Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council and Utility Authority met to discuss various city matters. Key decisions included the approval of several ordinances for rezoning and utility easement closures, as well as significant financial approvals for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and water line real estate acquisitions. The Stillwater Utility Authority also approved amendments to its trust indenture, aiming to balance ratepayer protection with the ability to fund necessary infrastructure projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3252: Amending Stillwater City Code for Motor Vehicles and Traffic
30:00The council approved an ordinance amending chapter 29 of the city code, specifically regarding stopping, standing, or parking regulations in certain places and for buses and taxi cabs.
Ordinance 3253: Rezoning 402 and 410 South Hester Street and 711 West 4th Avenue
30:50An ordinance was approved to rezone the specified properties from RMI (residential multi-family intermediate) to HR (high-rise) district.
Ordinance 3254: Rezoning 1530 West 6th Avenue and 521-525 South Walnut Street
31:40The council approved rezoning these properties from RMU (residential multi-family urban) to RMI (residential multi-family intermediate) district.
Ordinance 3255: Rezoning 1202 South Duck Street
32:20An ordinance was approved to rezone the property at 1202 South Duck Street from RSS (residential small lot single family) to O (office) district.
Ordinance 3256: Closing a Utility Easement at 519 South Jardot Road
32:55The council approved an ordinance to close a 27-foot portion of a general utility easement at the property addressed as 519 South Jardot Road.
Bid Recommendation for Variable Frequency Drive Replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant
42:00The Stillwater Utility Authority approved awarding the bid to Dana Associates for $648,000, plus a 10% contingency and $50,000 for inspection services, totaling $762,800, for the replacement of obsolete variable frequency drives and associated power equipment at the wastewater treatment plant.
Real Estate Acquisition for Western Road Water Line (56th to 44th)
47:00The SUA authorized staff to acquire easements for the Western Road water line project, with an expenditure of up to $250,000 for land acquisition. This project is crucial for conveying water from the 56th Street tower to the city system.
Real Estate Acquisition for Highway 51 and Country Club Booster Pump Station and Water Line
50:00The SUA authorized staff to acquire real estate, including a fee simple purchase for a new booster pump station and easements for approximately two miles of new water line, with an estimated cost of $550,000. This project is a high priority for the Water 2040 program.
Stillwater Utility Trust Indenture Amendment
52:00The SUA approved Resolution SUA 2014-1, amending the trust indenture to require a supermajority vote for debt issuance, increase debt limitation from 10% to 40%, and require a debt management policy. These changes aim to protect ratepayers while allowing for necessary utility projects.
City Council Resolution CC 2014-2
1:07:00The City Council approved Resolution CC 2014-2, mirroring the SUA's decision to amend the trust indenture, requiring a four-fifths vote of the beneficiary (City Council) as per the trust indenture.
Upcoming Community Events
37th Annual Stillwater Arts Festival
Downtown Stillwater. Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM. Features local and regional artists, food vendors, live entertainment. Admission is free. Organized by the City of Stillwater.
Financial Matters
Wastewater Treatment Plant VFD Replacement
Approved expenditure for the replacement of variable frequency drives, a new power distribution switchboard, and an automatic transfer switch at the wastewater treatment plant, including a 10% contingency and inspection services.
Western Road Water Line Real Estate Acquisition
Authorized expenditure for acquiring easements for the Western Road water line project, part of the Water 2040 program.
Highway 51 and Country Club Booster Pump Station and Water Line Real Estate Acquisition
Authorized expenditure for acquiring land for a new booster pump station and easements for a new water line, a priority project under the Water 2040 program.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during the public comment section. One emphasized the importance of adequate infrastructure for economic development, while the other raised concerns about the Stillwater Utilities Authority's financial decisions and proposed trust indenture amendments, advocating for a public vote on significant debt.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Public hearing item postponed to April 7th agenda.
Deadlines
- Election on April 1st.
Watch For
- Draft debt management policy to be presented within 30 days.
Announcements
- Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) meeting canceled due to an item not being ready.
- Councilor Noble to be on radio at 8:15 AM on KSPY 780 AM tomorrow.
- Mayor to be on radio Wednesday morning from 7-8 AM on Triple Play 105.5 FM.
- Reminder for the election on April 1st.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Haley Brown from Westwood Elementary.
Proclamation for Sunshine Week
Mayor John Bartley proclaimed March 16th-22nd, 2014, as Sunshine Week, promoting open government and public access to information.
Consent Docket
Two items on the consent docket were approved.
Public Comment Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Two individuals, James Ryan and Dennis Bronquist, addressed the council regarding infrastructure and SUA trust indenture amendments, respectively.
Public Hearing Postponement
A public hearing item was postponed to the April 7th agenda.
Resolution CC 2014-2
Approval of the resolution mirroring the SUA's action on the trust indenture amendment.
Ordinance 3252
Amending Stillwater city code regarding motor vehicles and traffic, specifically stopping, standing, or parking regulations.
Ordinance 3253
Rezoning land at 402 and 410 South Hester Street and 711 West 4th Avenue from RMI to HR district.
Ordinance 3254
Rezoning land at 1530 West 6th Avenue and 521-525 South Walnut Street from RMU to RMI district.
Ordinance 3255
Rezoning land at 1202 South Duck Street from RSS to O district.
Ordinance 3256
Closing a 27-foot portion of a general utility easement at 519 South Jardot Road.
Miscellaneous Items
No further reports from Mr. Dorman, Mr. Galloway, or councilors.
Stillwater Utility Authority Consent Docket
Two items on the SUA consent docket were approved.
SUA Public Comment
Kenny Josey, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke about infrastructure challenges impacting business recruitment.
SUA General Order: Bid Recommendation for VFD Replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant
Approval of bid award to Dana Associates for variable frequency drive replacement at the wastewater treatment plant.
SUA General Order: Real Estate Acquisition for Western Road Water Line (56th to 44th)
Authorization for staff to acquire easements for the Western Road water line project.
SUA General Order: Real Estate Acquisition for Highway 51 and Country Club Booster Pump Station and Water Line
Authorization for staff to acquire real estate for a new booster pump station and water line.
SUA General Order: Stillwater Utility Trust Indenture Amendment
Approval of Resolution SUA 2014-1, amending the trust indenture.
SUA Reports from Officers and Boards
Discussion about a draft debt management policy mirroring GFOA guidelines.