Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a meeting on July 20, 2015, addressing various city matters. Key discussions included public comments on oil and gas ordinances, approval of several map amendments for rezoning properties, and consideration of the Perkins Road design concept. The council also discussed the renewal of the half-cent transportation sales tax and the financing plan for the form-based code.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket Item D (Carry Forwards)
00:20:00The council approved the carry forwards, which are reappropriations of unspent funds from the previous fiscal year for ongoing projects. This process ensures that projects initiated in one fiscal year can continue into the next without new appropriations.
Map Amendment for 401 & 403 N Duncan St and 202 W Hall of Fame Ave
00:37:00The council approved the rezoning of properties at 401 and 403 North Duncan Street and 202 West Hall of Fame Avenue from RT2 (two-family residential) to CS (commercial shopping). This decision was made despite public concerns about noise, lighting, and property value impacts on adjacent residential areas.
Map Amendment for 721, 805, and 809 E Virginia Ave
00:43:00The council approved the rezoning of properties at 721, 805, and 809 East Virginia Avenue from RSS (residential small lot single-family) to CS (commercial shopping). This area is adjacent to existing commercial zones and is a collector street with high traffic counts.
Text Amendment to Land Development Code (Gravel Surfacing & Sidewalks)
00:58:00The council approved a text amendment to the Land Development Code, Chapter 23, allowing gravel surfacing for storage areas in industrial and commercial zones (with screening) and changing the timing for sidewalk construction from before building permits to before certificates of occupancy.
Hazard Mitigation Plan and Babcock Basin Phase 2
01:09:00The council approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorized staff to pursue Phase 2 funding for the Babcock Basin project. This approval, with a minor modification to update council member names, allows the city to access federal and state grants for hazard mitigation, including a significant flood mitigation project.
Perkins Road Design Concept
01:31:00The council approved the design concept for the Perkins Road improvements project. This project, a joint effort with ODOT, aims to improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor by widening approaches, adding turn lanes, installing a raised median, and incorporating multi-use paths.
Ordinance 3310 (Oil and Gas Regulations)
02:05:00The council adopted Ordinance 3310, which amends Chapter 23 of the Land Development Code regarding oil and gas and disposal regulations. The ordinance includes minor amendments for clarification, particularly concerning protected use definitions, setback measurements, and the use of 'minimize' instead of 'prevent' for certain environmental controls.
Resolution 6-15-13 (Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption)
02:06:00The council approved Resolution 6-15-13, formally adopting the City of Stillwater and Stillwater Public Schools 2015 Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, with modifications to update council member names.
Resolution 6-15-14 (Payne County Setback Requirements)
02:08:00The council approved Resolution 6-15-14, requesting that the Board of County Commissioners of Payne County consider and adopt oil and gas drilling setback requirements similar to those of the city, especially for residential subdivisions in unincorporated areas.
Financial Matters
Carry Forwards (Reappropriations)
Approval of reappropriating unspent funds from the previous fiscal year for ongoing projects, ensuring continuity without new budget allocations.
Babcock Basin Phase 2 Funding
The city's portion for this flood mitigation project is estimated at $250,000, with a 75% federal grant covering the remaining $750,000.
Perkins Road Improvements
The design phase is funded through the half-cent Transportation sales tax. ODOT is responsible for 100% of the construction cost.
Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Renewal
Discussion regarding the renewal of the half-cent sales tax for transportation projects, with consideration for the rate and term. The current tax expires in Fall 2016.
Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Budget
The Chamber of Commerce presented its annual report and requested an increase in its economic development budget, citing underfunding compared to peer communities. The city manager also recommended funding a labor market analysis study.
Labor Market Analysis Study
A proposed study by Avalanche Consulting to provide updated labor market data, commuting patterns, and industry analysis to inform economic development strategies.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (CEDA) Funding
Discussion on the funding sources for CEDA, including the use tax, hotel tax, and transfers from the general fund, emphasizing the goal of generating a return on investment for economic development activities.
