Meeting Summary
The City Council approved budget amendments and a three-year lease for a new street sweeper to replace an aging model. OBU President Dr. Heath Thomas provided an update on the university's operations, including new COVID-19 testing protocols for students and plans for an aerospace engineering program. A citizen raised concerns about the fairness of a grant program's rubric, specifically regarding preference points for Chamber of Commerce members.
Key Decisions & Votes
Street Sweeper Lease
31:30The council approved a three-year lease for a new street sweeper for $298,800, replacing a 14-year-old model that required over $30,000 in repairs.
Upcoming Community Events
KGFF 90th Anniversary Celebration Day
Proclaimed by the Mayor, honoring 90 years of broadcasting and service to the Shawnee community.
Financial Matters
Budget Amendments
Mid-year budget cleanup and realignment for various projects, including additional financing for sales tax.
Street Sweeper Lease
Three-year lease for a new street sweeper to replace a 2006 model requiring over $30,000 in repairs.
Monthly Sales Tax and Budget Report (October figures)
Sales tax revenue for October was above budget but 11% below the prior year; use tax was 1% below budget. Overall budget is stable.
Public Comments
One citizen, Rob Morris, expressed concerns about the fairness of a grant program, specifically highlighting issues with the anonymity of the task force, the distribution of funds between the city and county, and the rubric's provision of extra points for members of the Shawnee or Tecumseh Chambers of Commerce, which he deemed unfair and a 'pay to play' system.
Announcements
- The Animal Shelter has 16 dogs, 5 cats, and 1 pig (on legal hold). Sky and Mittens, 8-week-old kittens, are available for adoption for $5 plus spay/neuter deposit and rabies vaccination cost.
- The Animal Shelter is conducting a dog house drive, accepting new or used dog houses for distribution to community members in need.
- Appreciation was extended to rescue groups and the community for donations of food, toys, and gifts for shelter animals.
- A proclamation was made celebrating KGFF's 90th Anniversary on December 10, 2020, recognizing its long-standing service to the Shawnee area.
- Oklahoma Baptist University President Dr. Heath Thomas provided an update on OBU's operations, including 87% of fall classes meeting face-to-face, new baseline and weekly sample COVID-19 testing for spring 2021, and plans to launch an aerospace engineering program by 2022.
Agenda Summary
Citizen Participation
One citizen spoke regarding concerns about the fairness and transparency of a grant program, particularly the rubric's preference points for Chamber of Commerce members.
Consider approval of consent agenda
Approval of routine administrative items.
Mayor's Proclamation
Proclamation of December 10, 2020, as KGFF 90th Anniversary Celebration Day, honoring the radio station's long service to the community.
Presentation by Dr. Heath Thomas, President of Oklahoma Baptist University
Dr. Thomas provided an update on OBU's activities, including COVID-19 protocols, student success rates, and future plans like an aerospace engineering program.
Consideration of budget amendments
Mid-year budget cleanup and realignment for various projects, including additional financing for sales tax.
Consideration to enter into a three-year lease for a street sweeper utilizing the Sourcewell contract
Approval of a lease for a new street sweeper to replace a 2006 model requiring significant repairs.
Acknowledge the monthly sales tax and budget report
Presentation of October sales tax and budget figures, noting sales tax above budget but below prior year, and use tax slightly under budget.
Airport Authority - Approval of consent agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Airport Authority.
Municipal Authority - Approval of consent agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Municipal Authority.