Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on August 7, 2023, addressed several key items including the approval of an opt-out policy for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and the appointment of members to the revitalized Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee. Discussions also focused on the status of the JCI performance contract, particularly regarding financing challenges and staffing concerns within the electric department. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the city manager recruitment process.
Key Decisions & Votes
AMI Opt-Out Policy
01:00:00The City Council adopted Resolution CC-2023-25, amending the policy manual for utility accounts to include an opt-out option for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and approving associated fees for manual meter reading.
Stillwater Police Department Equipment Purchase
00:44:00The council approved the purchase of 20 sets of Aardvark Project 7 scalable plate rack armor for the Stillwater Police Department SWAT team through a GSA contract, not to exceed $90,000.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee Appointments
01:08:00Eight individuals (Mary Hoyt, Namalka, Kevin Musset, Cynthia Gedra, Paul Christian, Chris Peters, Kimberly Holmes, and Shelby Keller) were appointed to the recently revived Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee.
City Manager Recruitment
01:20:00Following an executive session, the council directed SGR not to name finalists at this time and instructed the search committee to continue the city manager search.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Police Department SWAT Armor
Funding allocated in the FY24 budget for the purchase of 20 sets of Aardvark Project 7 scalable plate rack armor.
JCI Performance Contract
Discussion on financing the project, with potential liability of $150,000 if the project is dropped, representing payment for work already completed by JCI.
AMI Opt-Out Fees
Fees established to recover costs associated with manually reading meters for customers who opt out of the AMI program.
Public Comments
Two individuals spoke in support of the smart metering opt-out policy, expressing concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of detailed energy consumption information.
Coming Up
Tabled
- JCI Performance Contract discussion (postponed to August 21st meeting)
Deadlines
- JCI and Bank of America financing extension to September 10th
- Perkins on Purchase on Perkins Road campaign ends August 31st
Watch For
- Staff analysis and recommendations on JCI performance contract alternatives
- Electric cost of service study results and new electric rates
Announcements
- Proclamation recognizing the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- Our Daily Bread update on services, partnerships, and community impact.
- Lake McMurtry Friends annual report highlighting recreational activities, accessibility improvements, and community programs.
- Stillwater Finance Department received top recognition for government accounting and financial reporting for the 41st consecutive year.
- Stillwater Utilities assisted Ripley with a major water break.
- Lakeview Road is now open as part of the ODOT Perkins Road project.
- City is accepting applications for citizen representatives on the Board of Drainage Appeals and Building Trades Board.
- Back to school for Stillwater Public Schools, Meridian Technology Center (August 10th), and Oklahoma State University (August 21st).
- August is National Wellness Month, encouraging healthy habits and stress management.
- Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 'Perkins on Purchase on Perkins Road' campaign continues through August.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Small Business Administration 70th Anniversary
Recognition of the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Small Business Administration and its impact on local businesses.
Consent Docket
Routine administrative items grouped for a single vote.
Public Comment
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on items not scheduled for public hearings.
Our Daily Bread Update
Presentation by Rachel Conley on the activities, services, and community impact of Our Daily Bread.
Lake McMurtry Friends Annual Report
Presentation by Jill van Ekman on the highlights, projects, and programs of Lake McMurtry Friends.
Stillwater Police Department Equipment Purchase
Consideration of approval for the Stillwater Police Department to purchase 20 sets of Aardvark Project 7 scalable plate rack armor.
JCI Performance Contract Discussion
Consideration and discussion of possible action related to the JCI performance contract, including financing challenges and staffing concerns.
Resolution CC-2023-25: AMI Opt-Out Policy
Resolution amending the policy manual for utility accounts to adopt an opt-out policy for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and approving associated fees.
Ordinance 3525: Rezoning 1200 South Adams Street
First reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 53 acres east of 12th and Blakely and north of Stillwater Creek, including 1200 South Adams Street and 1201 South Adams Street, from Office (O) and Agricultural (A) to Public (P).
Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee Appointments
Appointment of members to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee.
Reports from Offices and Boards
Updates and announcements from city staff and council members.
Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Consent Docket
Routine administrative items for the SUA.
SUA Resolution SUA 2023-6: AMI Opt-Out Policy
Resolution amending the policy manual for utility accounts to adopt an opt-out policy for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and approving associated fees for the SUA.
Executive Session
Executive session to discuss the city manager recruitment process.
Action from Executive Session
Motion to direct SGR not to name finalists at this time in the current city manager recruitment and direct the search committee to work with SGR to continue the city manager search.