Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several ordinances, including one for a new Boomer Lake Station Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, and adopted amendments to the city code. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an overview of the stormwater drainage programs and a fee analysis, highlighting the inadequacy of current funding for stormwater infrastructure maintenance and improvements. The council discussed potential changes to the stormwater fee structure and the need for public education on the issue.
Key Decisions & Votes
Boomer Lake Station Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District
00:20:00Ordinance 3465, approving and adopting the Boomer Lake Station project plan and establishing TIF districts, was moved to its second reading. Discussion included the delayed activation of TIF number five and the request for further input from taxing jurisdictions.
Sidewalk, Street, and Parking Lot Service Areas Ordinance
00:54:30Ordinance 3456, amending the city code to create section 23-105 regarding sidewalk, street, and parking lot service areas (streeters ordinance), was adopted on second reading.
Cemeteries in Residential Districts Ordinance
00:55:20Ordinance 3461, amending the land development code to allow for the creation of cemeteries in RSS small lot single-family residential districts, was adopted on second reading.
Rezoning 122 East Richmond Road
00:56:00Ordinance 3462, rezoning the property at 122 East Richmond Road from commercial general to RT2 family residential district, was adopted.
Civil Emergencies Violations Penalty Ordinance
00:56:40Ordinance 3464, amending the civil emergencies code to update the violations penalty section, was adopted with an emergency clause, making it effective immediately.
Upcoming Community Events
Community Solar and Renewable Energy Certificates Workshop
Held via Zoom at 5:30 PM. Visit speakup.stillwater.org for registration and survey.
Financial Matters
Library Budget Amendment
An amendment reflecting $9,000 in grants for the library budget was approved as part of the consent docket.
Stormwater Fee Analysis
A detailed analysis of the current stormwater drainage fee structure revealed that the city is collecting significantly less than needed for operational expenses and capital improvements. The current fee, unchanged since 1997, is $1/month for residential and $5-$55/month for commercial properties. Recommendations include lowering the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) to 2500 sq ft and considering a more sophisticated, tiered rate structure.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Mid-January: Completion of storm debris pickup
- December 14th: Second reading of Ordinance 3465 (Boomer Lake Station TIF)
Watch For
- Future discussions on stormwater fee increases and a more sophisticated rate structure
- Updates on the Stillwater Creek Watershed Management Plan and infrastructure repairs
Announcements
- City Council meetings will be held at the Community Center through December and possibly beyond due to social distancing requirements.
- Crews have picked up 850 tons of storm debris and expect to complete work by mid-January.
- The Stillwater Senior Activity Center remains closed due to spiking COVID-19 case numbers; a reopening date is undetermined.
- Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at stillwater.org/beinformed.
- The City of Stillwater's Convenience Collection Center received the 'Government Programs Award' for environmental excellence from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful.
- Residents can submit ideas for next year's city budget at stillwater.org/yourmoney.
- Listen to the 'FYI Stillwater' podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or stillwater.org for local government information.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Minutes and a library budget amendment reflecting $9,000 in grants.
Public Comment on Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items.
Public Hearing: Proposed Boomer Lake Station Tax Increment Financing District (CC-20-189)
Receive public comment regarding the proposed TIF district for the Boomer Lake Power Station redevelopment.
Ordinance 3465 (First Read): Boomer Lake Station Project Plan and TIF Districts
An ordinance approving and adopting the Boomer Lake Station project plan, designating TIF districts, and establishing their creation and activation dates.
Overview of Stormwater Drainage Programs and Stormwater Fee Analysis
Presentation and discussion of the Stillwater Creek Watershed Management Plan, storm sewer system inventory, channel maintenance, water quality monitoring, and a feasibility study for stormwater fee assessment.
Ordinance 3456 (Second Read): Sidewalk, Street, and Parking Lot Service Areas
An ordinance amending the city code to create section 23-105 regarding sidewalk, street, and parking lot service areas.
Ordinance 3461 (Second Read): Cemeteries in RSS Small Lot Single-Family Residential District
An ordinance amending the land development code to allow for cemeteries in RSS districts.
Ordinance 3462 (Second Read): Rezoning 122 East Richmond Road
An ordinance rezoning property at 122 East Richmond Road from commercial general to RT2 family residential district.
Ordinance 3464 (Second Read): Civil Emergencies Violations Penalty
An ordinance amending the civil emergencies code to update the violations penalty section and declaring an emergency.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and announcements from city staff and council members.