Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting via Zoom to discuss the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key decisions included approving a budget amendment for the public library and advancing an ordinance to allow the city manager to grant minor setback variances. The mayor also issued a revised emergency order implementing a shelter-in-place policy for all Stillwater residents.
Key Decisions & Votes
Budget Amendment for Public Library
09:00A $50,000 grant from the state libraries was approved to fund the purchase of e-books for the public library.
Ordinance 3451: Amending Land Development Code for Variances
42:00An ordinance was advanced that would allow the city manager to grant minor setback variances (up to 3 feet) under specific conditions, with an expiration date of June 30th, 2020. This is due to the Board of Adjustment's inability to meet in person.
Upcoming Community Events
In This Together Small Business Town Hall
A Zoom conference call from 9 AM to 11 AM for small businesses to connect, find resources, and get support. Hosted by Meridian Technology Center.
Financial Matters
Public Library E-book Grant
Grant from the state libraries to fund the purchase of e-books.
Public Comments
One public commenter expressed strong opposition to the mayor's emergency order, arguing it violates constitutional rights, particularly the First and Fifth Amendments, and constitutes tyranny. The commenter also questioned the severity of the COVID-19 virus and the reliability of media reporting.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Mayor's emergency order and state orders currently go through April 16th.
- President's social distancing guidelines extended through the end of April.
Watch For
- Potential extension of current emergency orders.
- City staff working to enable other boards to meet electronically.
Announcements
- 31 city employees are quarantined, and one has tested positive for COVID-19. No employee has caused exposure to citizens.
- The city's jail was temporarily inoperable due to quarantined detention officers; staffing issues are being addressed with assistance from Senator Duggar and the Health Department.
- A temporary fire station has been established at the senior center to separate fire department groups and reduce spread.
- Core services (police, fire, water, wastewater, trash, electric) are fully staffed and operational.
- Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and ball fields are closed due to inability to decontaminate equipment.
- City Hall will be closed to the public starting tomorrow morning, with bill payments, permits, and fines handled at the Police Department Lobby via intercom.
- Stillwater Medical Center has exceeded the governor's recommendation for a 40% increase in healthcare capacity and is well-prepared for potential COVID-19 cases.
- Resources for mental health support are being compiled and will be disseminated through city social media.
- Senator Inhofe's website and the Chamber of Commerce have information on federal assistance programs for businesses.
- Visit Stillwater is actively sharing information about local businesses, including those offering takeout and online shopping.
Agenda Summary
Public Comment on items not scheduled for public hearing
Opportunity for citizens to comment on topics not on the agenda for public hearing.
Approve a budget amendment allocating any media grants funds to public library
Approval of a $50,000 grant from state libraries for e-book purchases.
Discuss the City of Stillwater response to the COVID-19 virus
Discussion of city operations, employee quarantines, and the mayor's revised emergency order implementing a shelter-in-place policy.
Ordinance 3451: An ordinance amending Chapter 23 the Land Development Code Article 3 and Development Process to amend Section 23-65 Variances and declaring an emergency
First reading of an ordinance to allow the city manager to grant minor setback variances (up to 3 feet) under specific conditions, expiring June 30th, 2020.