June 2, 2025 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 International Day of Play: Mayor William Joyce proclaimed June 11th, 2025, as International Day of Play in Stillwater. StillWonder, a local STEAM education organization, will host a free, family-friendly event at StoneCloud Brewing on 📅 June 11th to celebrate.
• 📅 National Gun Violence Awareness Day: Mayor Joyce proclaimed June 6th, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Residents are encouraged to wear orange from 📅 June 6th-8th in honor of victims and to support responsible gun ownership. Citizens were reminded to secure firearms from children and out of vehicles.
• Murphy's Department Store Closure: A proclamation honored Terry and Nancy Monroe and Murphy's Department Store, which will close in 2025 after 99 years of service to the Stillwater community.
• Utility Billing Scams: The city alerted residents to fraudulent calls impersonating Stillwater utility staff demanding immediate payment. The city will never ask for immediate payment or personal financial information over the phone. If uncertain, hang up and call Utility Billing at 405-742-8245 (option 9) or check the city website.
• Fire Chief Terry Esserie's Departure: Fire Chief Terry Esserie is leaving the Stillwater Fire Department after 20 years to become the new Fire Chief for the Edmond Fire Department. The city expressed deep appreciation for his dedicated service and leadership.
• 📅 Juneteenth Celebration: Stillwater Community United will celebrate Juneteenth at Southern Woods Park on 📅 Saturday, June 21st, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature games, music, free food, drinks, and entertainment.
• 📅 City Hall Closure: City Hall will be closed on 📅 Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will proceed as usual.
• FEMA/SBA Assistance for Wildfire Victims: Federal assistance is available for those impacted by the March 14th wildfires.
  • The Disaster Loan Outreach Center (Small Business Administration) is at the Stillwater Community Center (Room 102) until 📅 June 11th. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 📅 May 31st and 📅 June 7th, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • FEMA is also at the Stillwater Community Center (Room 110) with the same hours. They anticipate being there for one month.
• Utility Box Art Program: Stillwater Art Integration has launched this year's Utility Box Art Program with the theme "Stillwater Strong." The contest is open to all community members. More information at stillwater.gov/art.
• Splash Pads Open: The splash pads at Boomer Lake Park and Southern Woods Park are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.
• Board and Committee Applications: The city is seeking passionate residents to join committees and boards, including the Board of Drainage Appeals, Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, and Building Trades Board. Apply at stillwater.gov/citizenboards.
• 📅 Boomer Blast Fireworks Show: Stillwater's 31st Boomer Blast fireworks show will be on 📅 Friday, July 4th, at Boomer Lake Park. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks around 9:30 p.m. The show will be streamed live on the city's Facebook page and YouTube channel. More info at stillwater.gov/boomerblast.

Key Decisions & Votes

Map Amendment to Rezone 1002 South Husband Street

• Discussion: The request was to rezone 1002 South Husband Street from two-family residential to commercial business (CB). This item had previously resulted in a tie vote (2-2) and was brought back for a decision. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.
• Public Comment:
  • Applicant (Cory Williams): Emphasized that the rezoning aligns with the comprehensive plan and that previous commercial developments in the area (Stonecloud, Empire Slice) have not had deleterious effects on the neighborhood. He plans to repurpose the existing 1930s craftsman house into a neighborhood restaurant, preserving its character.
  • Concerned Resident (Janet Rogers): Expressed concern about commercial encroachment into her living space and the continued expansion of commercial business into residential areas.
• Council Deliberation: Councilors acknowledged the difficulty of balancing neighborhood preservation with commercial growth. Several councilors who previously voted against the rezoning expressed support this time, noting that the current proposal did not include a parking lot on an adjacent property, which was a prior concern. The plan to preserve the home's character was also seen as a positive "buffering effect."
• Outcome: The request was approved with a 5-0 vote.

Stillwater Regional Airport Master Plan

• Presentation: Kelly Reed (Airport Manager) and Kelly Maddox (Me and Hunt) presented the updated Airport Master Plan, a 20-year strategic vision for the airport's development, similar to a city's comprehensive plan. The plan updates the 2008 version, incorporating commercial air service information and laying the foundation for the new terminal.
• Key Points:
  • The plan guides orderly development, informs FAA planning and funding, and considers land use.
  • Forecasts showed Stillwater Regional Airport rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic much faster than anticipated, with passenger enplanements on track to exceed the 20-year forecast by next fiscal year.
  • The plan addresses airside (runways, taxiways) and landside (terminal, parking, access) facility requirements.
  • The new passenger terminal building, currently under construction, was a major focus, designed for dual use by commercial passengers and university athletic teams, with space for two airlines and two hold rooms.
  • The 20-year capital improvement program is estimated at $161 million, with a significant portion anticipated from private investment and other non-city sources (OSU, state grants, FAA discretionary funds).
• Outcome: The Stillwater Regional Airport Master Plan was adopted with a 5-0 vote.

Financial Matters 💰

• Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (City Council): The City Council adopted Resolution CC-2025-8, approving the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Councilors thanked the finance department and all city departments for their diligent work in preparing the budget and being good stewards of funding. (Vote 5-0)
• Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Stillwater Utilities Authority): The Stillwater Utilities Authority adopted Resolution SUA 2025-2, approving its operating budget. (Vote 5-0)
• Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Stillwater Economic Development Authority): The Stillwater Economic Development Authority adopted Resolution CEDA-2025-2, approving its operating budget. (Vote 5-0)
• Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Stillwater Public Works Authority): The Stillwater Public Works Authority adopted Resolution SPWA-25-2025-1, approving its operating budget. (Vote 5-0)

Public Comments

• Map Amendment to Rezone 1002 South Husband Street:
  • Cory Williams (Applicant): Spoke in favor of the rezoning, emphasizing its alignment with the city's comprehensive plan and his commitment to preserving the architectural character of the existing house by repurposing it into a neighborhood restaurant. He cited successful prior developments in the vicinity (Stonecloud, Empire Slice) as examples of positive integration.
  • Janet Rogers (Resident at 10006 South Husband Street): Expressed her long-standing concern about commercial business encroaching into her residential living space and the potential for this trend to continue.

Agenda Summary Table