Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its November 3rd, 2014 meeting, where they approved a budget amendment for a Library Technology Manager position and discussed a proposed tobacco-free ordinance for city properties. The council also approved a contract with Red Dirt DMO Inc. for marketing and promotion of visitors to the City of Stillwater, transitioning tourism operations from a city department to a private entity.
Key Decisions & Votes
Library Technology Manager Position Budget Amendment
00:30:00The council approved a supplemental budget appropriation of $46,490 for the remainder of the 2015 fiscal year to fund a full-time Library Technology Manager position, with $24,000 from state aid funds and the remaining $22,319 from the city.
Contract with Red Dirt DMO Inc. for Tourism Marketing
01:10:00The Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) approved a three-year contract with Red Dirt DMO Inc. to manage the city's tourism marketing and promotion, transitioning these operations from a city department to a private entity funded by 51% of the hotel tax and accumulated excess funds.
Financial Matters
Library Technology Manager Position
Supplemental budget appropriation for the remainder of the 2015 fiscal year to fund a full-time Library Technology Manager position.
Red Dirt DMO Inc. Contract Funding
The contract will be funded by 51% of the hotel tax collected and accumulated excess funds from previous years, totaling over $868,000.
Public Comments
Several citizens spoke regarding the proposed tobacco-free ordinance, advocating for a 'gold standard' policy that prohibits all tobacco use on all city-owned property, citing health benefits, financial savings, and the example of Oklahoma State University's successful tobacco-free campus. Concerns were raised about the limited scope of the proposed 50-foot restriction and its potential to simply displace tobacco litter.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public survey on community issues closes November 5th
Watch For
- Draft ordinance for tobacco-free zones (50 ft from public gatherings/facilities) to be presented at the next council meeting
- Review of the tobacco-free ordinance within one year of implementation
- Discussion with city unions regarding potential impact of broader tobacco-free policies on working conditions
Announcements
- Vice Mayor Weaver was absent from the meeting.
- Last home Pioneer football game this Friday night, encouraging community attendance.
- Election Day is tomorrow, urging citizens to vote in local and state races.
- A public survey on 19 community issues is available online and in the Stillwater News Press, closing November 5th.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Oscar Erick led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation for Extra Mile Day
Mayor John Bartley proclaimed November 1st, 2014, as Extra Mile Day, recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to the community. He also promoted the City Council Citizen Achievement/Acknowledgement Award.
Consent Docket (Items A, B, C)
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Three individuals (Susie Harrington, Julie Coff, Becky Taylor) spoke regarding the proposed tobacco-free ordinance.
Library Board Request for Supplemental Budget Appropriation
Request for funding a full-time Library Technology Manager position.
Discussion of Tobacco-Free Ordinance
Staff presented three options for a tobacco-free ordinance. The council directed staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting tobacco use within 50 feet of public gathering facilities (Option 3) with a one-year review clause.
Ordinance 3284: Amending Employee Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan
An ordinance to incorporate the definition of 'spouse' into the defined benefit plan for retirees.
Reports from Officers and Boards
City Manager Norman Galloway provided an update on a public survey regarding community issues.
Consider Contract with Red Dirt DMO Inc. for Marketing Promotion of Visitors to City of Stillwater
Approval of a three-year contract with Red Dirt DMO Inc. to manage the city's tourism marketing and promotion.