Meeting Summary
The Shawnee City Council approved a COVID-19 mask ordinance, effective until June 30, 2021, with an amendment to clarify its relation to COVID-19. The council also confirmed the hiring of a new Chief Information Officer, Fire Chief, and Emergency Manager. Additionally, the emergency proclamation for the October 2020 ice storm was ratified, allowing access to FEMA funding for cleanup efforts.
Key Decisions & Votes
Extend Citizen Participation Time
04:10Motion to extend citizen participation time for public comment on face coverings to 3 minutes per person, 12 minutes total per side (for/against), increasing total participation time from 24 to 36 minutes for this meeting only.
Consent Agenda Approval (excluding 2c and 2g)
20:00Approved various routine administrative items on the consent agenda, with items 2c and 2g pulled for separate discussion.
Maintenance Bond for Water Line Improvements
21:50Accepted water line improvements related to a bridge project funded by the Citizen Pottawatomie Nation and authorized placement of the maintenance bond.
Acknowledgment of Tom Terry's Resignation
23:00Acknowledged the resignation of Tom Terry, a long-serving volunteer, with commendation for his 25 years of service to Shawnee parks.
Hiring of Michael Ayers as Chief Information Officer
26:00Confirmed the appointment of Michael Ayers, a 15-year city employee, as the new Chief Information Officer.
Hiring of Anthony Whitman as Fire Department Chief
28:00Confirmed the appointment of Anthony Whitman, a 20-year department veteran and paramedic, as the new Fire Chief.
Hiring of Rachelle Erickson as Emergency Manager
32:00Confirmed the appointment of Rachelle Erickson, a city dispatcher with extensive logistics and wartime emergency management experience, as the new Emergency Manager.
Ratification of Emergency Proclamation for Ice Storm
34:00Ratified the mayor's emergency proclamation, activating the emergency operation plan and allowing access to FEMA funding for ice storm cleanup.
COVID-19 Safety Code (Mask Ordinance)
56:00Enacted a mask ordinance requiring face coverings in certain public settings, effective until June 30, 2021, with an amendment to specify its relation to COVID-19.
Emergency Clause for COVID-19 Safety Code
57:00Approved the emergency clause for the newly enacted mask ordinance, allowing it to take immediate effect.
Contract for Santa Fe Depot Historic Roof Project
58:00Awarded a contract to GH2 for assessment, design, and administration services for the repair of the Santa Fe Depot's historic roof, funded by half-cent sales tax.
Rezone 1027 North Harrison Avenue
1:02:00Approved the rezoning of 0.35 acres at 1027 N Harrison Ave from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to C3 Highway Commercial for an automotive dealership.
Budget Amendments
1:05:00Approved various budget amendments based on increased sales tax growth, including funds for demolition, scanning solutions, software upgrades, a street sweeper, and personnel for expo maintenance.
Airport Authority Consent Agenda
1:22:00Approved routine administrative items for the Airport Authority.
Airport Authority Budget Amendment
1:23:00Approved a budget amendment for the Airport Authority fund to adjust for lower fuel sales and needed building repairs, with an additional transfer from the general fund.
Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
1:25:00Approved routine administrative items for the Municipal Authority.
Upcoming Community Events
Happily Ever After Party (Animal Adoption Event)
8 AM to Noon, all adoption fees are covered by the Culvert, Ellis, and Mabry families.
Financial Matters
Budget Amendments (General Fund)
Amendments based on increased sales tax growth, including funds for demolition, a scanning solution for records, software upgrades, a street sweeper, and personnel for deferred maintenance at the expo.
Spay and Neuter Program
Increased funding for the spay and neuter program to cover additional costs due to increased expenditures.
Tourism and Donations
Budget adjustments for tourism-related activities and to reflect received donations.
Airport Authority Fund 511 Budget Amendment
Adjustment for lower fuel sales and needed building repairs, supplemented by an additional transfer from the general fund and the sale of surplus property.
Public Comments
Citizens spoke both for and against the proposed mask ordinance, raised questions about city contracts and the emergency management position, and advocated for increased funding for the animal shelter's spay/neuter program.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- COVID-19 Safety Code (Mask Ordinance) expires June 30, 2021, unless conditions for automatic repeal are met earlier.
