Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting included the introduction of the new Stillwater Regional Airport Director, Kelly Reed, and a significant update on the Block 34 construction project, which is now fully funded with over $7 million in pledged and in-kind gifts. The council also approved a project maintenance agreement for the Rails to Trails program, securing $1.2 million in grant funding. Discussions were held regarding the Stillwater Medical Center Authority's rezoning request and the city's performance-based efficiency contract with JCI.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater Medical Center Authority Rezoning Request
00:06:00The council approved the rezoning of approximately 53 acres east of 12th and Blakely, and north of Stillwater Creek, from Office (O) and Agricultural (A) to Public (P) zoning. This will allow for future public ball fields and align with the medical center's existing public zoning.
Reappointment to Building Trades Board
00:46:00Kyle Kelty was reappointed to a three-year term on the Building Trades Board.
Appointments to Planning Commission
00:47:00Ryder Williams and Jana Phillips were reappointed to new terms, and Andrew van Leuen was appointed to a new term on the Planning Commission.
Reappointments to Board of Drainage Appeals
00:49:00Matthew Mitchell, Daniel Storm, and Dr. Dale Daniel were reappointed to three-year terms on the Board of Drainage Appeals.
Rails to Trails Project Maintenance Agreement
00:44:00The council approved the State of Oklahoma Department of Transportation project maintenance financing and right-of-way agreement for the Stillwater Rails to Trails project, securing $1.2 million in grant funding for the first 1.25 miles of the trail.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Purchase on Perkins Road Campaign
Patrons can win $1,000 cash prizes by shopping local on Perkins Road during the US-177 roadway construction project. Visit stillwaterchamber.org for more information.
Oklahoma Tax-Free Holiday Weekend
Sales of eligible clothing and footwear items under $100 are exempt from state and local sales tax. Shop locally in Stillwater. More info at tax.ok.gov.
National Night Out
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Southern Woods Park. Hosted by Stillwater Police for community building, crime prevention awareness, games, and food.
Financial Matters
Rails to Trails Grant Funding
Grant awarded by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the first 1.25 miles of the Rails to Trails program.
Block 34 Project Funding
Total pledged and in-kind gifts from Kicker, the Irby family, and Simmons Bank for the Block 34 construction and programming. An additional $3 million gift from Kicker was announced.
Henderson Golf Management Revenue Share
Henderson Golf Management reported exceeding the $900,000 income threshold in 2022, resulting in a revenue share payment to the city for the first time.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Husband Street bridge completion: mid to late August
- Third Street bridge at 3rd and Perkins completion: November 1st
- 12th Street closure (Duncan to Duck) reopening: August 26th
- North Perkins Road (US-177) project completion (all four lanes): end of August
- Block 34 groundbreaking: Fall (October)
- Block 34 completion: Winter 2024 (with opening for Spring 2025)
Watch For
- Further discussion and definitive action on the performance-based efficiency contract with JCI and Bank of America at the next meeting.
- Launch of the new city website at stillwaterok.gov on July 25th.
- Stillwater Economic Development website hard launch goal: September 1st.
- Small Business University program launch: September.
Announcements
- Introduction of Kelly Reed as the new Stillwater Regional Airport Director.
- Stillwater Police will host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1st, from 6-9 PM at Southern Woods Park.
- The city is accepting applications for citizen representatives on various committees, including the Building Trades Board (seeking electrical industry experience) and the Board of Drainage Appeals (seeking hydrology, engineering, or stormwater management knowledge).
- The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is running a 'Purchase on Perkins Road' campaign to support local businesses during construction.
- Oklahoma's tax-free holiday weekend is August 4-6 for eligible clothing and footwear items under $100.
- The city's new website, stillwaterok.gov, will launch on July 25th.
- Water utilities crew successfully repaired a 24-inch water main line near the Cimarron Turnpike, restoring service by 5 AM.
Agenda Summary
Introduction of New Stillwater Regional Airport Director
Melissa Reames introduced Kelly Reed as the new Stillwater Regional Airport Director, highlighting her background in airport operations, rescue firefighting, and planning.
Consent Document
Approval of routine items on the consent agenda.
Public Comment for Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for public comment on items not requiring a public hearing.
CC 23-122: Stillwater Medical Center Authority Rezoning Request
Receive public comment and consider recommending approval or denial to rezone approximately 53 acres from Office (O) and Agricultural (A) to Public (P) zoning for Stillwater Medical Center Authority.
Henderson Golf Annual Report
Presentation of the annual report by Michael Henderson of Henderson Golf Management, detailing operations, community programs, capital improvements, and financial performance for 2022.
Update on Block 34 Construction Projects
Presentation by Mr. Moore, Mr. Irby, and Mr. Beckstrom on the final funding, design, and construction timeline for Block 34, including an additional $3 million gift from Kicker.
State of Oklahoma Department of Transportation Project Maintenance Financing and Right-of-Way Agreement for Rails to Trails Project
Consideration and possible action regarding the agreement for the Rails to Trails project, which secured $1.2 million in grant funding.
Performance-Based Efficiency Contract with JCI
Consideration and discussion regarding the performance-based efficiency contract with Johnson Controls, specifically addressing compliance with the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act and financing with Bank of America.
Ordinance 3524: Rezoning 1017 and 1109 West 9th Avenue, etc.
Second reading of an ordinance rezoning a tract of land from Small Lot Single Family Residential (RSS) to Two Family Residential (RT).
Appointments to Building Trades Board
Consideration of reappointments and new appointments to the Building Trades Board.
Appointments to Planning Commission
Consideration of reappointments and new appointments to the Planning Commission.
Appointments to Board of Drainage Appeals
Consideration of reappointments and new appointments to the Board of Drainage Appeals.
Reports from the Officers and the Board
Updates from city staff and council members on various city activities, projects, and community announcements.
Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Development Report
Reagan Mitchell presented the quarterly economic development report from the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, detailing state-level projects, the Oklahoma Targeted Opportunities Program, The Hub development, business retention efforts, and a new small business university program.