Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Special Meeting Recap: March 26, 2012

(Stillwater, Okla. / Posted March 27, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting Monday, March 27. The only item on the agenda was a discussion regarding process for filling vacant City Council Seat #2, which became vacant when Councilor John Bartley became Mayor Bartley.





General Orders
  • Mayor Bartley said the City Charter calls for the council to appoint someone to fill a vacancy, and if it can't, it will then call for an election.
  • The council discussed the process and agreed to accept applications from anyone who is eligible (registered to vote, resident of Stillwater, not convicted of a felony). Once the applications are collected, the council will call for a televised special meeting to conduct five-minute interview sessions with all potential candidates. Potential topics would include: What involvement does the candidate have within the public sector. Time constraints, work and educational background. Why he or she wants to be appointed to City Council.

    Once the interviews are completed, a councilor will then be able to nominate someone (at the same meeting or a future meeting), and the council will vote on the nomination.

  • Time frame
    Applications will be available March 28 by noon at the Municipal Building, 723 S. Lewis, and on the web site (http://stillwater.org) on Wednesday, March 28.

    Applications will be due Monday, April 2 at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building before the City Council Meeting.  Applications will be turned into the City Management Office.

    Council will hold a special meeting to conduct the candidate interviews on Thursday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m.; however, they may discuss scheduling options at Monday's meeting.


    Meeting recessed.

    END


    Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations. 

    *****

    Next regular City Council Meeting: Monday, April 2, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room.  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. Note: if meetings are longer than two hours, the video may be available on Stillwater’s Vimeo channel only.
     
     

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Meeting Recap: March 12, 2012

(Stillwater, Okla. / Posted March 14, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting Monday, March 12.



Words from Outgoing-Mayor Nathan Bates.
Nathan Bates shared City Council accomplishments from the past three years.

Swearing In of Mayor-Elect John Bartley.
Mayor-Elect John Bartley was officially sworn into office by the Honorable Judge Tonya C. Raun.

Proclamations.
  • Mayor Bartley honored outgoing Mayor Bates with a proclamation of appreciation.
  • Mayor Bartley recognized National Safe Place Week in Stillwater for March 18-24.
  • He also recognized the 93rd anniversary of the Order of DeMolay (a youth organization) was recognized and March was named Order of DeMolay Month for the March.
    Consent Docket.
      • Item B on the Consent Docket was approved by all, and Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins removed Item A for discussion.
      • Hopkins asked about the slopes of the drainage ditches (especially when it comes to mowing and safety) on Jardot/19th project. City Manager Dan Galloway reported that the Transportation Director Jason Peek said they were working with engineers to adjustments. He said there were enough funds to make these adjustments and to fund purchasing rights of ways for the widening at 6th Avenue and Country Club Road. This was approved by all.
      • Ordinance No. 3171 was approved by all.
        Council recessed for the SUA Meeting.  

        Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting March 12
        General Orders.
        • Stillwater Recycling Task Force Report & Recommendation.

          Roger Haywood, representative from Republic Services, made comments
          under Public Appearances about working with the task force.

          SUA Director Dan Blankenship introduced
          Mike Shannahan and Gladeen Aldred, representatives from the task force. The task force is made up of self-appointed, well-informed citizens who have an interest in environmental issues including trash collection and recycling. They independently reviewed both proposals.

          The task force recommended the SUA Trustees approve the City of Stillwater's recommendation to implement residential curbside recycling in Stillwater.

          Blankenship commended the task force for their community service and interest in city government.

        SUA recessed for the City Council Meeting, which then recessed for executive session.


         END

        Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  


        *****

        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, April 2, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room.  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. Note: if meetings are longer than two hours, the video may be available on Stillwater’s Vimeo channel only.



         

        Tuesday, March 6, 2012

        Meeting Recap: March 5, 2012

        (Stillwater, Okla. / Posted March 6, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council held a regular meeting Monday, March 5.  Download the evening’s agendas.




