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City Council Meeting

July 22, 2015 City Council Meeting

July 22, 2015 Stillwater, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

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)

00:20:00

The 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.

Approved

Map Amendment for 401 & 403 N Duncan St and 202 W Hall of Fame Ave

00:37:00

The 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.

Approved

Map Amendment for 721, 805, and 809 E Virginia Ave

00:43:00

The 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.

Approved

Text Amendment to Land Development Code (Gravel Surfacing & Sidewalks)

00:58:00

The 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.

Approved

Hazard Mitigation Plan and Babcock Basin Phase 2

01:09:00

The 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.

Approved

Perkins Road Design Concept

01:31:00

The 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.

Approved

Ordinance 3310 (Oil and Gas Regulations)

02:05:00

The 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.

Adopted

Resolution 6-15-13 (Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption)

02:06:00

The 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.

Approved

Resolution 6-15-14 (Payne County Setback Requirements)

02:08:00

The 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.

Approved

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.

$1,000,000 (estimated project cost)

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.

$200,000 (current), $250,000 (requested), $274,000 (requested with 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.

$24,000

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.

$75,000 - $200,000 (estimated cost range)

Public Comments

7 citizens spoke

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.

Oil and Gas Ordinance (noise, setbacks, dust, enforcement, residential impact) Property Rezoning (lighting, noise, property values, storm runoff, alley access) Economic Development (funding, strategy, community vision)

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.

Approved (minus Item D)

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.

Information Only

Item D (Removed from Consent Docket) - Carry Forwards

Explanation and approval of reappropriating unspent funds from the previous fiscal year for ongoing projects.

Approved

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).

Approved

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).

Dismissed

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).

Approved

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.

Approved

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.

Approved

General Order B: Consider the Perkins Road Design Concept

Presentation and request for approval of the design concept for improvements to Perkins Road.

Approved

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.

No Action (discussion only, survey to be conducted)

General Order D: Form Based Code Financing Plan Phase 3

Discussion on financing options for public realm improvements within the form-based code area.

No Action (staff to return with recommendations)

Ordinance 3311 (First Reading)

Ordinance rezoning land at 510 East Virginia Avenue from RSS to CG (commercial general).

Advanced to Second Reading

Ordinance 3312 (First Reading)

Ordinance rezoning land at 814 East 5th Avenue from RSS to RT (two-family residential).

Advanced to Second Reading

Ordinance 3313 (First Reading)

Ordinance amending Chapter 23 Land Development Code, Article 6, Division 5 (Industrial Districts).

Advanced to Second Reading

Ordinance 3314 (First Reading)

Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan for the City of Stillwater Oklahoma.

Advanced to Second Reading

Ordinance 3315 (First Reading)

Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan for the position of city manager.

Advanced to Second Reading

Ordinance 3310 (Second Reading)

Ordinance amending Stillwater City Code, Chapter 23, Article 21 (Oil and Gas and Disposal Regulations).

Adopted with Amendments

Resolution 6-15-13

Resolution adopting the City of Stillwater and Stillwater Public Schools 2015 Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Approved with Modifications

Resolution 6-15-14

Resolution requesting Payne County Commissioners to adopt oil and gas drilling setback requirements.

Approved

Reports from Officers and Boards

Miscellaneous items from the city attorney, city manager, and council members.

Information Only

Appointments

Appointments to the Sister City Council and Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority.

Approved

Executive Session

Confidential communication regarding employment matters.

Approved