Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on June 5, 2023, included the launch of new branding for the police department, featuring new uniforms and a patch symbolizing core values. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding a specific use permit for a new public safety radio communications tower, which was ultimately approved despite community concerns. The council also addressed several other resolutions and an annual report from the Prairie Arts Center.
Key Decisions & Votes
Specific Use Permit for Public Safety Radio Communications Tower
00:20:00The City Council approved a specific use permit for a 420-foot public safety radio communications tower at 4220 North Perkins Road, despite concerns from nearby residents regarding property values, safety, and environmental impact. The tower is intended for police, fire, and emergency management communications and is designed to collapse upon itself within 100 feet of its base in extreme conditions.
Partial Closing of Water Easement
01:14:00A request for the partial closing of a 3-foot wide, 100-foot long water line easement at 119 East Tyler Avenue was approved. This was to accommodate an existing house that had been built encroaching on the easement, and operations confirmed it would not impact access to the water line.
Prohibition of Unmanned Aircraft Systems during Boomer Blast
01:29:00Resolution CC-2023-16 was adopted, prohibiting the flying of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) over the Boomer Blast event on July 4, 2023, between 4 PM and 12 AM. An amendment was added to include any rescheduled date due to weather.
Commitment of Leverage for CDBG Small Cities Program
01:32:00Resolution CC-2023-17 was adopted, committing matching funds of $222,500 from the city's grant match contingency in the general fund for a new fire suppression system at the Stillwater Public Library, as part of the 2023 Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program.
Labor Negotiations with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102
01:50:00The council authorized staff to proceed with labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102 as discussed in executive session.
Labor Negotiations with International Association of Firefighters Local #2095
01:51:00The council authorized staff to proceed with finalizing the fiscal year 24 collective bargaining agreement based on negotiated terms with the International Association of Firefighters Local #2095.
Pending Litigation: Roshong vs. City of Stillwater
01:52:00The City Attorney was authorized to proceed as directed regarding the pending litigation case of Roshong versus City of Stillwater.
Upcoming Community Events
Boomer Blast Fireworks Show
Boomer Lake Park, fireworks show begins 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, 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, vendors, and music performers. Most events are free.
Financial Matters
New Public Safety Radio System
Approved in December 2021, this system is part of a county-wide radio system to replace five independent systems and provide interoperability.
Stillwater Public Library Fire Suppression System
Project cost estimate for a new fire suppression system. The city will seek a $222,500 grant and provide a matching $222,500 from the general fund.
Public Comments
Several residents from Parkview Estates expressed strong opposition to the proposed public safety radio communications tower, citing concerns about property values, safety (especially regarding the tower's fall zone and wind resistance), environmental impact on wildlife, and the aesthetic disruption to their neighborhood and the Kamioka Trail. They also questioned the adequacy of public notice and the city's justification for the chosen location.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 3523: Closing a portion of the 16-foot water easement of Lot 3, Block 2, The Stix, an addition to the City of Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma, near property addressed as 1990 East Tyler Avenue (to be corrected and heard next week).
Deadlines
- Federal grant funds for COVID-19 utility/rent assistance must be utilized before the end of August 2023.
Watch For
- Further details on Boomer Blast event on social media and stillwater.org
- More artwork inclusion in the Chris Cinnamon Plaza mural program next spring.
Announcements
- Stillwater Police Department launched new branding, including new uniforms and a patch symbolizing integrity, excellence, and commitment.
- City Hall will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19th. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual, but not yard waste.
- Stillwater's parks and water play areas are open, including two free splash pads at Boomer Lake Park and Seven Woods Park (10 AM - 8 PM daily), and a public swimming pool at Couch Park (closed Sundays and Mondays).
- Waste and Recycling Workers Week is June 17th-23rd, recognizing the dedication and professionalism of waste and recycling industry workers.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Launch of new Police Department branding
Presentation by Chief Jeff Watts on the new Stillwater Police Department uniforms and patch, symbolizing core values and commitment to the community.
Item 4: Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Item 7A: Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structure at 601 West 10th Avenue / 1012 South Knoblock
Hearing to determine if a secondary structure is dilapidated and abandoned, and whether abatement and removal should proceed.
Item 7B: Public Hearing regarding request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a new communication tower at 4220 North Perkins Road
Hearing for a specific use permit to install a 420-foot public safety radio communications tower for police, fire, and emergency management.
Item 7C: Public Hearing regarding request for partial closing of a water easement located at 119 East Tyler Avenue
Hearing for the partial closing of a 3-foot wide, 100-foot long water line easement to accommodate an encroaching house.
Item 8A: Prairie Arts Center annual report
Presentation of the annual report by Rebecca Brienen and Megan Brussel, highlighting achievements and activities of the Prairie Arts Center.
Item 9A: Resolution CC-2023-7 related to the dilapidated structure at 601 West 10th Avenue / 1012 South Knoblock
Resolution related to the dilapidated structure discussed in Item 7A.
Item 9B: Resolution CC-2023-16 prohibiting the flying of unmanned aircraft systems During certain public events on July 4th 2023
Annual resolution to prohibit drones over the Boomer Blast event, with an amendment for rescheduled dates.
Item 9C: Resolution CC-2023-17 regarding commitment of Leverage for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development block grant 2023 small cities program and approving the associated budget amendments
Resolution to commit matching funds for a grant to fund a new fire suppression system at the Stillwater Public Library.
Item 10: Ordinance 3523 an ordinance closing a portion of the 16-foot water easement of lot 3 block 2 the sticks an addition to the City of Stillwater Payne County Oklahoma near property addressed as 1990 East Tyler Avenue
Ordinance for the closing of a water easement.
Item 11: Reports from the officers and Boards
Announcements from city staff and council members.
Item 12: Executive Session
Discussion of labor negotiations with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102, International Association of Firefighters Local #2095, and pending litigation.
Possible action regarding labor negotiations with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #102
Action following executive session discussion on FOP negotiations.
Possible action regarding labor negotiations with the International Association of Firefighters Local #2095
Action following executive session discussion on IAFF negotiations.
Possible action regarding pending litigation concerning Sandra Groshong versus City of Stillwater Payne County District Court case number CJ 2020-455
Action following executive session discussion on pending litigation.