Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on May 4, 2015, saw the appointment of Elaine Zenati to fill a vacant council seat after interviewing seven candidates. The council also discussed and received an update on the 2015-16 fiscal operating budget, with a commitment to increase funding for street maintenance. Additionally, a complete streets policy was tabled for further discussion in a study session.
Key Decisions & Votes
Appointment to vacant Council Seat Number Two
01:19:00Elaine Zenati was nominated and approved by a 4-0 vote to fill the vacant Council Seat Number Two. She was immediately sworn in.
Resolution regarding commitment of leverage for CDBG 2015 State Small Cities Program
01:34:00Resolution Number 2015-9, committing leverage for the Community Development Block Grant 2015 State Small Cities Program, was approved with a 4-0 vote, with one abstention.
Professional Services Agreement for East Basin Interceptor Replacement
01:42:00The professional services agreement for the East Basin Interceptor Replacement (SUA-15-31) was approved, authorizing an expenditure of up to $266,700 for the project.
Upcoming Community Events
National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month
Proclaimed for May 2015, with Bike to Work Week from May 11th-15th. Events include a free lunch for helmet-wearing cyclists and a 'Ride of Silence' on May 20th.
Community Action Month
Proclaimed in recognition of the Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency's work.
Transportation Project Public Meeting (Western and Hall of Fame)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Public Library.
Transportation Project Public Meeting (Perkins Road)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Public Library, discussing widening north of McElroy to Lake View.
Councilor Office Hours (Councilor Nahara)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM at Brahms on 6th Street.
Councilor Office Hours (Councilor Weaver)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Bagel Shop.
Financial Matters
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2015
The city's allocation increased from $95,000 to over $188,000, leading to the recommendation to add Phase Two of the Lee and Hall drainage channel project to the 2015 list.
2015-16 Fiscal Operating Budget
The city manager provided an update, noting flat revenue projections. Efforts were made to increase street maintenance funding from an initial $2.33 million to an anticipated $3.5 million by adjusting staffing and material costs. Further adjustments may be possible after the final ending balance is known around October 1st.
East Basin Interceptor Replacement Project
Authorization for expenditure for professional services for the East Basin Interceptor Replacement project, which involves installing 2,600 linear feet of new 24-inch sewer line and related infrastructure.
Public Comments
Two individuals spoke during public comment. One resident requested CDBG funds for a sidewalk project in a low-income area, citing safety concerns. The other public hearing for the form-based codes had no speakers.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Complete Streets Policy to Guide Transportation Project Development (CC-14-45)
Deadlines
- Next revised budget draft for 2015-16 fiscal operating budget on May 18th
- June 1st agenda for consideration and approval of the budget
Watch For
- Discussion on the Complete Streets Policy in a future study session
- Oil and gas ordinance review on May 18th agenda
- Two council seats open for election in February
Announcements
- Mr. Blankenship awarded the Marvin Hicks Al Middleton Meritorious Service Award at the MISO conference.
- Waste Management's Chris Beaver won the National Waste and Recycling Association Driver of the Year award for the small municipality category.
- Megan Kasac, who works for the Stillwater Department of Marketing and Public Relations, was named the 2015 OSU Student Employee of the Year.
- Free drop-off of furniture, appliances, computers, and electronics for OSU students with ID at the convenience collection center (8th and Perkins).
- Installation of tobacco-free signs in ballparks, playgrounds, and other parks.
- Main Street waterline project to begin May 11th, expecting completion in November. Main Street will remain open to through traffic, but side streets and parts of Main will be closed.
- OSU graduation is this weekend.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Ella Driscoll.
Proclamation: National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week
Proclaiming May 2015 as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month, and May 11th-15th as Bike to Work Week.
Proclamation: Community Action Month
Proclaiming May 2015 as Community Action Month in recognition of the Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
No requests to speak.
Receive public comment regarding additional project selections for the Community Development Block Grant 2015 (CC-15-44)
Discussion on increasing CDBG funds and potential projects, including a resident's request for sidewalk improvements.
Form-Based Codes (General Orders Item B)
Discussion on the regulating plan for the corridor redevelopment area, including transects and height limitations. No public comment received.
Appointment of person to fill the vacant Council Seat Number Two
Seven applicants were interviewed, and Elaine Zenati was appointed.
2015-16 Fiscal Operating Budget Update from City Manager Dan Galloway
Update on budget projections, street maintenance funding, and capital priorities.
Complete Streets Policy to Guide Transportation Project Development (CC-14-45)
Discussion on the policy, with a motion to table for further review in a study session.
Resolution Number 2015-9: A resolution regarding commitment of leverage for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce community development block grant CDBG15 2015 state small cities program
Approval of the resolution.
Ordinance Number 3301 (First Reading): Rezoning 702 East 14th Street from RSS to IIL
Rezoning a tract of land from small lot single family residential to light industrial.
Ordinance Number 3302 (First Reading): Rezoning 1299 North Jardo Road from RSL to RSS
Rezoning a tract of land from large lot single family residential to small lot single family residential.
Ordinance Number 3303 (First Reading): Rezoning 1411 North High Tower Street, 1324 North Henderson Street, and 1312 North Henderson Street from Agriculture District and RSL to RSS
Rezoning tracts of land from agriculture and large lot single family residential to small lot single family residential.
Ordinance Number 3304 (First Reading): Rezoning multiple properties on South Ramsey Street and South Hester Street and West 4th Avenue from RMI and CG to HR
Rezoning multiple properties from multifamily residential intermediate and commercial general to high-rise district.
Ordinance Number 3299 (Second Reading): Rezoning 700-800 East Northgate Drive from CS to RSS
Rezoning a tract of land from commercial shopping district to small lot single family residential district.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Update on the proposed oil and gas ordinance draft available online for public comment, and upcoming public meetings for transportation projects.
Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Consent Docket
Approval of routine SUA items.
SUA Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
No requests to speak.
Professional Services Agreement for the East Basin Interceptor Replacement (SUA-15-31)
Approval of the agreement for engineering services for the sewer line replacement project.
SUA Reports from Officers and Boards
No further reports.