Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council convened on September 15, 2014. Key decisions included the approval of a rezoning request for 65 acres at 1615 West 12th Avenue for office use, excluding the floodway portion. The Council also approved a proposal from the Stillwater Tennis Association to construct new tennis courts at Hamilton Field in Couch Park, utilizing existing budgeted funds.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning Request for 1615 West 12th Avenue
00:08:00A request to rezone approximately 65 acres at 1615 West 12th Avenue from agriculture (AG) and RSS to office (OF) was approved. The approval specifically excluded the portion of the property located within the designated floodway, which will remain zoned as agriculture.
Stillwater Tennis Association Proposal for Couch Park
00:46:00A proposal from the Stillwater Tennis Association to construct 5-6 new lighted tennis courts on Hamilton Field at Couch Park, using the current fiscal year's budgeted funds, was approved. This plan aims to address long-term needs and includes potential future expansion and renovation of the Hamilton Fieldhouse.
Professional Consulting Service Contracts for Economic Development
01:31:00The Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) approved a contract with Retail Strategies for professional consulting services. This contract, costing $50,000 for the current year and $25,000 for the subsequent two years, aims to provide updated market data, identify retail and restaurant opportunities, and assist with developer recruitment.
Upcoming Community Events
Adult Day Services Week
Proclaimed in honor of Adult Day Centers, particularly the Life Care Center in Stillwater, for providing care and services to adults.
Drive for Pledges Day
Proclaimed as an anti-text and drive initiative.
Notorious Payne County Exhibit Opening
Reception from 5 to 7 PM at the Sheerar Museum.
Financial Matters
Stillwater Tennis Association Project Funding
Council budgeted $400,000 for the current fiscal year to rebuild tennis courts at Couch Park, which will now be redirected to the new construction at Hamilton Field.
Retail Strategies Consulting Contract
Approval of funds from SEDA reserves for a professional consulting service contract to enhance economic development efforts, particularly in consumer business development.
Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority (WAPATA) Financial Status
Reported a significant improvement in financial health, with a balance of approximately $330,000, up from $100,000. This improvement is partly due to Noble County's ad valorem and sales tax contributions and Central Rural Electric Co-op's inclusion of the subscription program.
Economic Development Program Budget (2014)
Overview of the 2014 budget and actual expenditures for the four main economic development initiatives: Destination Marketing, Primary Job Recruitment, Business Improvement District, and Consumer Business Development.
Economic Development Program Budget (2015)
Budgeted amount for 2015 operations across the four main economic development initiatives.
Public Comments
Two individuals, Roger Ghost and Don Greiner, spoke on behalf of the applicant during the public hearing for the rezoning request. No other public comments were recorded.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Formal letter of intent for public-private partnership for tennis court facility operations
- Development of a city Economic Development policy and plan
- Formation of an ad hoc committee for Economic Development policy review
- Land Development Code Committee meeting to discuss flood zone mapping and regional drainage
Announcements
- Adult Day Services Week proclaimed for September 14-20, 2014.
- Anti-text and drive 'Drive for Pledges Day' proclaimed for September 19, 2014.
- Sheerar Museum opening new 'Notorious Payne County' exhibit with a reception on Thursday, September 18th, from 5 to 7 PM.
- Positive feedback received on traffic routing efforts for OSU football games.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Adult Day Services Week
Proclamation recognizing September 14-20, 2014, as Adult Day Services Week.
Proclamation: Anti-Text and Drive
Proclamation for 'Drive for Pledges Day' on September 19, 2014, to discourage texting while driving.
Consent Docket Items A-D
Routine administrative items grouped for a single vote.
Public Hearing: Text or Map Amendment Rezoning 65 Acres at 1615 West 12th Avenue
Request to rezone property from agriculture (AG) and RSS to office (OF), with consideration of flood hazard areas.
Report from the Western Payne County Ambulance Trust Authority (WAPATA)
Presentation on the operations and financial status of the ambulance service.
Proposal from Stillwater Tennis Association
Presentation and discussion of a plan to construct new tennis courts at Hamilton Field in Couch Park and renovate the Fieldhouse.
Report from Officers and Boards
Updates from city officials and board members.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Consent Docket Items A-B
Routine administrative items for SEDA.
General Orders: Report on Economic Development Policy and Program
City Manager's report on the city's economic development policy, programs, and future direction.
General Orders: Professional Consulting Service Contracts - City of Stillwater and Retail Strategies
Discussion and approval of a contract with Retail Strategies for consumer business development consulting services.