Urban Planner Proposals for Downtown Redevelopment
Evaluation of proposals for an urban planner for the downtown redevelopment project, with costs to be potentially sourced from CEDA's reserves.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed oil and gas ordinance and a map amendment for rezoning. Speakers on the oil and gas ordinance expressed concerns about noise levels, setbacks, dust abatement, and the overall impact on residential areas, while industry representatives advocated for a more flexible ordinance and a technical conference. A resident also voiced concerns about the impact of rezoning on their property, including lighting, noise, and storm runoff.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- August 24th: Deadline to pass resolution for November election for half-cent sales tax renewal (if pursuing November election)
Watch For
- Further discussion and potential survey results on the half-cent transportation sales tax renewal
- Recommendations from staff on financing options for the form-based code public realm improvements
- Update on the evaluation of urban planner proposals for downtown redevelopment (August 3rd meeting)
- Contract presentation for Chamber of Commerce economic development services
Announcements
- New navigation for the upcoming mini roundabout at 10th and Main, with a video guide available at stillwater.org.
- Stillwater Transportation Department is rehabilitating the Main Street bridge over Stillwater Creek; work to last until November.
- Groundbreaking for the new Stillwater Energy Center at Jardot and Airport Road; ceremony video available at stillwater.org.
- Residential curbside glass recycling pilot program ending, but collection continues during the third full week of August and September. Online survey available at stillwater.org.
- HOA and neighborhood organizations encouraged to update contact information with the city at stillwater.org for improved communication on local projects.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to speak on agenda items, primarily concerning the oil and gas ordinance.
Item D (Removed from Consent Docket) - Carry Forwards
Explanation and approval of reappropriating unspent funds from the previous fiscal year for ongoing projects.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment to rezone 401 & 403 N Duncan St and 202 W Hall of Fame Ave
Request to rezone property from RT2 (two-family residential) to CS (commercial shopping).
Public Hearing: Map Amendment to rezone 2112 N Husban
Request to rezone property from RSS (small lot single-family residential) to RT (two-family residential).
Public Hearing: Map Amendment to rezone 721, 805, and 809 E Virginia Ave
Request to rezone property from RSS (residential small lot single-family) to CS (commercial shopping).
Public Hearing: Text Amendment to Land Development Code Chapter 23 (Gravel Surfacing & Sidewalks)
Request to amend sections 23-211 and 23-356 regarding gravel surfacing in industrial/commercial areas and sidewalk construction timing.
General Order A: Overview of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Babcock Basin Phase 2
Presentation and request for approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and pursuit of funding for Babcock Basin Phase 2.
General Order B: Consider the Perkins Road Design Concept
Presentation and request for approval of the design concept for improvements to Perkins Road.
General Order C: Consider ordinance to set an election for renewal of the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax
Discussion on the renewal of the half-cent sales tax for transportation, including potential election timing and public input.
General Order D: Form Based Code Financing Plan Phase 3
Discussion on financing options for public realm improvements within the form-based code area.
Ordinance 3311 (First Reading)
Ordinance rezoning land at 510 East Virginia Avenue from RSS to CG (commercial general).
Ordinance 3312 (First Reading)
Ordinance rezoning land at 814 East 5th Avenue from RSS to RT (two-family residential).
Ordinance 3313 (First Reading)
Ordinance amending Chapter 23 Land Development Code, Article 6, Division 5 (Industrial Districts).
Ordinance 3314 (First Reading)
Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan for the City of Stillwater Oklahoma.
Ordinance 3315 (First Reading)
Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan for the position of city manager.
Ordinance 3310 (Second Reading)
Ordinance amending Stillwater City Code, Chapter 23, Article 21 (Oil and Gas and Disposal Regulations).
Resolution 6-15-13
Resolution adopting the City of Stillwater and Stillwater Public Schools 2015 Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Resolution 6-15-14
Resolution requesting Payne County Commissioners to adopt oil and gas drilling setback requirements.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Miscellaneous items from the city attorney, city manager, and council members.
Appointments
Appointments to the Sister City Council and Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority.
Executive Session
Confidential communication regarding employment matters.