Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a $3.565 million sales tax revenue note to fund fire department needs, taking advantage of favorable interest rates and expiring debt. They also approved changes to the city manager's role regarding the airport and advanced a project for city-wide wayfinding signs. Additionally, the council initiated the process for redrawing ward boundaries to ensure equitable population distribution and addressed the resignation of a Ward 6 Commissioner.
Key Decisions & Votes
Sales Tax Revenue Note Series 2016 (SMA)
06:05Authorization for the Shawnee Municipal Authority to issue a $3,565,000 sales tax revenue note to address fire department and public safety needs, leveraging expiring debt and current market rates.
Resolution of Appreciation for Ann Masters
19:00A resolution was passed to express appreciation for Ann Masters' over 15 years of loyal service to the Pioneer Library System upon her retirement.
Sales Tax Revenue Note Series 2016 (City)
28:00The City of Shawnee approved the incurrence of indebtedness by the Shawnee Municipal Authority for the $3,565,000 sales tax revenue note, waiving competitive bidding.
ODOT Project Maintenance Agreement for Wayfinding Signs
37:00Approval of an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to allow the city to proceed with the installation of wayfinding signs, particularly on state routes.
Airport Manager Role Clarification Ordinance
42:00An ordinance was approved to amend the Municipal Code, clarifying the City Manager's role as the general manager of the Shawnee Airport Authority, aligning with the trust indenture.
Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code Amendment Ordinance
44:00An ordinance was approved to amend Chapter 19 of the Municipal Code, adopting and incorporating Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes (State Highway Traffic Safety Code) for consistency.
Proposed City Ward Boundary Changes
53:00The City Commission authorized staff to provide 30 days' public notice for proposed changes to city ward boundaries, aiming for substantially equal population distribution, with an ordinance to be considered on January 17th.
Ward 6 Commissioner Resignation
57:00Following the resignation of Ward 6 Commissioner Michael Dox, the Commission approved a motion to open the position for applications and nominations to appoint a replacement.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Revenue Note Series 2016
Issuance of a sales tax revenue note to fund fire department needs and other public safety improvements.
Bid for Trailer-Mounted 6-inch Trash Auto Prime Pump
Bids received from Norm Koh Energy ($38,664.22) and Pumps OK ($49,513.00) for equipment, deferred for further consideration.
Wayfinding Project Funding
The city has $150,000 budgeted for wayfinding efforts, with an additional $75,000 committed by Visit Shawnee Inc.
Public Comments
One citizen, Holly Gordon, spoke about the positive developments and increased foot traffic in downtown Shawnee, encouraging others to visit local businesses.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Bid for trailer-mounted 6-inch trash auto prime pump deferred to December 19th.
Deadlines
- 30 days public notice for proposed ward boundary changes.
- Ordinance for ward boundary changes to be considered at the January 17th City Commission meeting.
Watch For
- Special City Commission retreat session in early January.
- Further updates on the Community Survey at the next meeting (December 19th).
- Opening of the 200 block of Main Street (downtown streetscape) in about a week.
- Completion of the final block of the downtown streetscape project in early January.
- Special election for Ward 6 Commissioner replacement likely mid-next year.
Announcements
- Oklahoma Municipal League certificates were presented to five employees with 25 or more years of service.
- Ann Masters, retiring after 15+ years with the Pioneer Library System, was recognized for her service.
- The January 2nd City Commission meeting is canceled; a special retreat session is being planned for early January.
- The Community Survey has been mailed out, with many responses already received.
- The 200 block of the downtown streetscape project is expected to open in about a week, with the final block opening in early January.
- Commissioner Michael Dox of Ward 6 submitted his resignation due to career and military service commitments.
- The Christmas parade had an excellent turnout and was well-organized.
- The City Manager will research honorariums for City Commission members.
- The Animal Welfare Shelter has a new volunteer program for interacting with animals to improve adoption chances.
- A suggestion was made to explore the Amazon Smile program for city organizations.
- A resignation from the Beautification Committee was announced, with a suggestion to consolidate it with the Chamber's Beautification Committee.
Agenda Summary
Shawnee Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
Sales Tax Revenue Note Series 2016
Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Shawnee Municipal Authority to issue a sales tax revenue note for $3,565,000 to fund major improvements related to public safety needs, specifically fire department equipment, by leveraging expiring debt service and favorable market conditions.
Bid for Trailer-Mounted 6-inch Trash Auto Prime Pump
Consideration of bids for a trailer-mounted trash auto prime pump from Norm Koh Energy and Pumps OK.
Citizens Participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the City Commission.
Presentation of Oklahoma Municipal League Certificates
Recognition of employees with 25 or more years of service with the City of Shawnee.
Resolution of Appreciation for Ann Masters
Consideration of a resolution recognizing Ann Masters for her 15+ years of service to the Pioneer Library System upon her retirement.
Resolution Approving Sales Tax Revenue Note Series 2016 (City of Shawnee)
Companion item to the Municipal Authority's resolution, approving the incurrence of indebtedness by the Shawnee Municipal Authority for the sales tax revenue note.
Resolution Approving Project Maintenance Agreement with ODOT for Wayfinding Signs
Authorization to move forward with the city's wayfinding project, requiring an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for signs on state routes.
Ordinance Repealing and Amending Section 2-109 (Airport Manager)
Amending the Municipal Code to clarify the City Manager's role as the general manager of the Shawnee Airport Authority, consistent with the airport authority trust indenture.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
Amending the Municipal Code to adopt and incorporate Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes (State Highway Traffic Safety Code) into Chapter 19, ensuring consistency.
Proposed Changes to City Ward Boundaries
Presentation and consideration of proposed changes to city ward boundaries to ensure substantially equal population distribution based on 2010 census data.
City Manager's Report
Update from the City Manager on various city operations and upcoming events.
New Business (Commissioner Dox Resignation)
Discussion and action regarding the resignation of Ward 6 Commissioner Michael Dox.
Shawnee Airport Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items for the Shawnee Airport Authority.