Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a meeting on March 4, 2019, where they approved several items related to the Block 34 development, including the installation of wind turbine sculptures, landscaping, and fencing. They also passed a resolution supporting the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Discussions were held regarding a policy for waiving development fees for affordable housing and a recommendation to not proceed with a broadband feasibility study.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation for DeMolay Month
01:40The council proclaimed March as DeMolay Month in Stillwater, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Order of DeMolay and the Stillwater chapter's recognition as Oklahoma's Chapter of the Year for six consecutive years.
Consent Docket
04:00The consent docket was approved with a unanimous vote of five to zero.
Wind Turbine Sculpture, Landscaping, and Fencing for Block 34 (Southwest Corner)
53:40The council approved the installation of a wind turbine sculpture, associated landscaping, and fencing on the southwest corner of Block 34, with a request to investigate potential impacts on wildlife.
Wind and Solar Generation System for Block 34 (Northeast Corner)
54:00The council approved the installation of a smaller wind and solar generation system with a weather station on the northeast corner of Block 34.
Site Plan and Improvements for Block 34
54:15The council approved the site plan for Block 34, which includes removing north and west alleys, improving grading, adding sod, and potentially installing bocce ball courts.
Design of Outdoor Stage for Block 34
01:03:00The council approved the plan to design an outdoor stage and associated landscaping in the northwest corner of Block 34, removing the 'and install' clause from the motion, indicating further review before installation.
Design of Interim Market Hall for Block 34
01:05:00The council approved the plan to design an interim Market Hall for Block 34, removing the 'and install' clause from the motion, indicating further review before installation.
Resolution Supporting Equal Rights Amendment
01:08:00The council adopted a resolution supporting the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and urging the Oklahoma State Legislature to ratify it during the 2019 legislative session.
Electric Distribution Warehouse Renovation Project
01:17:00The trustees approved the Electric Distribution and Engineering Office Expansion Project for $335,000, with a stipulation that an exterior landscaping plan for the entire property be presented.
Broadband Feasibility Study
01:27:00The trustees accepted the staff recommendation to not proceed with a feasibility study for community broadband, citing high costs, speculative revenue, and existing service availability.
Upcoming Community Events
Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
For safe disposal of items like pesticides, herbicides, mixed fuels, oil-based paints, and pool chemicals. More details on the city's website.
A Star Is Born Classic Cinema
Community Center event, free popcorn, 1937 version of the movie.
Financial Matters
Electric Distribution Warehouse Renovation Project
Project to expand and renovate the electric utility's main offices, funded from the electric rate stabilization fund.
Sales Tax Collections (February 2019)
Sales tax collections were below projections by 2.79% for February 2019.
Use Tax Collections (February 2019)
Use tax collections were up by 22.43% in February 2019 compared to the same month last year.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the Block 34 development, with some expressing excitement and support for revitalization, while others raised concerns about lack of public outreach, communication, and measurable success of current events. There were also comments in strong support of the Equal Rights Amendment resolution.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Skate park opening later this month (March 2019)
- Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: Saturday, April 27th
Watch For
- Further design and funding efforts for the Block 34 outdoor stage and interim Market Hall
- Exterior landscaping plan for the Electric Distribution Warehouse
Announcements
- Skate park at Strickland Park is nearing completion and will open later this month, but remains closed until final inspection and documentation are complete.
- Three new employees welcomed to the city: Cuevas Hunt (detention officer), Alex Riley (entry service attendant), Lydon Sperry (entry maintenance worker).
- Reminder to sign up for emergency alerts through 'Be Informed Stillwater' and register storm shelters/safe rooms on the city's website.
- Stillwater Fire Department logged 41,010 hours of training in fiscal year 2018.
- City of Stillwater is working with Payne County communities to ensure residents are counted in the 2020 Census to help reach a 50,000 population goal.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Order of DeMolay
A proclamation recognizing the International Order of DeMolay and its Stillwater chapter.
Consent Docket
Routine administrative items grouped for a single vote.
Policy establishing the city manager authority to waive certain development related fees
Consideration of a policy to allow the city manager to waive fees for single-family affordable housing projects, particularly for non-profits or OHFA tax credit recipients.
Presentation of Block 34 Trust phasing plan and items for consideration and authorization
Presentation of a phased development plan for Block 34, including energy features, site improvements, an outdoor stage, and an interim Market Hall.
Resolution supporting the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment
A resolution urging the Oklahoma State Legislature to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
Request for approval of the electric distribution warehouse renovation project
Approval for the renovation and expansion of the electric utility's main offices.
Recommendation for broadband study
Consideration of proceeding with a feasibility study for community broadband.