Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council addressed the rising COVID-19 cases, adopting a resolution strongly encouraging residents to follow CDC guidance, including mask-wearing and vaccination. They also approved several financial and operational items, including a new compliance engine for the fire department and budget amendments for the airport and a community development block grant. The Stillwater Utilities Authority discussed options for repaying a significant energy cost incurred during the February 2021 weather events.
Key Decisions & Votes
COVID-19 Guidance Resolution
00:30:00The City Council adopted Resolution 2021-24, strongly encouraging Stillwater residents to follow updated CDC guidance, including mask-wearing in public indoor settings and vaccination for those aged 12 and up. Businesses are also encouraged to enforce their own mask rules.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary SUP
00:34:00A specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 120 West Hall of Fame was approved, following a recommendation from the planning commission.
Brycer Internet-Based Compliance Engine
00:37:00The Council approved the purchase of a Brycer internet-based compliance engine for the fire department to track life safety equipment inspections, aiming to improve safety and reduce false alarms.
Reinsurance Plan Budget Amendment
00:49:00A budget amendment totaling $240,000 was approved to increase the amount allocated for the city's reinsurance plan, using contingency funds created to hedge against future COVID-19 impacts.
Stillwater Regional Airport Capital Projects
00:52:00Budget amendments were approved to appropriate $1 million from the Stillwater Regional Airport's available fund balance to various capital projects, leveraging COVID relief funds for operational expenses to free up capital for non-grant eligible needs.
Revised CDBG Allocation for Stormwater Project
00:58:00The Council approved a revised 2021 Community Development Block Grant allocation of $172,000 for the 12th Avenue stormwater drainage project, with an additional $56,333 from the stormwater fund to cover the reduced grant amount due to insufficient beneficiaries.
Revised Construction Standards and Details
01:09:00Revised construction standards and standard details were approved, aiming to provide clearer guidelines for developers and contractors, reducing the document from 275 pages to less than 100.
GRDA Energy Costs Repayment Plan
01:30:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved a plan to repay GRDA $7.139 million for energy costs incurred during the February 2021 weather event over 12 months, with 50% from the Rate Stabilization Fund and 50% from the FY21 budgeted general fund transfer, and a recommendation to recover 50% from electric utility customers over 36 months.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Police Department's National Night Out
6 to 9 PM at Southern Woods Park, featuring games, free hot dogs, a dunk tank, and a mobile vaccination unit for free COVID-19 vaccinations.
Stillwater Public Schools Back to School Resource Fair
2 to 6 PM at Will Rogers Elementary School, offering free backpacks, snow cones, popcorn, and giveaways for students Pre-K through 12th grade.
Financial Matters
Reinsurance Plan Budget Amendment
Increase in premium for the city's reinsurance policy due to more insurance claims and large reinsurance claims.
Stillwater Regional Airport Capital Projects
Reallocation of already budgeted personnel funds to capital projects at the airport, utilizing COVID relief funds.
CDBG Stormwater Drainage Project Funding
Additional match funding from the stormwater fund to cover a reduction in the Community Development Block Grant for the 12th Avenue project.
GRDA Energy Costs Repayment
Repayment plan for energy costs incurred during the February 2021 weather event, split between the Rate Stabilization Fund, general fund transfer, and electric utility customers.
Public Comments
Several citizens and medical professionals spoke in favor of stronger city action regarding COVID-19, including mask mandates and increased vaccination efforts, citing concerns about the delta variant, hospital capacity, and the return of OSU students.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Planning Commission appointments
Watch For
- Discussion on a more stringent mask ordinance at a future meeting
- Budget amendments related to GRDA energy cost repayment
- Report on the water treatment plan and cold water delivery system in September
Announcements
- Welcome to Don Jones, the city's new Communication Director.
- Appreciation for Gary Shett's service as interim Communication Director.
- Stillwater Police Department's National Night Out event on August 3rd.
- Captain Randy Blake retired from the Stillwater Fire Department after 23 years of service.
- Stillwater Public Schools Back to School Resource Fair on August 6th.
- Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) donated $11,000 for backpacks and water bottles for students.
- Drivers urged to be cautious and alert with school starting soon.
- City Council partnered with United Way of Payne County for an early screening of the movie 'Stillwater', raising $7,000.
Agenda Summary
Item 4: Consent Document
Approval of routine administrative matters.
Item 5: Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearing
Opportunity for citizens to speak on topics not on the agenda.
Item 9b: Resolution 2021-24
A resolution regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidance as updated July 27, 2021.
Item 7a: Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Request for a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 120 West Hall of Fame.
Item 7b: Public Hearing for Map Amendment
Public hearing regarding a map amendment.
Item 8a: Purchase of Brycer Internet-Based Compliance Engine
Approval to purchase a Brycer internet-based compliance engine from TCE for code officials to track code compliance.
Item 8b: Budget Amendments for Reinsurance Plan
Approval of budget amendments totaling $240,000 to increase the amount allocated for the reinsurance plan.
Item 8c: Budget Amendments for Stillwater Regional Airport Capital Projects
Approval of budget amendments appropriating Stillwater Regional Airport's available fund balance of $1 million to capital projects.
Item 8d: Revised 2021 Community Development Block Grant Allocation
Approval of revised final 2021 Community Development Block Grant allocation for the stormwater drainage project on 12th Avenue.
Item 8e: Fourth Quarter FY21 Financial Report
Receive a fourth quarter 2020-2021 financial report.
Item 8f: Approved Revised Design Standards
Approve revised design standards and standard details.
Item 9a: Resolution 2021-23
A resolution revising a commitment of leverage for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant 2021 Small Cities Program.
Item 10a: Ordinance 3477 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 701 Boomer Lake Station Drive from P Public to RMI Multifamily Intermediate Tract A1 and CG Commercial General District for Tract A2.
Item 10b: Ordinance 3478 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 2817 East 6th Avenue from CG Commercial General to IL Light Industrial.
Item 10c: Ordinance 3479 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 2811 East 6th Avenue from CG Commercial General Districts to IL Light Industrial District.
Item 10d: Ordinance 3480 (First Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 2723 East 6th Avenue from CG Commercial General District to IL Light Industrial District.
Item 11a: Ordinance 3475 (Second Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 501 East 14th Avenue from Office District to RT 2 Family Residential.
Item 11b: Ordinance 3476 (Second Read)
An ordinance rezoning land at 2805 East Sixth Avenue from CG Commercial General District to IL Light Industrial District.
Item 12: Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and announcements from city officials and board members.
Item 13: Appointments
Appointments to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission.
SUA Agenda Item: Payment of GRDA Energy Costs
Discussion and approval of options for payment of $7.139 million in energy costs incurred during the February 2021 weather events.