Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council discussed proposed permit fee changes for development services, with several builders and developers expressing concerns about the significant increases. The council also approved the selection of a skatepark project for the 2017 Community Development Block Grant and addressed pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Duck Street and Matthews Avenue. A key theme was the need to increase cost recovery for city services while balancing the impact on the community.
Key Decisions & Votes
Community Development Block Grant Project Selection
01:00:10The council approved the selection of the skatepark project for the 2017 Community Development Block Grant, with $121,127 in funding and a match of $228,873.
Pedestrian Improvements on Duck Street and Matthews Avenue
01:24:00The council approved staff recommendation for Alternative 1, which involves removing crosswalks at Duck and Matthews, redirecting pedestrians to nearby signalized intersections, and improving sidewalk access to those intersections.
Resolution for CDBG Grant Commitment
01:26:00Resolution Number 2017-9, authorizing the acceptance of the CDBG grant and the agreement to match funds for the skatepark, was adopted.
Ordinance Closing General Utility Easement (1201 West 6th Avenue)
01:27:30Ordinance Number 3364, closing a portion of a general utility easement at 1201 West 6th Avenue, was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance Closing Right-of-Way (821 North Duck Street)
01:28:30Ordinance Number 3365, closing the North 120 feet of right-of-way at Duncan Street (821 North Duck Street), was advanced to its second reading.
Ordinance Amending Stillwater City Code for Fees and Charges
01:29:40Ordinance Number 3366, amending the Stillwater City Code to create a section for fees and charges for services authorization and cost recovery, was advanced to its second reading. An emergency clause will be added for the second reading.
Ordinance Amending Planned Unit Development and Rezoning (Arbor Circle)
01:32:00Ordinance Number 3363, amending a Planned Unit Development and rezoning tracts of land at one Arbor Circle and 55-299 Arbor Circle from office to residential, was adopted.
Appointments to the Library Board
01:39:00Andrea Yo was nominated and appointed to the Library Board, and Gary Stanton was reappointed to the board.
Appointment of Representatives to the Kaw Reservoir Authority Board
01:42:00Norman McNichol and Dan Blankenship were appointed as representatives to the Kaw Reservoir Authority Board.
Upcoming Community Events
Summer Swim and Tennis Lesson Programs
Registration is open at Stillwater.org or the City of Stillwater Armory Recreation Center. Season passes and punch cards for the pool are also available.
Free Electronics and Large Item Drop-off
For students moving out of town, drop off items at the convenience collection Center on South Perkins Road. Details and accepted items list on Stillwater.org. Student ID required.
Financial Matters
Development Services Department Cost Recovery
The department currently recovers approximately 23% of its operating costs, with the rest subsidized by the general fund (primarily sales tax). A three-step implementation plan is proposed to reach 75% cost recovery by July 1, 2019, with an annual escalator of 3% or the South Region CPI, whichever is less.
Sales Tax Collections
Stillwater's sales tax collections were below last year's for the fifth consecutive month. Year-to-date collections are down 2.31% from fiscal year 2016 and are $474,184 under budget.
Public Comments
Several builders and developers spoke regarding the proposed permit fee changes for development services. They expressed concerns that the proposed increases were excessive, disproportionate, and would significantly raise building costs, potentially driving development outside city limits. They also highlighted the lack of prior discussion with the Builders Relations Committee (BRC) and the sales tax revenue generated by construction. A young resident also spoke about the need for skatepark improvements.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Public hearing item A (postponed to May 15th)
Watch For
- Further discussions with the Builders Relations Committee regarding proposed permit fee changes
- Second reading of Ordinance Number 3366 (fees and charges for services authorization and cost recovery)
- Resolution establishing actual fee schedules for development services
Announcements
- Stillwater Regional Airport received the Airport of the Year award from the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association.
- Gary Johnson received the Airport Manager of the Year award.
- TSA Team Oklahoma presented the Airport with a partnership award.
- Commercial air service will return to the current schedule (early morning, midday, evening flights) around the first anniversary of commercial air service.
- The Electric Utility Department received the Clearance Full Person Electric System Achievement Award from Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma.
Agenda Summary
Public Hearing Item A
Postponed to May 15th.
Report from Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Justin Terrell provided updates on RFP activity, active prospects, BRE initiative, CRM system implementation, incubator companies, industrial park development, Stillwater showcase day (fam tour), and website facelift.
Project Selection for 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CCDF-17-S-68)
Selection of the skatepark project for CDBG funding.
Cost of Service Study for Development Services Department (CC-17-S-69)
Discussion of the proposed permit fee changes based on a cost of service study, aiming for 75% cost recovery over three years.
Consider Pedestrian Improvements on Duck Street and Matthews Avenue (CCDF-17-S-67)
Consideration of alternatives for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Duck Street and Matthews Avenue.
Resolution Number 2017-9
A resolution regarding commitment or leverage for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2017 State Small Cities Program.
Ordinance Number 3364 (First Reading)
An ordinance closing a portion of a general utility easement located at property addressed at 1201 West 6th Avenue.
Ordinance Number 3365 (First Reading)
An ordinance closing the North 120 feet of right-of-way at Duncan Street at property addresses 821 North Duck Street, 823 North Duncan Street, and 821 North Husband Street.
Ordinance Number 3366 (First Reading)
An ordinance amending the Stillwater City Code by amending chapters in buildings and building regulations article one in general to create section 10.2 fees and charges for services authorization and cost recovery.
Ordinance Number 3363 (Second Reading)
An ordinance amending a Planned Unit Development and rezoning tracts of the land located at one Arbor Circle and 55-299 Arbor Circle from office to RT residential one and two family district.
Appointments for the Library Board
Two open positions due to expiring terms. Judy Nelson did not seek reappointment, Gary Stanton wished to be reappointed, and Andrea Yo applied.
Appointment of Representatives to the Kaw Reservoir Authority Board
Appointment of two representatives from Stillwater to the Kaw Reservoir Authority Board.