Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting on April 21, 2014, addressed several key issues, including a special use permit for an electronic message center sign which was approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding a request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a multi-family student housing complex, which was ultimately denied. The council also discussed and tabled a debt management policy for the Stillwater Utilities Authority and reviewed the Water 2040 completion plan, requesting staff to revise the financing approach.
Key Decisions & Votes
Special Use Permit for Electronic Message Center Sign
00:36:50A request for a special use permit for an electronic message center sign at 524 South Duncan, for the First Presbyterian Church, was approved. The sign will be a monument sign meeting city requirements and will allow for activity-related information.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Park 7 Group (Student Housing)
02:54:30A request to rezone property from general industrial to residential multi-family (RTM) and apply a PUD for a student housing complex was denied by a 3-2 vote. Concerns included density, impact on property values, safety, noise, and traffic, despite proposed mitigation efforts.
Debt Management Policy for Stillwater Utilities Authority
03:19:00The proposed debt management policy for the Stillwater Utilities Authority was tabled subject to call, with council members requesting more time for review and discussion, particularly regarding the interpretation of debt authorization limits.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Arts Festival
Downtown Stillwater, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Featuring local and regional artists, food vendors, and live entertainment. Free admission.
Financial Matters
Water 2040 Completion Plan
Estimated total project cost for the Water 2040 plan, with construction estimated at over $57 million. The plan involves debt authorization and issuance, with a projected need to issue debt by late summer/early fall due to cash flow.
Parking Fines Increase
Proposed increase in parking fines: improper parking from $10 to $20, hazardous parking from $15 to $30, and overtime parking from $5 to $10. This is to encourage compliance rather than revenue generation.
Public Comments
Numerous residents, primarily from the Lake View Ridge neighborhood, expressed strong opposition to the proposed student housing development. Their concerns centered on increased density, negative impact on property values, safety and security issues (noise, crime, traffic), and the inconsistency of such a development with their single-family neighborhood character. They felt their concerns were not adequately addressed by the developer or planning commission.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Debt Management Policy for Stillwater Utilities Authority
Deadlines
- KSPI appearance by Mayor Bartley on April 22nd at 8:15 AM
- Triple Play appearance by Mayor Bartley on April 23rd
- KSPI appearance by Councilor Darlington on April 29th
Watch For
- Revised Water 2040 implementation plan from staff (expected early-to-mid May)
- Discussion on the logistics of the 8-foot fence requirement for the denied PUD (if revisited)
Announcements
- Fred Cosley Day proclaimed for April 21, 2014, recognizing his contributions to writing and the community.
- Dorothy Aken received the third Citizen Recognition Award for her extensive volunteer work at Stillwater Medical Center and community involvement.
- Rob Hill from Emergency Management discussed storm sirens and outdoor warning systems, emphasizing their purpose for outdoor notification and the importance of NOAA weather radios.
- Information on six ways to pay utility bills was presented.
- Street sweeping schedule and importance were highlighted.
- Officer How reminded citizens about illegal dumping and proper trash disposal.
- Officer Elliot encouraged safe and courteous driving.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by three Highland Park students: Kobe Props, Ella Yates, and Emma Yates.
Proclamation for Fred Cosley Day
Mayor John Bartley proclaimed April 21, 2014, as Fred Cosley Day, recognizing his contributions to the Stillwater Writers and his literary work.
Citizen Recognition Award for Dorothy Aken
Dorothy Aken was honored with the third Citizen Recognition Award for her significant volunteer hours at Stillwater Medical Center and her positive impact on the community.
Consent Docket (Items A through I)
Approval of various routine items on the consent docket.
Public Hearing: Special Use Permit at 524 South Duncan (First Presbyterian Church)
Request for a special use permit for an electronic message center sign. The Planning Commission recommended approval.
Public Hearing: Park 7 Group Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Request to rezone property from general industrial to residential multi-family and apply a PUD for a student housing complex. This item was postponed from the April 7th meeting.
General Order: Text Amendments to Street Code Chapter 29 (Parking Fines)
Discussion on increasing parking fines for improper parking, hazardous parking, and overtime parking, as recommended by the parking steering committee.
Ordinance 3259 (First Reading): Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 29 (Parking Fines)
First reading of an ordinance to increase parking fines.
Ordinance 3250 (Second Reading): Long-Term Lease of Property at 999 West 12th Avenue
Second reading of an ordinance authorizing a long-term lease of a specific property.
Ordinance 3257 (Second Reading): Revising 911 Emergency Number Ordinance
Second reading of an ordinance revising the 911 emergency number ordinance and maintaining the 5% user fee, with an emergency declaration.
Ordinance 3258 (Second Reading): Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 23 (Parking and Loading Standards)
Second reading of an ordinance amending the Land Development Code regarding parking and loading standards.
Executive Session (City Council)
Request for an executive session regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.
Appointments
Appointment of Trey Lester to the Board of Adjustments and Judy Nelson to the Library Board. Discussion and consensus on committee assignments for council members.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of minutes from April 7th SUA meeting.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Rural Water Advisory Board Report
Acceptance of the report from the Rural Water Advisory Board.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Debt Management Policy
Discussion of the draft debt management policy, including types of debt, limitations, and financing plans.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Water 2040 Completion Plan
Presentation and discussion of the implementation plan for the Water 2040 project, including estimated costs, timelines, and financing strategies.
Executive Session (Stillwater Economic Development Authority)
Request for an executive session for the purpose of confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.