Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting to address the COVID-19 pandemic, outlining emergency orders issued, their impact on the community, and plans for essential city services. Various community partners, including Stillwater Medical, Stillwater Public Schools, Meridian Technology, and Oklahoma State University, provided updates on their responses to the crisis. The overarching goal is to implement social distancing measures to flatten the curve and prevent the local healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
Key Decisions & Votes
Emergency Proclamation - Stillwater COVID-19 Response
The city issued its first emergency proclamation on Sunday, canceling citywide events, closing city facilities (library, Senior Center, community center), and strongly advising against group gatherings due to positive COVID-19 cases in Payne County.
Emergency Order - Public Safety Personnel
A second emergency order was issued to clarify that certain aspects of collective bargaining agreements for fire and police personnel, particularly regarding scheduling and facial hair policies (due to mask effectiveness), would be suspended or changed to ensure public safety.
Emergency Order - Gatherings and Businesses
A third emergency order officially limited gatherings to 50 people or less, strongly encouraged no gatherings over 10, and ordered the closure of restaurant seating areas, bars, entertainment venues, and gyms to promote social distancing.
Utility Disconnects and Late Fees
The city manager instructed the utility department to halt disconnections for non-payment starting Monday and will bring a resolution to the next meeting to formalize this policy, including the potential removal of the 10% surcharge for late fees.
Financial Matters
Utility Late Fees
Consideration to remove the 10% surcharge for late utility payments for a period of time.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Stillwater Medical Center: Elective surgeries paused for at least one month.
- Stillwater Public Schools: Two-week window established by the State Department of Education.
- Meridian Technology: Campus closed, classes canceled through at least April 6th.
Watch For
- Resolution on utility disconnects and late fees at the next SUA meeting.
- Stillwater Medical Center: Development of a parking lot COVID-19 test station.
- Stillwater Public Schools: Continued updates on meal service, employee support, and safety.
- Meridian Technology: Plans for online curriculum and limited classes (group size 10 or less).
- Oklahoma State University: Specific information for on-campus housing residents regarding move-out.
- Oklahoma State University: Alternatives to traditional spring graduation program.
- Stillwater City Council: Further information from county and county health department at Monday's meeting.
Announcements
- United Way Payne County (.org or 405-377-2161) is a resource for agency needs and help.
- Churches are offering services, volunteers, and special funds.
- Visit Stillwater and the Chamber of Commerce are compiling lists of businesses, restaurants, and nonprofits with their hours, delivery, and drive-up options.
- Stillwater Medical Center is requesting donations of surgical/medical dust masks at 1201 South Adams (Stillwater Medical Plaza).
- Stillwater Medical Center website (Stillwater-Medical.org/services) and Facebook page are being updated regularly.
- Stillwater Public Schools is providing breakfast and lunch for any child aged 1-18 at six drive-thru school sites and nine bus stop delivery locations.
- Meridian Technology Center's Terrace restaurant is closed indefinitely.
- Oklahoma State University will deliver online courses only for the remainder of the spring semester.
- Oklahoma State University is strongly encouraging reduced occupancy in on-campus housing.
- Suddenlink and Altice are offering free broadband connections for homes with K-12 or university students who lack internet access.
- 2-1-1 is a good resource for information.
- Our Daily Bread is offering boxed food via drive-by pickup.
- The city is working on providing Spanish language communication for all information.
- The city is coordinating childcare for first responders and healthcare workers.
- The president announced efforts to delay or prohibit evictions and foreclosures during the national emergency.
Agenda Summary
COVID-19 Situation Update and City Actions
Discussion on the current situation, actions taken by the city, and future necessary actions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.