Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on November 7th included the approval of a specific use permit for an electronic message sign and the closing of a portion of an alley for development. Annual reports were presented by Friends of Lake McMurtry and the Stillwater Area Sports Association, highlighting community engagement and facility improvements. The council also discussed and approved resolutions and ordinances, including changes to election procedures and the removal of handbilling regulations.
Key Decisions & Votes
Specific Use Permit for Electronic Message Sign
09:00A specific use permit was approved for an electronic message sign at 105 South Main, which is located in a commercial general district. The sign's LED portion is less than 40% of its total size, meeting code requirements.
Postponement of Items B and C
11:00Items B and C were postponed until the November 21st meeting with a vote of 4-0.
Closing of Alley Portion
14:00The request to close a portion of an alley adjacent to properties on West Fourth Avenue, South Ramsey Street, and South Washington Street was approved. This is part of the Trenton Bak development.
Resolution Authorizing Election Proclamation
42:00Resolution number CC-2016-30, authorizing the mayor to sign and issue an election proclamation for a general election and a runoff election if needed, was approved. This is due to changes in the city charter and the odd-year election cycle.
Ordinance Amending Motor Vehicle Traffic (DUI)
44:00Ordinance number 3352, amending chapter 29 of the city code regarding persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, was approved for its second reading. This change reflects a state preemption where municipal courts no longer have jurisdiction over these offenses, except in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Ordinance Amending Litter Regulations (Handbills)
46:00Ordinance number 3354, amending chapter 18 of the city code to repeal sections regarding handbills, was approved for its second reading. This is due to federal court cases striking down city ordinances on handbilling as a means of communication, with existing litter and vandalism ordinances deemed sufficient.
Ordinance Adopting Alleyway Vacation
48:00Ordinance number 3353, concerning the vacation of an alleyway between Stanley Street and Blakely Street, was adopted.
Approval of Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Metrics
58:00The metrics for the Chamber of Commerce contract, which were requested to measure the effectiveness of taxpayer investment, were approved by the Stillwater Economic Development Authority.
Upcoming Community Events
Downtown Stillwater Holiday Open House
Enjoy sales, food samples, crafts, door prizes, gift wrapping, pictures with a real reindeer, and free carriage rides through downtown.
Breakfast with Santa
From 9 AM to 11 AM at the Community Center (315 West 8th Street). Kids can visit Santa, enjoy a cinnamon roll. Tickets are $3 per person, and an adult must accompany the child.
Financial Matters
Friends of Lake McMurtry Capital Improvements
Friends of Lake McMurtry has invested $275,000 in capital improvements on city property over the past four years, including an ADA accessible RV site and parking pad.
Stillwater Area Sports Association Capital Improvements
The Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) has reinvested $350,000 back into the city's parks, including shade structures at Strickland Park costing $63,000.
SASA Payment to City
SASA paid back $15,180.96 to the city for equipment received when SASA began.
Public Comments
Public comments were received on two specific items: a specific use permit for an electronic message sign and the closing of a portion of an alley. One speaker, Kelly Harris, spoke in favor of the alley closing, representing the property owners.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Items B and C (postponed to November 21st meeting)
Deadlines
- Candidate filing for City Council seats 3 and 4: December 5th to December 7th at 5 PM
Watch For
- New utility bill format rollout: First billing cycle starting November 16th
- Interactive voice response system for utility payments: December
- Pay by text, mobile app, and email for utility payments: After January 1st
- Phase 2 of Western Road alignment with Hall of Fame Avenue: Anticipated to begin January 2017
- Work on roadway at 6th and Perkins: Beginning November 14th
Announcements
- Anna Dorman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Ava Wells was honored as the honorary fire marshal for the Stillwater Fire Department.
- The city of Stillwater recently unveiled a new redesigned website at Stillwater.org, featuring user-friendly desktop and mobile versions, a sophisticated search engine, a 'who to contact' page, and detailed project pages. An anonymous survey is available for feedback.
- Tomorrow, November 8th, is Election Day, and citizens are encouraged to vote.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Anna Dorman.
Proclamation Honoring Ava Wells as Honorary Fire Marshal
Ava Wells was recognized as the honorary fire marshal for her role in fire prevention.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment Regarding Request for Specific Use Permit (105 South Main)
Receive public comment and consider a specific use permit for an electronic message sign.
Postponement of Items B and C
Motion to postpone items B and C to November 21st.
Public Comment Regarding Alley Closing (801-809 West Fourth Avenue)
Receive public comment and consider the closing of a portion of an alley for development.
Friends of Lake McMurtry Annual Report
Dan Lowrance, Executive Director, presented the annual report for Friends of Lake McMurtry, highlighting increases in passes, income, and capital improvements.
Stillwater Area Sports Association Annual Report
Carolyn Walston, Executive Director, presented the annual report for SASA, detailing capital improvements, league participation, and tournament teams.
Presentation of New City of Stillwater Utility Bill
Melissa Reams, CFO, introduced the redesigned utility bill format and upcoming new payment system features.
Resolution Number CC-2016-30
Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign and issue an election proclamation for a general election and a runoff election if needed.
Ordinance Number 3352 (First Reading)
Amending chapter 29 of the city code regarding persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, reflecting state preemption.
Ordinance Number 3354 (First Reading)
Amending chapter 18 of the city code to repeal sections regarding handbills.
Ordinance Number 3353 (Second Reading)
Adopting the vacation of an alleyway between Stanley Street and Blakely Street.
Reports from Officers and Boards
City Manager Norman McNichol reminded the public about a new state law regarding slowing down or changing lanes around garbage trucks. Council members shared announcements.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Miscellaneous Items
General Counsel and General Manager reports for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Stillwater Economic Development Authority.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority General Orders
Discussion and approval of metrics for the Chamber of Commerce contract.
Executive Session
Requested for confidential communication regarding employment, discipline, or resignation of City diversity manager and for conferring on economic development matters.