Watch For
- Potential earlier rescission of the COVID-19 Safety Code if public health conditions improve or state guidelines change.
Announcements
- Tom Terry was recognized for his 25 years of tireless service to Shawnee parks, including working in flower beds and parks, upon his resignation from the Parks and Recreation Board.
- Details for the October 2020 ice storm debris cleanup were provided: limb debris pickup began November 16, with a staging site behind the expo grandstands (open M-F 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 8 AM-2 PM). Residents can haul to the site or place curbside, with limb diameters not exceeding 10 inches and lengths not exceeding 10 feet. A water bill or address verification is required for city residents.
- New hires Michael Ayers (CIO), Anthony Whitman (Fire Chief), and Rachelle Erickson (Emergency Manager) were introduced and congratulated.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Citizen Participation
Public comments on various topics, including the mask ordinance, city contracts, and animal welfare.
Item 2: Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items, with items 2c and 2g pulled for separate discussion.
Item 2c: Execution of a Maintenance Bond for Public Water Line Improvements on Hardesty Road
Acceptance of water line improvements related to a bridge project funded by the Citizen Pottawatomie Nation and authorization to place the maintenance bond.
Item 2g: Acknowledging the Resignation of Tom Terry from the Parks and Recreation Board
Acknowledgment of Tom Terry's resignation and commendation for his 25 years of service to Shawnee parks.
Item 3: Pet of the Week
Introduction of 'Indy,' a dog available for adoption from Shawnee Animal Welfare.
Item 4: Consideration of City Manager's Hiring of Michael Ayers as Chief Information Officer
Confirmation of Michael Ayers' appointment as the new Chief Information Officer.
Item 5: Consideration of City Manager's Hiring of Anthony Whitman as Fire Department Chief
Confirmation of Anthony Whitman's appointment as the new Fire Chief.
Item 6: Consideration of City Manager's Hiring of Rachelle Erickson as Emergency Manager
Confirmation of Rachelle Erickson's appointment as the new Emergency Manager.
Item 7: Acknowledgment and Ratification of the Proclamation Declaring an Emergency within the City Limits due to the October 2020 Ice Storm
Ratification of the mayor's emergency proclamation, activating the emergency operation plan and allowing access to FEMA funding for ice storm cleanup.
Item 8: Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Portions of Chapter 15 (Health and Safety) to Enact the City of Shawnee COVID-19 Safety Code
Enactment of a mask ordinance requiring face coverings in certain public settings, effective until June 30, 2021, with an amendment to specify its relation to COVID-19.
Emergency Clause for Item 8
Approval of the emergency clause for the newly enacted COVID-19 Safety Code ordinance.
Item 9: Consideration of a Contract with GH2 for Architectural and Engineering Services for the Santa Fe Depot Historic Roof Project
Awarding a contract to GH2 for assessment, design, and administration services for the repair of the Santa Fe Depot's historic roof.
Item 10: Public Hearing and Consideration of an Ordinance to Rezone Property at 1027 North Harrison Avenue from C1 to C3 for an Automotive Dealership
Approval of rezoning 0.35 acres at 1027 N Harrison Ave from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to C3 Highway Commercial for an automotive dealership.
Item 11: Public Hearing and Consideration of an Ordinance to Rezone Property at 32105 Homer Lane from A1 to RE
Consideration of rezoning 5 acres at 32105 Homer Lane from A1 Rural Agricultural to RE Rural Residential Estates.
Item 12: Consideration of Following Budget Amendments
Approval of various budget amendments based on increased sales tax growth.
Item 13: Sales Tax and Budget Report
Review of the city's sales tax and budget performance.
Item 14: New Business
No new business items were presented.
Item 15: Commissioner's Comments
Commissioners offered congratulations to new hires, discussed the mask mandate, and encouraged support for local businesses.
Airport Authority Item 1: Consider Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Airport Authority.
Airport Authority Item 2: Consideration of a Budget Amendment for Shawnee Airport Authority Fund 511
Approval of a budget amendment to adjust for lower fuel sales and needed building repairs.
Airport Authority Item 3: New Business
No new business items were presented for the Airport Authority.
Municipal Authority Item 1: Consider Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Municipal Authority.
Municipal Authority Item 2: New Business
No new business items were presented for the Municipal Authority.