Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved several budget amendments, including reductions in projected fine and lodging tax revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also adopted an ordinance to amend flood hazard regulations, requiring a 12-inch freeboard for mechanical equipment in floodplains. Additionally, the council accepted a grant for the Stillwater Community Center and reviewed commercial development activity in the city.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket
01:00The consent docket, including a memorandum of understanding with the Noble County Sheriff's Office, was approved.
Flood Hazard Regulations Amendment
10:00Ordinance 3470, amending flood hazard regulations to require a 12-inch freeboard for mechanical equipment in floodplains, was moved to its second reading.
Budget Amendments (General Fund)
25:00Budget amendments were approved to reduce projected revenues for general fund fines by $470,000 and lodging tax by $300,000, with offsets from contingency appropriations and fund balance.
Oklahoma Arts Council Grant Acceptance
28:00A $15,000 grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council for the Stillwater Community Center was accepted, along with approval for a corresponding budget amendment.
Utility Easement Closure
40:00Ordinance 3468, closing a portion of a utility easement at 5020 North Washington Street, was adopted.
Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code Amendment
41:00Ordinance 3469, amending sections of the motor vehicles and traffic code related to parking, specifically for the airport parking district, was adopted.
Community Center Electric Service Drop Relocation (SUA)
47:00The relocation of the electric service drop at the Community Center was approved, authorizing expenditures up to $45,000 from the electric rate stabilization fund.
SUA Budget Amendments
49:00Budget amendments applicable to the Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) from the second-quarter financial report were approved, including an additional $200,000 for the water fund's chemicals account.
Upcoming Community Events
City Council Candidate Forum Series
Held virtually on the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page at 8 AM. Open to all citizens.
Financial Matters
General Fund Fines
Projected to come in under budget due to decreased activity related to COVID-19, leading to a recommended revenue reduction.
Lodging Tax
Projected to be significantly under budget, necessitating a revenue reduction, sustained by sufficient fund balance in the tourism and convention fund.
Airport Revenues
Projected to come in under budget due to decreased traffic and fuel sales, offset by reduced fuel purchases, requiring no action.
Energy Payments (SUA)
Expected to be under budget from the Grand River Dam Authority due to the power plant not being called to generate as often, offset by natural gas expenditure reductions.
Water Fund Chemicals Account (SUA)
An additional appropriation from fund balance is recommended to cover higher-than-average operating and maintenance expenditures.
West Sixth Avenue Sign Project Closeout
Budget amendment to return remaining funds to respective fund balances.
Electric Warehouse Bathroom Renovation Project Closeout (SUA)
Budget amendment to return remaining funds to the SUA operating fund.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- February 9th: Election Day for City Council Seat 4
- February 1st: Staff presentation on revenue projections for FY22
Watch For
- Future discussions on commercial development rebounding post-pandemic
- City Manager and Municipal Judge reviews in executive session
Announcements
- Terry Essary has been selected as Stillwater's new Fire Chief, replacing retiring Tom Bradley. He starts on Thursday.
- The Oklahoma State Department of Health has launched an online portal for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and appointment scheduling. The Stillwater Public Library can assist those needing help with email or online access.
- Rural fire service contracts are available for Stillwater residents outside city limits for $100, ensuring emergency response fees will not exceed $2,000. Applications are at stillwater.org or the fire department.
- Rain barrels are on sale for pickup through the City of Stillwater, offering an environmentally friendly way to save on water bills. Details at stillwater.org/news.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Noble County Sheriff's Office.
Public Comment on Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for public comment on general topics.
Public Comment Regarding Rezoning Request
Public comment on a rezoning request.
Public Comment Regarding Revisions to City of Stillwater Flood Hazard Regulations
Public comment on proposed revisions to Chapter 23, Section 23-374, regarding freeboard language for mechanical equipment.
Ordinance 3470: Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 23, Article 18 (Flood Hazard Regulations)
First reading of an ordinance to amend flood hazard regulations, specifically regarding freeboard requirements for mechanical equipment.
Budget Amendments and Second Quarter Financial Report
Review and approval of budget amendments based on the second-quarter financial report for FY21, addressing revenue shortfalls and expenditure adjustments.
Accept Grant from Oklahoma Arts Council to Stillwater Community Center
Acceptance of a $15,000 grant to support inclusive programming at the Community Center and approval of a budget amendment.
Review of Commercial Projects (July 2019 - December 2020)
Presentation on commercial development activity, including dining, retail, housing, and miscellaneous projects, and permit valuations.
Ordinance 3468: Closing a Portion of a Utility Easement
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance to close a utility easement at 5020 North Washington Street.
Ordinance 3469: Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 29, Article 4 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance to amend sections related to prohibited parking and parking duration in city lots, specifically for the airport parking district.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and announcements from city officials and board members.
Request for Executive Session
Executive session pursuant to 25 OS Section 307 B1 for confidential communication regarding the employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of City Manager Norman McNickle and Municipal Judge Tanya Ron.
Approve Relocation of Electric Service Drop at Community Center (SUA)
Approval to relocate the electric service drop at the Community Center, authorizing expenditures up to $45,000 and approving a budget amendment.
Approve Budget Amendments Recommended in Second Quarter Financial Report (SUA)
Approval of budget amendments applicable to the Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) as discussed in the second-quarter financial report.