Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal budget. Key discussions included the allocation of funds for park improvements, particularly tennis courts and playgrounds, and the city's approach to employee compensation, with a focus on transitioning to a performance-based pay plan. The council also reviewed the budget format and the city's reserve policy.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3260 - Amending Alcoholic Beverages Chapter
00:00:40Second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 3, Article 4, Section 3-92 regarding the consumption of low-point beer in public places, including permitted exceptions and penalties. An emergency declaration for the ordinance was also approved.
Resolution CC 2014-4 - Lake McMurtry Rules
00:02:00Approval of Resolution CC 2014-4, which outlines rules in connection with Lake McMurtry. No changes were made from the previous week's review.
Upcoming Community Events
Myers Park Grand Opening
10:00 AM at Myers Park, featuring bubbles and children.
Financial Matters
Tennis Court Reconstruction
Placed in the capital request for the parks department to completely reconstruct the playing surfaces at Couch Park, including new bedding and a pre-tension concrete surface.
Boomer Lake Playground
Requested for a complete change out of the playground equipment at Boomer Lake.
Sales Tax Transfer to SUA
Discussion about the transfer of a third penny of sales tax to the Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA), which depletes the general government funds.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
A lump sum allocated for a 3% COLA for all 520 city employees, including associated overheads like FICA and retirement contributions.
Council Directives Contingency
A contingency fund for council-related expenses such as training workshops and special projects.
Administrative Contingency
A contingency fund for unforeseen administrative expenses, such as air conditioner repairs or credit card charges.
Debt Service for GO Bonds
Payment towards general obligation bonds from 2001, managed under the debt service fund.
Advertising and Legal Publications
Budgeted for required publications of ordinances, bid notices, and city advertisements, primarily in the Stillwater News Press.
Dues and Subscription Fees
Includes fees for organizations like the Oklahoma Municipal League ($32,000) which provides training and lobbying services for cities.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public hearing on the budget: Next Monday (May 19th)
- Budget adoption: First meeting in June
Watch For
- Development of a cash reserve policy (webinar on Wednesday)
- Implementation plan for consolidation of operations (by July 1st)
- Transition to a skills-based pay plan for city employees (2-3 years)
Announcements
- City Manager and Economic Development team will be attending Recon, a retail developer conference, on May 19th to recruit interest for Stillwater.
Agenda Summary
Second Reading of Ordinance 3260
An ordinance amending Chapter 3, Article 4, Section 3-92 regarding the consumption of low-point beer in public places, including permitted exceptions and penalties.
Emergency Declaration for Ordinance 3260
A request to declare an emergency for Ordinance 3260.
Resolution CC 2014-4
Rules in connection with Lake McMurtry.
Discussion on Next Year's Fiscal Budget
General discussion and questions from the council regarding the proposed fiscal budget for the upcoming year, including park improvements, employee compensation, and financial policies.