Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved two map amendments for fraternity housing rezoning and advanced an ordinance for a downtown campus link reinvestment plan to a second reading. A new city councilor, Amy Gilliskey, was sworn in. The council also discussed revisions to stormwater management regulations and recognized the city's electric utility for its reliability.
Key Decisions & Votes
Map Amendment: Alpha Tau Omicron and Chi Omega Fraternities
00:10:00Request to rezone property at 310 and 320 South Monroe from RMI to RMU to allow for higher density and rebuilding of fraternity houses.
Map Amendment: Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
00:15:00Request to rezone property at 1306 West University from RTM to RMI to allow for a three-story building, maintaining similar density.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
01:29:00Ordinance number 3399, revising Chapter 35 of the city code to comply with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality regulations for municipal separate storm sewer systems.
Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Reinvestment Plan Ordinance
01:31:00Ordinance number 3407, approving and adopting the reinvestment plan, designating a project area and increment district, and authorizing the use of increment revenues for project costs.
Upcoming Community Events
Chickasaw Boomer Blast Fireworks Show
Fireworks will shoot from Lakeview bridge. Viewing from Stillwater High School Pioneer Stadium or Boomer Lake Park. Shuttle service available from stadium to Boomer Lake south entrance.
Youth Tennis Lessons
Sessions for beginners and advanced beginners at Couch Park tennis courts. More information on the city's website.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Reinvestment Plan
Plan authorizes up to $32.5 million to pay project costs, expected to generate over $100 million in new investment. Funds are from future deferred revenue, not new taxes.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the proposed Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Reinvestment Plan (TIF). Opponents, including representatives from Meridian Technology Center, Payne County, and the County Health Department, argued that the TIF area is already developing, that it diverts funds from other taxing entities, and that the plan lacks specific details. Supporters, including local business owners and developers, emphasized the need for strategic investment to foster economic growth, connect the campus and downtown, and attract new businesses and jobs, arguing that the TIF would create a 'win-win' scenario by increasing the overall economic 'pie'.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Second reading and final vote on the Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Reinvestment Plan ordinance (Ordinance 3407) at the next meeting (June 18th or 19th).
- Second reading and final vote on the Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ordinance 3399).
Announcements
- Gary Johnson, Director of the Airport, is retiring in September. Paul Prickle has been promoted to Assistant Airport Director and will be mentored by Mr. Johnson during the transition.
- Operations Maintenance Worker John Meehan earned his certificate of completion for the ROADS Scholar Program through OSU's local technical assistance program.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory Technician Art Leis received the Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award from the Water Environment Federation.
- The city of Stillwater electric utility has been designated as an RP3 provider (Platinum level) by the American Public Power Association, recognizing proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.
- A reception for Dan is scheduled on Monday, June 8th.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Item 6: Swearing-in of Amy Gilliskey
Swearing in of Amy Gilliskey as the new City Councilor for City Council Seat One.
Item 7a: Map Amendment Request (CC-18-64)
Receive public comment regarding a request to rezone property at 310 and 320 South Monroe from RMI to RMU for Alpha Tau Omicron and Chi Omega fraternities.
Item 7b: Map Amendment Request (CC-18-63)
Receive public comment regarding a request to rezone property at 1306 West University from RTM to RMI for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Item 7c: Public Hearing for Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Reinvestment Plan
Receive public comment on the proposed Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Project Plan, including Increment District Number 3.
Item 8a: Revisions to Chapter 35 (CC-18-62)
General Orders revisions to Chapter 35 for compliance with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for municipal separate storm sewer systems permit.
Item 9a: Ordinance Number 3399
An ordinance related to stormwater management, amending Chapter 35 of the city code.
Item 9b: Ordinance Number 3407
An ordinance approving and adopting the Stillwater Downtown Campus Link Project Plan and Increment District Number 3.
Item 10: Reports from Officers and Boards
City Manager's miscellaneous items and Council announcements.
Item 11: Executive Session
Executive session pursuant to 25 OS subsection 307 B for confidential communication regarding pending litigation (Rex Hays versus City of Stillwater).