Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved the Stillwater North Perkins project plan, establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to support commercial development. This decision followed a public hearing where citizens expressed concerns about fairness and the impact on local businesses. The council also approved an ordinance amending the city code regarding pedestrian soliciting.
Key Decisions & Votes
Stillwater North Perkins Project Plan and TIF District
01:00:00The City Council approved the Stillwater North Perkins project plan and the establishment of Increment Financing District Number One. This plan aims to support commercial development on an 11.5-acre tract at the northwest corner of North Perkins Road and Lake View Road, with public costs not exceeding $3.4 million or 25% of the total project cost, to be reimbursed through sales tax increments over 15 years.
Ordinance 3276: Closing Streets and Utility Easements
01:00:00An ordinance closing streets and unoccupied utility easements within a specified area, including portions of Ramsey Street, Hester Street, Noblock Street, 13th Avenue, 14th Avenue, 15th Avenue, and alleys/easements within Lind's, Duncan, and Sunnyside Additions, was approved.
Ordinance 3278: Amending Pedestrian Soliciting Regulations
01:00:00An ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Stillwater city code, Article 6, Section 29-17, regarding pedestrian soliciting rides or business, was approved. This amendment adds new sections providing for exceptions, permit requirements, and penalties for violations, with an emergency clause also approved.
Financial Matters
Stillwater North Perkins Project Plan Public Costs
The authorized public cost for the Stillwater North Perkins project plan is not to exceed the lesser of $3.4 million or 25% of the total project cost, to be reimbursed through sales tax increments.
Public Comments
Several citizens spoke during the public hearing for the Stillwater North Perkins project plan. Concerns were raised about government-sponsored competition, fairness to existing local businesses, the necessity of incentives for new businesses, and potential impacts on traffic and city services. Some speakers also highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and investing in existing areas like the downtown entertainment district.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Next City Council meeting on Thursday, September 4th (due to Labor Day holiday)
Announcements
- The City of Stillwater's Wellness initiative, started over a year ago, has seen significant employee participation and success, including 390 fitness facility members and numerous employees achieving millions of steps. The program has been featured in news and guides, and the city achieved Certified Healthy Business status. Mayor Bartley reached 5 million steps last week.
- The next regular City Council meeting will be on Thursday, September 4th, due to the Labor Day federal holiday. Vice Mayor Weaver will be absent from this meeting.
Agenda Summary
Approval of Minutes
Approval of minutes from a previous meeting.
Public Hearing: Proposed Stillwater North Perkins Project Plan and Establishment of Increment Financing District Number One
Public hearing for the proposed project plan and establishment of a TIF district to support commercial development.
Ordinance 3276: Closing Streets and Unoccupied Utility Easements
An ordinance closing streets and unoccupied utility easements within a specified area of Lind's, Duncan, and Sunnyside Additions.
Ordinance 3277: Approving and Adopting the Stillwater North Perkins Project Plan
An ordinance approving and adopting the Stillwater North Perkins project plan, designating a project area and increment district boundaries, establishing a date for creation of Increment District Number One, and authorizing the use of sales tax increment revenues for project costs.
Ordinance 3278: Amending Stillwater City Code Regarding Pedestrian Soliciting
An ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Stillwater city code, Article 6, Section 29-17, regarding pedestrian soliciting rides or business, adding new sections for exceptions, permit requirements, and penalties.
Declaring an Emergency for Ordinance 3278
Motion to declare an emergency for Ordinance 3278.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Reports from city officers and boards.
Upcoming Meetings
Discussion of upcoming meeting schedule.