Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved a significant matching grant of $440,000 from the Avedis Foundation for the remodeling and enhancement of the Expo Conference Center. They also authorized the city manager to conduct a comprehensive citizen survey to gather feedback on city services and quality of life. Concerns were raised by a local animal welfare group regarding high euthanasia rates and operational issues at the Shawnee animal shelter.
Key Decisions & Votes
September 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
02:00Item 1a, minutes from the previous regular meeting, was pulled from the consent agenda and tabled due to missing language regarding item 15.
Citizen Survey Agreement
25:00Authorization for the City Manager to enter into an agreement with a National Research Center to conduct a comprehensive citizen survey for strategic planning and budgeting.
Rezone 3922 N Kickapoo Avenue
29:00Ordinance to rezone property at 3922 North Kickapoo Avenue from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to C3 Highway Commercial, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan for commercial use.
Belmont Park LLC Final Plat
35:00Consideration of the final plat for Belmont Park LLC (one C3 zoned lot) with a condition to secure a corrected pipeline easement document.
Shawnee Airport Authority Consent Agenda
41:00The consent agenda for the Shawnee Airport Authority was approved.
Shawnee Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
42:00The consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Opening of new art studio downtown
112 and a half East Main Street, partnering with Main Street businesses.
Pioneer Library art event
Featuring artwork by Lisa Howard and local children/youth, still on display.
FAST Act Department of Transportation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee meeting
Hosted by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, close to Shawnee.
Financial Matters
Avedis Foundation Grant for Expo Conference Center
A matching grant awarded for the remodeling and enhancement of the Expo Conference Center.
Citizen Survey Agreement
Budget impact for conducting a scientifically valid random citizen survey.
Sales Tax Report - September 2016
Sales tax collections for September 2016 were $1,490,000, down $3,367 from September 2015, but outperforming the overall Oklahoma decline. Year-to-date top eight revenues are down about $12,000. Water sales are 10.3% above last year.
General Fund Revenues and Expenses (first two months)
General fund revenues collected were approximately $3.5 million, with expenses around $3.2 million.
SMA Revenues and Expenses (first two months)
SMA revenues were approximately $2.2 million, with expenses around $1.5 million.
Departmental Processing (first two months)
790 purchase orders, 1500 payroll checks/direct deposits, 2400 invoices, and over 1000 non-payroll checks processed.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke. One introduced himself as the new city manager for McLeod, responsible for West Watkins Lake maintenance. Another, representing Friends of Shawnee Animals, expressed serious concerns about high euthanasia rates, lack of shelter computer functionality, and the unremoved gas chamber, requesting partnership and improved interaction. The third announced the opening of a new art studio downtown.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Minutes from the September 6, 2016 regular meeting (Item 1a) to be revisited at the next Commission meeting.
- Citizen survey results are expected towards the end of the calendar year or early 2017.
Watch For
- Discussions with the city regarding the removal of the animal shelter's gas chamber by the next Commissioners meeting.
- City Commission retreat in November or December to discuss strategic and comprehensive planning.
Announcements
- Brittany Burton from the Planning Department was recognized as the September Employee of the Month.
- The Avedis Foundation announced a $440,000 matching grant for the remodeling and enhancement of the Expo Conference Center.
- Commissioners were encouraged to complete cyber security training.
- The Pioneer Library hosted an event featuring Lisa Howard's artwork and pieces by local children and youth.
- Construction progress is noted around the I-40 service area and Kickapoo Spur.
- A City Commission retreat is being planned for November or December.
Agenda Summary
1a. Minutes from the September 6, 2016 regular meeting
Discussion regarding language missing from item 15 of the minutes.
1. Consent Agenda (excluding 1a)
Approval of consent agenda items other than the September 6, 2016 minutes.
2. Citizen Participation
Public comments from Buck Day (West Watkins Lake maintenance), Shelby Bronson (Friends of Shawnee Animals regarding shelter issues), and Holly Gordon (opening a new art studio downtown).
3. Presentation by the City Manager: Employee of the Month
Recognition of Brittany Burton from the Planning Department as the September Employee of the Month.
4. Presentation by Michelle Briggs, President and CEO of the Avedis Foundation
Announcement of a $440,000 matching grant for the Expo Conference Center remodeling and enhancement.
5. Discussion, consideration, and possible action to authorize City Manager to enter into an agreement with a National Research Center to conduct a citizen survey
Consideration of a scientifically valid random survey to assess quality of life, public safety, governance, and city services.
6. Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone property located at 3922 North Kickapoo Avenue from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to C3 Highway Commercial
Rezone request for a property designated for commercial use in the Comprehensive Plan, with potential for a retail center.
7. Consideration of the final plat for Belmont Park LLC located in the northeast corner of MacArthur Street and Acme Road
Approval of the final plat for one section of the Belmont Park addition, a singular C3 zoned lot for commercial development, with a condition regarding a pipeline easement.
8. Acknowledge sales tax report received in September 2016
Review of the September 2016 sales tax report, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year but outperforming the state average.
Shawnee Airport Authority - Consent Agenda
Approval of the consent agenda for the Shawnee Airport Authority.
Shawnee Municipal Authority - Consent Agenda
Approval of the consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.