Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved several rezonings for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, including a conditional use permit for a new daycare facility. A significant amendment was made to the Employee Retirement System, changing vesting from seven to five years and introducing a variable funding mechanism. The city also reported a positive mid-year budget update with a $2.8 million net revenue.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezone 323 South Eden Street
00:50:00Property rezoned from R1 single-family residential to R2 medium density residential to allow for future development of duplexes.
Rezone 420 West Federal Street
00:54:00Property rezoned from R1 single-family residential to C1 neighborhood commercial to allow for a small business, consistent with adjacent commercial properties.
Rezone 806 East Grant Street
00:58:00Property rezoned from C1 neighborhood commercial to C1 with a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the construction of a new daycare facility.
Rezone 3 Burleson Road
01:02:00Property rezoned from A1 rural agricultural to A1 with a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the placement of a manufactured home on a 5-acre lot.
Parks & Recreation Committee Creation
01:08:00Ordinance creating a Parks & Recreation Committee was adopted with an amendment to allow members to reside or work within city limits, not just reside.
Appointment of Commissioner to Parks & Recreation Committee
01:09:00Commissioner Bolt was appointed and ratified to serve on the newly created Parks & Recreation Committee.
Employee Retirement System Defined Contribution Plan Amendment
01:15:00Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan was approved, adding a variable funding mechanism and changing vesting from 7 to 5 years (tiered).
Lease of City Property for Pasture
01:19:00The bid from Day Stalkery for $5,000 per year to lease city property at Leo and West Tek Road for grazing was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Oklahoma Gravel Growler
Fourth annual event, 255 registered riders, 14 ultra marathoners, participants from Canada and 14 states. Generated over 40 hotel/RV night stays. Proceeds donated to Hope House Community Renewal and Arlington Fire Department. Plans to host 500 riders next year.
Youth Speak Out
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Shawnee High School. Registration 8:30-9:00 AM. A panel discussion by the Shawnee Youth Coalition (grades 7-12) on issues faced by youth and proposed solutions.
Mobile Smiles Unit (Senior Center)
Located at the Senior Center. Provides free dental services (cleanings, fillings, extractions) for individuals without dental insurance. Approximately 15 appointments remain.
Mobile Smiles Unit (Community Market)
Located at the community market. Will offer another 50 appointments for free dental services.
Financial Matters
Employee Retirement System Defined Contribution Plan Amendment
Amendment to the employee retirement system to include a variable funding mechanism and change vesting from 7 to 5 years.
Lease of City Property for Pasture
Approval of a bid to lease city property at the northeast corner of Leo and West Tek Road for grazing purposes.
Mid-Year Budget Update
Report on the city's mid-year budget (July-December FY19 vs FY18) showing a positive net revenue of $2.8 million due to increased sales taxes, utility revenues, and reduced capital spending.
City Finances and Fund Diversion Claims
A citizen raised concerns about the general fund balance decreasing from $5.7 million (2015) to $611,000 (Oct 2018) and alleged that $7 million was illegally diverted from the street fund to other funds. The Mayor refuted the claims of illegality, stating that bond issues balance over time and fund transfers are common.
Public Comments
Citizens reported on successful community events like the Gravel Growler, highlighted the issue of homelessness with recent count data, announced upcoming youth and dental health events, and raised concerns about city financial management and fund allocation. The Mayor responded to financial concerns, clarifying that fund transfers are common and not illegal.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Public open house for the comprehensive plan in March.
- The Blue Zones bike share project, with significant funding already committed, is expected to be brought to the city.
- Next year's Oklahoma Gravel Growler aims for 500 riders.
Announcements
- Animal Welfare has Francis, an adult male pitbull, available for adoption for $40 (city residents) or $30 (non-city residents).
- The Blue Zones Project is excited about the direction of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
- The Blue Zones Built Environment Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4 PM in the chambers.
- The Avedis Foundation is sponsoring a Mobile Smiles unit providing free dental services (cleanings, fillings, extractions) at the Senior Center next week (Monday-Friday) and at the community market next month. Appointments are available.
- The Gun Show at the Expo and the Central District Livestock Show (over 300 sheep, 800 cattle) were held this past weekend, bringing many visitors to town.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Adoption of the consent agenda.
Animal Control of Passover
Presentation of an adoptable animal from animal welfare.
Citizens Participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the Commission on various topics.
Presentation by RDG SWB
Update on the city's comprehensive plan, including community engagement efforts and plan elements.
Rezone property at 323 South Eden Street
Rezone 4.23 acres from R1 single-family residential to R2 medium density residential for potential duplex development.
Rezone property at 420 West Federal Street
Rezone property from R1 single-family residential to C1 neighborhood commercial for a small business.
Rezone property at 806 East Grant Street
Rezone property from C1 neighborhood commercial to C1 with a Conditional Use Permit for a new daycare facility.
Rezone property at 3 Burleson Road
Rezone 5-acre property from A1 rural agricultural to A1 with a Conditional Use Permit for a manufactured home.
Ordinance creating a Parks & Recreation Committee
Discussion and consideration of an ordinance creating a Parks & Recreation Committee, with an amendment regarding residency requirements for members.
Appointment for City Commissioner to Parks & Recreation Committee
Consideration and ratification of a City Commissioner appointment to the new Parks & Recreation Committee.
Ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan
Discussion and consideration of an ordinance amending the Employee Retirement System defined contribution plan regarding variable funding and vesting.
Consider bids for lease of Shawnee city property
Consideration of bids for the lease of city property at Leo and West Tek Road for pasture/grazing.