Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the closing of a drainage easement at Arbor Circle to allow for additional buildable lots, following a public hearing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the new "Standards of Excellence" program, an employee-driven initiative aimed at improving customer service. The Council also adopted a resolution to continue the Advisory Citizens Task Force on the Block 34 conceptual plan and approved an ordinance closing public right-of-way and utility easements near Westwood Elementary School.
Key Decisions & Votes
Closing of Drainage Easement at Arbor Circle
06:20The council approved the request to close a drainage easement at 55-81 Arbor Circle. This closure will allow for additional buildable lots, with a retaining wall to be installed to maintain drainage capacity.
Continuation of Advisory Citizens Task Force on Block 34
26:40Resolution CC-2018-1 was adopted, authorizing the continuation of the Advisory Citizens Task Force on the implementation of the Block 34 conceptual plan and enlarging its scope of duties.
Ordinance Closing Public Right-of-Way and Utility Easements
27:50Ordinance number 3395 was adopted on second reading, closing the public right-of-way of Fifth Avenue and McFarland Street and all utility easements located between Willis Street and McFarland Street and Fourth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, affecting properties near Westwood Elementary School.
Financial Matters
SP Global Ratings Affirmation
SP Global Ratings affirmed its double A-minus rating with a stable outlook on the Stillwater Utilities Authority utility systems and sales tax revenue bonds, citing exceptionally strong financial metrics.
Sales Tax Collections
Sales tax collections for November 2017 transactions increased by 7.53% from January 2017 and are up 1.23% year-to-date. However, these figures still do not return the city to 2014 collection levels.
Public Comments
One public comment was received regarding the request for closing a drainage easement. Kelly Harris, representing the owner, explained the plan to install a retaining wall to maintain drainage capacity while allowing for more buildable area.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Annual strategic budget planning session on January 29th
- Budget process feedback opportunities via counselor office hours and Facebook Live sessions with the CFO
Announcements
- Retirement of Financial Operations Manager Tammy Brown after 30 years of service.
- Retirement of Assistant Fire Chief Robert Black, who joined the department in 1989.
- Results of the Stillwater Citizen Satisfaction Survey are available on the city's website, showing high ratings for quality of life and as a place to raise children, with areas for improvement identified (e.g., roads).
- The annual budget process for the 2018-2019 fiscal year is underway.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items on the consent agenda.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to comment on agenda items not designated for public hearing.
Public Hearing: Request for Closing of a Drainage Easement at 55-81 Arbor Circle
Public hearing to receive comments on the request to close a drainage easement to allow for additional buildable lots.
Presentation: Standards of Excellence Program
Presentation by Dana Maddux and Kyle Gibbs on the new employee-driven "Standards of Excellence" program, developed to guide customer service and employee conduct.
Resolution CC-2018-1: Authorizing Continuation of Advisory Citizens Task Force on Block 34 Conceptual Plan
Resolution to continue the Advisory Citizens Task Force and expand its scope of duties related to the Block 34 conceptual plan.
Ordinance Number 3395 (Second Reading): Closing Public Right-of-Way and Utility Easements
Second reading of an ordinance to close public right-of-way and utility easements in an area near Westwood Elementary School.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and reports from city officers and various boards.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine items for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and reports from Stillwater Utilities Authority officers and boards.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Executive Session
Request for an executive session regarding pending litigation with CCC Group Incorporated.