September 10, 2025 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• Envision Stillwater 2045 Comprehensive Plan: The plan is in its final internal review stage. The latest draft will be shared with the comprehensive plan advisory committee this week, followed by stakeholder feedback in the coming weeks. A public meeting is likely in late 📅 November, with review and adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council also planned for 📅 November. More information is available at stillwater.gov/envision.
• Block 34 Events: Block 34 continues to host community events, including concerts and yoga in the park. Citizens are invited to Market 34 on Saturdays for local vendors, handmade goods, food trucks, and live music. Stay updated by following Block 34 on Facebook or visiting block34.org.
• Utility Box Art Contest: The deadline for the Utility Box Art Contest has been extended to 📅 October 1. This year's theme, "Stillwater Strong," celebrates community resilience and spirit. Entries can be submitted online at stillwater.org or dropped off at the Stillwater Community Center.
• Sidewalk Connect Program: The city's Sidewalk Connect program addresses sidewalk concerns, repairs, and requests for new connections. Residents can report issues or request connections at stillwater.gov/sidewalkconnect. The city has dedicated $1 million in this year's pavement management plan to sidewalk improvements.
• Cowboy Football Park & Ride Shuttle: For easier parking on OSU Cowboy football game days, a park and ride shuttle service is available. Shuttles run every 30 minutes, starting 3 hours before kickoff, from 7th Avenue and Lewis Street (free downtown parking). A complete game day guide is at visitstillwater.org.

Key Decisions & Votes

Map Amendment to Rezone 320 South Walnut (CC-25-129)

• Discussion: The Council considered a request to rezone the property at 320 South Walnut Street from Small Lot Single Family Residential (RSS) to Two Family Residential (RT). Staff indicated this change aligns with the comprehensive plan's "low density" designation, which can include duplexes and small multi-family units. The property is located outside the Westwood overlay, with existing multi-family zoning across Walnut Street.
• Public Comment:
  • The applicant's representative noted RT zoning was chosen as a suitable transition between existing multi-family and single-family areas.
  • Several neighbors expressed concerns about the proposed zoning being "out of place" in a predominantly single-family area, potential increases in traffic, and setting a precedent for future development. They also highlighted issues experienced with existing multi-family properties nearby, such as parking, trash, and noise.
• Council Discussion: Council members acknowledged the challenge of balancing the need for new housing in a growing college town with preserving existing neighborhoods. The Mayor supported the RT zoning as a reasonable "step down" transition that could help protect the adjacent single-family areas.
• Outcome: The Council approved (4-0 vote) the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the map amendment.

Specific Use Permit for Townhomes at 320 South Walnut (CC-25-130)

• Discussion: Following the rezoning approval, the Council considered a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to allow three 4-bedroom townhome units on the newly zoned RT property. The plan proposed 9 on-site parking spaces and 6 public spaces on Walnut Street (3 of which would count towards the required 12 spaces). The proposed building height was within RT limits. An SUP is required for townhomes in an RT district.
• Public Comment:
  • The applicant's representative stated flexibility in potentially relocating the parking lot and building, while the developer noted they chose three 4-bedroom townhomes over a larger duplex (which would be allowed by right) as a better use.
  • Neighbors reiterated concerns about the proposed parking lot's proximity to backyards, potential light and noise pollution, and the overall impact of increased density on the neighborhood's character and traffic. Requests were made for an 8-foot opaque fence and directional lighting.
• Council Discussion: Council discussed the specifics of opaque screening and the importance of mitigating impacts on adjacent properties.
• Outcome: The Council approved (4-0 vote) the Specific Use Permit with two conditions:
  1. An 8-foot solid fence must be installed on the western boundary of the property.
  2. Every effort must be made to ensure lighting from the property does not shine into the neighbor's backyard on the west side.

