Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved the allocation of $8.78 million in ARPA funding for water infrastructure projects and authorized staff to apply for a $22.6 million grant for road reconstruction. A significant discussion and vote took place regarding the encryption of police and fire radio traffic, which was ultimately approved for officer and public safety. The council also approved a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary after a lengthy public hearing and discussion about state regulations.
Key Decisions & Votes
ARPA Funding Allocation
01:05:00The council approved allocating $8,784,987.88 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards projects related to the pipeline raw water storage and the water treatment plant.
RAISE Grant Application
01:09:40Staff was authorized to submit a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application for $22.6 million for the Duck Street and Western Road reconstruction projects.
Police and Fire Radio Encryption
01:11:00The council approved the use of safety and security encryption for police and fire department radio traffic with the new public safety radio system, citing officer and public safety concerns.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary SUP
00:30:00The council rejected the Planning Commission's recommendation and approved a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 611 West High Point Drive, acknowledging state law limitations on local discretion.
CDBG Funds for COVID Impact Assistance
01:40:00A budget amendment reflecting the receipt and expenditure of an additional $265,000 in CDBG funds was approved to continue the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program (Phase 3).
Property Purchase for ODOT Project
01:45:00The purchase of properties at 2222 West 6th Avenue (not to exceed $189,500 + $2,500 closing) and 2218 West 6th Avenue (not to exceed $145,000 + $2,500 closing) was approved as part of ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Commercial Cardboard Recycling Containers
02:20:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved the purchase of up to 20 commercial recycling roll-off containers, with further discussion on a fee structure to follow.
Upcoming Community Events
National Safe Place Week
Proclaimed by the Mayor, recognizing the program's commitment to youth safety and providing immediate help.
Rain Barrels Online Presentation
Hosted by OSU Landscape Architecture and the City of Stillwater Stormwater Program. Registration link on City of Stillwater's Facebook event page.
Fire Station #2 Tours
The Stillwater Fire Department is offering 30-minute tours of Fire Station #2. Next tour: Wednesday, March 23rd at 5 PM. Full list on city's social media and speakup.stillwater.org.
Financial Matters
ARPA Funding Allocation
Allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for water infrastructure projects.
RAISE Grant Application
Application for federal grant funds for Duck Street and Western Road reconstruction projects, with a 20% local match from the transportation fee fund.
CDBG Funds for COVID Impact Assistance
Additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Phase 3 of the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program.
Property Purchase (2222 W 6th Ave)
Purchase of property for ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project, plus $2,500 for closing costs.
Property Purchase (2218 W 6th Ave)
Purchase of property for ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project, plus $2,500 for closing costs.
Commercial Cardboard Recycling Containers
Estimated cost for purchasing 20 commercial recycling roll-off containers.
Public Comments
Public comments were heard on two main topics: the proposed encryption of police and fire radio traffic and a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary. Speakers for the radio encryption included the publisher of the Stillwater News Press, who opposed encryption, and a Stillwater police officer representing the FOP, who supported it for safety and privacy reasons. Speakers for the dispensary permit included the applicants, who detailed their business practices and community engagement efforts.
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 committees scheduled for April 4th City Council meeting
Watch For
- Further updates on the media relations process for encrypted radio traffic
- New proposed fee structure for commercial cardboard recycling
- Additional projects for TIF #3, including the next Progressive Development project at the April 4th trustee meeting
Announcements
- Sunshine Week recognized, emphasizing open meetings and records.
- National Safe Place Week proclaimed, highlighting youth services.
- Payne County Youth Services celebrating 50th anniversary of free services.
- Traffic signal at Cimarron Plaza and Perkins Road will soon be a four-way stop.
- Two entrances off Perkins Road into Pioneer Shopping Center are closed due to construction; temporary driveways to open soon.
- Motorists advised to expect delays and be aware of travel congestion on Perkins Road.
- City's free sharps collection pilot program available through May 2022.
- Vacancies on Airport Advisory Committee, Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, Board of Drainage Appeals, and Building Trades Board.
Agenda Summary
Presentation in regard to Sunshine Week
Presentation by the League of Women Voters emphasizing open government and transparency.
Proclamation in recognition of National Safe Place Week
Proclamation by the Mayor recognizing the importance of the Safe Place program for youth.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearing
Comments from the public regarding police radio encryption.
Public Hearing regarding a request for a Specific Use Permit for a marijuana dispensary at 611 West High Point Drive (CC-22-36)
Public hearing and council discussion on a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary, including concerns about proximity to a school and state regulations.
Approve allocation of $8,784,987.88 in ARPA funding towards project related to the pipeline raw water storage and the water treatment plant
Approval to use federal ARPA funds for critical water infrastructure projects.
Authorize staff to submit a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application in the amount of $22.6 million for Duck Street and Western Road reconstruction projects
Authorization for staff to apply for a significant federal grant to fund major road reconstruction.
Approve the use of safety and security encryption of police and fire department radio traffic with new public safety radio system
Approval to encrypt police and fire radio communications for enhanced safety and privacy.
Approve a budget amendment reflecting receipt and expenditure of additional CDBG funds in the amount of $265,000 for the purpose of funding the Stillwater Resident COVID Impact Assistance Program Phase 3
Approval of additional federal funds to continue financial assistance for residents impacted by COVID-19.
Approve the purchase of property located at 2222 West 6th Avenue and 2218 West 6th Avenue as part of ODOT's Highway 51 reconstruction project
Approval to purchase two properties needed for the upcoming Highway 51 reconstruction project.
Resolution CC-2022-7: A resolution authorizing the creation of Phase 3 of a grant program to assist Stillwater residents experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19
Formal resolution to establish the third phase of the COVID impact assistance program.
Appointments to the Transportation Projects Advisory Committee
Appointment of five individuals to serve on the Transportation Projects Advisory Committee.
Approval of minutes from January 10th meeting (SEDA)
Approval of minutes from the previous Stillwater Economic Development Authority meeting.
Receive Visit Stillwater Semi-Annual Report (SEDA)
Presentation of the semi-annual report from Visit Stillwater, detailing tourism and marketing efforts.
Update on the Tax Increment Financing District Number Three and its projects from Melissa Reams (SEDA)
Update on the progress and status of projects funded through TIF #3.
Possible options regarding commercial cardboard recycling (SUA)
Discussion and decision on the future of commercial cardboard recycling services, including options for container purchase and fee structures.