Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on March 21, 2022, addressed several key issues including the approval of a specific use permit for a marijuana dispensary, the allocation of ARPA funds for water infrastructure, and a significant discussion and approval of encrypted radio traffic for police and fire departments. The council also approved the purchase of properties for the Highway 51 reconstruction project and a budget amendment for COVID-19 impact assistance. The Stillwater Economic Development Authority and Stillwater Utilities Authority also met, with the latter discussing options for commercial cardboard recycling.
Key Decisions & Votes
Specific Use Permit for Marijuana Dispensary
00:33:00The council rejected the planning commission's recommendation and approved a specific use permit for a marijuana dispensary at 611 West High Point Drive, acknowledging the applicant's valid OMMA permit and outreach efforts despite proximity concerns.
Allocation of ARPA Funding
00:44:00The council approved the allocation of $8,784,987.88 in ARPA funding towards projects related to the Caw pipeline, raw water storage, and the water treatment plant, citing significant water infrastructure needs.
RAISE Grant Application for Duck Street and Western Road
00:48:00Staff was authorized to submit a RAISE grant application for $22.6 million for the reconstruction projects of Duck Street and Western Road, aiming to enhance infrastructure with sustainability and equity features.
Encryption of Police and Fire Radio Traffic
01:19:00The council approved the use of safety and security encryption for police and fire department radio traffic with the new public safety radio system, prioritizing officer and public safety and privacy despite media concerns about access.
Budget Amendment for COVID Impact Assistance Program
01:21:00A budget amendment reflecting the receipt and expenditure of an additional $265,000 in CDBG funds for Phase 3 of the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program was approved.
Purchase of Properties for Highway 51 Reconstruction
01:26:00The purchase of properties at 2222 West 6th and 2218 West 6th for amounts not to exceed $189,500 and $145,000 respectively, plus closing costs, was approved as part of ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Resolution for COVID Impact Assistance Program Phase 3
01:27:00Resolution CC-2022-7, authorizing the creation of Phase 3 of a grant program to assist residents experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, was adopted.
Appointments to Transportation Projects Advisory Committee
01:33:00Five individuals (Gary Clark, Tammy Brown, Roger Goes, Steve Whitworth, and Brad Rickleman) were appointed to the Transportation Projects Advisory Committee.
Purchase of Commercial Recycling Roll-off Containers
01:57:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved the purchase of up to 20 commercial recycling roll-off containers, with further discussion on fee structure to follow.
Upcoming Community Events
National Safe Place Week
Proclaimed in recognition of Payne County Youth Services' efforts to provide safe havens for youth.
Rain Barrel Online Presentation
Hosted by OSU Landscape Architecture and the City of Stillwater Stormwater Program, focusing on rainwater harvesting.
Fire Station 2 Tours
30-minute tours of Fire Station 2 for community members to understand the station and ask questions. Next tour: Wednesday, March 23rd at 5 p.m.
Financial Matters
ARPA Funding Allocation
Approved for water infrastructure projects (Caw pipeline, raw water storage, water treatment plant).
RAISE Grant Application
Authorization to submit an application for Duck Street and Western Road reconstruction projects.
CDBG-CV Funding for COVID Impact Assistance
Budget amendment reflecting receipt and expenditure of additional funds for Phase 3 of the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program.
Property Purchase (2222 West 6th)
Purchase of property as part of ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Property Purchase (2218 West 6th)
Purchase of property as part of ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Commercial Recycling Roll-off Containers
Approved purchase of up to 20 containers, with an estimated cost of up to $200,000.
Public Comments
Public comments were heard regarding Sunshine Week, National Safe Place Week, and the proposed specific use permit for a marijuana dispensary. A significant portion of public comment focused on the encryption of police and fire radio traffic, with the Stillwater News Press opposing it for transparency reasons and the Fraternal Order of Police supporting it for officer and public safety.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- RAISE Grant applications due April 14th
- Bond proposition for new Fire Station 2 on ballot Tuesday, April 5th (early voting March 31st and April 1st)
- Next round of appointments for city boards/committees scheduled for April 4th City Council meeting
Watch For
- Further updates on the media relations process for encrypted radio traffic
- New progressive development project to be presented at April 4th trustee meeting
- Update on commercial cardboard recycling fee structure
Announcements
- The city's free sharps collection pilot program is available through May 2022.
- Vacancies are available on the Airport Advisory Committee, Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, Board of Drainage Appeals, and Building Trades Board.
Agenda Summary
Presentations and Proclamations: Sunshine Week
Presentation by the League of Women Voters emphasizing government transparency.
Presentations and Proclamations: National Safe Place Week
Proclamation in recognition of National Safe Place Week, with representatives from Payne County Youth Services.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Comments from Robert McClendon (Stillwater News Press) and Miguel Najera (Fraternal Order of Police) regarding radio encryption.
Public Hearing: Specific Use Permit for Marijuana Dispensary at 611 West High Point Drive (CC-22-36)
Public comment and council discussion regarding a specific use permit for a marijuana dispensary, previously tabled.
Approved Allocation of ARPA Funding
Allocation of $8,784,987.88 in ARPA funding for water infrastructure projects.
Authorize Staff to Submit RAISE Grant Application
Authorization to submit a $22.6 million RAISE grant application for Duck Street and Western Road reconstruction projects.
Approved Use of Safety Security Encryption of Police and Fire Department Radio Traffic
Decision on implementing encryption for police and fire radio communications with the new public safety radio system.
Approved Budget Amendment for CDBG Funds (COVID Impact Assistance Program Phase 3)
Approval of a budget amendment for additional CDBG funds for the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program Phase 3.
Approved Purchase of Property at 2222 West 6th and 2218 West 6th
Purchase of two properties for ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Resolution CC-2022-7: Phase 3 of COVID Impact Assistance Program
Resolution authorizing the creation of Phase 3 of a grant program to assist residents with COVID-19 related financial hardship.
Reports from the Officers and Board
Updates on traffic signal changes, sharps collection program, rain barrel presentation, Fire Station 2 bond proposition, and Fire Station 2 tours.
Appointments to the Transportation Projects Advisory Committee
Appointment of five members to the Transportation Projects Advisory Committee.
Adjournment of City Council Meeting
Formal conclusion of the City Council meeting.
Approval of Minutes (SEDA)
Approval of minutes from the January 10th SEDA meeting.
Receive Visit Stillwater Semi-Annual Report (SEDA)
Presentation by Chris Norris, Chairman of the Visit Stillwater Board of Directors, on their semi-annual activities.
Update on Tax Increment Financing District Number Three (SEDA)
Update by Melissa Reams on TIF #3 projects and their status.
Adjournment of SEDA Meeting
Formal conclusion of the Stillwater Economic Development Authority meeting.
Approval of Minutes (SUA)
Approval of minutes from the previous SUA meeting.
Possible Options Regarding Commercial Cardboard Recycling (SUA)
Presentation by Chris Knight on options for commercial cardboard recycling, including survey results and cost analysis.
Adjournment of SUA Meeting
Formal conclusion of the Stillwater Utilities Authority meeting.