May 20, 2025 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• Severe Weather Alert: Emergency management is monitoring severe weather in the area.
• National Bike Month: Mayor William Joyce proclaimed May 📅 2025 as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month in Stillwater, encouraging residents to participate in local events, promote safety, and share the road. Representative Shelby Keller spoke on behalf of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad Hoc Committee, highlighting efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and youth programs.
• City Hall Closures:
  • City Hall will be closed on Monday, 📅 May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. Trash and recycling services will run on their regular schedule.
  • City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, 📅 June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. Trash, recycling, and yard waste will be collected as usual.
• Utility Box Art Program: Stillwater Art Integration is launching year two of the Utility Box Art program. The contest is open to all community members with the theme "Stillwater Strong." Designs can be submitted at stillwater.gov/art.
• Fly Day Friday Food Trucks: Join for food trucks on 📅 June 13th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, at Stillwater Regional Airport (1818 Right Drive).
• Juneteenth Celebration: Stillwater Community United will host a Juneteenth celebration at Southern Woods Park on Saturday, 📅 June 21st, from 11 AM to 2 PM. All community members are invited for games, music, free food, drinks, and entertainment. More information at visitstillwater.org/swocommunityunited.
• Downtown Traffic Signal Study: Staff is collecting data on traffic signals at 7th, 8th, and 9th Avenues on Main Street to improve safety and efficiency. A trial with flashing lights to simulate four-way stops will be conducted in upcoming weeks, with results to be reported back to the council.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Docket: The consent docket, which typically includes routine administrative items, was ✅ Approved by a vote of 4-0.
• Map Amendment to Rezone 1017 & 1023 South Husband Street (CC-25-80):
  • The application sought to rezone properties from two-family residential to commercial business.
  • Public Comment:
    • Applicant representatives (Steven Ghost and Cory Williams) presented a conceptual plan for 13 residential units (11 single-family, 2 studio apartments) with mixed-use potential, emphasizing the need for commercial zoning due to current PUD limitations and the project's alignment with the comprehensive plan's future land use. They addressed parking concerns, stating new parking would be inset from the street.
    • A resident, Janet Rogers, living across the street, expressed concerns about the high density (13 units on two lots), potential for increased parking issues in an already congested area, and the capacity of existing infrastructure.
  • Council Discussion: Council members acknowledged the attractive nature of the proposed development but emphasized that the decision must be based on the zoning classification itself, not the specific project. They noted that commercial zoning allows for a wide range of uses, including those not currently envisioned.
  • Outcome: The Planning Commission's recommendation for approval was ✅ Accepted by a vote of 4-0, advancing Ordinance 3570 to its second reading.
• Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (CC-25-81):
  • Public Comment: No public comments were received.
  • Financial Update: Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Christy Cluck noted one change since the initial presentation: a 💰 $140,000 increase to the CEDA destination marketing fund for the Visit Stillwater contract.
  • Outcome: Staff was directed to proceed with the adoption of the budget by resolution at the 📅 June 2nd meeting. ✅ Approved by a vote of 4-0.
• Awarding General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025 ($8,750,000):
  • This bond series was authorized at a previous election.
  • Outcome: The bond was ✅ Awarded to TD Securities as the lowest and best bidder with a true interest cost (TIC) of 3.850776%. Approved by a vote of 3-0 (Councilor Clark recused).
• Resolution CC-2025-7 for Issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025:
  • This resolution formally provides for the issuance of the 💰 $8,750,000 bond, prescribing its form, registration, and annual tax levy for payment.
  • Outcome: The resolution was ✅ Adopted by a vote of 3-0 (Councilor Clark recused). Funds are anticipated to close on 📅 June 27th.
• Ordinance 3570 (Rezoning 1017 & 1023 South Husband Street):
  • Outcome: The ordinance was ✅ Advanced to its second reading by a vote of 4-0.
• Ordinances 3568 & 3569 (Drainage Code Provisions):
  • Outcome: These ordinances were ➡️ Tabled to the 📅 June 16th meeting to allow for further public communication regarding the drainage code provisions.

Financial Matters

• FY2025-2026 Operating Budget: The proposed budget includes a 💰 $140,000 increase to the CEDA destination marketing fund for the Visit Stillwater contract. The budget is set for formal adoption on June 2nd.
• General Obligation Limited Tax Bond Series 2025: The city awarded 💰 $8,750,000 in bonds to TD Securities at a true interest cost of 3.850776% to fund various projects, including the animal welfare project.
• Water Supply and Treatment Projects (Stillwater Utilities Authority):
  • The city is undertaking a multi-phase plan to rehabilitate and expand its water infrastructure, with an estimated total cost of 💰 $210 million+.
  • Funding sources include ARPA funds (approximately $11.5 million received or applied for so far), state revolving fund (SRF) loans, and grants. Rate increases implemented in late 2023 are crucial for loan repayment.
  • Current projects include a new finished water pump station (estimated $30 million, partially ARPA funded, 50% complete), a chemicals project (estimated $28 million, 10% complete), and the Lake McMurtry raw water supply line (estimated $95 million, 60% design complete, construction expected Spring 2026, in-service January 2028).
  • Future projects include water treatment plant expansion from 18 to 24 MGD, new filters, a new clearwell, and addressing PFAS contamination.

Public Comments

• Rezoning Application RZ-1053 (1017 & 1023 South Husband Street):
  • Applicant's Perspective: Steven Ghost and Cory Williams (Progressive Development) presented a conceptual plan for 13 residential units (11 single-family, 2 studio apartments) with potential for mixed-use. They explained that commercial zoning was sought due to current zoning code limitations for their desired density and highlighted plans for inset parking to maintain street clearance. They emphasized their commitment to the area, having made significant investments nearby.
  • Citizen Concerns: Janet Rogers, a resident across the street, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about the high density of 13 units on two lots, the already severe parking issues in the area, and the potential strain on aging infrastructure.
• Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026: No public comments were received on this item.

Agenda Summary Table