Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on September 20, 2021, addressed several key issues, including public comments on a potential mask mandate and a significant map amendment request. The council voted to remand a controversial rezoning request for properties at 8th Avenue and Western Road back to the planning commission for further consideration, specifically exploring an office zoning district and a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Additionally, several medical marijuana dispensary and processing specific use permits were approved.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment Request (8th Ave & Western Rd)
01:06:00A request to rezone properties at 2302 and 2324 West 8th Avenue and 802 Southwestern Road from small lot single family to commercial shopping zoning was remanded back to the Planning Commission. The council requested consideration of an office zoning district and exploration of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) due to community concerns and the applicant's willingness to consider office zoning.
Medical Marijuana Processor Specific Use Permit (1930 N. Jardot Rd)
01:28:00A specific use permit for a medical marijuana processor at 1930 North Jardot Road was approved, allowing cold water extraction on site. The property already had an SUP for a medical grow house.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Specific Use Permit (520 S. Jardot Rd)
01:31:00A specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 520 South Jardot Road was approved. This location was previously a licensed dispensary and the permit was for a change of ownership.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Specific Use Permit (1023 E. 6th Ave)
01:33:00A specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 1023 East 6th Avenue was approved. This site was formerly a gas station.
Planning Commission Appointments
01:40:00The council reconsidered and approved appointments to the Planning Commission, nominating Mike Shanahan for a new term and Steve Hallgren and Mark Prather to fill two open seats.
Bridge Inspection Responsibility Resolution
01:59:00Resolution CC 2021-31, concerning the city's bridge inspection responsibility pursuant to national standards and notification to ODOT, was adopted. The city will utilize the same bridge inspection consultant as Payne County.
Design and Construction Standards Resolution
02:01:00Resolution CC 2021-32, adopting design and construction standards, was adopted. This was a housekeeping item to formalize previously discussed standards by resolution.
Ordinance 3482 (Rezoning N. Perkins Rd)
02:02:00Ordinance 3482, rezoning a tract of land at 522 North Perkins Road from Commercial Shopping (CS) to Commercial General (CG) district, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3481 (Land Development Code Amendment)
02:03:00Ordinance 3481, amending the city code regarding land development, subdivision preparation, and major subdivisions, was adopted.
SUA Lease Purchase of Refuse Vehicles
02:12:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority authorized the lease purchase of seven new commercial refuse vehicles and two new roll-off refuse vehicles for $1.9 million, with a buyback agreement option after three years.
SEDA Budget Amendments (Ad Valorem Tax Collections)
02:18:00The Stillwater Economic Development Authority approved budget amendments reflecting increased revenue for projected ad valorem tax collections, allowing funding for payments to tax jurisdictions and project costs for FY 2022.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Fire Department Pinning Ceremony
10:00 AM, recognizing Lieutenant Zach Miller's promotion to Captain. Live on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Suddenlink Channel 14, and City of Stillwater's YouTube channel.
OSU Football Game Park and Ride Shuttle Service
Shuttles run from downtown (7th Ave and Lewis St bus stop) to Boone Pickens Stadium, starting three hours before kickoff and continuing every 15 minutes throughout post-game.
Last Two Time Projects Community Meetings
Tomorrow at 6:30 PM at OSU Student Union Theater; Thursday at 6:00 PM at Stillwater Junior High School. Online input available at speakup.stillwater.org.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Convenience Collection Center (807 South Perkins Road). Free drop-off for household pollutants.
Healthcare Professional Appreciation Week
Residents encouraged to show appreciation through white ribbons of hope, thank you notes, or social media messages. Also, encourage vaccination to support healthcare workers.
Financial Matters
Lease Purchase of Refuse Vehicles
Lease purchase of seven new commercial refuse vehicles and two new roll-off refuse vehicles from United Engines, with annual payments of approximately $420,000 for five years and an early payoff option in three years.
