Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting included a public hearing on a proposed rezoning for a parking lot, which was ultimately denied. The council also approved several budget amendments for the public library and the fire department, including the purchase of a new ladder truck. A new citizen transportation study committee was authorized to gather input on future projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment to Rezone Property at 302 South Walnut Street
00:06:40A request from Beta Psi of Gamma Phi Beta Inc. to rezone property from RSS (small lot single-family residential) to O (office) for a parking lot was denied. The Planning Commission had recommended denial, and the council agreed, citing concerns about spot zoning and the impact on the residential neighborhood.
Budget Amendment for Stillwater Public Library Donations
00:46:25A budget amendment reflecting $11,943 in donations to the Stillwater Public Library for designated projects, undesignated use, and Friends of the Library programming was approved.
Budget Amendment for State Aid Grant to Stillwater Public Library
00:49:50A budget amendment for $17,777 from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries state aid grant for electronic books, catalog fixes, and training was approved.
Budget Amendment for Stillwater Public Library Census Grants
00:54:50A budget amendment accepting grants totaling $5,100 from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the American Library Association for the library's role as a Census Central hub was approved.
Purchase of New Ladder Truck for Stillwater Fire Department
01:09:50The purchase of a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing for $992,239 was approved. The funding comes from multiple sources, including a $200,000 donation from OSU, and will replace a 23-year-old truck.
Budget Amendment for Smoke Detector Donation
01:11:40A budget amendment reflecting a $50 donation for the purchase of smoke detectors for the fire department's program was approved.
Request for Citizen Transportation Study Committee
01:18:00A request to solicit citizen participation for a transportation study committee to assist with projects like the Husband Street bike corridor, 6th Avenue corridor, and Southwest school access project was approved.
Selection of an Insurance Consultant
01:29:00The selection of USI as an insurance consultant, with an expenditure of up to $110,000 from the self-insurance fund, was approved to provide comprehensive risk management services.
Ordinance 3447 - Amending Chapter 2 Administration
01:30:00Ordinance 3447, which amends Chapter 2 Administration regarding the execution of ordinances, resolutions, and agreements, was adopted.
Contract Amendment Two with HDR for Red Bud Sewer Interceptor Project
01:39:00A contract amendment with HDR for $185,993 for the Red Bud Sewer Interceptor project, including alignment changes, easement acquisition, and hydraulic analysis, bringing the total project expenditures to $758,120, was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Legislative Reception
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Stillwater Public Library. Opportunity to meet state representatives, senators, and local officials.
Vibrant Community Meeting
7:00 PM at 2035 Campus. Discussion on community development and direction, potentially changing venue.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Walk starts at 6:30 PM at the Stillwater Public Library, followed by a program at the Community Center.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Public Library Donations
Donations received in December 2019 for designated projects, undesignated use, and Friends of the Library programming.
State Aid Grant for Stillwater Public Library
Funds from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries for electronic books, catalog fixes, and training.
Stillwater Public Library Census Grants
Grants from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries ($3,100) and the American Library Association ($2,000) for census outreach and equipment.
New Ladder Truck Purchase
Cost for a new ladder truck for the Stillwater Fire Department, funded by the general fire fund, rural fire fund, OSU donation ($200,000), and Payne County fire fund.
Smoke Detector Donation
Donation received by the fire department for the purchase of smoke detectors.
Insurance Consultant Contract
Expenditure from the self-insurance fund for USI to provide comprehensive risk management services.
Red Bud Sewer Interceptor Project Amendment
Total project expenditures for the Red Bud Sewer Interceptor project, including a contract amendment with HDR for design, easement acquisition, and hydraulic analysis.
