Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved significant utility rate increases for water, sewer, and solid waste services, along with new utility fees, to address infrastructure needs and operational costs. A key decision was the approval to purchase the First United Bank property for a new police department headquarters. The commission also approved applying for a low-interest loan to fund an advanced metering infrastructure system for water services.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezone Property at 323 South Eden Street
04:00The ordinance to rezone property from R1 single-family residential to R2 combined residential was deferred until the January 20th meeting.
Utility Fee Schedule Amendments
11:00An ordinance was approved to add new utility fees (transfer service, processing, meter maintenance, rescheduling, cut-off notice, after-hours connection) and reduce the utility deposit to $75 across the board.
Solid Waste Service Rate Increases
13:30A resolution was approved to increase monthly rates for solid waste services by $1 per unit and raise the minimum deposit for garbage-only service from $15 to $20.
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Increases
19:00A resolution was approved to increase all water and sewer collection fees by 7% and to allow for annual rate adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.
Purchase of First United Bank Property
21:00The purchase of the First United Bank and Trust Company property at 912 East Independence Street (3.68 acres) was authorized to serve as the new police department headquarters.
WRB Loan Application for AMI System
48:00A resolution was approved to apply for financial assistance from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for automated meter reading system improvements and to authorize related professional services agreements.
Upcoming Community Events
Christmas Parade
Big success with approximately 85 floats.
Concert at Performing Arts Center
Well-received program, praised for the venue and young voices.
Third Friday
Businesses will have activities inside their establishments.
Financial Matters
Utility Fee Schedule Amendments
New fees approved: $25 transfer service fee, $25 processing fee for new service, $6/month residential meter maintenance fee (tiered for commercial), $25 rescheduling fee, $5 cut-off notice fee, and $50 after-hours connection service fee. The utility deposit was reduced to $75 across the board.
Solid Waste Service Rate Increases
Monthly rates for small, large, and additional poly carts increased by $1 per unit. The minimum deposit for garbage-only service increased from $15 to $20.
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Increases
All water and sewer collection fees increased by 7% across the board. The resolution also allows for annual rate adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.
Monthly Sales Tax and City Treasurer Report
Sales tax collections were approximately $92,000 over the projected budget for the month, with year-to-date collections up $182,000. Total sales and use tax collections were about $1.9 million.
Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System Project Cost
Estimated cost for the AMI system project, including solid-state meters and equipment.
WRB Loan Application for AMI System
Application for financial assistance through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, with an estimated interest rate of 2.5% for 15-year financing. Professional services agreement with Bok and Public Finance Law Group at 0.75% of loan proceeds.
Public Comments
One citizen spoke, expressing appreciation for the commission's continued leadership and wishing them a Merry Christmas.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance to rezone property at 323 South Eden Street (deferred until the January 20th meeting).
Deadlines
- WRB loan closing for AMI system expected in March or April of next year.
Watch For
- Review of other city service fee schedules (e.g., cemetery, airport) to be presented in the next two months.
- Updates on economic development opportunities expected in the next month.
Announcements
- The Christmas parade held a week or so back was a big success with about 85 floats.
- The Mayor recently got married.
- A concert at the Performing Arts Center was well-received.
- Commissioners wished everyone happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and a safe New Year.
- The 'Shop Shawnee' initiative is progressing well.
- The Third Friday event will be held inside businesses this Friday.
Agenda Summary
Call to Order, Roll Call, Prayer, Pledge
Procedural opening of the meeting.
Presentation by Animal Control
Presentation on Delta, a black and white female pit mix, available for adoption with a $40 fee for city residents.
Citizens Participation
Opportunity for public comments with a three-minute limit per person.
Ordinance to rezone property located at 323 South Eden Street
Consideration of an ordinance to rezone property from R1 single-family residential to R2 combined residential.
Ordinance adding, repealing, and amending portions of the Shawnee Municipal Code Chapter 26 Utilities
Discussion and consideration of an ordinance to add new fees and amend existing ones for utility services, including transfer, processing, meter maintenance, rescheduling, cut-off notice, and after-hours connection fees, and a reduction in the utility deposit.
Resolution updating the city fee schedule for solid waste services
Discussion and consideration of a resolution to increase monthly rates for small, large, and additional poly carts by $1, and to increase the minimum deposit for garbage-only service from $15 to $20.
Resolution updating the city fee schedule by setting water and sanitary sewer rates
Discussion and consideration of a resolution to increase all water and sewer collection fees by 7% and to adopt a section allowing annual rate reviews based on the Consumer Price Index.
Real estate purchase agreement and leaseback agreement with First United Bank and Trust Company
Discussion and consideration of purchasing the property at 912 East Independence Street (3.68 acres) to serve as the new police department headquarters.
Acknowledge monthly sales tax and city treasurer report
Review of the monthly sales and use tax report, showing collections approximately $92,000 over budget for the month and $182,000 year-to-date.
Interim City Manager Report
Report on city operations, employee efforts, review of fee schedules, and economic development initiatives.
New Business/Comments
General comments, holiday wishes, and updates on community events like the Christmas parade and a recent concert.
Shawnee Airport Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine matters for the Shawnee Airport Authority.
Shawnee Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine matters for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
Automated Meter Reading and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Systems presentation
Presentation by Holloway Updike and Belen Engineering on the benefits, types, costs, and funding options for new water metering systems.
Resolution agreement file application with WRB for financial assistance
Consideration and action on a resolution to apply for financial assistance from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for automated meter reading system improvements and to approve related professional services agreements.
Executive Session
Discussion regarding the purchase or appraisal of real properties.
Consider matters discussed in executive session
No action taken on matters discussed during the executive session.