Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on August 7, 2023, included the adoption of a resolution for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) opt-out policy and associated fees for utility customers. The council also received updates on the Our Daily Bread organization and Lake McMurtry Friends' annual report. Discussion regarding the JCI performance contract and its financing was postponed to a future meeting.
Key Decisions & Votes
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Opt-Out Policy
01:00:00Resolution CC-2023-25 was adopted, amending the policy manual for utility accounts to include an opt-out option for AMI meters and approving associated fees for manual meter reading. This allows residential customers to decline the installation of smart meters.
Purchase of Protective Body Armor for Police Department
00:46:20The Stillwater Police Department was approved to purchase 20 sets of Aardvark Project 7 scalable plate rack armor through a GSA contract, not to exceed $90,000, to replace expiring SWAT team body armor.
Rezoning of 53 Acres for Hospital Land
01:08:00Ordinance 3525, rezoning approximately 53 acres located east of 12th and Blakely and north of Stillwater Creek from Office (O) and Agricultural (A) to Public (P), was advanced to its second reading.
Appointments to Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee (BPAC)
01:09:40Eight 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
01:27:00The council directed SGR not to name finalists at this time in the current city manager recruitment and directed the search committee to continue the search with SGR.
Upcoming Community Events
Orange Dirt Trail Series Run
Second annual run at Lake McMurtry, offering 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon options.
Lights on the Lake
Annual holiday light display at Lake McMurtry, featuring an enchanted forest with over half a million lights.
Chili Bike
Event at Lake McMurtry with trail riding, gravel routes, chili potluck, and music, raising over $7,000.
Perkins on Purchase on Perkins Road Campaign
Final month for patrons to win cash prizes by shopping local on Perkins Road while it's under construction. More info at stillwaterchamber.org.
Financial Matters
Police Department Body Armor
Approval for the purchase of 20 sets of protective body armor for the SWAT team, funded through the FY24 budget.
JCI Performance Contract
Discussion on financing the JCI performance contract, with concerns raised about the elimination of two electric department positions and the project's economic feasibility. Staff will provide an updated analysis and recommendations at the next meeting. The city is liable for $150,000 to JCI for work completed if the project is dropped.
AMI Opt-Out Fees
Fees were approved for customers who opt out of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, covering the cost of manual meter reading. A one-time fee will be charged if a customer opts out after an AMI meter has been installed, but waived if they opt back in.
Public Comments
Two individuals spoke in favor of the smart metering opt-out policy, expressing concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of detailed electricity usage information.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Consideration and discussion of possible reasonable action related to the JCI performance contract (postponed to August 21st meeting)
Deadlines
- JCI performance contract and Bank of America financing closure extended to September 10th
Watch For
- Staff analysis and recommendations on the JCI performance contract at the next meeting
- Start of residential AMI meter installations (expected October)
Announcements
- Proclamations recognizing the Small Business Administration's 70th anniversary were presented to the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Visit Stillwater.
- Stillwater Finance Department received the top recognition for government accounting on financial reporting for the 41st consecutive year from the Government Finance Officers Association.
- Stillwater utility team assisted Ripley with a major water break.
- Lakeview is now open on the ODOT Perkins Road project.
- Applications are being accepted 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). Drivers are reminded to be mindful of pedestrians and school zones.
- August is National Wellness Month, encouraging healthy habits and stress management.
Agenda Summary
Proclamations in recognition of Small Business Administration's 70th anniversary
Reading of two proclamations honoring the SBA's 70th anniversary and its support for small businesses.
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.
Our Daily Bread update from Rachel Conley
Presentation on the activities, partnerships, and impact of Our Daily Bread in Payne County.
Lake McMurtry Friends annual report from Jill van Ekman
Presentation on the highlights, visitor statistics, revenue, projects, and programs at Lake McMurtry.
Consider approval for the Stillwater Police Department to purchase protective body armor
Request to purchase 20 sets of Aardvark Project 7 scalable plate rack armor for the SWAT team.
Consideration and discussion of possible reasonable action related to the JCI performance contract
Discussion on the legal implications of the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act regarding project financing with Bank of America and concerns about the project scope.
Resolution CC-2023-25: Amending Section 2 Policy Manual for Utility Accounts Billing and Collection of the Terms and Conditions of Service for Municipal Utilities to adopt Chapter Six Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Opt-Out and approving the amended fees and charges for utility services schedule to adopt new fees and charges for AMI opt-out
Resolution to establish an opt-out policy and associated fees for residential customers regarding smart meter installations.
Ordinance 3525: An ordinance of rezoning approximately 53 acres of property located east of 12th and Blakely and north of Stillwater Creek including property more commonly described as 1200 South Adams Street, 1201 South Adams Street from Office (O) and Agricultural (A) to P Public
First reading of an ordinance to rezone land for the hospital.
Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee
Appointment of members to the advisory committee.
Reports from the offices and Boards
Updates and announcements from city staff and council members.
Executive Session
Closed session for discussion.
Action from Executive Session
Decision regarding the city manager recruitment process.