        Approval of Minutes.
        Executive Session for Feb. 6, the regular meeting for Feb. 20 and the special meeting for Feb. 27 were approved by all members of council.
        Consent Docket.
        • Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins removed Item A for dicussion. The remainder of the Consent Document was approved by all.
        • Item A. Following public comment, Public Safety Director Norman McNickle spoke about the City-OSU agreement, which allows the City to use an OSU for a retired bus for the Stillwater Police Department’s Swat Team. Hopkins asked that a thank you letter be sent to the OSU Regents and President Burns Hargis for their generosity.

        Public Comment on Agenda Items not Scheduled for Public Hearings.
        • One public comment addressed the Fire Department rescue apparatus. Mayor Nathan Bates explained it was to refurbish an existing truck and not to purchase a new one. City Manager Dan Galloway added that the Fire Department performs rescues and extractions.

        • First Read 
          • Ordinance No. 3171. Approved by all.
        • Second Read
          • Ordinance No. 3168. Approved by all.
          • Ordinance No. 3169. Approved by all.
          • Ordinance No. 3170. Approved by all except Councilors Joe Weaver and Cody Scott.
        Reports.
        • City Attorney John Dorman requested an executive session.
        • Mayor Bates reminded citizens about tomorrow’s election.

        Council recessed for the SUA Meeting.  

        Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting March 5

        Minutes for the meeting held Feb. 20 were approved by all.

         Consent Docket.
        • Approval of one item. There was a discussion about Item C, which concerned a water booster station to fill the 56th Avenue , and Water Utilities Anthony Daniel explained that the City had to take over the project.

        General Orders.
        • SUA Director Dan Blankenship provided information concerning the Solid Water Agreement with Allied Waste/Republic Services. He said the contract is for disposing trash at Allied’s landfill for 10 years for $28 per ton. There was a discussion about if 10 years was too long for a contract; however, a ten year contract was specified in the request for proposals.  This was approved by all except for Trustee Scott.
        • Blankenship also reported that the Stillwater Recycle Task Force would bring recommendations to the SUA in the near future.

        SUA recessed for the City Council Meeting, which then recessed for executive session.

         END

        Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  

        *****
        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, March 19, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room.  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. Note: if meetings are longer than two hours, the video may be available on Stillwater’s Vimeo channel only.

        Tuesday, February 28, 2012

        Meeting Recap: February 27, 2012

        (Stillwater, Okla. / Posted Feb. 28, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting Monday, Feb. 27 at the City of Stillwater Community Center to discuss advisory boards and committees.  Download the evening’s agendas.

        Councilor Cody Scott was absent.

        City Manager Dan Galloway said that there were 17 or 18 boards and committees (some are more active than others) on the books. 

        Mayor Nathan Bates asked that council consider reviewing the purpose and mission of some of the boards, including the Community Relations Committee and the Wellness Committee. Councilor Joe Weaver asked for more information and to continue the discussion at a later meeting.

        Galloway said staff will bring back to council more information concerning the boards and committees.

        First Read 

        • Ordinance No. 3168 Approved by all present.
        • Ordinance No. 3169 Approved by all present.
        • Ordinance No. 3170. Councilor John Bartley asked to amend Exhibit B, Item 1 to read 6 foot fence instead of an 8 foot one. Approved by all present.
        Second Read

        • Ordinance No. 3164. Approved by all present.
        • Ordinance No. 3165. Approved by all present, except Vice Mayor Hopkins.
        • Ordinance No. 3166. Approved by all present.
        • Ordinance No. 3167. Approved by all present.

        Meeting recessed.

        END


        Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  


        *****

        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, March 5, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room, 723 S. Lewis St. Videos of Stillwater City Council meetings are made available on the City of Stillwater's YouTube.com channel within five days of the meeting.

        Sunday, February 26, 2012

        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.
        • 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.  

        *****

        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Stillwater Community Center, 815 W. 8th. 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.

        Tuesday, February 7, 2012

        Meeting Recap: February 6, 2012

        (Stillwater, Okla. / Posted Feb. 7, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council met Monday, Feb. 6, for a regular meeting.  Download the evening’s agendas.


         Minutes for the meeting held Jan. 19 were approved by all, except for Councilor Cody Scott who abstained because he was absent that day.

