Meeting Summary
The city council discussed the current COVID-19 situation extensively, hearing public comments both for and against a mask mandate, but took no immediate action. The process for appointing a new Ward 1 Commissioner was approved, and OG&E provided an update on the city's LED street light conversion program. Several financial matters and community events were also addressed.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ward 1 Commissioner Appointment Process
1:00:00The commission approved the city manager's recommendation to accept applications from the public for the Ward 1 Commissioner vacancy, with interviews and a decision planned for the August 3rd meeting.
Donation of Surplus City Property
1:18:00A resolution was passed to declare certain city property, specifically old library tables, as surplus and authorize their donation to Shawnee Public Schools.
Shawnee Regional Airport Runway/Taxiway Project Contract Award
1:26:00The commission approved awarding the contract for the crack seal and seal coat of the runway and taxiway at Shawnee Regional Airport to American Road Maintenance, contingent upon receipt of a third pending grant.
Employment Status of Kelly Gibson
1:31:00Following an executive session, the commission approved the staff's recommendation for the disability retirement of Kelly Gibson.
Upcoming Community Events
For King & Country Drive-in Concert
Shawnee Expo Center, tickets by vehicle starting at $100.
David Nail Concert
Shawnee Expo Center, VIP tables and tickets still available.
All Star Monster Trucks Show
Shawnee Expo Center grandstands, first 100 tickets start at $10, free child's ticket with paid adult.
Financial Matters
Monthly Sales Tax and Use Tax Reports (June)
Sales tax was up 27.23% and use tax was up 20.36% compared to projected budget. General fund received 99% of budget revenue, and SMA received 98% of estimated revenue.
Shawnee Regional Airport Runway/Taxiway Crack Seal and Seal Coat Project
The project, estimated at $800,000, will cost the Airport Authority approximately $31,833 out-of-pocket due to federal grants, including CARES Act funding.
Public Comments
Seven citizens addressed the commission. Aaron Stevens announced upcoming events at the Shawnee Expo Center. The majority of speakers focused on the potential COVID-19 mask mandate, with some expressing strong support for a mandate to protect public health and prevent business shutdowns, while others voiced concerns about individual freedoms, potential discrimination against those with disabilities, and the enforceability of such a mandate. One speaker also raised a concern about a child safety issue at the splash pad.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Further discussion and potential action on a COVID-19 mask mandate will occur at a future meeting, possibly a special call meeting.
Deadlines
- Applications for the Ward 1 Commissioner vacancy are due by the end of next week for consideration at the August 3rd meeting.
Watch For
- Inspections and repairs for I-40 high mass towers are needed before OG&E can convert them to LED lights.
- A decision on a city-wide COVID-19 mask mandate.
Announcements
- Shawnee Expo Center announced a new drive-in concert for King & Country on August 28th, All Star Monster Trucks on September 19th, and the David Nail concert on August 22nd.
- OG&E Electric Service provided an update on the ongoing LED street light conversion program across the city.
Agenda Summary
Citizen Participation
Citizens spoke on various topics including upcoming events at the Shawnee Expo Center, concerns regarding a potential mask mandate, the role of the traffic commission, and a splash pad safety issue.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items.
Presentation by Animal Control to present Pet of the Week
Animal Control was scheduled to present the pet of the week.
Presentation by OG&E Electric Service
Melinda Moffett from OG&E presented on the LED light program, explaining the conversion process, timelines, and how to report outages.
Discussion and consideration of possible appointment for Ward One Commissioner to complete remainder of term expiring 2022
Discussion on the process for filling the Ward 1 vacancy, including accepting applications and conducting interviews.
Discussion of current COVID-19 situation and community response efforts
Commissioners discussed the rising COVID-19 cases, potential mask mandates, and the balance between public health and individual freedoms, considering input from citizens and businesses.
Consider a resolution to declare certain city of Shawnee property surplus and no longer needed for city purposes, describing said items and authorizing the donation of said items to Shawnee Public Schools
Resolution to donate surplus library tables to Shawnee Public Schools.
Acknowledge monthly sales tax and budget reports
Review of sales tax, use tax, and general fund budget performance for June.
New Business (City Commission)
No new business items were brought forward.
Commissioner's Comments (City Commission)
Commissioners offered brief comments, primarily regarding the COVID-19 discussion.
Airport Authority: Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Airport Authority.
Airport Authority: Consider bids for crack seal and seal coat of runway and taxiway
Review and consideration of bids for a crack seal and seal coat project at Shawnee Regional Airport, with a recommendation to award the contract.
Airport Authority: New Business
No new business items were brought forward for the Airport Authority.
Municipal Authority: Consideration of Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Municipal Authority.
Municipal Authority: New Business
No new business items were brought forward for the Municipal Authority.
Executive Session for discussion related to the employment of Kelly Gibson
The commission entered executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Consider matters discussed in executive session related to employment of Kelly Gibson
Action taken following executive session regarding an employee's status.