Meeting Summary
The City Council recognized the Avitas Foundation for its 10 years of significant community impact and approved several key resolutions, including the appointment of the City Manager to the OML Board and the purchase of a new fire pumper truck. Budget amendments were passed to fund a new Public Information Officer position and cover sales tax election costs. Positive sales tax collection reports were acknowledged, and updates were provided on the city's TIF districts, homeless program, and the Santa Fe Depot revitalization efforts.
Key Decisions & Votes
Appointment to OML Board
30:00A resolution was approved supporting the appointment of City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer to the District 5C seat on the Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors, aiming to benefit Shawnee and other municipalities.
Cooperative Purchasing Agreements Ratification
34:00A resolution was approved to formally ratify previously executed Cooperative Purchasing Agreements, ensuring a proper transition to new city policies and procedures for future purchases.
Fire Apparatus Pumper Purchase
38:00A resolution was approved for the purchase of a fire apparatus pumper for $855,000, with funding from the 2018 half-cent sales tax and surplus collections. Delivery is estimated for April 2025.
Senior Citizens Board Name Change
42:00A resolution was approved to change the name of the 'Senior Citizens of Shawnee board' to the 'Shawnee Senior Citizens Advisory Board' to better reflect its advisory functions.
Rezoning 1910 West Benedict Street
46:00An ordinance was approved to rezone property at 1910 West Benedict Street from A1 Rural Agricultural District to R1 Single-Family Residential District, facilitating the reconstruction of a residence and meeting setback requirements.
Rezoning 4029 and 4031 North Union
55:00An ordinance was approved to rezone property at 4029 and 4031 North Union from R1 Single-Family Residential to C1 Neighborhood Commercial District with a Conditional Use Permit, allowing a child care center to operate as a conforming use.
Upcoming Community Events
Avitas Foundation 10-Year Anniversary Community Celebration
11 AM - 1 PM at Fire Lake Arena, featuring fun, games, lunch, and highlights of non-profit partners.
Avitas Foundation Free Movie: Ticket to Paradise
Free movie showing with popcorn and a drink.
Monsters on Main
Downtown Shawnee, featuring trick-or-treating, food vendors, costume contests, and a carnival.
Financial Matters
Fire Apparatus Pumper Purchase
Approval for the purchase of a new fire pumper truck for the fire department, with an additional $105,000 covered by surplus sales tax collections.
Public Information Officer Position Budget
Budget amendment to add a new Public Information Officer position in the City Manager's office, covering salary, benefits, and operational costs.
Half-Cent Sales Tax Election Costs
Budget amendment to cover educational materials and administrative costs associated with the upcoming half-cent sales tax election.
City Manager and Assistant City Manager Salary Increase
Budget amendment to increase the salary, taxes, and retirement contributions for the City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
Hazmat Suits for Fire Department
Budget amendment for the purchase of Hazmat suits for the fire department.
Encryption Software for Police Department
Budget amendment for the purchase of encryption software for the police department.
Twin Lakes Survey Remaining Balance
Budget amendment to cover the remaining balance of a Twin Lakes survey from the prior fiscal year.
Shawnee Splash Security Services
Budget amendment to fund security services for Shawnee Splash for the summers of 2022 and 2023.
TIF District 2 Payment to Shawnee Public Schools
The first payment of a 5% share of TIF District 2 collections was made to Shawnee Public Schools in August.
Monthly Sales Tax Report
October sales tax collections totaled $2,223,479.61, with sales and use tax collections up approximately 14% ($1,093,434) over the projected budget year-to-date.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. One inquired about the new Public Information Officer's details and the city's financial involvement in homelessness programs, while also expressing appreciation for the return of 'Pet of the Week'. The other speaker commended the Avitas Foundation, noted new businesses, praised infrastructure work, and mentioned ongoing discussions about a city charter change for representation.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Avitas Foundation Free Movie: November 17th or November 21st
Watch For
- Hiring of the new Public Information Officer position
- Continued progress on the Santa Fe Depot revitalization project, including grant applications and design updates
- Updates to city codes and zoning ordinances to address current needs and ambiguities
- Results and impact of the upcoming half-cent sales tax election
Announcements
- The Avitas Foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a community celebration on Friday, October 21st, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Fire Lake Arena, featuring fun, games, and lunch.
- The Avitas Foundation will offer a free movie, 'Ticket to Paradise,' to the community on either November 17th or November 21st.
- The 'Monsters on Main' event will take place this weekend downtown, featuring trick-or-treating, food vendors, costume contests, and a carnival.
- The 'Pet of the Week' segment has returned to city council meetings, showcasing animals available for adoption from Animal Control.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Recognition of the Avitas Foundation
Recognition of the Avitas Foundation for its 10-year anniversary and presentation of a proclamation for its contributions to the community.
Item 2: Citizen Participation
Public comments from two citizens regarding city operations, homelessness, and community development.
Item 3: Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items grouped for efficiency.
Item 4: Presentation of Animal Control Pet of the Week
Introduction of the new Animal Welfare supervisor and a showcase of puppies available for adoption.
Item 5: Resolution of support for Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer to OML Board
Resolution supporting the appointment of City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer to the District 5C seat on the Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors.
Item 6: Resolution ratifying Cooperative Purchase Agreements
Resolution formally ratifying previously executed Cooperative Purchasing Agreements to transition to new city policies and procedures.
Item 7: Resolution approving purchase of fire apparatus pumper
Resolution approving the purchase of a new fire apparatus pumper truck under a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, funded by the 2018 half-cent sales tax and surplus collections.
Item 8: Resolution changing name of Senior Citizens of Shawnee board
Resolution changing the name of the 'Senior Citizens of Shawnee board' to the 'Shawnee Senior Citizens Advisory Board' to better reflect its duties.
Item 9: Public Hearing & Ordinance to rezone 1910 West Benedict Street
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone property at 1910 West Benedict Street from A1 Rural Agricultural District to R1 Single-Family Residential District.
Item 10: Public Hearing & Ordinance to rezone 4029 and 4031 North Union
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone property at 4029 and 4031 North Union from R1 Single-Family Residential District to C1 Neighborhood Commercial District with a Conditional Use Permit for a child care center.
Item 11: Consideration of Budget Amendments FY 2022-2023
Consideration and approval of budget amendments for various items including a new Public Information Officer, sales tax election costs, and security services for Shawnee Splash.
Item 12: Acknowledge Monthly Sales Tax Report
Acknowledgement of the October sales tax report, showing collections significantly above projected budget year-to-date.
Item 13: Administrator Reports
Updates on the city's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts, homeless population and funding, and the Santa Fe Depot revitalization project.