Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on March 21st, 2016, included several proclamations for community awareness weeks, a presentation from the 'Stillwater Makes A Change' (SMAC) high school philanthropy campaign, and public hearings on the proposed city budget and the Stillwater West 51 Development District project plan. Key discussions revolved around the TIF district's potential impact and the criteria for incentivizing businesses.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket Approval
38:40The consent docket for the City Council meeting was approved with a unanimous vote of 5 to 0.
First Reading of Ordinance 3339 (TIF District)
58:50The first reading of Ordinance 3339, concerning the Stillwater West 51 Development District project plan, was approved by title only to allow for further language revisions before the second reading.
First Reading of Ordinance 3337 (911 Emergency Number)
01:00:10The first reading of Ordinance 3337, an annual update to the 911 emergency number ordinance maintaining the 5% user fee, was approved.
First Reading of Ordinance 3338 (Tort Claims and Payment)
01:01:00The first reading of Ordinance 3338, amending the city code to increase the city manager's authority to settle tort claims up to $50,000 and include workers' compensation claims, was approved.
Second Reading of Ordinance 3336 (Ramsey Street Right-of-Way Closure)
01:02:20The second reading of Ordinance 3336, closing a portion of the right-of-way on Ramsey Street adjacent to 616 South Ramsey Street, was approved.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
01:06:00The consent docket for the Stillwater Utilities Authority meeting was approved with a unanimous vote of 5 to 0.
Executive Session
01:07:30A motion to move into executive session for confidential communication regarding the employment of City Attorney John D. was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
TBI Raiders Week
Proclaimed to raise awareness about traumatic brain injury and support TBI Raiders organization.
National Safe Place Week
Proclaimed to support the Safe Place program, offering a safe haven and resources for youth.
Sunshine Week
Proclaimed to emphasize open government, public access to records, and transparent meetings.
Stillwater Makes A Change (SMAC) Week
High school philanthropic campaign supporting the Civil Center. Events include Ford test drive, Snack with SMAC, Mangent, talent show, Smack Bash, carnival, and dance. Goal: $85,000.
City Council Office Hours
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM at Aspen Coffee on North Perkins Road with Vice Mayor Pat Darlington and Councilor Elaine Zenat.
League of Women Voters City Charter Amendment Forum
7:00 PM in the Council Hearing Room. Opportunity for voters to learn about proposed City Charter amendments before the April 5th election.
Stillwater in the 1920s Exhibit
Shirley Museum, featuring a Letterman sweater, baseball uniform, and original train station door. Free admission.
Financial Matters
City of Stillwater Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017
Public comment received on the proposed budget. Final approval scheduled for May 4th, with one more public hearing before then.
Proposed Increment District Number Two (TIF District)
Public hearing held for the Stillwater West 51 Development District project plan. Discussions on the use of tax increment financing for infrastructure and development incentives.
911 Emergency Telephone Service Fee
Annual update to maintain the current 5% user fee for 911 services.
Tort Claims Settlement Authority
Proposed increase in the city manager's authority to settle tort claims from $25,000 to $50,000, and to include workers' compensation claims.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during the public hearing for the proposed TIF District, expressing concerns about its location on the west side of town, the necessity of incentives for businesses, and the equitable distribution of development benefits across Stillwater.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- City Council election on April 5th (Seat 1 and City Charter Amendments)
- Final approval of City of Stillwater Operating Budget for FY 2016-2017 on May 4th
Watch For
- Second reading of Ordinance 3339 (TIF District) tentatively scheduled for April 4th
- Companion resolution for city manager's tort claims authority on April 4th agenda
- One more public hearing on the city budget before May 4th
Announcements
- Keegan Thomas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Stillwater Public Library presented two books.
- W Energy Center construction is progressing well and on track for a June completion.
- Residents are reminded to register storm shelters on the city's website.
- City Council election for Seat 1 and City Charter Amendments is on April 5th.
- Shirley Museum opened a new exhibit called 'Stillwater in the 1920s'.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Keegan Thomas.
Proclamation: TBI Raiders Week
Proclaiming March 20-26, 2016, as TBI Raiders Week to raise awareness for traumatic brain injury.
Proclamation: National Safe Place Week
Proclaiming March 20-26, 2016, as National Safe Place Week to support the Safe Place program for youth.
Proclamation: Sunshine Week
Proclaiming March 20-26, 2016, as Sunshine Week to promote open government and public access to information.
Presentation: Stillwater Makes A Change (SMAC)
Seniors from Stillwater High School presented on their philanthropic campaign for the Civil Center.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment
No public comments were made on general matters.
Public Hearing: Proposed City of Stillwater Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017
Received public comment regarding the proposed city budget.
Public Hearing: Proposed Increment District Number Two City of Stillwater and Stillwater West 51 Development District Project Plan
Second public hearing for citizens to express views on the proposed TIF district.
First Reading: Ordinance 3339 - Stillwater West 51 Development District Project Plan
An ordinance approving and adopting the project plan for the TIF district, designating boundaries, and establishing a tax apportionment fund.
First Reading: Ordinance 3337 - 911 Emergency Number Ordinance
An ordinance revising the 911 emergency number ordinance and maintaining the current 5% user fee.
First Reading: Ordinance 3338 - Amending Tort Claims and Payment
An ordinance amending the city code to increase the city manager's authority to settle tort claims up to $50,000 and include workers' compensation claims.
Second Reading: Ordinance 3336 - Closing Portion of Ramsey Street Right-of-Way
An ordinance closing a portion of the right-of-way on Ramsey Street adjacent to 616 South Ramsey Street.
Reports from Officers and Boards - City Manager
Request for executive session regarding the City Attorney.
Reports from Officers and Boards - City Councilors
Announcements regarding storm shelter registration, office hours, upcoming election, and museum exhibit.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the SUA.
Executive Session
Confidential communication regarding the employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of City Attorney John D.