Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council discussed a proposal for third-party inspections of one and two-family dwellings, aiming for efficiency and consistency while addressing concerns about cost and oversight. They also approved an amendment for the 6th Avenue and Perkins Road design contract and adopted an ordinance prohibiting unmanned aircraft systems during certain public events. The meeting concluded with a call for residents to shop local to support the city's sales tax revenue.
Key Decisions & Votes
6th Avenue and Perkins Road Design Contract Amendment
01:00:00Amendment number 7 to the professional services agreement with Benim Design LLC was approved, authorizing expenditures up to $582,926.25, including an additional $24,603.80 for design changes related to pedestrian improvements, hardscaping modifications, and landowner agreements.
Ordinance 3351: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Prohibitions
01:06:00Ordinance 3351, amending Chapter 16 of the Stillwater City Code to create Section 16-110 regarding unmanned aircraft systems, was adopted. An emergency declaration was also approved, making the ordinance effective upon publication.
Resolution CC-2016-29: UAS Prohibition during Public Events
01:08:00Resolution CC-2016-29 was approved, prohibiting the flying of unmanned aircraft systems during certain public events on October 28 and 29, 2016, specifically over the 'walk of bow walk around' and the parade.
Upcoming Community Events
Friends of Libraries Week
Proclaimed by Counselor Zanotti, encouraging support for the Stillwater Public Library and its Friends group.
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Visit
The club will visit Stillwater to participate in the OSU homecoming parade, recognized by Counselor Najera.
Mummy and Sundance
Took place at the community center.
Stillwater's 26th Annual Halloween Festival
Downtown Stillwater, between 7th and 10th Avenues, from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a costume parade at 6:30 PM.
City Council Office Hours
Vice Mayor Pat Darlington, Counselor Elaine Zanotti, and City Manager Mullan McNichol will meet with citizens and students at 5:30 PM in Room 211 at the Oklahoma State University Student Union.
Financial Matters
6th Avenue and Perkins Road Design Contract
Total authorized expenditures for the professional services agreement with Benim Design LLC, including amendment number 7.
Building Permit Fees (Proposed)
Initial thought for a flat fee to cover administrative costs and public-private interface connections under the proposed third-party inspection program.
Certificate of Occupancy/Completion Fee (Proposed)
Proposed fee to help cover administrative costs under the third-party inspection program.
Sales Tax Revenue
City Manager highlighted the importance of local shopping for sales tax revenue, which funds city services, due to Oklahoma cities not receiving a share of ad valorem tax without a bond issue.
Public Comments
Several members of the public, primarily from the building and construction industry, expressed concerns regarding the proposed third-party inspection program for residential dwellings. Key themes included the potential for increased costs for homeowners, lack of oversight and checks and balances, the need for consistency in inspections, and the availability of qualified third-party inspectors. Some speakers also questioned the city's motivation for moving away from in-house inspections.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- November 1st, 2016: Effective date for 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
Watch For
- Further development of the third-party inspection program for one and two-family dwellings
- Revised FY 16-17 budget based on zero-based budgeting principles
- Continued discussions between city staff and the Home Builders Association regarding the inspection program
Announcements
- The 2016 pavement management project will begin this week, including new asphalt surface and drainage improvements on Country Club Road (19th to 26th Ave) and new asphalt surface on Sanger Road (19th Ave to 6th Ave).
- Residents are reminded about regulations for temporary signs within city limits, specifically that they may not be placed on public property.
Agenda Summary
Introduction of Special Guests
Ronnie and Josephine Shirley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation for Friends of the Library Week
Counselor Zanotti presented a proclamation for Friends of Libraries Week, October 16-22, 2016.
Proclamation on Buffalo Soldiers
Counselor Najera presented a proclamation welcoming the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club to Stillwater on October 29, 2016.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Public comments were heard regarding the proposed third-party inspection program for residential dwellings.
General Orders Item 7: Third-Party Inspection Program for One and Two-Family Dwellings
Paula Dennison, Development Services Director, presented a status report on the proposal for a third-party inspection and certification program. Council directed staff to continue developing the program with further details and stakeholder input.
General Orders Item B: 6th Avenue and Perkins Road Design Contract Amendment
Discussion and vote on Amendment number 7 to the professional services agreement with Benim Design LLC for the 6th Avenue and Perkins Road project.
Ordinance 3353: Closing a Portion of Platted Alleyway
First reading of an ordinance to close a portion of an alleyway between Stanley Street, Blakely Street, Fourth Avenue, and Sixth Avenue.
Ordinance 3351: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Prohibitions
Second reading of an ordinance amending the city code regarding UAS, including prohibitions, exemptions, and violations, and declaring an emergency.
Resolution CC-2016-29: UAS Prohibition during Certain Public Events
A resolution prohibiting the flying of UAS over specific public events on October 28 and 29, 2016.
Reports from Officers and Boards: City Attorney
Request for executive sessions for confidential communication regarding real property and economic development.
Reports from Officers and Boards: City Manager
Discussion on sales tax performance, budget revisions, and the importance of shopping local.
Reports from Officers and Boards: City Councilors
Announcements regarding road projects, community events, and temporary sign regulations.
Executive Session
To discuss confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property and economic development matters.