Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting included proclamations for Small Business Saturday and Wreaths Across America Day. Key decisions involved the approval of several easement closings and a specific use permit for an electronic message center. The Stillwater Economic Development Authority received a quarterly report from the Chamber of Commerce, highlighting economic development efforts and a new website.
Key Decisions & Votes
Closing of a sewer line easement at 1710 East 6th Avenue
00:19:00Request to close a sewer line easement at 1710 East 6th Avenue, which only served the property itself, was approved to allow for redevelopment of the site.
Closing of a utility easement at 1824 West University Avenue
00:22:00Request to close a utility easement at 1824 West University Avenue, which bisects the rear yard and is unused, was approved to allow the owner to add value to the backyard.
Specific Use Permit for Electronic Message Center at 1506 East 6th Avenue
00:26:00A specific use permit was approved for an electronic message center at 1506 East 6th Avenue, adjacent to a residential district, with the existing sign to be removed and a new one installed.
Map Amendment to Rezone 602 Southwest Street
00:30:00A map amendment to rezone 602 Southwest Street from CG PUD to CG Commercial General was approved, as the church previously occupying the site is relocating.
Resolution for Bridge Inspection Responsibility
00:32:00Resolution CC-2017-20, concerning the city's bridge inspection responsibility and notification to ODOT of consultant selection, was adopted.
Ordinance 3388 - Rezoning 1503 South Perkins Road
00:33:00Ordinance 3388, rezoning land at 1503 South Perkins Road from RSS residential to CG commercial general, was adopted on second reading.
Ordinance 3389 - Rezoning Multiple Tracts of Land
00:34:00Ordinance 3389, rezoning multiple tracts of land from RSS residential to P public district within the Westwood conservation neighborhood overlay, was adopted on second reading.
High-Voltage Line Clearance Tree Trimming and Removal Services Contract
00:59:00The recommendation to approve the contract for high-voltage line clearance tree trimming and removal services was approved, despite concerns about local business involvement and the bidding process.
Upcoming Community Events
Small Business Saturday
Urging residents to shop local in Stillwater.
Wreaths Across America Day
Wreath-laying ceremonies at Fair Lawn Cemetery at 11:00 AM to honor fallen soldiers. Volunteers needed.
1 Million Cups
Networking and coffee at 8:30 AM, program at 9:00 AM. Features two speakers: a Main Street business and a high-tech/manufacturing business.
Jingle Bells Shop Local Campaign Drawing
Drawing at the community center at 5:00 or 5:30 PM. Winner receives $7,500 cash and $2,500 in vouchers/gift cards to participating businesses.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Collections (September 2017)
Sales tax collections for September 2017 transactions showed a 0.25% increase year-to-date but were 1.19% under budget.
Industrial Park Investment
The Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a $1.5 million investment to develop land north of town for an industrial park.
Public Comments
Public comments were received regarding easement closings and the tree trimming contract. One speaker, Steven Gus, represented applicants for easement closings. Nate Priest from Nate's Tree Service expressed concerns about the structure of the city's tree trimming contract, advocating for rebidding to allow local contractors to compete and ensure better value.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Entrepreneurship ecosystem landing page/website (Q1)
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certifications for Chamber staff
- Development of industrial park north of town
- Discussion on downtown development (BID, TIF, Block 34)
- Future review of tree trimming contract process for local bidder inclusion
Announcements
- Most city offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, reopening Monday.
- Trash and recycling will be picked up as scheduled during Thanksgiving week; yard waste will not be collected.
- Residential waste management customers are encouraged to use city-issued glass recycle totes for monthly collection to ensure regular pickup. Totes can be requested at no extra fee.
- Reminder to properly dispose of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) to prevent sewer clogs. Scrape FOG and food into the trash and use sink strainers.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Gracie McClenney.
Proclamation: Small Business Saturday
Proclaiming November 25, 2017, as Small Business Saturday, urging local shopping.
Proclamation: Wreaths Across America Day
Proclaiming December 16, 2017, as Wreaths Across America Day in Stillwater, honoring fallen soldiers.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for public to comment on agenda items.
Received public comment regarding a request for closing of a sewer line easement at 1710 East 6th Avenue CC-17-158
Public hearing and discussion on closing a sewer line easement for redevelopment.
Received public comment regarding a request for closing of a utility easement at 1824 West University Avenue CC-17-161
Public hearing and discussion on closing a utility easement to add value to the property.
Received public comment regarding a request for a specific use permit to allow an electronic message center on property addressed at 1506 East 6th Avenue adjacent to a residential district CC-17-159
Public hearing and discussion on a specific use permit for an electronic message center.
Received public comment regarding a request for a map amendment to rezone 602 Southwest Street from the CG PUD commercial general Planned Unit development district to CG commercial general CC-17-160
Public hearing and discussion on rezoning 602 Southwest Street from CG PUD to CG Commercial General.
Resolution CC-2017-20: Resolution concerning the city of Stillwater's bridge inspection responsibility
Resolution regarding bridge inspection standards and consultant selection.
Ordinance number 3388: An ordinance rezoning a tract of land located at 1503 South Perkins Road from RSS residential small lot single-family district to CG commercial general district
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance for rezoning.
Ordinance number 3389: An ordinance rezoning tracts of land addressed as 402 and 504 South McFarland Street, 2011 and 2021 West 4th Avenue, 2002 to 2015 West 5th Avenue, 401 to 523 South Willis Street and 2006 and 2012 West 6th Avenue from RSS residential small lot single-family district within the Westwood conservation neighborhood overlay to P public district
Second reading and adoption of an ordinance for rezoning multiple tracts of land.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates from city officers and boards.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for SEDA.
General Orders: Quarterly report from the Chamber of Commerce
Presentation of the Chamber of Commerce's quarterly report on economic development activities.
Reports from Officers and Boards (SEDA)
Updates from SEDA officers and boards.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket (Items 1-3)
Approval of routine administrative items for SUA, excluding item 4.
Recommendation for high-voltage line clearance tree trimming and tree removal services
Discussion and approval of the contract for tree trimming services.
Reports from Officers and Boards (SUA)
Updates from SUA officers and boards.
Executive Session pursuant to 25 OS subsection 307 B 4
Executive session for confidential communication regarding pending litigation (Salisbury Industries vs. Stillwater Utilities Authority).