Stilwell council tells ODOT it has 'no objection' while debating easement width and survey

Stilwell, Okla. — The City Council voted to send a letter to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation saying the city has "no objection" to a request by Robert Saint Pierre to purchase surplus right‑of‑way on old Highway 59, but members emphasized the city needs clarity about easement width and a survey before final disposition.

City staff explained ODOT’s process: the department may dispose of its easement interest in a former highway and the underlying fee owner has the primary right to purchase. Saint Pierre has asked to acquire specific parcels adjacent to his business to expand parking.

Council members discussed whether the city should require 20 feet from center (40‑foot total width) or retain a 40‑foot buffer from center (80‑foot total) for consistency along the corridor. One council member said a property survey is necessary to confirm whether an easement encroaches on existing paved areas and to determine exactly what Saint Pierre could legally purchase.

"The way the law reads ... ODOT only owns an easement for the former highway," the city attorney said, summarizing the legal limit of ODOT’s interest and noting that the department must finish its internal review before the city or property owner takes final action.

Because ODOT requested a response this week as part of the review, the council voted to send a letter expressing no objection while staff and the owner pursue a survey and await the department’s final recommendation. The motion to send the "no objection" letter was made by Barrett and seconded by Lane and carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff will prepare the city’s letter, and the council asked that a survey be obtained to confirm easement boundaries before any final transfer or modification of easement width.