Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the establishment of a designated health zone to curb youth vaping and de-annexed tribal land to support a new housing subdivision. They also approved the transfer of 12 county properties to a non-profit for affordable housing and denied a rezoning request for a commercial development near a church and school. The Vitas Foundation presented an update on its significant community investments and impact.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning Highway 102 & Lake Road
1:00Approved the rezoning of 4.68 acres from A1 Rural Agricultural to C3 Highway Commercial, aligning with the comprehensive plan for commercial development.
Rezoning Clear Pond Road
1:08Approved the rezoning of 6.4 acres to A1 Rural Agricultural with a Conditional Use Permit to allow a manufactured home, despite a new adjacent owner not receiving direct mail notification.
Rezoning West McArthur Street
1:15Denied the rezoning of 2.58 acres from Residential Estate to C3 Highway Commercial, affirming the Planning Commission's recommendation to maintain the area as low-density residential and noting proximity to a school.
Designated Health Zone Ordinance
1:20Adopted an ordinance establishing a designated health zone to create vape and tobacco-free areas, particularly around youth-focused organizations, to promote public health.
De-annexation of Tribal Property
1:27Approved the de-annexation of a non-contiguous property north of P&K equipment at the request of the Kickapoo Tribe, enabling them to pursue a grant for a tribal housing subdivision without the city incurring significant infrastructure costs.
Transfer of Properties to COCA
1:35Approved the transfer of 12 properties to the Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCA) with restrictions for use in affordable housing programs, addressing the desperate need for low-income housing.
Fire Station 4 Declared Surplus
1:39Approved a resolution declaring the property at 518 South Beard Street, known as Fire Station 4, as surplus and authorized staff to solicit sealed bids for its sale, as it is no longer needed by the fire department.
Senior Citizen Center Roofing Project Bid
1:58Approved the bid from Ground Zero Roofing and Construction for the Senior Citizen Center roofing project for a base bid of $63,500, with potential additional costs for insulation.
Digester Cleaning at Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant Bid
2:10Approved Jordan Contractors' bid for digester cleaning services at the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant for a total of $302,000.
Upcoming Community Events
Christmas Parade
A big success with an enormous crowd and added fireworks.
Vitas Leadership Series Speaker
Featuring Wes Moore.
Micro Wrestling
To be held at the Expo Center.
Victorian Play
Held at Shawnee Little Theater.
Financial Matters
Vitas Foundation Investments
The Vitas Foundation has invested approximately $40 million in the community since 2012, including $4.6 million in city projects and $1.9 million in Shawnee Public Schools.
Sales Tax Revenue
Sales tax revenue for the month was 21.45% above the projected budget, and 7.4% year-to-date.
Use Tax Revenue
Use tax revenue for the month was 12.68% above budget, and 49.88% year-to-date.
Senior Citizen Center Roofing Project
Awarded bid for roofing project, with potential extra cost for insulation.
Digester Cleaning at Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant
Approved bid for cleaning services.
Public Comments
Citizens addressed topics including appreciation for the Blue Zones project, opposition and support for the transfer of county properties for low-income housing, opposition to Broadway bike lanes, and opposition to a rezoning request for commercial development near a church and school due to concerns about crime rates and proximity to children.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- COCA grant application due in January.
- Vitas Leadership Series featuring Wes Moore on May 27th.
Watch For
- Future discussions on public transportation.
- Continued progress on the Blue Zones project.
- Growth in Shawnee's tourism industry.
- Increased activity from the film industry in Shawnee.
Announcements
- Otis was presented as the Animal Control pet of the week.
- Governor Stitt has declared Oklahoma should be a top ten tourism state.
- The Vitas Foundation hosts an annual 'Celebrate Teachers' event in August.
- The Vitas Leadership Series will feature Wes Moore on May 27th.
- The city is launching a 'Shawnee Shout Out' marketing campaign with paper ads, billboards, TV, and radio.
- The Welcome Center at 231 North Bell has been expanded.
- An updated 'Visit Shawnee' brochure will be released in the spring.
- Micro wrestling is coming to the Expo Center, and a Victorian play was recently held at Shawnee Little Theater.
Agenda Summary
Item 1 Citizens Participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the Commission on various topics.
Item 2 Consider Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items.
Item 3 Animal Control
Presentation of the pet of the week, Otis.
Item 4 Presentation by Kathy Laster, President/CEO of the Vitas Foundation
Update on the Vitas Foundation's mission, investments, and strategic initiatives in the community.
Item 5 Public Hearing and Consideration of Ordinance to Rezone Property located 250 feet south at the southwest corner of Highway 102 and Lake Road
Rezoning 4.68 acres from A1 Rural Agricultural District to C3 Highway Commercial District.
Item 6 Public Hearing and Consideration of Ordinance to Rezone Property located at 39180 Clear Pond Road
Rezoning 6.4 acres from A1 Rural Agricultural District to A1 Rural Agricultural District with a Conditional Use Permit to allow a manufactured home.
Item 7 Public Hearing and Consideration of Ordinance to Rezone Property located at 39405 West McArthur Street
Rezoning 2.58 acres from RE Residential Estate District to C3 Highway Commercial District.
Item 8 Discussion and Consideration of the Ordinance Establishing a Designated Health Zone
Establishing a health zone to create tobacco and vape-free areas, particularly targeting youth.
Item 9 Discussion and Consideration of the Ordinance Amending the Boundaries of the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma by De-annexing Detaching Certain Property
De-annexation of non-contiguous tribal property to facilitate a housing subdivision for the Kickapoo Tribe.
Item 10 Consideration of Approval to Deed the Following Properties to Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency
Transfer of 12 properties to COCA with restrictions for affordable housing programs.
Item 11 Consider a Resolution to Declare a Real Property located at 518 South Beard Street known as Fire Station 4 as Surplus
Declaring the former Fire Station 4 as surplus property and authorizing staff to solicit bids for its sale.
Item 12 Administrative Reports - Financial Report
Update on sales tax, use tax, and general fund budget status.
Item 13 Administrative Reports - Director of Tourism
Report on tourism initiatives, data, and future plans for promoting Shawnee as a destination.
Item 14 Consider Bid Senior Citizen Center Roofing Project
Awarding the bid for the Senior Citizen Center roofing project to Ground Zero Roofing and Construction.
Item 15 New Business - Commissioners Comments
Commissioners shared comments on recent events and city progress.
Airport Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Airport Authority.
Shawnee Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
Digester Cleaning at Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant
Consideration and approval of bids for digester cleaning services.