New Roundabout Planned near Airport

Civic Engagement Opportunity: The Parks & Community Resources Open House, which has been delayed twice due to weather conditions, will finally commence 5:30 p.m. this Thursday at the Stillwater Community Center. Learn more here.

Payne County Commissioners to review communications agreement with Stillwater

Payne County Commissioners will kick off the week’s public meetings with a special meeting Monday morning to review the Public Safety Communications Agreement with the City of Stillwater. Last Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting was canceled due to weather.

Catch up: The proposed agreement would allow Payne County to place communications equipment at Stillwater's new tower site and City Hall.

The agreement will also be heard later in the day by the Stillwater City Council in their meeting.

Why it matters: The proposed agreement aims to create a more robust and efficient emergency communications network, potentially improving response times and coordination during crises.

Other items from last Tuesday’s agenda will be rescheduled for Thursday’s meeting, according to District 1 Commissioner Assistant Shawna Bales.

The design plans for the airport access project calls for a roundabout to replace a three-way intersection. – Photos by Chris Peters

Airport road project calls for new roundabout

According to the City Staff report, "a roundabout was designed for the project in order to provide for access for the northward-traveling Terminal visitors ... also serves to reduce speeds and improve public safety at a 3-leg intersection."

On Monday's agenda, Councilors will be asked to approve a budget amendment of $585,452 to fund the roundabout's construction.

The Transportation Project Advisory Committee made the recommendation at a special meeting on Feb. 13, 2025 to use the Transportation Sales Tax Fund to fund the roundabout portion of the project.

Illustration shows an approximate placement of the roundabout.

A message from Visit Stillwater

Business owners! Sign up for FREE copies of the 2025 Guide To The Local Scene to give your customers. This year's guide spotlights all the fun surrounding the 50th anniversary of Eskimo Joe's, Stillwater's iconic restaurant and nightlife hot spot.

The empty parcel of land south of the Lowe's parking lot is the proposed location for a new Discount Tire. – Photo by Chris Peters

Public Hearing for proposed Discount Tire location

During the Public Hearing portion of Monday's meeting, Councilors will receive feedback from the public on Lowe's Home Center's special use permit to allow a retail automotive tire shop to be built and operated on the property.

Nearby residents have expressed concern with about noise from impact wrenches during day time hours. Cimarron Townhomes is located within 150 feet of the proposed location.

Planning Commissioners recommended approval of the permit with the added condition that site include an 8 foot masonry wall to help mitigate the noise. That solution was offered by the presenting engineering firm at the meeting.

According to Vasquez Engineering President Juan Vasquez, Discount Tire’s services are limited to tires and wheels. Their operating hours will be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sunday.

Payne County Commissioners to review communications agreement with Stillwater

Airport road project calls for new roundabout

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Public Hearing for proposed Discount Tire location