December Sales and Use Tax Collection
Exceeded budget projections by 6.12% for December, reflecting sales from October.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed rezoning for a parking lot. Residents from the Westwood neighborhood expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about the destruction of residential areas, impact on property values, increased traffic, and the preservation of family-oriented neighborhoods. Representatives from Gamma Phi Beta argued for the necessity of the parking lot due to zoning requirements and safety concerns for their residents. Several speakers also highlighted the broader parking issues around the university and Greek community, advocating for a more unified, long-term solution.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Short-term rental license renewal by January 31, 2020
Watch For
- Formation of a task force to address parking issues in the Greek neighborhood and around the university
- Advertisement for citizen transportation study committee members
- News and opportunities for input on the city's budget preparation phase
Announcements
- Recognition of John Irons for 46 years of service to the Stillwater Police Department and City of Stillwater.
- City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th, for Martin Luther King Day; recycling and trash pickup will occur as usual, but no yard waste pickup.
- Stillwater's December sales and use tax collection exceeded budget projections by 6.12%, totaling $2.7 million.
- Two openings are available for the Board of Adjustment; interested citizens are encouraged to apply.
- The city's budget week kicks off, with information available at Stillwater.org/budget and opportunities for citizen input via the Balancing Act platform.
- Short-term rental owners must renew their licenses for 2020 by January 31st.
- Postcards for the 2020 Census will be mailed in the coming months; the Stillwater Public Library is a 'Census Central' hub for assistance.
- A Vibrant Community meeting with Quint Studer is scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd, at 7:00 PM (venue may change); registration is requested.
Agenda Summary
Recognition of John Irons for 46 years of service
Chief Watts recognized John Irons for his 46 years of dedicated service to the Stillwater Police Department and the City of Stillwater, retiring as Jail Supervisor.
Consent Docket
Approval of regular meeting minutes and plans required for federal grant funding applications.
Public Comment regarding a request from Beta Psi of Gamma Phi Beta Inc. for a map amendment to rezone property at 302 South Walnut Street from RSS to O office (CC-20-06)
Public hearing and discussion on a request to rezone property for a parking lot, with significant public opposition from neighborhood residents.
Approved budget amendment reflecting December 2019 donations to the Stillwater Public Library
Approval of a budget amendment to incorporate donations received by the library in December 2019.
Approved budget amendment reflecting increase in State Grant Revenue Account for the Stillwater Public Library
Approval of a budget amendment to incorporate state grant funds received by the library from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Approved budget amendment reflecting acceptance of two grants related to the Stillwater Public Library’s role as Stillwater’s Census Central
Approval of a budget amendment to accept grants for the library's role in supporting the 2020 Census.
Summary of Civic Input on the Annual Budget
Presentation by the Communications Coordinator on common themes from citizen input regarding the annual budget, gathered through social media and surveys.
Approved a request for a purchase of a new ladder truck for the Stillwater Fire Department
Approval to purchase a new ladder truck to replace an aging unit, with funding from multiple sources.
Approved a budget amendment reflecting a donation received for the purchase of smoke detectors
Approval of a budget amendment to accept a donation for the fire department's smoke detector program.
Approved request for a Citizen Transportation Study Committee to assist city staff and consultants with identifying transportation projects
Approval to establish a citizen committee to provide input on various transportation projects.
Approved selection of an insurance consultant
Approval to contract with USI as an insurance consultant to enhance the city's risk management program.
Ordinance 3447: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 Administration, Article 2 City Council, Division 3 Ordinances, Resolution, Contracts, etc. to amend Section 2-84 Execution of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Agreements
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance to amend city code regarding the execution of official documents.
Reports from Officers of Boards
Various reports and announcements from city officials.
Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. Subsection 307 B 1 for the purpose of confidential communication regarding the employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of Stillwater City Manager Norman McNickle and Stillwater City Attorney John Dorman
Request to enter executive session for personnel matters.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utilities Authority)
Approval of regular meeting minutes for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Authorized contract amendment two with HDR for $758,000 in total project expenditures with the McElroy/Lewis/Redbud Sewer Interceptor Project
Approval of a contract amendment for the sewer interceptor project, covering design, easement acquisition, and hydraulic analysis.
Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. Subsection 307 C 11 for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to economic development including the transfer of property, financing or the creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within the City of Stillwater because public disclosure of the matter to be discussed would interfere with the development of products and services and would violate the confidentiality of the business
Request to enter executive session for economic development matters.