Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council meeting on April 7, 2014, saw the swearing-in of new council members Pat Darlington and Miguel Gallardo, and the recognition of outgoing councilors Kota Gary Scott and Chuck Hopkins. Key decisions included approving amendments to the Land Development Code regarding parking standards and allocating remaining FY14 funds for transportation projects. The council also initiated the process for creating a TIF district for a new retail development.
Key Decisions & Votes
Land Development Code Amendments (Parking)
01:03:00The council approved Ordinance 3258, amending the Land Development Code's parking and loading standards. These changes aim to modernize parking requirements, reduce concrete footprints, and allow for shared parking facilities, reflecting outcomes of a recent parking study.
Allocation of Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Funds
00:50:00The council approved the allocation of remaining FY14 funds from the half-cent transportation sales tax for various projects. These include revised design for the Western Road and Hall of Fame intersection, additional funding for Country Club Road, right-of-way acquisition for 6th Avenue and Perkins Road, bridge maintenance, design work for Perkins Road, Sanger Road improvements, and a new traffic signal management system.
Specific Use Permit for 504 South Pine Street
00:44:00A specific use permit was approved for Executive Residential Group for property at 504 South Pine Street. This allows for the construction of a seven-bedroom single-family home with five proposed parking spaces in an RTM (low-density multi-family residential) zone.
Initiation of TIF District Formation
01:25:00The council adopted Resolution CC 2014-3, declaring intent to consider approval of a project plan and initiating the process for creating a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. This TIF district is intended to support a major retail shopping center development on North Perkins Road.
Upcoming Community Events
Stillwater Arts Festival
Downtown Stillwater, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM. Features local and regional artists, food vendors, and live entertainment. Free admission, held rain or shine.
Financial Matters
Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Unallocated Balance
Remaining unallocated balance in the current fiscal period (FY14) of the half-cent sales tax program, designated for various transportation projects.
911 Emergency Number User Fee
Ordinance 3257 was approved, maintaining the current five percent user fee for 911 emergency telephone service. This fee, established in 1989, helps recover costs for equipment, installation, training, and staffing of 911 centers.
Sears Hometown Store Sales Tax Rebate Incentive
An agreement was approved with Sears Hometown Store for a rebate incentive of one percent of sales tax on incremental sales, for up to seven years or until $25,000 is achieved, to support their expansion in downtown Stillwater.
Rural Fire Contract
A contract offered by the Stillwater Fire Department for rural fire services outside city limits, ensuring that emergency service charges will not exceed $2,000 for an annual fee of $100.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Public hearing item C (request for specific use permit) postponed to April 21st meeting.
Watch For
- Discussion and potential vote on the TIF district development agreement at a future special meeting of Ceta.
- Presentation of the city-wide housing study findings, likely in early June, potentially at a study session.
- Budget discussions at upcoming study sessions, with the next one tentatively scheduled for April 28th.
Announcements
- New phone system for electric, water, and sewer outages: 405-372-3292 (24/7 automated system).
- City of Stillwater Television transmits programming 24 hours a day on Suddenlink Communications channel 23 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99.
- Emergency Management technician Rob Hill discussed storm sirens, outdoor warning systems, and NOAA Weather Radios. Storm sirens are for outdoor notification, and an announcement follows activation for real emergencies. Testing is on the first Tuesday of every month at 11:30 AM.
- Six ways to pay utility bills: by mail, in person at City Hall, drop boxes, credit card, automatic bank drafting, or online at stillwater.org.
- Street sweeping occurs Monday-Friday, 6 AM - 3 PM. Citizens are asked to remove obstructions from streets on scheduled sweeping days.
- Stillwater Police Department reminds citizens that no dumpsters are for public use; illegal dumping can result in a fine of up to $540. Options for excess trash include larger carts, additional carts, blue bags, or the convenience collection center.
- Stillwater Police Department encourages safe and courteous driving, avoiding distractions. Parking and traffic tickets can be paid online at stillwater.org or in person at Municipal Court.
- Stillwater's new emergency and community notification system, 'Be Informed Stillwater,' is available for sign-up at stillwater.org or at the Stillwater Public Library. Notifications include imminent threats and optional non-emergency alerts.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Sydney Wade from Highland Park.
Fair Housing Proclamation
Mayor John Bartley declared April 2014 as Fair Housing Month in Stillwater, recognizing the 46th anniversary of the U.S. fair housing law.
Distinguished Young Woman of Payne County Proclamation
Mayor John Bartley proclaimed April 7, 2014, as Madison Weiser Day, recognizing her selection as Distinguished Young Woman of Payne County for 2015.
Consent Docket
Items A through E on the consent docket.
Recognition of Outgoing Councilor Kota Gary Scott
Councilor Scott was recognized for his service from March 1, 2011, to April 7, 2014, highlighting his contributions to infrastructure development and quality of life.
Recognition of Outgoing Vice Mayor Charles Chuck Hopkins
Vice Mayor Hopkins was recognized for his service from April 1, 2008, to April 7, 2014, acknowledging his commitment to long-range planning and infrastructure development.
Swearing-in of New Councilor Pat Darlington
Pat Darlington was sworn in as City of Stillwater Councilor office number three.
Swearing-in of New Councilor Miguel Gallardo
Miguel Gallardo was sworn in as City of Stillwater Councilor office number four.
Election of Vice Mayor
Councilor Joe Weaver was nominated and elected as Vice Mayor.
Public Hearing: Text Amendments to Land Development Code (Parking)
Public hearing on Ordinance 3258, which amends Chapter 23, Article 8 (Parking and Loading Standards) of the Land Development Code.
Public Hearing: Specific Use Permit for 504 South Pine Street
Public hearing regarding a request for a specific use permit by Executive Residential Group for property at 504 South Pine Street.
Public Hearing: Request for Specific Use Permit (Item C)
Public hearing regarding a request for a specific use permit. The applicant requested a continuance.
General Orders: Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax Update and Fund Allocation
Update on the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax and request to allocate remaining FY14 budget for various transportation projects.
Ordinance 3257: Revising 911 Emergency Number Ordinance
An ordinance relating to public health and safety, revising Section 5 of the 911 emergency telephone service and fee, maintaining the current five percent user fee.
Ordinance 3258: Amending Land Development Code (Parking)
An ordinance amending Chapter 23, Article 8 (Parking and Loading Standards) of the Stillwater City Code.
Resolution CC 2014-3: Intent to Consider Approval of Project Plan for TIF District
A resolution declaring the intent to consider approval of a project plan and initiating the process for creating a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district for a new retail development.
Executive Session
Executive session pursuant to 25 OS Section 307 B4 for confidential communication regarding a pending record compensation claim.