Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its March 2nd, 2015 meeting, where a significant discussion revolved around a proposed voluntary rental inspection program. The council also reviewed quarterly financial reports and made several appointments to various boards and committees. A key outcome was the decision to expand discussions on the rental inspection program to include more community and student stakeholders.
Key Decisions & Votes
Voluntary Rental Inspection Program
00:21:00The council directed staff to expand discussions on the proposed voluntary rental inspection program to include representatives from the Stillwater Apartment and Housing Association, the Off-Campus Student Association, and potentially SGA, before making any final decisions. The program aims to provide a 'Carfax-like' certification for rental properties to assure safety standards.
Appointment to Building Trades Board
00:41:00Kenneth Baker was nominated and approved to fill a vacant home builder position on the Building Trades Board.
Appointments to Rural Water Corp 3 Advisory Board
00:41:50Jim George and Adam Venter were nominated and approved to serve on the Rural Water Corp 3 Advisory Board.
Stillwater Medical Center Nominating Committee
00:42:30Councilor Gina Noble and the Mayor were nominated and approved to serve on the nominating committee for the Stillwater Medical Center 30-board trust.
CDBG Advisory Committee
00:37:00The council discussed creating a five-member ad hoc advisory committee for the CDBG money to gather more public input. The Mayor will work with staff to bring a formal proposal for approval at the next meeting, with council members suggesting nominees.
Financial Matters
Second Quarter Financial Report
General fund revenues are exceeding quarterly targets, and expenditures are lagging, indicating a positive start to the fiscal year. Sales tax revenues are at about 50% of the budget, with expectations for an increase in the coming months. Hotel/motel tax (lodging tax) is down by 5.19%, attributed to decreased oil and gas industry activity.
Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Financial Report
SUA revenues are strong, with electric and water revenues at 64.0% and 61.75% of the annual budget, respectively. Customer service fees are 7.5% above the quarterly target. Miscellaneous revenues, including eBay sales and purchasing card rebates, are up 247%.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Financial Report
SEDA activity in the second quarter included car shows, Bike Night events, food trucks, and holiday events. An allocation from parking fines in the bid district was also received. The CVB activity for the hotel/motel tax fund ended on December 31st, with Red Dirt DMO taking over services from January 1st.
Public Comments
Norma Shamblin, representing the Stillwater Apartment and Housing Association, expressed disappointment at not being consulted earlier about the voluntary rental inspection program. She argued that existing voluntary inspection processes and market forces already ensure safe housing and that a new program is unnecessary. She requested to be part of future discussions.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Formal proposal for CDBG advisory committee
- Further discussions on the voluntary rental inspection program with expanded stakeholder involvement
- Complete Streets and Form-Based Codes on future agendas
Announcements
- Proclamation for TBI Raiders Week: March 8th-14th, 2015, to raise awareness for traumatic brain injury.
- Mayor to be on KSPY radio tomorrow morning.
- Mayor to be on Morning Edition TV with Rob Hill (Emergency Management) on Wednesday to discuss severe storm season.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Hayden Hebert, a fifth-grader from Skyline Elementary.
Proclamation for TBI Raiders Week
Councilor Nara presented a proclamation declaring March 8th-14th, 2015, as TBI Raiders Week to raise awareness for traumatic brain injury.
Consent Docket
Approval of minutes from previous meetings.
Public Comment for items not scheduled for public hearing
Norma Shamblin spoke regarding the proposed voluntary rental inspection program.
Voluntary Rental Inspection Program Discussion
Staff presented a draft proposal for a voluntary rental inspection program. Council directed staff to engage more stakeholders for further discussion.
Quarterly Financial Reports
Chief Financial Officer Marcy Lamb presented the second-quarter financial reports for the general fund, SUA, and SEDA.
Request for Executive Session (City Attorney)
Request for executive session regarding employment, appointment, disciplining, or resignation of municipal judge and city manager.
Discussion on CDBG Advisory Committee
Discussion about creating an ad hoc advisory committee for CDBG funds to increase public input.
Appointments to Boards and Committees
Appointments were made to the Building Trades Board, Rural Water Corp 3 Advisory Board, and the Stillwater Medical Center Nominating Committee.
Stillwater Utility Authority (SUA) Consent Docket
Approval of consent docket items for the SUA, including several items for the power generation station.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Consent Docket
Approval of minutes for the regular meeting of February 2nd.
Request for Executive Session (SEDA)
Request for executive session for conferring on matters pertaining to economic development, including property transfer, financing, or proposals to attract businesses.