Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a meeting on February 21, 2013, addressing several key issues. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding a request to rezone a 31.49-acre property on East Mercury Avenue from industrial general to residential two-family and multi-family, which was ultimately denied. The council also approved a request to close a portion of an alley for a new sorority and granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a new taxi service.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning Request for 799 East Mercury Avenue
00:15:00A request to rezone a 31.49-acre property from industrial general to residential two-family and multi-family was denied after extensive public comment and council discussion, with concerns raised about traffic, public safety, property values, and the impact on existing single-family homes.
Alley Closure for Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
01:08:00A request to close approximately 203 feet of an alley between Stanley and Gray Street, south of 4th Avenue, was approved. This closure is for the site of the new Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, with the condition that all utilities be relocated or abandoned at the expense of Omega Sigma Corporation, or a utility easement be dedicated.
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Taxi Service
01:12:00A certificate was granted to Mr. Terry Guthrie of Ponca City to operate a taxi cab service in Stillwater, as he met all the required conditions and submitted the necessary documentation.
City of Stillwater Standards Revision
01:15:00The City Council adopted a resolution approving revisions to the City of Stillwater's design and construction standards. These revisions primarily address water and sewer impact requirements and aim to provide flexibility while ensuring safe and reliable service.
Upcoming Community Events
One Book, One Community: Stillwater Reads Woody Guthrie
Kickoff event at 7 PM at the Stillwater Public Library. Other programs scheduled in March and April. Woody Guthrie's granddaughter, Anna Canoni, will participate.
Peace Corps Week
Proclaimed in the City of Stillwater to recognize the achievements of Peace Corps volunteers.
Public Comments
Numerous residents, primarily from the Lakeview Ridge neighborhood, spoke against the rezoning request for 799 East Mercury Avenue. Their concerns included potential negative impacts on property values, increased traffic congestion, public safety (especially for children), privacy issues due to multi-story buildings, and the character of their single-family neighborhood. They argued that industrial zoning was preferable to high-density multi-family housing. The applicant and property owner spoke in favor, highlighting the non-invasive nature of the proposed geophysical testing and the suitability of the land for residential use given adjacent zoning.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further revisions to City of Stillwater design and construction standards, particularly regarding stormwater regulations.
Announcements
- City Council study session (visioning and goal session) on Monday, February 25th, at 5:30 PM at the Holiday Inn (Country Club and 6th Street).
- City prosecutor Dennis McGrath reappointed to the polygraph examiners board, potentially the longest-serving appointed official on a state board.
- Radio show appearances: Councilor Pena (Feb 26), Councilor Weaver (March 5), Mayor Bartley (March 12) on 780 AM.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: One Book, One Community Stillwater Reads Woody Guthrie
Encouraging community participation in reading and discussing Woody Guthrie's autobiographical novel 'Bound for Glory' and attending related events.
Proclamation: Peace Corps Week
Proclaiming February 24th to March 2nd, 2013, as Peace Corps Week in Stillwater.
Consent Docket Items A-F (excluding E)
Routine administrative items.
Consent Docket Item E: Geophysical Operations Agreement
Agreement with Gold Star (representing Devon Energy) for non-invasive geophysical testing on 1700 acres north and west of the city, including city property near Lake McMurtry, at $10 per acre.
Public Hearing: Map Amendment for 799 East Mercury Avenue
Request to rezone approximately 31.49 acres from Industrial General (IG) to Residential Two-Family and Multi-Family (RTM).
Public Hearing: Alley Closure Request from Alpha Omicron Pi
Request to close approximately 203 feet of the alley between Stanley and Gray Street, south of 4th Avenue, for a new sorority building.
Public Hearing: Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Taxi Service
Application from Mr. Terry Guthrie for a taxi cab service license in Stillwater.
General Order: City of Stillwater Standards Revision
Discussion on proposed revisions to the City of Stillwater's design and construction standards, particularly concerning water and sewer impact requirements.
Resolution CC2013-2: Notifying the Public of Compiling and Publishing Code Supplement Number Two
Formal notification regarding the publication and online availability of Supplement Two to the city code.
Resolution CC2013-3: Adopting Design and Construction Standards
Resolution to adopt the revised City of Stillwater design and construction standards.
Ordinance 3223 (First Reading): Closing 20 feet of West Street Right-of-Way
Ordinance closing a portion of West Street adjacent to 424 West 9th Avenue.
Ordinance 3220 (Second Reading): Rezoning 224 South Washington Street and 223/225 South Jefferson Street
Ordinance rezoning properties from Residential Multi-Family (RMU) to Commercial Business (CB).
Ordinance 3221 (Second Reading): Amending Land Development Code
Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 23 of the Land Development Code.
Ordinance 3222 (Second Reading): Amending Building and Building Regulations
Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article 11 (Electricity) of the Stillwater city code regarding the 2011 National Electrical Code.
Appointments: Stillwater Public Housing Authority
Reappointment of Connie Stokes and David Spivey for another term.