Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a public convenience and necessity certificate for Midnight Express Transit and discussed the ongoing parking study, with recommendations for ordinance changes expected soon. The quarterly financial report showed revenues above target and expenditures below target. The council also approved two sales tax rebate agreements for new businesses in the downtown area.
Key Decisions & Votes
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Midnight Express Transit
07:00The council approved the application for Midnight Express Transit to operate a bus transportation service for special events, specifically for meditations on Country Club Road. The application met all compliance requirements.
Sales Tax Rebate Agreement for Pearl Junkie
34:00A sales tax rebate agreement was approved for Pearl Junkie, a women's fashion shop opening at 712 South Main Street. The rebate is equivalent to 1% of sales tax generated, not to exceed $30,000 or 5 years.
Sales Tax Rebate Agreement for Whisper Intermittent Apparel
37:00A sales tax rebate agreement was approved for Whisper Intermittent Apparel, a ladies' apparel shop opening at 905 South Main Street. The rebate has a cap of $15,000 based on sales tax generated.
Upcoming Community Events
Budget Week Public Input
Various methods for public input on the upcoming budget, including forms in the newspaper, social media, a Twitter Town Hall on Friday at 12:30 PM, and a Budget Fair at the community center on Monday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Branding Update Kick-off
Chandler Thinks, a firm from Franklin, Tennessee, will be in Stillwater for three days to conduct interviews and gather perspectives for the city's branding initiative.
Financial Matters
General Fund Revenues
Total general fund revenues are 53.89% above the mid-year target, with sales tax revenues at 56.14% and use tax at 69.54% of the original budget.
General Fund Expenditures
Total general fund expenditures, including transfers out, are 39.96% of the original projection, well under the 50% expected at mid-year.
CVB Revenues
CVB revenues are 26.57% over the quarterly target due to fewer rooms out of service, increased hotel rates, and premier OSU Athletics events requiring multi-night stays.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for SUA are 6.41% of the original projection, primarily driven by water and electric revenues.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA) Revenues
Revenues for SEDA are primarily related to the Business Improvement District (BID) for car show, BID payments, and parking revenue. A budget amendment was made for the branding campaign.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Recommendations from the parking study steering committee on ordinance changes
- Further updates on the city's branding initiative
- Potential additional sales tax rebate agreements for new downtown businesses
Announcements
- Vice Mayor Hopkins is absent due to an ongoing health issue but hopes to attend the next meeting.
- Paula Denison, Community Development Services Director, will be serving as the president of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Planners Association.
- Budget Week is starting, offering various opportunities for public input on the upcoming budget.
- Councilor Noble will be on KSPI AM at 8:15 AM tomorrow.
- Linda Reynolds, Library Director, will be on Morning Edition at 7:00 AM on TV31 on Wednesday.
Agenda Summary
Pledge of Allegiance
Fifth graders Jeb Hurt and Justice Redman from Richmond Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Docket
Approval of items A and B on the consent docket.
Public Hearing: Request for Midnight Express Transit for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
Consideration of an application for a public conveyance necessity permit for Midnight Express Transit to operate bus transportation for special events.
General Orders: Parking Study Update
An overview of the parking study conducted by Carl Walker and the steering committee's progress on short-term action steps, including upcoming ordinance revisions.
General Orders: Quarterly Financials
Presentation of the second-quarter financial report by CFO Marcy Lamb, highlighting revenues and expenditures for various city funds.
Appointments to Boards and Authorities
Reappointment of members to the Airport Authority, Board of Adjustments, and Stillwater Public Housing Authority.
SEDA Consent Docket: Approval of Minutes from December 16th
Approval of the minutes from the previous Stillwater Economic Development Authority meeting.
SEDA General Orders: Branding Update
An update on the city's branding initiative, including the selection of Chandler Thinks and their upcoming visit for interviews and community engagement.
SEDA General Orders: Sales Tax Rebate for Business at 712 South Main Street
Consideration and approval of a sales tax rebate agreement for Pearl Junkie, a new women's fashion business.
SEDA General Orders: Sales Tax Rebate for Business at 905 South Main Street
Consideration and approval of a sales tax rebate agreement for Whisper Intermittent Apparel, a new ladies' apparel business.