Contract for Citywide Branding (7B)

• Discussion: The Council considered a contract with Found Design LLC (Merge) for $31,285 for professional design and planning for citywide branding. This initiative aims to create a cohesive brand identity for Stillwater, integrating with an ongoing wayfinding project. Staff highlighted the current inconsistency in city branding and the need for a unified image to attract visitors and support businesses. Council members expressed the importance of a clear implementation plan and funding commitment to ensure the new brand is fully adopted across city assets over time.
• Outcome: The contract was approved (4-0 vote).

2025 City of Stillwater Hazard Mitigation Plan (CC-2025-23)

• Discussion: The Council reviewed and adopted the updated 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is required every five years by state and federal law. The plan identifies natural hazards, outlines actions to reduce losses, and establishes a coordinated implementation process. The Emergency Management Director noted that while the core plan remains consistent, action items are updated based on recent events (e.g., wildfires). The plan is crucial for securing federal grant funding and will soon include an interactive web-based tool for public access. The biggest challenge identified was the high cost of matching funds for large mitigation grants.
• Outcome: The resolution adopting the plan was adopted (4-0 vote).

Revised Solid Waste Collection Rate Schedule (CC-2025-24 & SUA-2025-7)

• Discussion: The Council and Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) considered and adopted a revised rate schedule for solid waste collection services. A consultant's report (New Gen Strategies) highlighted operational efficiency but also increasing costs due to equipment supply chain issues, competition for CDL drivers, and inflation (4.2-5.7% annual CPI/PPI increase, with some equipment costs rising 16% annually). The new schedule includes percentage increases for residential, commercial, and rolloff services. A significant change for commercial and rolloff services is the introduction of a separate disposal fee, which was previously bundled. Residential rates last increased in 2021. New fees for downtown dumpsters and increases for collection center disposal items were also introduced.
• Outcome: The resolution adopting the revised rate schedule was adopted (4-0 vote by City Council and 4-0 vote by SUA).

Outage Management System Upgrade Project (SUA)

• Discussion: The Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) approved a project to upgrade the electric utility's Outage Management System (OMS), which has been in use since 2012. The new system will provide a unified solution for both electric and water utilities, offering improved efficiency, integration with newer technologies (AMI, SCADA), and enhanced customer support through interactive voice recording (IVR), two-way texting, self-dispatching for crews, and a web-based outage map. Datavo International, Inc. was selected, with implementation expected in 3-4 months. Council praised the collaborative effort between the electric and water utilities to address existing deficiencies and proactively improve customer service.
• Outcome: The project was approved (4-0 vote), authorizing expenditures of up to 💰$228,044 from the Electric Rate Stabilization Fund and 💰$217,844 from the Capital Water Fund (including contingency).

GRDA Stillwater 69 Substation to Jardo Transmission Replacement Project (SUA)

• Discussion: The Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) approved the replacement project for a critical 69,000-volt transmission line section. This section, running from the GRDA Stillwater 69 substation to the Ferguson substation, was identified as being in the highest need of replacement. The existing poles are approximately 60 years old and in deteriorated condition, as confirmed by recent pole testing and drone inspections. The project is estimated to cost 💰$6.75 million in total, with AF Associates LLC selected for engineering services. This proactive measure aims to harden the system and maintain reliability.
• Outcome: The project was approved (4-0 vote), authorizing a contract for engineering services with AF Associates LLC for 💰$74,442.34, with total expenditures for engineering up to 💰$810,190 from the Electric Rate Stabilization Fund (including contingency).

Sale of 229 South Knoblock Street (CEDA)

• Discussion: The Stillwater Economic Development Authority (CEDA) considered consenting to the sale of 229 South Knoblock Street. CEDA had previously provided TIFF assistance for a retail development at this location. The redeveloper now intends to sell the property to Bank of Oklahoma for a bank branch, a use inconsistent with the original redevelopment agreement. CEDA's consent was required for the sale.
• Outcome: The resolution consenting to the sale was adopted (4-0 vote), conditioned upon full repayment of approximately 💰$125,000 in outstanding balances to CEDA prior to closing. This will result in CEDA receiving its funds back sooner.

Agenda Summary Table