Youth Ministry Finds New Location, City Alerts Residents to Fraudulent Invoices

The Stillwater City Council tackled property compliance and public safety matters during their meeting Sept. 22 while warning residents about a fraudulent invoice scheme targeting people who appear on city meeting agendas.

The council unanimously advanced to second reading an ordinance to rezone property at 1212 S. Perkins Road from Light Industrial to Commercial General to bring an existing church into compliance with city zoning regulations. The property houses KLife, a Christian youth outreach organization, along with a vehicle detail shop.

Churches and religious institutions are not permitted in Light Industrial zones but are allowed by right in Commercial General districts.

The property, located between East 12th and East 13th avenues on the west side of Perkins Road, represents a different outcome for KLife than the organization experienced earlier this year. In May, the Planning Commission declined to recommend approval for KLife's request to operate in a residential location near Stillwater High School, citing concerns about increased traffic and parking impacts on the neighborhood.

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"We will continue to find ways to fulfill our mission to point students to Jesus," KLife Board President Kendra Rider said in a Instagram post following the Planning Commission's denial of the Husband Street location. "We will persevere and continue to provide an opportunity for our youth to connect with others and learn more about Jesus."

The Perkins Road location's Commercial General zoning allows the church use without requiring a specific use permit. Planning Commission recommended approval with a 4-0 vote in August, noting the rezoning aligns with the city's Comprehensive Plan designation for commercial use.

City Orders Dilapidated Structure Removed

In separate action, the council ordered removal of a dilapidated mobile home at 924 S. Duck Street after determining the structure poses health and safety hazards. Property owner Chris Vann has 90 days to demolish and remove the structure or the city will proceed with removal and file a lien against the property.

City officials documented the mobile home's deteriorating condition, including unsecured exterior doors, broken windows, rotting structural members and holes in exterior walls that allow access to birds and vermin.

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City warns of fake invoices

City officials issued an alert about fraudulent invoices being sent to applicants who recently appeared on public meeting agendas. The fake invoices appear detailed, sometimes using the city's logo, and request payment by wire transfer for planning or engineering services.

"The city will never request payment by wire transfer and does not send invoices in this manner," officials said in a statement.

Residents who receive suspicious invoices should not respond or pay, and should instead contact the city directly at 405-742-8213. Anyone receiving fraudulent invoices should report them so the city can protect other community members.

The Stillwater Police Department forwarded information about the scam to investigative agencies. Development Services is providing informational flyers to all applicants.

Household hazardous waste collection Nov. 1

The city's biannual household hazardous waste collection event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at the community collection center, 807 S. Perkins Road.

Residents can drop off oil-based paints, pesticides, herbicides, household cleaning products, pool chemicals and unused pharmaceuticals free of charge. The center will not accept yard waste during the event to prevent traffic congestion. Trailers and commercial waste are prohibited.

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