Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting on February 23rd, 2015, included proclamations for "One Book, One Community" and Emergency Management Week. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments and council discussion regarding the scheduling of a public hearing for a text amendment to the Land Development Code concerning oil, gas, and disposal wells, with concerns about pending state legislation. The Stillwater Utility Authority also approved an amendment to a Professional Services Agreement for water line extension design.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket
Items A through D on the consent docket were approved by a 5-0 vote.
Public Hearing Date for Land Development Code Text Amendment (Oil/Gas Wells)
After extensive discussion regarding pending state legislation and its potential impact, the council voted 3-2 to set the public hearing for April 6th.
Stillwater Utility Authority Professional Services Agreement Amendment
The Stillwater Utility Authority approved an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Garver Engineers for the design of a water line extension, with additional expenditures up to $160,000.
Upcoming Community Events
One Book, One Community: Stillwater Reads True Grit Kickoff
6:30 PM at the Stillwater Public Library. Free copies of the book available, with Rooster Cogburn present. Programs and exhibits planned throughout March and April.
Emergency Management Week
Recognized for promoting awareness and preparedness for natural and man-made emergencies. Activities include legislative day at the capital and a severe weather preparedness training on March 10th at the Community Center.
Employee Safety Fair
Severe Weather Preparedness and Awareness Training
Put on by the National Weather Service at the Community Center.
Financial Matters
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Garver Engineers
Additional expenditures for the design of a water line extension (Perkins Road Pump Station downstream line replacement). Total expenditures with previous work approximately $430,000.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke regarding the text amendment to the Land Development Code concerning oil, gas, and disposal wells. They urged the council to reschedule the hearing and vote as soon as possible, citing concerns about public safety, property damage, and the need for regulations, drawing parallels to experiences in Denton, Texas.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Scheduling a public hearing date for a request from Easy DD for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (pending receipt of Corporation Commission item).
Watch For
- Legislative action on House Bill 20178 and Senate Bill 809 regarding oil and gas regulation and potential compromise language.
- Hospital board appointments for the March 2nd agenda.
- Appointment of two City Representatives to the Hospital Trust nominating committee on March 2nd.
Announcements
- Councilor will be on KSPY 78 AM tomorrow (February 24th) at 8:15 AM.
- Councilor will be on Triple Play Wednesday morning (February 25th) at 7:00 AM.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge was recited, with an apology for the absence of the scheduled Stater school students.
Proclamation: One Book, One Community
Councilwoman Darlington presented a proclamation encouraging community participation in "Stillwater Reads True Grit" during March and April.
Proclamation: Emergency Management Week
Councilor Noble presented a proclamation recognizing February 22nd-28th, 2015, as Emergency Management Week, highlighting the importance of preparedness.
Consent Docket (Items A-D)
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment for items not scheduled for public hearing
Ariel Ross and Angel Bravo spoke, urging the council to expedite the public hearing and vote on the text amendment to the Land Development Code regarding oil, gas, and disposal wells.
Schedule a public hearing date for a request from Easy DD for a certificate of public convenience and necessity
Discussion on the incomplete application due to a missing item from the Corporation Commission.
Schedule a hearing date to receive public comment text amendment to Land Development code
Extensive discussion regarding the timing of the public hearing for the text amendment concerning oil, gas, and disposal wells, considering pending state legislation and its potential impact on local control.
Executive Session
Request for an executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the FOP and International Firefighters Association.
Stillwater Utility Authority Consent Docket (Items A-D)
Approval of routine administrative items for the Utility Authority.
Stillwater Utility Authority Professional Services Agreement Amendment with Garver Engineers
Authorization to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Garver Engineers for the design of a water line extension for the Perkins Road Pump Station.