Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held its August 19, 2013 meeting, where they approved several resolutions, including calling for an election on November 12th for general obligation bonds for Parks and Recreation and Public Safety initiatives, and a sales tax authorization for transportation. They also adopted revisions to design and construction standards and discussed the Marketplace Fairness Act and tax-exempt municipal financing. The Stillwater Utility Authority also met, approving a consent docket and discussing the development of a new electric power generation station and reviewing the completion of 18 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Docket (City Council)
01:00The consent docket was approved with the removal of item C.
Closure of Utility Easements
07:00The council approved the request to close utility easements at 711 West Peaceable Acres Road for the development of a retirement community.
Revisions to Design and Construction Standards
10:00Minor revisions to transportation details and a change to lid materials for AMR system compatibility were approved.
Resolution Adopting Revisions to Design and Construction Standards
14:00Resolution 2013-13, formally adopting the previously approved revisions to the design and construction standards, was adopted.
Resolution of Support for HR 684 (Marketplace Fairness)
16:00Resolution 2013-14, supporting the Marketplace Fairness Act to ensure sales tax collection on internet purchases, was adopted.
Resolution on Preservation of Tax Exempt Municipal Financing
19:00Resolution 2013-14, conveying a municipal position on preserving tax-exempt municipal financing, was adopted.
Resolution Calling Election for Parks & Recreation and Public Safety Bonds
21:00Resolution 2013-15, calling for an election on November 12th for general obligation bonds not to exceed $20 million for Parks and Recreation and $7.5 million for Public Safety, was adopted.
Resolution for Transportation Sales Tax Authorization
26:00Resolution 2013-16, proposing adoption of Ordinance 3237 to amend the municipal code for a 1% transportation sales tax, was adopted.
Ordinance 3237 (Transportation Sales Tax) - First Reading
29:00The first reading of Ordinance 3237, concerning the 1% transportation sales tax, was approved.
Ordinance 3236 (Land Development Code Amendment) - Second Reading
31:00The second reading of Ordinance 3236, amending the Land Development Code regarding industrial districts, was approved.
Consent Docket (Utility Authority)
35:00The Stillwater Utility Authority's consent docket was approved.
Power Generation Station Development (Utility Authority)
36:00The Utility Authority authorized the general manager to enter into a professional services agreement for engineering design, complete a land swap, and prepare a bond offering for a proposed electric power generation station.
Upcoming Community Events
National Voter Registration Day
The Stillwater League of Women Voters will set up stations at City Hall and other locations for voter registration, address changes, and information on voter ID, absentee ballots, and upcoming resolutions.
Financial Matters
Utility Payment Taxation
A public commenter stated that 31.4% of a typical Stillwater utility payment is taxation, not voted on by citizens, and used for general city funds.
General Obligation Bonds (Parks & Recreation)
Proposed bond issuance for a baseball/softball/soccer facility, outdoor amphitheater, boardwalk, and lakefront development at Boomer Lake Park.
General Obligation Bonds (Public Safety)
Proposed bond issuance for a new fire station, fire engine, police vehicles, video equipment for vehicles, and public safety communications system upgrades.
Transportation Sales Tax
Proposed sales tax to replace the existing half-cent sales tax, providing for transportation projects and bond obligations.
Power Generation Station Engineering Services
Authorization for expenditures up to $4.5 million for engineering design and bidding services for a new power generation station.
ARRA Projects Funding
Total cost of 18 ARRA water and wastewater improvement projects. The total ARRA loan amount was $13,410,286.25, with $2,578,998.81 forgiven. The SUA contributed $246,102.57.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. One expressed concern over the city's reliance on utility payment taxation, while the other spoke in favor of the upcoming election resolution and requested support for voter education.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- September 24th: National Voter Registration Day
- November 12th: Election for Parks & Recreation and Public Safety bonds and Transportation Sales Tax
Watch For
- Public meetings and information on the 'Our Stillwater' initiatives
- Stillwater Utility Authority to return in approximately 60 days with more information on the power generation station development
- Formal approval of land swap for power generation station in October
Announcements
- City staff will provide information sheets and packets, and hold public meetings regarding the 'Our Stillwater' initiatives to educate voters.
- The Stillwater Utility Authority recognized city staff for their successful completion of 18 ARRA water and wastewater improvement projects, including the AMR system installation.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Public Comment Not Scheduled for Public Hearing
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on non-agenda items.
Closure of Utility Easements at 711 West Peaceable Acres Road
Request to close three utility easements for the development of a retirement community.
Revisions to Stillwater Design and Construction Standards
Minor corrections to transportation details and changes to lid materials for AMR system compatibility.
Resolution 2013-13: Adopting Revisions to Stillwater Design and Construction Standards
Formal adoption of the previously discussed revisions to design and construction standards.
Resolution 2013-14: Support for HR 684 (Marketplace Fairness)
Resolution supporting federal legislation to ensure sales tax collection on internet purchases.
Resolution 2013-14: Conveying Municipal Position on Preservation of Tax Exempt Municipal Financing
Resolution opposing the removal of tax exemption on municipal bonds.
Resolution 2013-15: Calling Election for Parks & Recreation and Public Safety General Obligation Bonds
Resolution to hold an election on November 12th for general obligation bonds for Parks & Recreation ($20M) and Public Safety ($7.5M) initiatives.
Resolution 2013-16: Proposing Adoption of Ordinance 3237 (Transportation Sales Tax)
Resolution to propose an ordinance amending the municipal code to create a 1% transportation sales tax.
Ordinance 3237: 2013 Transportation Sales Tax Ordinance (First Reading)
First reading of the ordinance to levy a 1% transportation sales tax.
Ordinance 3236: Amending Chapter 23 Land Development Code (Second Reading)
Second reading of an ordinance amending the Land Development Code regarding industrial districts.
Reports from Officers and Boards
Updates and information from city officials and board representatives.
Consent Docket (Stillwater Utility Authority)
Approval of routine administrative items for the Utility Authority.
Power Generation Station Development
Discussion and authorization for next steps in developing a new electric power generation station, including engineering, land acquisition, and financing.
ARRA Completion Summary
Presentation and wrap-up report on the completion of 18 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) water and wastewater improvement projects.