Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved several key items, including reappointments to the Hospital Authority, final and preliminary plats for properties previously in a floodplain, and the rezoning and preliminary plat for the Avidas Foundation's new commercial office. Financial reports showed a slight decrease in sales tax revenue year-to-date. The Commission also authorized an independent investigation into a hostile work environment claim.
Key Decisions & Votes
Hospital Authority Reappointments
04:00The reappointments of Mike Warwick, John Robinson, and Chuck Skillings to the Shawnee Hospital Authority were affirmed, despite a request to table for application forms. The authority was noted as largely inactive.
Final Plat for Vision Addition Section 1 (S 1816)
14:40The final plat for a 3-acre property at 4301 N Harrison St, previously a floodplain, was approved with conditions, pending final FEMA letter review.
Preliminary Plat for Vision Addition Section 2 (S 1016)
15:20The preliminary plat for an adjacent property, including one buildable lot and two outlots containing a concrete channel, was approved with four conditions, pending final FEMA letter review.
Rezone Property at 1500 E Independence St (P 08 16)
25:00The property at 1500 E Independence St was rezoned from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-1 (neighborhood commercial) to allow for the Avidas Foundation's new commercial office. Concerns about traffic and flooding were addressed by the applicant's engineer.
Preliminary Plat for Avidas Foundation Property
25:30The preliminary plat for the Avidas Foundation's commercial office project was approved with four conditions, following a public hearing where drainage concerns were addressed.
Independent Investigation into Hostile Work Environment Claim
42:00The City Manager and City Attorney were authorized to hire a qualified independent third-party to conduct an investigation into a pending claim regarding a hostile work environment.
Upcoming Community Events
Boo on Bell
Unframed Art Show
Featuring Jason Wilson from the Paseos, as well as emerging artists.
Opera-themed Art Show
Nationwide call for artists to create 2D or 3D work based on Opera, featuring an opera singer.
Potawatomi Tribal Negotiation with Department of Transportation
Held at The Grand, with high-level officials from highway, aviation, and other DOT areas.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report for October 2016
October sales tax collection was $1,496,000. Year-to-date sales tax is down over $100,000 compared to last year, though use tax, alcohol beverage tax, and court fines are up. The General Fund collected approximately $5 million and expensed $4.49 million.
Bid for Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project
Four bids were received for the annual sanitary sewer rehab project, ranging from $998,662.80 to $2,044,737. The award was deferred to the next meeting for staff calculation.
Bid for Water Treatment Plant Sludge Removal
Three bids were received for water treatment plant sludge removal, ranging from $184,744 to $364,000. The award was deferred to the next meeting for staff review.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during public participation. Douglas Gordon, owner of Studio 112.5, expressed appreciation for downtown sidewalk improvements, promoted his new art gallery, and highlighted upcoming art shows. Another speaker also shared excitement for downtown developments and the 'Boo on Bell' event.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Awarding of the bid for the annual sanitary sewer rehab project (deferred to November 7th Commission meeting).
- Awarding of the bid for the water treatment plant sludge removal project (deferred to the next Commission meeting).
Watch For
- Review of the city charter, wards, and boundaries to equalize inhabitant numbers based on zoning.
Announcements
- The Avidas Foundation was praised for finding a home in Shawnee and its potential positive impact on the community.
- An invitation was extended to the City Commission and Mayor to attend the Potawatomi Tribal negotiation with the Department of Transportation at The Grand, starting tomorrow for three days, with high-level DOT officials present.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Consideration and approval of routine items, with Item D pulled for separate discussion.
Hospital Authority Appointments
Discussion and vote on the reappointments of Mike Warwick, John Robinson, and Chuck Skillings to the Shawnee Hospital Authority.
Citizens Participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the Commission on topics of concern.
Clara and Juan Guerrero's appeal of an administrative order
Appeal regarding the demolition of a residential structure located at 420 South Park Street.
Final plat for replat of Vision Addition Section 1 (S 1816)
Consideration of the final plat for a 3-acre property located at 4301 North Harrison Street, previously in a floodplain.
Preliminary plat for Vision Addition Section 2 (S 1016)
Consideration of the preliminary plat for an adjacent property with one buildable lot and two outlots containing a concrete channel.
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone property (P 08 16)
Public hearing and vote on rezoning property at 1500 East Independence Street from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-1 (neighborhood commercial) for the Avidas Foundation.
Consideration of the preliminary plat for Avidas Foundation property
Consideration of the preliminary plat for the Avidas Foundation's proposed commercial office at 1500 East Independence Street.
Sales tax report for October of 2016
Presentation and discussion of the city's sales tax collection report for October 2016.
New Business (City Commission)
Opportunity for commissioners to introduce new topics for discussion.
Consent Agenda (Shawnee Airport Authority)
Consideration and approval of routine items for the Airport Authority.
New Business (Shawnee Airport Authority)
Opportunity for Airport Authority members to introduce new topics.
Consent Agenda (Shawnee Municipal Authority)
Consideration and approval of routine items for the Municipal Authority.
Consider bid sanitary sewer rehab various locations
Review of bids received for the annual sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.
Water treatment plant sludge removal
Review of bids received for the water treatment plant sludge removal project.
New Business (Shawnee Municipal Authority)
Opportunity for Municipal Authority members to introduce new topics.
Enter into executive session
To discuss confidential communications between the city and city attorney concerning a pending claim and investigation.
Consider matters discussed in executive session
Discussion and possible action regarding a pending claim and investigation of a hostile work environment.