Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on May 19, 2014, included a proclamation for Stillwater Museum's Week and the approval of the consent docket. Key decisions involved the approval of a utility easement closure and a rezone request for property at 1723 West Lake View Road from RTM to RMI, despite public concerns about infrastructure and traffic. Another rezone request for properties on West Elm and South Husband from RTM and RMI to HR was also approved, with developers addressing concerns about construction impact and adherence to the Corridor Redevelopment Plan.
Key Decisions & Votes
Utility Easement Closure at 3100 North Madison Court
09:50:00A request to close a portion of a utility easement at 3100 North Madison Court was approved. The house encroaches on the easement, but no active utilities are located there, and an unused sewer line will be abandoned.
Rezone Property at 1723 West Lake View Road
11:00:00A request to rezone property at 1723 West Lake View Road from RTM (Residential Multi-Family) to RMI (Residential Multi-Family Intermediate) was approved. This allows for a higher density of 30 units per acre and a maximum structure height of 50 feet, with the Planning Commission recommending approval.
Rezone Properties at 220-312 West Elm and 140 South Husband
29:00:00A request to rezone multiple parcels at 220-312 West Elm and 140 South Husband from RTM and RMI to HR (High Rise) was approved. This aligns with the Corridor Redevelopment Plan for the Elm Street property and extends high-rise zoning to the full block owned by the applicant on Husband Street, allowing 150 units per acre and 100 ft height.
Water 2040 Implementation Plan
59:00:00The Water 2040 implementation plan, utilizing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for financing, was approved. This plan is projected to save approximately $8 million compared to private financing, despite extending the completion date by about a year.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Museum's Week
Proclaimed by Mayor John Bartley, recognizing the contributions of Stillwater's museums to the community, state, and nation.
Downtown Friday Night
Mentioned as a successful event with many attendees, food trucks, and music.
Financial Matters
Water 2040 Project Costs (DWSRF)
Project costs under the DWSRF are higher due to additional requirements like Davis-Bacon Wages and environmental reviews, but overall interest is lower.
Water 2040 Issuance Costs (DWSRF)
Issuance costs for DWSRF are approximately 50% less than private financing.
Water 2040 Reserve Fund (Private Financing)
A Debt Service Reserve equivalent to one full year of debt payment is required upfront for private financing.
Water 2040 Total Financing (DWSRF)
The DWSRF option is approximately $8 million less in total interest over a 30-year period compared to private financing due to subsidized rates.
Projected Annual Revenue for FY15 (Water Capital Fund)
This is the projected annual revenue for the water capital fund, providing context for debt payments.
Annual Debt Payment for ERA Projects
Current annual debt payment for existing projects.
Annual Debt Payment for Water 2040 (DWSRF)
Additional annual debt payment for the Water 2040 project under the DWSRF.
Total Annual Debt Payments
Total annual debt payments after Water 2040 project completion, representing about 60% of the water capital fund's annual revenue.
Proposed 2014-2015 City Operating Budget
Public comment raised concerns about the size of the budget and excessive utility rates, which are three times higher than six years prior.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns from residents regarding the rezone request for 1723 West Lake View Road, citing inadequate notice, potential impacts on water/sewer infrastructure, and increased traffic. Another resident expressed frustration with ongoing construction issues (dust, road blockages) related to the high-rise development on West Elm and South Husband. A citizen also voiced strong opposition to the proposed 2014-2015 city operating budget, alleging excessive utility rates and 'backdoor taxation'.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Individual approvals for Water 2040 project packages (A, B, C) including right-of-way acquisition, financing, and bid awards.
- Future presentations of commercial projects and residential housing start maps to the council every January.
Announcements
- Grace Welch, a ninth-grade student, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Amy Bryant from the Sheerar Museum presented a proclamation for Stillwater Museum's Week.
- City Manager Dan Galloway was not present; SUA Director Dan Blankinship filled in.
- Councilor Nara will be on radio KSPI 780 AM on May 20th at 8:15 AM.
- Mayor Bartley will be on Triple Play on May 21st.
- Congratulations to the Stillwater Pioneers, 6A State baseball champions.
- Judy Nelson and Gary Stanton were reappointed to the Library Board.
Agenda Summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Grace Welch.
Proclamation for Stillwater Museum's Week
A proclamation was read by Amy Bryant, declaring May 18-24, 2014, as Stillwater Museum's Week.
Consent Docket (Items A-I)
Approval of various routine items on the consent docket.
Public Hearing: Request for Closing a Portion of Utility Easement at 3100 North Madison Court
Consideration of a request to close a utility easement where a house encroaches, with no active utilities present.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment to Rezone Property at 1723 West Lake View Road from RTM to RMI
Consideration of rezoning a property to allow for higher density multi-family residential development.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment to Rezone Properties at 220-312 West Elm and 140 South Husband from RTM and RMI to HR
Consideration of rezoning multiple parcels for high-rise development, aligning with the Corridor Redevelopment Plan.
Public Hearing: Proposed 2014-2015 City of Stillwater Operating Budget
Public comment received regarding the city's proposed operating budget.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Requests for executive sessions were made.
Items from City Council
Councilors shared announcements and observations.
Upcoming Meetings
Discussion of future meeting schedules.
Appointment for Library Board
Reappointment of two members to the Library Board.
SUA Consent Docket
Approval of two sets of minutes for the Stillwater Utilities Authority.
SUA General Orders: Water 2040 Implementation Plan
Presentation and approval of the implementation plan for the Water 2040 project, including financing options.
CEDA Consent Docket
Approval of two sets of minutes for the Stillwater Economic Development Authority.
CEDA General Orders: Economic Development Activity Report
Presentation of a report on commercial development projects from 2010 to April 2014.
CEDA Executive Session
Motion to enter executive session for the Stillwater Economic Development Authority.