Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council approved the formal establishment of a 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 Ordinance
04:00Ordinance 3591, which formally establishes the Stillwater Public Art program, was advanced to its second reading. This ordinance creates new city code chapters for purpose, definitions, fund establishment, administration, committee, display, and an infrastructure art sponsorship program.
Board of Adjustment Appointments
16:00Mike Woods and Jansen Harrison were appointed to three-year terms on the Board of Adjustment, expiring in January 2029.
Sister Cities Council Youth Representative Appointment
16:40Anna Bosma was appointed as the youth representative to the Stillwater Sister Cities Council.
Bookend Hotel Project Funding
39:00The Stillwater Economic Development Authority approved a recommendation for $1 million in assistance, paid in arrears, for Republic Properties LLC to redevelop the building at 206 West 6th Avenue into the Bookend Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel with a bar and event space.
Upcoming Community Events
Meet Your Legislators
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Stillwater Public Library. An opportunity to engage with elected officials.
Financial Matters
Bookend Hotel Project Investment
Total investment for the Bookend Hotel project, including building purchase and personal property. The city approved $1 million in assistance, paid in arrears, through the TIF program.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Tax preparation assistance appointments available through April 7th.
Watch For
- Announcement of a sizable donation to kick off the public art program.
- Second reading and eventual implementation of Ordinance 3591 for the public art program.
Announcements
- City offices will be closed on President's Day (Monday, February 16th), but trash, recycling, and yard waste will still be collected.
- Stillwater Library is offering free tax preparation assistance through the AARP; appointments can be scheduled online or by phone.
- Residents are encouraged to follow Stillwater Emergency Management on Facebook and check stillwater.gov/emergency for emergency notifications.
- Residents are reminded to apply or renew burglar/fire alarm permits with Stillwater Police ($6, free for government entities and residents 62+).
- Rural fire service contracts are available for those outside city limits but within the Stillwater Fire Department response area ($200 annual fee).
- Appreciation was extended to city employees for their work during severe winter weather.
- The demolition of newer sections of the Washington Street School is complete, leaving the original 1938 T-structure visible for future community asset development.
Agenda Summary
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Ordinance 3591: Public Art Program
An ordinance amending the city code to formally establish the Stillwater Public Art program, including purpose, definitions, fund establishment, 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 (Youth Representative)
Appointment of Anna Bosma as the youth representative.
Executive Session
Discussion regarding employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of City Manager Brady Moore and City Attorney Kimberly Carley.
Stillwater Utilities Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Utilities Authority.
Stillwater Economic Development Authority Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items for the Economic Development Authority.
Recommendation from Stillwater Reinvestment Plan Downtown Campus Link Project Plan Implementation Committee regarding Republic Properties LLC (Bookend Hotel)
Consideration of a recommendation for $1 million in assistance, paid in arrears, for the redevelopment of 206 West 6th Avenue into the Bookend Hotel.