Council approves closure of utility easement to allow new Stillwater High School wing; ordinance advanced

The Stillwater City Council on April 7 approved the partial closure of a general utility, drainage and pedestrian easement at 410 West Franklin Lane to allow construction of a north wing of the new Stillwater High School.

Josh Brown, development coordinator in the city’s Development Services department, told the council the closure affects “approximately 8,572 square feet.” Brown said utilities in the shaded easement had been abandoned and relocated to allow the school expansion.

Stephen Gose of Gose and Associates spoke for Independent School District No. 16, explaining the new north wing “extends into this area” and that water and sewer lines previously in the easement have been relocated to the southwest. Gose said the district plans a subsequent application and plat to clean up multiple easements in the area.

After a public hearing with no members of the public signed to speak, staff recommended approval and a councilor moved to accept staff recommendations. The motion passed 5–0. Councilors then moved to advance Ordinance No. 3564 — "An ordinance closing a portion of a general utility drainage and pedestrian easement" — on first read; that motion likewise passed 5–0.

Brown and Gose said the relocation includes new water and sewer easements that will be formalized in a later plat; the exhibit presented to council did not depict the new easement bounds in full but staff said draft meets-and-bounds descriptions for the new lines are already on file with the city.

No dissenting comments were recorded. The closure and ordinance advance clear permitting steps for the new high school’s construction.