Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting included the proclamation of Stillwater as a Purple Heart City and Fair Housing Month. Key decisions involved approving a public conveyance certificate, rezoning a property for residential use, and initiating the renewal process for the half-cent transportation sales tax. The Economic Development Authority discussed downtown development, ultimately deciding to hire an urban planner and explore a letter of intent with Block 34 Group.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater as a Purple Heart City
The City of Stillwater was officially proclaimed a Purple Heart City, honoring military personnel wounded or killed in combat.
Fair Housing Month
April 2015 was declared Fair Housing Month in Stillwater, reaffirming the city's commitment to equal housing opportunities.
Public Conveyance Certificate Application
An application for a certificate of public necessity for public conveyance was approved, with all required documents and certifications met.
Map Amendment for Gary and Mickey Rogers
A request to rezone property at 700 and 800 East Northgate Drive from Commercial Shopping (CS) to Residential Small Lot (RSS) was approved, extending the Tower Park subdivision.
Renewal of Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax
The Council approved staff's recommendation to begin the process for a public referendum on the renewal of the half-cent transportation sales tax for another 10 years.
Ordinance 3296 (Trespassing)
An ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the city code, repealing the old trespassing section and creating new, updated provisions for trespassing and penalties, was approved on first reading.
Ordinance 3297 (Vehicle Impoundment)
An ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the city code to allow the city to impound vehicles parked in posted no-parking areas, particularly for events or emergencies, was approved on first reading.
Ordinance 3298 (Vehicles for Hire)
An ordinance amending Chapter 43 of the city code, eliminating the city's certificate of necessity requirement for taxi operations and instead requiring registration with the city after state licensing, was approved on first reading.
Ordinance 3295 (911 Emergency Number Fee)
An ordinance revising the 911 emergency number ordinance, maintaining the current 5% user fee, was approved on second reading with an emergency clause.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Emergency Contract
An emergency contract was awarded to Crossland Heavy Construction for $171,000 to repair a deteriorated 42-inch sewer line at the wastewater treatment plant, including the purchase of bypass pumping equipment.
Downtown Landscaping Project
A bid of $54,600 was awarded to Cross Timbers Landscape LLC for design, installation, and one-year maintenance of landscaping in high-visibility downtown areas, funded by the convention and tourism fund.
Downtown Development Urban Planner
The Stillwater Economic Development Authority (CEDA) moved to contractually hire an urban planner through an RFQ process to assist with downtown development planning.
Downtown Development Letter of Intent with Block 34 Group
A motion was approved for a subcommittee (Councilor Darlington, Councilor Niara, and the City Attorney) to discuss and negotiate a letter of intent with Block 34 Group regarding their involvement in the downtown development project, to be brought back to CEDA for acceptance.
Upcoming Community Events
Trash Off
Community-wide cleanup event with many participants picking up trash.
Boomer Creek Cleanup
Meet at the Senior Center on 12th Street at 9:30 AM to clean up Boomer Creek, particularly through Couch Park.
Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup
Take household hazardous waste to the convenience collection center. Details available on stillwater.org.
Budget Work Session
5:30 PM in the council room.
Reception for Outgoing and Incoming Mayor
Details to be announced in the paper and other sources.
Election Day
Citizens urged to vote at their local polling place with picture ID and voter card.
Financial Matters
Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Revenue
Generated since inception in 2001 as of December 2014.
General Fund Contribution to Transportation
Over the last six years, with over $8 million in the last two years, primarily for pavement management.
Transportation Development Fee Revenue
Generated over the last six years from development projects.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Emergency Repair
Cost for emergency repair of a deteriorated sewer line, including bypass pumping equipment, funded from the SUA Wastewater Capital fund.
Downtown Landscaping Project
Awarded to Cross Timbers Landscape LLC for design, installation, and one-year maintenance, funded from the convention and tourism fund.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Half-cent sales tax program expires August 30, 2016.
- Last realistic date for referendum on sales tax renewal is March 2016.
Watch For
- Western Road at Hall of Fame project to be under construction by December 2015.
- Budget work session for the city council.
- Reception for outgoing and incoming mayor.
- Further discussions and planning for downtown development, including an urban planner and potential partnership with Block 34 Group.
Announcements
- Weekly Radio schedule: Mayor Bartley on KSPI 780 tomorrow at 8:15 AM, and on Triple Play 105.1 on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
- Thanks to Environmental Programs Services for organizing the Trash Off event.
- Mayor Bartley's last full meeting on the city council, expressing gratitude to citizens, fellow councilors, and city staff.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Gary Lewis and Ron Dubuis.
Proclamation: Stillwater as a Purple Heart City
Official declaration recognizing Stillwater as a Purple Heart City.
Proclamation: Fair Housing Month
Declaration of April 2015 as Fair Housing Month.
Consent Docket (City Council)
Approval of various routine items, excluding item C.
Public Hearing: Application for Certificate of Public Necessity
Public comment period and staff recommendation for a public conveyance certificate.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment by Gary and Mickey Rogers
Request to rezone property at 700 and 800 East Northgate Drive from CS to RSS.
General Orders: Update on Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax
Presentation on the sales tax program's history, revenue, expenditures, and a 15-year draft transportation plan, seeking direction for renewal.
Ordinance 3296 on First Reading
Amending Chapter 16 of the city code regarding trespassing.
Ordinance 3297 on First Reading
Amending Chapter 29 of the city code regarding vehicle impoundment.
Ordinance 3298 on First Reading
Amending Chapter 43 of the city code regarding vehicles for hire.
Ordinance 3295 on Second Reading
Revising the 911 emergency number ordinance and maintaining the 5% user fee, with an emergency clause.
Miscellaneous Items (City Council)
Announcements and discussion of upcoming events.
Appointments: Stillwater Public Housing Authority
Reappointment of Sue Bonner to the Housing Authority.
Executive Session (City Council)
Confidential communication regarding a pending workers' compensation claim.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utility Authority)
Approval of routine items for SUA.
General Orders: Declaration of Immediate Emergency Contract Award (SUA)
Emergency contract for repair of a deteriorated sewer line at the wastewater treatment plant.
Executive Session (Stillwater Utility Authority)
Confidential communication regarding purchase or appraisal of real property.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Economic Development Authority)
Approval of minutes.
General Orders: Downtown Landscaping Project (SEDA)
Awarding a bid for landscaping enhancements in high-visibility downtown areas.
General Orders: Discussion of Working Timetable Plan (SEDA)
Discussion on the process and timeline for downtown development, including hiring an urban planner and exploring a letter of intent with Block 34 Group.