Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed and sought direction on amendments to the form-based code, particularly concerning public realm improvement requirements for developers. They also approved an inter-fund loan for airport projects and received a comprehensive report on water and wastewater asset management. Several ordinances were advanced to second reading, and appointments were made to the Sister Cities Council and Audit Committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Form-Based Code Public Realm Requirements
00:20:00Council directed staff to develop amendments to the form-based code's public realm requirements, aiming for a more flexible and equitable approach that considers the age of streets, the scale of development, and the overall cohesiveness of the area, rather than a blanket requirement for individual developers.
Inter-fund Loan for Airport Project
01:00:00The Stillwater Utilities Authority approved a short-term, non-interest-bearing inter-fund loan between the Stillwater Regional Airport and the SUA to cashflow a $4.9 million parallel taxiway project, 90% funded by an FAA grant.
Ordinance 3390 (Utility Easement Closure)
00:49:00An ordinance closing a utility easement at 1710 East 6th Avenue was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3391 (Utility Easement Closure)
00:49:50An ordinance closing a portion of a utility easement at 1824 West University Avenue was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance 3392 (Rezoning)
00:50:30An ordinance rezoning tracts of land at 602 South West Street from CG PUD to CG Commercial General District was advanced to its second reading.
Sister Cities Council Appointments
00:56:00Judith Nelson, John Mills, and Cindy Petry were reappointed to the Sister Cities Council.
Audit Committee Appointment
00:57:00Suzie Presley was nominated and appointed to the Audit Committee.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Christmas Parade of Lights
Begins at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Stillwater.
Stillwater Community Singers Holiday Concert
7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.
Stillwater Community Band and Stillwater Jazz Holiday Concert
7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
Winter Wonderland
Located on 134, features ice skating, reindeer, Santa, food, and shopping.
Public Library Winter Reading Program
For children, teens, and adults, includes age-appropriate activities, reading suggestions, and prizes. More information at library.stillwater.org.
Envoy Team Food Drive
Collecting canned goods and non-perishables in the main lobby of the Stillwater Regional Airport for Our Daily Bread Food Bank. Donors receive a thank-you gift.
Financial Matters
Airport Parallel Taxiway Project
90% funded by an FAA grant, 5% by local sponsorship (City/Airport), and 5% by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. An inter-fund loan was approved to manage cash flow.
Rural Fire Service Contract
Property owners outside city limits can apply for a contract to cap fire response fees at $2,000.
Water and Wastewater Capital Needs
Report highlighted a significant gap between projected capital fund needs (e.g., $24 million for water treatment plant improvements) and available revenues, indicating future rate increases are likely.
Public Comments
Shirley Weeks expressed confusion and concern regarding the form-based code, specifically its application to a large development on 4th and Hester Street. She questioned the responsibility of citizens for providing space for construction equipment and the monitoring of such codes, urging the council to ensure the development is right for the community.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Envoy Team Food Drive: December 20th
Watch For
- Recommendations from the Land Development Committee regarding form-based code amendments
- Future discussions and potential rate adjustments for water and wastewater services
- Detailed report on water treatment plant needs and improvements
Announcements
- City staff prepared a list of frequently asked questions about opening a business in Stillwater, available at Stillwater.org/business.
- Winter Wonderland on 134 is open, offering ice skating, reindeer, Santa, food, and shopping.
- Rural fire service contracts are available for properties outside city limits for $100 per year, limiting fire response fees to $2,000.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearings
Opportunity for citizens to comment on specific agenda items.
General Orders: Form-Based Code Alternatives
Discussion and direction on potential amendments or repeal of the form-based code, particularly concerning public realm improvement requirements.
Ordinance Number 3390 (First Reading)
An ordinance closing a utility easement on property addressed as 1710 East 6th Avenue.
Ordinance Number 3391 (First Reading)
An ordinance closing a portion of a utility easement on property addressed as 1824 West University Avenue.
Ordinance Number 3392 (First Reading)
An ordinance rezoning tracts of land addressed as 602 South West Street from CG PUD to CG Commercial General District.
Reports from Officers and Boards: City Attorney
Request for executive session.
Reports from Officers and Boards: City Manager
Announcement of new business resources on the city website.
Reports from Officers and Boards: Councilors
Announcements regarding community events and services.
Appointments: Sister Cities Council
Reappointment of three members to the Sister Cities Council.
Appointments: Audit Committee
Appointment of one member to the Audit Committee.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the SUA.
Stillwater Utilities Authority General Orders: Airport Loan
Discussion and approval of an inter-fund loan for the airport's parallel taxiway project.
Stillwater Utilities Authority General Orders: Water Resources Asset Management Report
Presentation on the city's water and wastewater asset management strategies and accomplishments.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Reports from General Counsel/General Manager
No items to report.
Executive Session
For the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to economic development, including property transfer, financing, or enticing a business to locate within the city.