Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved the establishment of a formal public art program and advanced an ordinance for its creation to a second reading. They also approved the appointment of new members to the Board of Adjustment and Sister Cities Council. Additionally, the Stillwater Economic Development Authority approved a significant investment for the Bookend Hotel project, a boutique hotel planned for the former public library building.
Key Decisions & Votes
Public Art Program Establishment
05:00Ordinance 3591, establishing a formal public art program for Stillwater, was advanced to its second reading. This program aims to structure, clarify, and ensure the longevity of public art initiatives, including a donation fund and a public art committee.
Board of Adjustment Appointments
13:40Mike Woods and Jansen Harrison were appointed to three-year terms on the Board of Adjustment, expiring in January 2029, bringing the board back to full strength.
Sister Cities Council Appointment
14:20Anna Bosma was appointed as a youth representative to the Stillwater Sister Cities Council.
Bookend Hotel Project Funding
34:30The Stillwater Economic Development Authority approved a recommendation for $1 million in assistance, paid in arrears, for Republic Properties LLC to redevelop the former public library into the Bookend Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel with a bar and event space.
Upcoming Community Events
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Offered by the Stillwater Library in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons. Appointments can be scheduled online at stillwater.gov/librarytaxes or by calling 405-372-3633 ext. 8103. Located at 1107 South Duck Street.
Meet Your Legislators Event
From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library. Hosted by the Stillwater League of Women Voters and Friends of the Stillwater Public Library.
Financial Matters
Bookend Hotel Project Assistance
Approved as assistance, paid in arrears over the lifetime of the TIF, for the redevelopment of the former public library into the Bookend Hotel. The total project investment is $5 million.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Tax preparation assistance appointments available through April 7th.
Watch For
- Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 3591 for the Public Art Program.
- Announcement of a sizable donation to kick off the Public Art Program.
- Opening of the Bookend Hotel by the first home game (September 15th).
Announcements
- City offices will be closed on President's Day (Monday, February 16th), but trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will still occur. Carts should be set out by 6:00 a.m.
- Stillwater Emergency Management encourages residents to follow their Facebook page and check stillwater.gov/emergency for updates, and to opt-in for phone notifications.
- Residents are reminded to apply or renew burglar or fire alarm permits with Stillwater Police ($6 per alarm, free for government entities and residents 62+).
- Residents outside city limits but within the Stillwater Fire Department response area are encouraged to purchase a rural fire service contract ($200 annual fee).
- Appreciation was extended to city employees for their work during severe winter weather, maintaining essential services and making repairs.
- The partial demolition of Washington Street School has revealed the original 1938 T structure, with plans to fundraise for its transformation into a community asset.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative matters.
Ordinance 3591 (First Read)
An ordinance amending the city code to create a new Chapter 34: Public Art Program, establishing purpose, definitions, fund, administration, committee, display, and an infrastructure art sponsorship program.
Appointments to Board of Adjustment
Appointment of Mike Woods and Jansen Harrison to three-year terms.
Appointment to Sister Cities Council
Appointment of Anna Bosma as a youth representative.
Reports from City Attorney
No specific report, but a request for executive session was made.
Reports from City Manager
Announcements regarding city office closures, waste management services, and emergency preparedness.
Reports from Vice Mayor
Announcement regarding free tax preparation assistance at the library.
Reports from Councilor Hawkins
Announcement regarding the 'Meet Your Legislators' event.
Reports from Councilor Clark
Reminder about emergency preparedness and appreciation for SEMA team.
Reports from Councilor Harden
Reminders about burglar/fire alarm permits and rural fire service contracts.
Mayor's Comments
Appreciation for city employees during severe weather and an update on the Washington Street School demolition.
Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative matters for the SUA.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority (CEDA) Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative matters for the CEDA.
Recommendation from CEDA Implementation Committee regarding Republic Properties LLC
Consideration of assistance for the Bookend Hotel project at 206 West 6th Avenue.
Executive Session
Discussion of employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of City Manager Brady Moore and City Attorney Kimberly Carley.