         Consent Docket.
        •  Mayor Nathan Bates requested they pull Item A (Bid recommendation for replacement of roofing at Community Center) from the Consent Docket for further discussion. Item B was approved by all.
        •  Mayor Bates asked Parks and Recreation Manager Jim Scott to explain the roof bidding process, which was actual two separate projects. Mayor Bates made a motion to approve Item A, which was approved by all.
        There were two public comments on the Primrose Development.

        Public Hearings
        • Grants Coordinator Valerie Silvers presented information on the close out of the 2009 Community Development Block Grant, the Chester/Lowry/Fern (between 11th and 13th Avenues) sewer replacement project. Councilor John Bartley moves to accept staff findings, and it was approved by all.
        •  Special Projects Planner Patty Evans presented a request for a Map Amendment for the Church of Christ at 821 N. Duck St. The church requested a change in zoning for a parcel of land (which is currently split between RSS (small lot, single family) and RE (two family, residential) to O (office general). This was followed by a hearing for the church’s request for a video display sign. Both requests were approved by all.
        •   Evans presented a request for a closing a portion of right-of-way at 640 and 624 S. Ramsey and 810 W. 7th Ave. Councilor Joe Weaver moved to approve, and it was approved by all.
        General Orders. 
        • CFO Marcy Alexander provided a review of the City of Stillwater’s second quarter financials. In short, she reported that revenues and expenditures were on target.
        Ordinances (Click here to read resolutions in full.)
        •  First reading on Ordinance No. 3161, No. 3162, No. 3163. Each ordinance was passed by council.
        • Second reading on Ordinance No. 3157, No. 3159, No. 3160. Each ordinance was approved by all members of council, except Ordinance No. 3157 that Councilor Scott voted to abstain.
         Reports from Officers and Boards
        •  City Attorney John Dorman requested an executive session.
        • City Manager Dan Galloway said he plans to announce public meetings to discuss the cable franchise with Suddenlink Communications.
        • Councilor Scott said the reason he voted to abstain on Ordinance No. 3161 was that he felt  he lacked enough information to make a good decision.
        • Councilor Weaver asked to bring back the Primrose Communities development on Range Road back to council. The project will be on the Feb. 20 meeting.
        •   Mayor Bates asked to have a study session concerning the Wellness Committee and the Community Relations Committee.
        Council recessed for the SUA Meeting.  

        Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting Feb. 6

         Minutes for the meeting held Jan. 19 were approved by all, except for Councilor Cody Scott who abstained because he was absent that day.

         Consent Docket.

        • The contract for water sales to Lone Chimney Water Association will be discussed at the Feb. 20 meeting.
        • The trustees discussed the agreement for professional services for the evaluation of the Southwest Pressure Zone and Southern Rural Water Corporation #3. Trustee John Bartley expressed concerns about the time frame on this project. Water Utilities Bill Millis said this study would look at long-term solutions. Trustee Weaver asked why it took so long to enter the agreement. Millis explained that the short-term and intermediate-term projects took staff time and that some data needed to be gathered for the consultants.
           
        • The bid recommendation for the Hospital Area Waterline Replacement Project was approved by all trustees.
        SUA meeting recessed for the SIRA meeting.

        Stillwater Industrial and Redevelopment Authority Meeting Feb. 6

        Minutes for the meeting held Jan. 5 were approved by all, except for Councilor Cody Scott who abstained because he was absent that day.

        General Orders
        •   BID Coordinator Angela McLaughlin made a quarterly update on the Business Improvement District #1. She discussed the capital improvements; landscape improvements; new businesses (District Bikes and Brooklyn’s); the BID’s marketing mix; and events (2011 Downtown Car Show: It generated a little revenue this time; and the 2012 Halloween Festival theme—Red Dirt Zombies).
        SIRA recessed for the City Council Meeting, which then recessed.

        END

        Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  

        *****
        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room.  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. Note: if meetings are longer than two hours, the video may be available on Stillwater’s Vimeo channel only.

        Friday, January 20, 2012

        Meeting Recap: January 19, 2012

        (Stillwater, Okla. / Posted Jan. 20, 2012) — The Stillwater City Council met Thursday, Jan. 19, for a regular meeting.  Download the evening’s agendas.

