Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved the annexation of approximately 108.77 acres of land at the southwest corner of Burris and Jardot Roads, designating it for agricultural use. They also ratified the appointment of Melissa Reams as the new Finance Director. A public-private partnership report from the Stillwater Area Sports Association highlighted successful youth and adult sports programs and facility improvements.
Key Decisions & Votes
Appointment of Finance Director
00:09:00The council ratified the appointment of Melissa Reams as the new Finance Director. She is an OSU graduate with extensive CPA and accounting experience, previously working for the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
Annexation of 108.77 Acres
00:39:00The council approved the annexation of approximately 108.77 acres at the southwest corner of Burris and Jardot Roads. The zoning designation upon annexation will be agriculture, as the industrial general request was withdrawn.
Map Amendment for 799 East Mercury Avenue
00:43:00A request to rezone a portion of property at 799 East Mercury Avenue from Industrial General (IG) to Commercial Shopping (CS) and Neighborhood Transition Zones (NTZ) was approved, aligning with the area's transition to mixed uses.
Upcoming Community Events
Warrior Walk on Suicide
Recognized by the Mayor, this 22-mile walk at Boomer Lake Park was organized by Red Dirt Military Moms and Warriors for Freedom to raise awareness for veteran suicide.
Stillwater Public Library Fall Book Sale
Preview for Friends of the Library on Thursday 5-8 PM. General public Friday noon-8 PM, Saturday 10 AM-5 PM. Dollar bag sale Sunday 1:30-4 PM.
National Voter Registration Day
League of Women Voters will host registration at City Hall from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. The Chamber of Commerce will also host registration in the afternoon.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) Field Improvements
SASA spent over $65,000 on field improvements at two parks, with plans for two more parks in the fall. They also plan to install canopies for shade at Wittenberg.
SASA Scholarships
SASA sponsored 83 participants through a 50% scholarship program for those eligible for reduced-price school lunches. They also seek private donations and business sponsorships for uniforms and equipment.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the proposed annexation and zoning changes. The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce supported industrial zoning for economic development, while local landowners expressed concerns about industrial development, preferring agricultural use and highlighting potential issues like pollution, trespass, and eminent domain.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Map Amendment for property at 6th Avenue and Kings Avenue (postponed to October 19th)
Deadlines
- November 10th: Upcoming vote
Watch For
- Public introduction of new Finance Director Melissa Reams at a future meeting.
Announcements
- Main Street water line construction is complete, ensuring Main Street will be open for the homecoming parade. The overall project is 64% complete.
- Stillwater was honored as one of the top 100 best places to live by livability.com, recognized for diverse industries, quality of life, healthcare, and OSU.
- Glass recycling curbside pickup reminder: set out by 6 AM.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation for Red Dirt Military Moms and Warrior Walk on Suicide
Recognition of the Red Dirt Military Moms and the Warrior Walk on Suicide held on September 19, 2015, to raise awareness for veterans' issues.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items on the consent agenda, excluding Item B.
Ratification of Finance Director Appointment
Ratification of the appointment of Melissa Reams as the new Finance Director.
Public Comment on Annexation and Zoning (CC-15-1-1)
Receive public comment regarding a request for annexation into the City of Stillwater corporate limits and application of zoning District IG to approximately 108.77 acres located on the southwest corner of Burris Road and Jardot Road. The IG zoning request was withdrawn, and the property will be zoned agriculture upon annexation.
Map Amendment for 6th Avenue and Kings Avenue
Receive public comment regarding a request for a map amendment to rezone property at 6th Avenue and Kings Avenue from RSS Residential Small Lot Single Family District to the O Office District.
Map Amendment for 799 East Mercury Avenue (CC-15-113)
Receive public comment regarding a request for a map amendment to rezone a portion of property addressed at 799 East Mercury Avenue from IG Industrial General to CS Commercial Shopping and NTZ Neighborhood Transition Zones.
Stillwater Area Sports Association (SASA) Annual Report
Presentation of the annual report by Carolyn Walstead, Executive Director of SASA, detailing participation numbers, facility improvements, and program highlights.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates from city staff and council members on various city matters, including Main Street construction, community events, and city recognition.