Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved several key items, including a map amendment for residential rezoning, a professional services agreement for the airport master plan update, and the purchase of new police vehicles. Discussions were held regarding a text amendment for street eateries and an update on the distributed generation rate design for the Stillwater Utilities Authority. The meeting also highlighted the community's resilience and city employees' efforts in response to a recent ice storm.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment for 122 East Richmond Road
00:10:00The council approved rezoning the property at 122 East Richmond Road from commercial general (CG) to two-family residential (RT) to allow for single-family home construction, aligning with the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Text Amendment for Fair Lawn Cemetery
00:29:00A text amendment to Chapter 23 of the Land Development Code was approved to add 'cemetery use' to RSS zoning, but only with a specific use permit, bringing the existing Fair Lawn Cemetery into compliance and safeguarding future cemeteries.
Stillwater Regional Airport Master Plan Update
00:33:00A professional services agreement with Mead & Hunt for a master plan update for the Stillwater Regional Airport was approved. The project, costing $619,593, will be 90% funded by the FAA, with the city's share being approximately $62,000.
Purchase of Police Vehicles and Equipment
00:39:00The purchase of four Dodge Durango police SUVs and two Dodge Charger police cars from Bob Howard in OKC, along with the installation of police equipment from Metro Emergency Upfitters, was approved for a total cost of $314,833.
Sidewalk Construction on 6th Avenue
00:43:00A bid recommendation to construct a 6-foot sidewalk along the north side of 6th Avenue from King Street to Orchard Street was approved. The contract was awarded to TRW Enterprises for $61,869, plus a 15% contingency, totaling not to exceed $71,200.
Ordinance 3459 (Utility Cuts and Driveways)
00:54:00Ordinance 3459, amending Chapter 37 of the Stillwater City Code regarding utility cuts and driveways, was adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
Extra Mile Day
Proclaimed to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and organizations going the extra mile in personal effort, volunteerism, and service, especially during difficult times.
Distributed Generation Rate Design Virtual Public Workshop
Scheduled for 5:30 PM to educate the public about the distributed generation rate design and gather feedback.
Startup Stillwater Franchise Forum Series
A series of virtual sessions aimed at de-risking entrepreneurship by showcasing franchise models and providing information on making deals bankable. Upcoming sessions include the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and information on the TIP program.
Lemonade Day
Despite challenges from the pandemic, a few young entrepreneurs participated. Stillwater Medical and Simmons Bank financially supported the program.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Regional Airport Master Plan Update
Total proposed fee for the master plan update, with 90% funded by the FAA and the city's share being approximately $62,000.
Police Vehicle Purchases
Total cost for four Dodge Durangos and two Dodge Chargers, including upfitting, funded from the capital projects budget.
6th Avenue Sidewalk Construction
Authorized funding not to exceed this amount, including a 15% contingency, for the sidewalk project, to be drawn from the Fiscal Year 18 Pavement Management Program.
SUA Annual Financial Report
The Stillwater Utilities Authority annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, was audited by VT and Co. and received an unmodified opinion, the best type of opinion.
COVID-19 Business Grants
The Chamber of Commerce is administering approximately $500,000 in grants to small businesses affected by COVID-19. 84 applications have been approved, 15 are pending, and 11 have been declined.
Public Comments
John Berry, a local business owner, expressed gratitude for a grant received from the City of Stillwater, which helped his company, Social Realm, keep employees and finance operations to bring a telemedicine platform to market. He highlighted the grant's role in making his dream of turning Stillwater into a technology hub an obtainable reality.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Temporary street eatery proclamation expires November 30th.
Watch For
- First reading of the street eateries text amendment at the next meeting.
- Second reading and public hearing for the street eateries text amendment in the first meeting of December.
- Refinement of the distributed generation tariff based on public feedback, with a potential return to trustees in late January.
- Future discussions on additional funding for COVID-19 business grants if more applications are received.
Announcements
- City Manager recognized the exceptional efforts of city employees in responding to the recent ice storm, including street crews, electrical crews, and emergency services. He noted the rapid restoration of power compared to other areas and the ongoing debris removal efforts.
- The City Manager also expressed concern about the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, particularly among younger individuals, and asked for thoughts and prayers for an employee seriously ill with the virus and all others affected.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation in recognition of Extra Mile Day
Reading of a proclamation acknowledging citizens and organizations who go the extra mile in service and effort.
Consent Docket (City Council)
Approval of minutes, library trust annual report, budget amendment for library donations, and approval of a public hearing on a utility easement closing.
Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearing
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on topics not on the public hearing agenda.
Receive public comment regarding a request for a map amendment to rezone property addressed as 122 East Richmond Road from CG Commercial General to RT Two Family Residential District (CC-20-170)
Public hearing and discussion on rezoning a property to allow for residential construction.
Receive public comment regarding a request for a text amendment to Chapter 23 Land Development Code Article 13 Overlay Districts Division II Special Purpose Overlay District amending regulations from Section 23-270 Requirements, Section 23-273 Development Standards and Section 23-274 Duration of Designation (CC-20-174)
Discussion on establishing a process for street eateries in Stillwater, including different categories like sidewalk cafes, temporary, and semi-permanent on-street parking.
Receive public comment regarding a request for text amendment to Chapter 23 Land Development Code Article 5 Use Categories and Limitations Division 1 Generally Section 23-137 RSS Small Lot Single-Family Residential and Section 23-153 CG Commercial General District (CC-20-175)
Public hearing and discussion on adding 'cemetery use' to RSS zoning with a specific use permit to bring Fair Lawn Cemetery into compliance.
Approved professional services agreement between City of Stillwater and Mead and Hunt to complete a master plan update for the Stillwater Regional Airport (CC-20-170)
Consideration and approval of a contract for updating the airport's master plan.
Approved purchase of four Dodge Durango police SUVs and two Dodge Charger police cars from Bob Howard in OKC; purchase and installation of police equipment from Metro Emergency Upfitters (CC-20-172)
Consideration and approval for the purchase of new police vehicles and their outfitting.
Approved bid recommendation to construct a 6-foot sidewalk along the north side of 6th Avenue from King Street to Orchard Street (CC-2-173)
Consideration and approval of a bid for sidewalk construction to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Ordinance 3460: An ordinance closing the south two feet of an existing 20-foot utility easement located on lots one to four and lots six to eight replat of block six Eastridge Second Section on property addresses 1004 East Swim Avenue, 1010 East Swim Avenue, 1014, 101108, 1116, 1122 and 1204 all on East Swim Avenue
First reading of an ordinance to close a portion of a utility easement.
Ordinance 3459: An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending Chapter 37 Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places Article 3 Utility Cuts and Driveways Division 2 Licensing, Permitting, Insurance and Indemnification to amend Section 37-101 Standing Permit Conditions
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending regulations for utility cuts and driveways.
Reports from Officers and Boards (City Council)
Updates and reports from city officials and various boards.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Approval of special meeting minutes from October 19th.
Approve the Stillwater Utilities Authority Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ended June 30, 2020
Review and approval of the SUA's audited financial report.
Presentation by LM Veterans Consulting on Distributed Generation
Presentation on the distributed generation rate design, stakeholder feedback, and plans for a public workshop.
Reports from Officers and Boards (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Updates and reports from SUA officials and boards, including a discussion on COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Economic Development Authority)
Approval of special meeting minutes from October 19th.
Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Quarterly Report from Mr. Justin Mingus
Quarterly report on economic development activities, including RFP responses, site visits, business assists, staffing changes, and COVID-19 business grant updates.
Reports from Officers and Boards (Stillwater Economic Development Authority)
Updates and reports from SEDA officials and boards.