Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council met to discuss and receive a presentation on the draft alternative transportation network study for the 6th Avenue corridor. Key discussions revolved around active transportation, redevelopment opportunities, and urban design strategies. The council also adopted two ordinances on second reading related to visitor tax and transportation sales tax, which will be put to a public vote in February 2022.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3485: Visitor Tax Amendment
01:06:40The council adopted Ordinance 3485, amending the hotel room tax to a visitor tax, changing 'hotel' to 'lodging' in definitions, and increasing the tax rate from 4% to 7%. It also clarified the use of funds for destination marketing and visitor amenities, with 70% for strategic marketing and 30% administered by SEDA for development and maintenance, subject to annual council review. This ordinance will be put to a public vote in February 2022.
Ordinance 3486: Transportation Sales Tax Amendment
01:14:50The council adopted Ordinance 3486, creating a 2022 transportation sales tax by increasing the sales tax from one-half of one percent to one percent. The effective date is July 1, 2022, subject to voter approval at a special election in February 2022.
Upcoming Community Events
Block 34 Trust Meeting & Community Event
Meeting at 4 PM, followed by a community event at 5 PM at Block 34. Leadership will share the first phase of development for the space. Live stream available on the City of Stillwater's Facebook page.
Main Street Weekend Two
Features vendors like University Store Linen and Clay, Green Pea Clothing, Varnish and Velvet, and Butterbean in the domes. Part of the 'Weekend One of Weekend Four' series.
Giving Tuesday
Encourages people to do good. Stillwater Community Center leadership class is raising funds for ADA access to the south entrance. Donate at sccfriends.com or buy tickets for the 'Back to the 80s' fundraiser party this Friday.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Stillwater. Features floats, community groups, bands, and Santa. Live streamed on the City of Stillwater's Facebook page. Parade route will be locked down at 6 PM.
Financial Matters
Visitor Tax
Increase of hotel room tax (renamed visitor tax) from 4% to 7% of gross rental receipts. Funds to be used for long-range strategic destination marketing and management (70%) and visitor development amenities (30%).
Transportation Sales Tax
Increase of transportation sales tax from one-half of one percent to one percent of gross proceeds or receipts from taxable sales.
Public Comments
One public comment was received regarding the 6th Avenue corridor plan. The commenter expressed support for the plan but raised concerns about the practicality of planting trees on Washington Street due to maintenance issues and suggested metal landscape designs instead. They also advocated for removing parallel parking on Washington Street to create wider, designated bike paths and unloading zones for semi-trucks, suggesting the use of existing parking garages.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Parade route lockdown at 6 PM on Thursday, December 2nd
Watch For
- 6th Avenue Corridor Study to be presented to Planning Commission in December and City Council on December 20th for approval.
- Resolution to place visitor tax and transportation sales tax ordinances on a public ballot for February 2022.
Announcements
- Kudos to citizens, visitors, and students for a well-behaved crowd during the last weekend's events, and thanks to public safety for maintaining order.
- Stillwater Animal Welfare, a division of the Stillwater Police Department, offers animal adoptions. Visit their building at 1710 South Main Street or follow their Facebook page for updates.
- The City of Stillwater is participating in a pilot program for safe disposal of used medical sharps. Free containers available at the convenience collection center on 9th Street starting December 1st, running through mid-May 2022.
Agenda Summary
Presentation of Draft Alternative Transportation Network Study
Presentation by Confluence consultants on the draft alternative transportation network study for areas surrounding the 6th Avenue corridor, focusing on active transportation, redevelopment opportunities, and urban design strategies.
Ordinance 3485: Amending Chapter 39 Taxation, Article 4 Hotel Room Tax
Second reading of an ordinance amending the city code to rename the hotel room tax to visitor tax, update definitions, increase the excise tax to 7%, and clarify the use of funds for destination marketing and visitor amenities. This will be subject to voter approval.
Ordinance 3486: Amending Chapter 39 Taxation, Article 3 Sales and Use Tax, Division 6 Transportation Sales Tax
Second reading of an ordinance amending the city code to create a 2022 transportation sales tax, increasing the sales tax to 1% and providing for an effective date and expiration. This will be subject to voter approval.