Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved several specific use permits, including one for a medical marijuana dispensary and another for an urgent care facility. They also adopted a resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on public realm requirements within the form-based code district. Discussions were held regarding the Block 34 development, focusing on a phased approach and renewable energy projects, and a detailed report was presented on the financial performance of Visit Stillwater, raising concerns about fund balances and return on investment.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket - Item C (Stillwater History Museum Quarterly Report)
02:20The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar quarterly report was approved, with special recognition given to Amy Locke for her work and the museum's record-breaking visitor numbers in 2018.
Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary
05:50A specific use permit was approved for a medical marijuana dispensary at 720 South Western Road in Wicklow Plaza, with the Planning Commission recommending approval.
Map Amendment for Alpha Omicron of Alpha Delta Pi
09:50A map amendment was approved to rezone property at 1309 West University Avenue from residential multifamily intermediate to residential multifamily urban district for a sorority house rebuild.
Specific Use Permit for Stillwater Medical Center
12:50A specific use permit was approved for Stillwater Medical Center to allow a healthcare and social services use in the commercial shopping district at 2300 North Perkins Road for an urgent care facility.
Resolution Establishing Temporary Moratorium on Public Realm Requirements
14:50Resolution CC-2018-27 was adopted, establishing a temporary moratorium on the application of public realm requirements on certain new and redevelopment projects within the form-based code district until April 5th.
Upcoming Community Events
Pioneer Pantry Variety Show Fundraiser
7 p.m. at Stillwater High School. Funds raised will support disadvantaged students.
Legislators Reception
5 to 7 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library, hosted by Friends of the Library and the League of Women Voters.
Financial Matters
Visit Stillwater Payments
Total amount paid to Visit Stillwater from the room tax for tourism development and visitor services as of January 7, 2019.
Visit Stillwater Fund Balance
Undisclosed fund balance held by Visit Stillwater as of June 30, 2018.
Hotel Tax Fund Balance
Current balance in the hotel tax fund, largely accumulated when the city directly managed visitor functions.
Block 34 Renewable Energy Sculpture
Contribution from GERDA to the renewable energy sculpture piece for Block 34.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the financial performance and future of Visit Stillwater. Speakers expressed concern over the city's approach to visitor services, questioning the accountability and success metrics used, and advocating for the continued independence of Visit Stillwater.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- February 1st: Annual permit renewal for commercial kennels, grooming parlors, pet shops, or shelters.
- February 9th: Pioneer Pantry Variety Show Fundraiser.
Watch For
- Further evaluation and review of requests for qualifications for visitor services.
- Development of Block 34, including renewable energy projects and a temporary structure.
- OSU senior design projects for Block 34 outdoor stage and ground source heat pump study.
Announcements
- Students returned to public school today; drivers reminded of state law on passing school buses.
- Commercial kennels, grooming parlors, pet shops, or shelters need to renew annual permits by February 1st.
- Residents may own up to three dogs in residential districts; no limitations on cats.
- Stillwater Fire Department encourages residents outside city limits to renew 2019 Rural Fire Service contracts.
- New online simulation tool 'Balancing Act' available at Stillwater.org/budget to balance city budget and estimate tax spending.
- Pop-up City Hall will be at the Legislators Reception on January 10th.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Quarterly Report (Item C)
Presentation and approval of the quarterly report from the Stillwater History Museum.
Specific Use Permit for Medical Marijuana Dispensary (CC-19-OH)
Request for a specific use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at 720 South Western Road.
Map Amendment for Alpha Omicron of Alpha Delta Pi (CC-1903)
Request to rezone property at 1309 West University Avenue from RMI to RMU for a sorority house rebuild.
Specific Use Permit for Stillwater Medical Center (CC-19-01)
Request for a specific use permit to allow a healthcare and social services use at 2300 North Perkins Road.
Resolution CC-2018-27
A resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on public realm requirements within the form-based code district.
Block 34 Trust Authority Report
Report on Phase One and implementation recommendations for the Block 34 development, including renewable energy projects and a temporary structure.
Report on Visits Stillwater Financial Performance
Presentation of findings from an agreed-upon procedures engagement regarding Visit Stillwater's financial performance and use of hotel tax funds.
Executive Session
To confer on matters pertaining to economic development, including property transfer, financing, or proposals to entice businesses.