City Hires Assistant City Manager, Approves Police Cooperation Agreement

City Manager Brady Moore introduced Rachel Bernish as Stillwater's new assistant city manager at the City Council meeting Sept. 22.

Bernish, who began her role Sept. 18, will oversee Development Services, Engineering, Electric and Water Utilities, Building and Fire Codes, and Economic Development.

She comes from Chickasha, where she served as assistant city manager and community development director for five years. In that role, she oversaw community development, planning, engineering, economic development and major infrastructure projects. She also led comprehensive planning initiatives, implemented new land development code and code enforcement systems, and directed grant-funded projects.

Bernish was named 2023 Oklahoma Municipal League Woman of the Year and 2024 Young Professional of the Year by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

"Rachel brings a strong dedication to public service and a proven track record of relationship building, problem solving, and implementing strategic goals," Moore said. "Her experience will help advance our community's vision while ensuring operational excellence across key City services."

Bernish said she looks forward to working with the city team and community members to continue improving quality of life for residents.

Police cooperation agreement updated

As part of the consent agenda, council approved an updated memorandum of understanding between Stillwater Police Department and Oklahoma State University Police Department.

The agreement replaces a 2011 MOU and clarifies jurisdiction and responsibilities for property owned by OSU, the Board of Regents or Cowboy Athletic Facilities LLC. The updated language also addresses jurisdiction for certain events.

Stillwater Police Chief Christopher Hassig said the department's computer-aided dispatch system was updated to reflect appropriate responding agencies following recent real estate transactions.

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City joins national opioid settlement

The City Council unanimously approved participation in opioid settlements that will bring the city funding to support addiction treatment and prevention programs.

The settlements involve Purdue Pharma, members of the Sackler family and eight generic opioid manufacturers. All funds must be used solely for opioid abatement purposes.

The settlements require Stillwater to release claims against the pharmaceutical companies and their affiliates in exchange for the payments, City Attorney Kimberly Carnley told the council. The money can be spent on treatment programs, prevention education, recovery support services, emergency response resources and other initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic's impact on the community.

Carnley presented two separate settlement agreements to the council. The Purdue-Sackler settlement stems from Purdue's bankruptcy proceedings and a direct settlement with Sackler family members, who served as officers, directors and shareholders of the company.

Stillwater's estimated gross allocation from the settlements ranges from $322,920 to $377,136, assuming all participation incentives are met. The actual amount the city receives will be lower after attorney fees and a 10% holdback for appeals are deducted. The Purdue-Sackler settlement totals $6.5 billion paid over 15 years, including $1.5 billion on the effective date expected in 2026. The eight generic manufacturer settlements total $844 million, with some paid in lump sums and others over up to 10 years.

Both settlements include cash and product components distributed through state agreements. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond executed the state-subdivision agreement Sept. 3.

📺 Watch the Opioid Settlement Presentation