Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on March 12th included a proclamation for Sunshine Week and recognition of the Stillwater YMCA's renovations and the Stillwater Police Department's Citizens Academy. Key decisions involved approving a utility easement closing and a Planned Unit Development ordinance, while also discussing and tabling an amendment to the form-based code regarding public realm improvement requirements. The meeting also addressed the administrative process and fee for interim licensing of strong beer and wine sales.
Key Decisions & Votes
Utility Easement Closing
00:27:50A request for closing a utility easement at 1124 West McElroy and 810 and 713 North Lincoln (CC-18-19) was approved. There were no utilities in the easement, and the closing will allow for the development of the Baptist Student Union.
Planned Unit Development and Rezoning Ordinance
00:46:00Ordinance number 3397, approving a Planned Unit Development and rezoning certain tracts of land from single-family residential to commercial shopping and office districts, was approved on its second reading.
Resolution for Stillwater Block 34 Trust
00:41:00Resolution CC 2018-2, accepting beneficial interest in the Declaration of Trust for the Stillwater Block 34 Trust, was approved. This allows the council to accept the beneficial interest and establish the trust.
Resolution for Interim Licensing of Strong Beer and Wine Sales
00:42:50Resolution CC 2018-3, establishing an administrative process and fee for the issuance of a certificate of compliance for interim licensing of strong beer and wine sales by retailers, was approved. This is in response to state question 72 and allows stores to prepare for new alcohol laws.
Upcoming Community Events
Sunshine Week of Open Government
Proclaimed by Mayor Gina Noble, commemorating James Madison's birth and emphasizing open government and public access to records and meetings.
Stillwater Police Department Citizens Academy Class 3 Graduation
20 members completed a five-week program learning about police operations and participated in an all-day scenario day. Class 3 presented a $2,000 check to the Community Outreach Program of Stillwater PD.
AARP Tax Assistance
Available at the Stillwater Public Library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
League of Women Voters Forum with Local Candidates
Held in the City Council room for candidates running for Stillwater City Council Seat Number 5 (Mayor seat). Will be televised on Suddenlink channel 14, AT&T U-verse channel 99, and Stillwater.org.
One Book One Community Program - Dr. Dwight Adams
Dr. Dwight Adams, Director of Forensic Sciences at UCO, will speak at 7:00 PM at the Stillwater Community Center on the development of law enforcement technology. Check library.org for updated locations.
Free Smoke Alarm Installation and Home Fire Escape Plans
Stillwater Fire Department partnering with the American Red Cross. Appointments must be made by contacting the Stillwater American Red Cross.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Police Department Citizens Academy Donation
Class 3 of the Citizens Academy presented a check to the Community Outreach Program of Stillwater PD to support future classes.
Substation Transformer Project Engineering Services
Authorization for expenditures from the Electric Rate Stabilization Fund for engineering design and procurement support for the substation transformer project with Burns & McDonnell.
Substation Transformer Project Total Estimated Cost
Estimated total cost for the distribution substation transformer project, which includes replacing six transformers in three substations over two years.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke regarding Ordinance 3397, expressing concerns about spot zoning, commercialization, gentrification, and the lack of mixed-use development in the 12th Street area. They also highlighted the need for renewed focus on the 12th Street overlay and boundary process.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Text amendment for form-based code public realm improvement requirements, triggers, and exemptions (CC-18-21) - postponed to allow staff to clarify language regarding cost recovery for street reconstruction.
Deadlines
- AARP tax assistance available until April 17th.
Watch For
- Future amendments to the alcohol code after the state legislature recesses in May.
- Further discussion on the site management costs for the substation transformer project.
Announcements
- Stillwater has been named a self-certified healthy business for four years in a row by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
- The Stillwater YMCA has undergone significant renovations, updating virtually every public-facing room.
- The Stillwater Police Department's Citizens Academy Class 3 successfully completed their program.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Sunshine Week of Open Government
Proclamation of March 11th-17th, 2018, as Sunshine Week, emphasizing open government and public access to information.
Recognition: Stillwater YMCA Renovations
Recognition of the Stillwater YMCA for recent renovations and their partnership with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City.
Recognition: Stillwater Police Department Citizens Academy Class 3
Recognition of the graduates of the Stillwater Police Department Citizens Academy Class 3 and a donation from the class.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to comment on agenda items.
Public Hearing: Request for Closing of a Utility Easement (CC-18-19)
Public hearing and decision on closing a utility easement at 1124 West McElroy and 810 and 713 North Lincoln.
Public Hearing: Text Amendment Form Based Code Public Realm Improvement Requirements (CC-18-21)
Public hearing and discussion on a text amendment to the form-based code regarding public realm improvement requirements, triggers, and exemptions.
Resolution CC 2018-2: Stillwater Block 34 Trust
Resolution accepting beneficial interest in the Declaration of Trust for the Stillwater Block 34 Trust.
Resolution CC 2018-3: Interim Licensing of Strong Beer and Wine Sales
Resolution establishing an administrative process and fee for interim licensing of strong beer and wine sales by retailers.
Ordinance 3397: Planned Unit Development and Rezoning
Second reading of an ordinance approving a Planned Unit Development and rezoning certain tracts of land from single-family residential to commercial shopping and office districts.
Stillwater Utilities Authority: Distribution Substation Transformers Project
Presentation and approval of a project to replace distribution substation transformers in three substations.