        Minutes for the meeting held Jan. 5 was approved by all present. Councilor Cody Scott was absent.

        Consent Docket.
        • Items B-D were approved, while Items A & E were pulled for discussion.
          • Councilor Joe Weaver pulled Item A. He said he was pleased that see the public-private agreement for the Multi Arts Center was reached. The contract with Friends of Multi Arts Center is for 6 months; if all goes well, a one-year or multi-year contact will be discussed.
          • City Manager Dan Galloway provided an update on the Council Chamber audio-visual upgrades. He said the audio-visual equipment used in the room for meetings and broadcast should take place with in the next two months. The funds come from the original bond used for city hall. Those funds are restricted to maintaining the building.

        Public Hearings.
        • Planner Tom Coots made a presentation for a map amendment for the property at 1312 S. Sanger Road, Meridian Technology Center. The request was for the lot west of campus to change zoning from RSS (Residential Single Family) to (P) Public. It was approved by all present.
        • Special Planner Patty Evans made a presentation for a Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) for property located at 823 S. Range Road. Developers propose building a senior living facility, called Primrose, with independent and assisted living services. Evans began by reporting that there was protest petition, but it didn’t have enough signatures to stop the development of the complex. The developers proposed a two-story complex with 76 units, four duplexes a chapel, bistro, pub, theater, etc. Neighbors raised concerns about construction times, water pressure, traffic, and invasive lighting.

          Councilor Weaver said that while he liked the idea of the development, he was unsure of the location. Council voted to send it back to Planning Commission for further discussion and clarification.
        • Councilor Joe Bartley called back to the table the request for a Map Amendment for the property at 619 W. 12th Ave. The request was to change the zoning from (P) Public to (O) Office hit a snag because the privately owned property on the location was Stillwater’s historical African American elementary school. The developer and the Washington Alumni Association met and were able to work out an agreement. The developer will allow for a 6 foot X 6 foot plaque/monument honoring the site of the school. They’ll donate $2,000 and allow an additional $3,000 for the organization to use for fund raising. Councilor Bartley appreciated that all parties were able to work together. Councilor Weaver echoed Bartley’s words. Council voted for the rezoning.

        General Orders.
        • Development Services Director Paula Dennison asked that council correct Ordinance 3132, so that it would comply with state regulations. (See Ordinances below.)
        • Chief Financial Officer Marcy Alexander presented the “Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Single Audit of Grant Programs, and Auditor Letter of Communication for fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Council Weaver and Vice Mayor Chuck Hopkins complimented her staff on their outstanding work and the “clean letter” from the auditors.
        • Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Lisa Navrkal made a presentation about the Economic Development agreement.

        • All ordinances on the agenda were passed by all councilors present.

        Reports from Officers & Boards
        • Mayor Nathan Bates said he wanted to see Stillwater have a facility like Primrose and hopes to see it Stillwater.
        • Councilor Weaver asked if there was progress on the Friends of Lake McMurtry partnership. Galloway said that it was progressing, but it was more complicated than the Multi Arts one.

        Council recessed for the SUA Meeting.  

        Stillwater Utilities Authority Meeting Jan. 19

        The meeting began with the approval of minutes for Dec. 5. Approved by all present. Trustee Scott was absent.

        General Orders
        • Waste Management and Fleet Director David Higgins made a report on the request for proposals (RFP) for solid waste management. He spoke about how the staff was looking at curbside recycling. The next step is a meeting for Jan. 24 with Republic Services, Cedar Creek Farms and the Recycling Task Force. He will be reporting back the SUA in the near future.

        SUA meeting recessed for the Use Tax Oversight Committee Meeting.  

        Use Tax Oversight Committee Meeting Jan. 19

        The meeting began with the approval of minutes for Oct. 17, 2011. Approved by all present. Scott was absent

        Review and discuss Use Tax Revenues
        • Alexander referred council to the submitted report. There were no questions.

        Use Tax Oversight Committee recessed for the City Council Meeting, which then recessed.

        END

        Recap by Sherry Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations.  

        *****

        Next City Council Meeting: Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. is the Council Room.  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. Note: if meetings are longer than two hours, the video may be available on Stillwater’s Vimeo channel only.