Meeting Recap: February 20, 2012

(Stillwater, Okla. / Posted Feb. 26, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council met Monday, Feb. 20, for a regular meeting.  Download the evening’s agendas.

Proclamation.

Mayor Nathan Bates presented a proclamation for the “One Book, One Community: Stillwater Salutes Will Rogers” to the Stillwater Public Library Director Lynda Reynolds. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding partners include the Frontier Masonic Lodge, Stillwater Public Library Trust, Friends of Stillwater Public Library, and Friends of OSU Library.  Community Partners include Center for Oklahoma Studies, City of Stillwater Community Center, KOSU, Stillwater Public Schools, OSU History Department, OSU Native American Student Association, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. 

Minutes.

Minutes for the meeting held Feb. 6 were approved by all.

Consent Docket.

Two items (Country Club Road widening project and the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget amendment request) were approved by all.

Public Hearings For Items Not Scheduled For Public Hearing.

Two residents spoke against Ordinance No. 3166, which concerns property at 821 N. Duck St. where the Washington Elementary School was located.

Public Hearings.

• Special Planner Patty Evans presented a request from OSU to close a portion of Stout Lane. This was approved by all.
• Evan presented a request to change zoning for property at 2124 S. Western from RM (Multi Family) to O (Office.) This was approved by all.
• Evan then asked that council consider a request to allow a video display sign at  2124 S. Western for Countryside Baptist Church. It was approved by all.
• Council approved a motion to bring back to council the request for further discussion concerning a Preliminary Planned Unit Development at 823 S. Range Road (Primrose Communities). Development Services Director Paula Dennison began the discussion by bringing forth more signatures against the development, though these don’t count towards the petition. There was input from residents against the development as well as input from the developers and the Chamber of Commerce for it. Development services answered questions about easements, setbacks, water pressure, screening around the perimeter and materials used for the facade. Motion passed 3 to 2, with Councilors Joe Weaver and Cody Scott voting against it.

General Orders.

• Fire Chief Tom Bradley provided an overview of rural fire funding and delivery. He explained that the City of Stillwater provides fire services for area outside the city limits. There is a mutual agreement plan in the works with the City of Perkins. He reported that inadequate county funding, limited code enforcement outside the county and the impact of future development on water supply creates higher risks when it comes to the fire loss. He added that the increased of calls outside city limits decreases services available for Stillwater. He expressed concerning about ISO ratings and its impact on insurance. Chief Bradley also explained the Rural Fire Contract and Payne County’s funding of fire services. City Manager Dan Galloway said he wanted to work with the County.
• Lakeside Golf Course Director Michael Henderson provided a status update on his first 20 months. Galloway recognized Henderson as the Southwest PGA Youth Golf Leader. Henderson then reported that by reducing staffing, improving marketing and focusing on community and youth programs, Lakeside went from being subsidized for $271,284 in FY2010 to $29,938 in FY 2012. He anticipates $0 in FY2013. Henderson said the typical municipal golf course loses a quarter-million dollars a year, so Lakeside isn’t coping others; in fact, others are looking to Lakeside for ideas.

Ordinances (Click here to read resolutions in full.)

• First reading
• Ordinance No. 3164 was passed by all.
• Ordinance No. 3165 was approved by all except Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins.
• Ordinance No. 3166. Councilor Scott wanted to study it some more, but there wasn’t a second. The motion passed by all except Councilor Scott.  
• Ordinance No. 3167 was passed by all.
•  Second reading on Ordinance No. 3161, No. 3162, No. 3163. Each ordinance was passed by council.

 Reports from Officers and Boards

• City Manager Dan Galloway provided an update on the Washington School group lead by Karen Washington. This group had an agreement from the property owner to provide some money and the bricks from the building to build a monument on the property. She asked for city involvement, but the City can’t participate in a private endeavor; however, the City could help place a monument at the city park just north of the property.
• Mayor reported that the OSU Student Government Association wants to sponsor a city dog park at Couch Park.
• Mayor reminded the audience that a Special Meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 27 at the Community Center to discuss advisory boards. A special meeting will be follow by a public input meeting on Suddenlink and the franchise agreement.

Council recessed for the SUA Meeting.  

Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting Feb. 20

 Minutes for the meeting held Feb. 6 were approved by all.

 Consent Docket.

• Three items were passed by all.

General Orders.

• Waste Management disposal agreement. SUA Director Dan Blankenship reported that there is an agreement with Allied Republic and that a contract will be brought to the trustees soon.

SUA recessed for the City Council Meeting, which was then recessed.

END

Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  

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Next City Council Meeting: Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Stillwater Community Center, 815 W. 8^th. A public input meeting will follow at 7 p.m.  Click here for agendas. 
Watch the City Council Meetings:  Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting.