration and action on the Planning Commission's recommendation for the rezoning of 847 West Estridge Avenue.
Public Comment regarding Specific Use Permit for 847 West Estridge Avenue
Receive public comment on a request for a specific use permit to allow townhomes in a two-family residential district at 847 West Estridge Avenue.
Action on Specific Use Permit for 847 West Estridge Avenue (CC-23-159)
Consideration and action on the Planning Commission's recommendation for the specific use permit at 847 West Estridge Avenue.
Presentation and discussion of residential and commercial utility bills and proposed utility rate increases
Presentation by Finance Director Christy Cluck on the impact of proposed utility rate increases on various customer classes.
Consideration, discussion, and possible action to make a conditional offer of employment for the position of City Manager
Discussion and action regarding the selection and offer of employment for the City Manager position.
Resolution CC-2023-36
A resolution adopting a Section 3 annual plan for the CDBG program.
Resolution CC-2023-37
A resolution declaring Stillwater Police Department firearms as surplus property and authorizing their trade-in.
Resolution CC-2023-38
A resolution authorizing the assignment of the Stillwater Regional Airport Building lease agreement.
Ordinance 3527 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 716 West 11th Avenue.
Ordinance 3528 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 847 West Estridge Avenue.
Ordinance 3526 (Second Read)
An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code regarding land development.
Executive Session
Executive session to discuss pending claims or actions involving Gelino CCC LLC, Silverton Estates LLC, and Greg Hoskins doing business as UBC Pre-Cast.