SEDA Budget Amendment (Ad Valorem Tax Collections)
Budget amendments reflecting increased revenue for projected ad valorem tax collections, allowing funding for payments to tax jurisdictions and project costs for FY 2022 within the TIF number three special revenue fund and operating account.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two main topics: the potential mask mandate and the proposed rezoning at 8th Avenue and Western Road. Speakers on the mask mandate expressed strong opinions both for and against, citing personal freedoms, scientific data, and concerns about government overreach. Residents near the proposed rezoning voiced concerns about property values, neighborhood integrity, traffic, and the process of notification and decision-making.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further discussion and potential action on a draft mask ordinance at a future meeting, possibly tied to CDC community transmission metrics.
- The rezoning request for 8th Avenue and Western Road will be reconsidered by the Planning Commission, focusing on office zoning and a PUD.
- The second reading of Ordinance 3482 (rezoning 522 N. Perkins Road).
Announcements
- Stillwater Fire Department will hold a pinning ceremony for Lieutenant Zach Miller's promotion to Captain on Friday, September 24th at 10 AM, viewable live on local channels and YouTube.
- OSU football game park and ride shuttle service is available downtown, picking up at 7th Avenue and Lewis Street, starting three hours before kickoff.
- The last two Time Projects community meetings are scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) at 6:30 PM at the OSU Student Union Theater and Thursday at 6 PM at Stillwater Junior High School. Virtual input is also available.
- A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held on Saturday, October 23rd, from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Convenience Collection Center.
- Next week is Healthcare Professional Appreciation Week in Stillwater; residents are encouraged to show support and consider COVID-19 vaccination.
- Stillwater Radio hosts a City Council recap podcast, 'One-on-One with Bill Van Ness,' every Tuesday after a meeting, available on stillwaterradio.net/podcasts.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Item 4: Public Comment on Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to speak on topics not on the agenda for public hearing.
Item 6a: Map Amendment Request - 2302 & 2324 W 8th Ave and 802 Southwestern Rd
Request to rezone properties from small lot single family to commercial shopping zoning.
Item 6b: Specific Use Permit - Medical Marijuana Processor - 1930 N Jardot Rd
Request for a specific use permit for a medical marijuana processor.
Item 6c: Specific Use Permit - Medical Marijuana Dispensary - 520 S Jardot Rd
Request for a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary.
Item 6d: Specific Use Permit - Medical Marijuana Dispensary - 1023 E 6th Ave
Request for a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary.
Item 7a: Presentation of a Public Art Proposal for Gateway Project at 6th Avenue and Western Road
Presentation of the selected public art proposal, 'Interlaced' by Morgan Robinson, for the gateway project.
Item 7b: Reconsideration of September 13, 2021 Planning Commission Appointments
Motion to reconsider previous appointments to correct an error.
Item 7c: COVID-19 Update and Discussion of Possible Face Covering Ordinance
Update on COVID-19 situation and discussion of a potential mask ordinance; no action taken.
Item 8a: Resolution CC 2021-31 - Bridge Inspection Responsibility
Resolution concerning the city's bridge inspection responsibility and selection of a consultant.
Item 8b: Resolution CC 2021-32 - Design and Construction Standards
Resolution adopting design and construction standards.
Item 9a: Ordinance on First Read - 3482 (Rezoning 522 N Perkins Rd)
Ordinance rezoning a tract of land from commercial shopping to commercial general district.
Item 10a: Ordinance on Second Read - 3481 (Land Development Code Amendment)
Ordinance amending the city code regarding land development and subdivisions.
Item 11: Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and announcements from city officials and boards.
Item 12: Executive Session
Executive session for confidential communication regarding the employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of Stillwater City Manager Norman McNickle.
SUA Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
SUA Item 5a: Authorized Lease Purchase of Refuse Vehicles
Authorization for the lease purchase of seven new commercial and two new roll-off refuse vehicles.
SEDA Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Economic Development Authority.
SEDA Item 5a: Budget Amendment (Ad Valorem Tax Collections - Fund 290)
Budget amendment reflecting increased revenue for projected ad valorem tax collections and transferring funds.
SEDA Item 5b: Budget Amendment (Ad Valorem Tax Collections - Fund 290 Revenue/Expenditure)
Budget amendment for revenue and expenditures in the special revenue fund for ad valorem tax collections.
SEDA Item 5c: Budget Amendment (Ad Valorem Tax Collections - Fund 856 Revenue/Expenditure)
Budget amendment for revenue and expenditures in the operating account for ad valorem tax collections.