Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on October 5th, 2015, included a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week and a presentation on OSU Homecoming 2015. Key decisions involved advancing several ordinances to second reading, including one for annexing property and another for a texting while driving ban. The Friends of Lake McMurtry also provided an update on their successful operations and future plans.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3326: Annexing property in Northeast quarter of Section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East
01:00:10An ordinance annexing property generally located in the Northeast quarter of section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East of the Indian Meridian. Public comments were received regarding road maintenance responsibilities post-annexation.
Ordinance 3327: Zoning annexed property as Agriculture District
01:04:00An ordinance zoning annexed property generally located in the Northeast border of section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East of the Indian Meridian as an Agriculture District.
Ordinance 3328: Rezoning 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG to NTZ
01:04:50An ordinance rezoning a portion of land at 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG General Industrial District to NTZ Neighborhood Transition Zone.
Ordinance 3329: Rezoning 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG to CS
01:05:30An ordinance rezoning a portion of land at 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG General Industrial District to CS Commercial Shopping District.
Ordinance 3330: Texting while driving ban
01:06:00An ordinance amending the Stillwater city code by creating sections 29-21 and 29-22 regarding texting while driving, mirroring state law. The council discussed making it effective by November 1st with an emergency clause.
Appointment of Tamaki Kuchi as student representative to Sister Cities Council
01:17:30The appointment of Tamaki Kuchi as the student representative to the Sister Cities Council was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Fire Prevention Week 2015
Proclaimed by Mayor Gina Jane Noble, urging citizens to install smoke alarms and practice fire escape plans. Stillwater Fire Department will be conducting skits at elementary schools.
OSU Homecoming 2015
Theme: 'Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True'. Mayor Gina Noble is the Grand Marshal. Events include 'Dying of the Fountain' on Oct 18th at 5:30 PM, Harvest Carnival, Walk Around, and the Sea of Orange Parade (starting at 9th and Main, time TBD).
Downtown Halloween Festival
Theme: 'The Monster Mash'. Located downtown along Main Street. Recognized as one of the 10 best costume parties in the US by USA Today.
Lake McMurtry Mud Runs
Two mud runs were hosted last year, one youth-only (800 kids) and one for all ages (400 participants). Will be held again next year.
Lake McMurtry Spring Celebration
A festive celebration promoting the park, featuring Oklahoma Highway Patrol helicopter, fire and police departments, 4H, Boy Scouts, face painting, cooking, and music.
Lake McMurtry Benefit Concert
A local sorority has chosen Lake McMurtry as their fundraising site.
Lake McMurtry Disc Golf Tournament
Will be held on the disc golf courses at Lake McMurtry.
Financial Matters
Texting while driving fine
The fine for texting while driving will be $100, with additional costs up to $49. This is not intended as a money-making initiative for the city but as a safety measure.
Lake McMurtry Annual Pass Sales
Annual pass sales doubled from 200 in 2012 to nearly 400 last year. An annual pass costs $65 and covers various recreational activities and tent camping.
Lake McMurtry Day Pass Sales
Day pass sales increased from around 2,700 in 2012 to 6,500 last year. Day passes cost $6.
Lake McMurtry Online Sales
Online sales have grown to over 25% of total sales since the new website launched in January.
Lake McMurtry Capital Improvements
Remaining funds at the end of each quarter are transferred to a capital improvement account to fund projects like disc golf, new RV sites, and fire rings.
Public Comments
Two individuals spoke regarding the annexation ordinance (3326). Kent Bradley, a County Commissioner, expressed concerns about the city's responsibility for road maintenance in annexed areas. Ed Sher, a resident, voiced concerns about losing county road maintenance and needing city permits for property modifications if his half of the road is annexed.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Agreement with 51 East (moved to October 19th agenda)
Deadlines
- Texting while driving law effective November 1st
- OSU students have until November 2nd to submit ideas for a new mobile app addressing Stillwater quality of life issues
Watch For
- Second reading of ordinances 3326, 3327, 3328, 3329, and 3330
- Stillwater Police monitoring school bus stops and school zones during October
Announcements
- Fire Prevention Week 2015 proclaimed for October 4th-10th.
- Mayor Gina Noble is the Grand Marshal for OSU Homecoming 2015.
- Pavement Management Program for the season is concluding, with many neighborhood and subdivision projects completed.
- Melissa Reams, the new Chief Financial Officer, began work at City Hall today.
- Stillwater Police will be riding public school buses and monitoring bus stops in October, with zero tolerance for violations.
- The 25th Annual Downtown Halloween Festival, 'The Monster Mash', is on Tuesday, October 27th.
- The city has partnered with the OSU App Center for a contest to produce a new mobile app addressing Stillwater quality of life issues.
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; recognition was given to Wings of Hope for their work in the community.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week 2015
A proclamation was read by Mayor Gina Jane Noble declaring October 4th-10th, 2015, as Fire Prevention Week, emphasizing smoke alarm installation and fire escape plans.
OSU Homecoming 2015 Presentation
Chris Bachelder and Jimmy Hudson from the OSU Alumni Association presented on OSU Homecoming 2015, with the theme 'Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True', and announced Mayor Gina Noble as the Grand Marshal.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items on the consent docket.
Public Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearings
Kent Bradley and Ed Sher spoke regarding Ordinance 3326, expressing concerns about road maintenance and permitting after annexation.
CC-15-117: Specific Use Permit for a church at 1220 South Blakeley Street
Request for a specific use permit to allow a church use in an RSS residential small lot single family district. The proposed church, Grace Presbyterian Church, plans 64 parking spaces and is adjacent to office zoning.
CC-15-116: Specific Use Permit for an electronic message sign at 2221 West 6th Avenue
Request for a specific use permit to allow an electronic message sign (LED) adjacent to residentially zoned properties for Howerton's Auto. The sign is 35% electronic and 19 feet tall, meeting code requirements.
Ordinance 3326 (First Reading): Annexing property in Northeast quarter of Section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East
An ordinance annexing property generally located in the Northeast quarter of section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East of the Indian Meridian.
Ordinance 3327 (First Reading): Zoning annexed property as Agriculture District
An ordinance zoning annexed property generally located in the Northeast border of section 25, Township 20 North, Range 2 East of the Indian Meridian as an Agriculture District.
Ordinance 3328 (First Reading): Rezoning 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG to NTZ
An ordinance rezoning a portion of land at 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG General Industrial District to NTZ Neighborhood Transition Zone.
Ordinance 3329 (First Reading): Rezoning 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG to CS
An ordinance rezoning a portion of land at 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG General Industrial District to CS Commercial Shopping District.
Ordinance 3330 (First Reading): Texting while driving ban
An ordinance amending the Stillwater city code by creating sections 29-21 and 29-22 regarding texting while driving, mirroring state law, with discussion of an emergency clause for a November 1st effective date.
Report from Friends of Lake McMurtry
Jared Avales presented on the accomplishments and future plans for Lake McMurtry, highlighting increased usage, new website, community engagement, and capital improvements.
Reports from Officers and Boards
City Manager Norman McNickle provided updates on the Pavement Management Program and introduced the new CFO, Melissa Reams. Councilors shared various community announcements.
Appointment of Student Representative to Sister Cities Council
Appointment of Tamaki Kuchi as the student representative to the Sister Cities Council.
Executive Session
A request for an executive session for confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.