Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on June 5th, 2023, included the unveiling of the Stillwater Police Department's new branding and uniforms. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing and subsequent approval of a specific use permit for a new public safety radio communications tower, despite considerable public opposition regarding its location and potential impact on a residential neighborhood. The council also addressed routine consent docket items, approved a resolution prohibiting drones during the Boomer Blast event, and committed funds for a new fire suppression system at the public library.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater Police Department Branding
00:01:00Chief Jeff Watts presented the new Stillwater Police Department patch and uniform, effective June 6th, 2023. The new design symbolizes core values like integrity, excellence, and commitment, and features a gray uniform for comfort.
Specific Use Permit for Public Safety Radio Communications Tower
00:14:00The City Council approved a specific use permit for a new public safety radio communications tower at 4220 North Perkins Road. This decision was made after extensive discussion and public comment, with the city emphasizing the critical need for the tower for emergency services and the lack of alternative suitable locations.
Partial Closing of Water Easement
01:04:00A request for the partial closing of a water easement at 119 East Tyler Avenue was approved to accommodate an encroaching house. City operations confirmed that the closing would not impact access to the water line.
Prohibition of Drones During Boomer Blast
01:17:00Resolution CC-2023-16 was adopted, prohibiting the flying of unmanned aircraft systems over the Boomer Blast event on July 4th, 2023, with an amendment to include rescheduled dates due to weather.
Commitment of Funds for Community Development Block Grant
01:20:00Resolution CC-2023-17 was adopted, committing $222,500 in matching funds from the general fund for a new fire suppression system at the Stillwater Public Library, as part of the 2023 Community Development Block Grant program.
Labor Negotiations with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102
01:34:00Staff was authorized to proceed with negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102 as discussed in executive session.
Labor Negotiations with International Association of Firefighters Local #2095
01:34:40Staff was authorized to proceed with finalizing the fiscal year 24 collective bargaining agreement based on negotiated terms with the International Association of Firefighters Local #2095.
Litigation: Sandra Groshong vs. City of Stillwater
01:35:20The City Attorney was authorized to proceed as directed regarding the pending litigation concerning Sandra Groshong versus the City of Stillwater.
Upcoming Community Events
Boomer Blast Fireworks Show
Boomer Lake Park, fireworks begin at 9:30 PM. Free parking at Stillwater High School stadium and Cimarron Plaza. Vehicles not allowed inside Boomer Lake Park.
Juneteenth Celebration
Southern Woods Park, 11 AM to 1 PM. Games, music, free food and drinks, and entertainment for the whole family.
Dancing Turtle Interactive Celebration of the Arts
Stillwater Community Center and downtown area. Features performing arts, visual arts, multiple vendors, and music performers. Most events are free.
Financial Matters
Community Development Block Grant Match
Commitment of matching funds from the general fund for a new fire suppression system at the Stillwater Public Library.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed public safety radio communications tower. Residents of Parkview Estates expressed strong concerns regarding the tower's visual impact, potential fall zone, safety for children, property values, and environmental impact on local wildlife and the Kamioka Trail. Questions were also raised about the notification process and the tower's radiation levels.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 3523: An ordinance closing a portion of the 16-foot water easement of lot 3 block 2 the sticks in addition to the City of Stillwater Payne County Oklahoma and your property addressed as 1990 East Tyler Avenue (to be discussed on June 12th)
Deadlines
- Federal grant funds for utility/rent assistance must be utilized before the end of August 2023.
Announcements
- Stillwater Police Department unveiled new branding and uniforms.
- City Hall will be closed on Monday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual, but not yard waste.
- Stillwater's free splash pads at Boomer Lake Park and Seven Woods Park are open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
- The public swimming pool at Couch Park is closed on Sundays and Mondays for maintenance.
- Waste and Recycling Workers Week is June 17th-23rd, recognizing the dedication of waste and recycling professionals.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Stillwater Police Department Branding Presentation
Presentation of the new Stillwater Police Department patch and uniform.
Item 4: Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Item 7A: Public Hearing for Dilapidated Structure at 601 West 10th Avenue
Hearing to determine if a secondary structure is dilapidated and abandoned, with a recommendation for no action due to property owner progress.
Item 7B: Public Hearing for Specific Use Permit for Communication Tower at 4220 North Perkins Road
Public hearing and discussion regarding a request for a specific use permit to allow a new public safety radio communications tower.
Item 7C: Public Hearing for Partial Closing of Water Easement at 119 East Tyler Avenue
Public hearing regarding a request for partial closing of a water easement due to an encroaching house.
Item 8A: Prairie Arts Center Annual Report
Presentation of the annual report by the Prairie Arts Center.
Item 9A: Resolution CC-2023-7 (Dilapidated Structure)
Resolution related to the dilapidated structure at 601 West 10th Avenue.
Item 9B: Resolution CC-2023-16 (Prohibiting Drones During Boomer Blast)
Resolution prohibiting the flying of unmanned aircraft systems during certain public events on July 4th, 2023.
Item 9C: Resolution CC-2023-17 (Commitment of Leverage for CDBG)
Resolution regarding commitment of leverage for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant 2023 Small Cities Program and approving associated budget amendments.
Item 10: Ordinance 3523 (Closing Water Easement)
First read of an ordinance closing a portion of a 16-foot water easement at 1990 East Tyler Avenue.
Item 11: Reports from Officers and Boards
Reports and announcements from city officials.
Item 12: Executive Session
Discussion of labor negotiations with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102, International Association of Firefighters Local #2095, and litigation concerning Sandra Groshong vs. City of Stillwater.