Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on February 6, 2023, included a presentation on the preservation of Booker T. Washington School, an annual report from the Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority, and a Public Safety 2022 update. Key decisions involved approving specific use permits for medical marijuana facilities and reappointing members to the audit committee. The City Manager, Norman McNichol, announced his intent to retire on or before June 1st.
Key Decisions & Votes
Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Grow Facility
01:00:00A specific use permit was approved for a medical marijuana grow facility at 1198 East Airport Road, following a 4-0 recommendation from the Planning Commission.
Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary
01:03:00A specific use permit was approved for a medical marijuana dispensary at 1023 East 6th Avenue, also with a 4-0 recommendation from the Planning Commission. The council noted limited discretion due to state laws.
Appointments to the Audit Committee
01:38:00Kelly Cox and Randy Murray were reappointed to additional terms on the audit committee for their continued service.
Professional Services Agreement with Black & Veatch for Water Treatment Plant Design
01:50:00A Professional Services Agreement with Black & Veatch was approved for preliminary and final design, bidding, and construction phase services for a new lime system and chemical feed building at the water treatment plant, with a budget of $4,695,000.
Professional Services Agreement with Plumber and Associates for 6th Avenue Utility Relocation
01:58:00A Professional Services Agreement with Plumber and Associates was approved for design services related to utility relocation along 6th Avenue, from Washington Street to the Stillwater Mill, including maintenance projects, with a budget of $768,000.
Upcoming Community Events
Black History Month Recognition
Presentation recognizing Black History Month and the purchase of the historic Booker T. Washington School for public use, with plans for restoration and community involvement.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
8 AM to 1 PM at the Convenience Collection Center (807 Perkins Road). Collection of oil-based paints, pesticides, household cleaners, mixed fuels, fertilizers, pool chemicals, craft supplies, rechargeable batteries, and unwanted pharmaceuticals.
AARP Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Available at the Stillwater Library. Appointments can be scheduled via library.stillwater.org/forward/taxes.php, by calling 405-372-3633 ext. 8106, or in person.
Rain Barrel Program Order Deadlines
Information available at stillwater.org or by emailing zach.henson@stillwater.org or calling 405-533-8436.
Financial Matters
Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority Funding
The City of Stillwater provides the bulk of funding for the ambulance trust authority, with subscription services adding $5 to utility bills. A 40% discount is offered to subscribers for ambulance services.
6th Avenue Widening and Realignment Project (Right-of-Way and Easements)
Budget amendment appropriating $2 million for right-of-way and easements not associated with water and sewer utilities for the 6th Avenue project. This is an estimate based on past projects.
Water Treatment Plant Chemical Building Design
Appropriation for the Professional Services Agreement with Black & Veatch for the design of a new lime system and chemical feed building at the water treatment plant, funded by ARPA money.
6th Avenue Utility Relocation Design
Appropriation for the Professional Services Agreement with Plumber and Associates for design services related to utility relocation along 6th Avenue, funded by water and sewer funds.
Visitors Tax Collections
Visitors tax collections are 81% ahead of the same time last year, with $291,000 collected for the Tourism Committee after seven months. Short-term rental tax collection has expanded to include VRBO and Expedia.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution for State of Oklahoma Department of Transportation project agreement for 6th Avenue widening and realignment
Deadlines
- Election Day: Tuesday, February 14th (7 AM - 7 PM)
- Early Voting: February 9th and 10th (8 AM - 6 PM) at Payne County Election Board
- Mail-in orders for rain barrels: April 27th
- Online orders for rain barrels: April 30th
Watch For
- Further discussions and information regarding the 6th Avenue widening and realignment project from ODOT
- City Manager search process following Norman McNichol's retirement
Announcements
- City offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th, for President's Day. Trash and recycling will be collected, but not yard waste.
- The Stillwater Library offers free tax preparation assistance through AARP.
- The city is offering a rain barrel program to promote environmentally friendly water conservation.
Agenda Summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting called to order, Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Troop 802.
Presentation: Black History Month and Booker T. Washington School
Recognition of Black History Month and an update on the city's purchase and plans for the historic Booker T. Washington School.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
7A: Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Grow Facility (1198 East Airport Road)
Request for a specific use permit to allow a medical marijuana grow facility due to a change of ownership.
7B: Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary (1023 East 6th Avenue)
Request for a specific use permit to allow a medical marijuana dispensary due to a change of ownership.
8A: Annual Report from Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority
Presentation of the annual report by Mr. Jerry Mohler, Chairman of the Board.
8B: Consider authorizing the general manager to sign the State of Oklahoma Department of Transportation project agreement for an approving budget amendment appropriating two million dollars for right away and easements not associated with water and sewer utilities
Discussion regarding the 6th Avenue widening and realignment project and the associated ODOT agreement and budget amendment for right-of-way and easements.
8C: Public Safety 2022 Update
Presentation by Don Jones on highlights and statistics from the Stillwater Public Safety departments in 2022.
8D: Announcement from Water Utilities regarding the temporary use of free chlorine
Announcement by James Driscoll about a temporary free chlorine conversion and system flush in the drinking water system from April 3rd to May 3rd, 2023.
10: Appointments to the Audit Committee
Reappointment of Kelly Cox and Randy Murray to the audit committee.
Reports from the Officers and the Boards
Updates and announcements from the City Attorney, Vice Mayor, and Councilors.
Executive Session
Confidential communication regarding the employment, appointment, promotion, disciplining, or resignation of Stillwater City Manager Norman McNichol.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Consent Docket
Approval of regular meeting minutes.
SEDA 5: Visit Stillwater Semi-Annual Report
Presentation by Mr. Chris Norris on Visit Stillwater's activities and financial performance.
Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
SUA 5A: Consider approval of Professional Services agreement with Black & Veatch for design around the water treatment plant
Approval of an agreement for design services for improvements at the water treatment plant, including a new lime system and chemical feed building.
SUA 5B: Consider approval of a Professional Services agreement with Plumber and Associates for Design Services related to the Sixth Avenue project
Approval of an agreement for design services for utility relocation along 6th Avenue.