Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved the appointment of Debra Shawn to the Ward 1 seat and directed staff to issue a press release clarifying ongoing lawsuits involving the city, CPN, and OTC. A settlement agreement was authorized for unremitted 911 wireless telephone fees. The meeting also highlighted the success of the Shawnee Splash Aquatic Center and recognized city staff for their achievements.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Agenda Approval
01:00The consent agenda, containing routine administrative items, was approved.
Ward 1 City Commission Appointment
08:50Debra Shawn was appointed to the Ward 1 City Commission seat, replacing Gary Vogel.
Press Release on Lawsuits
19:00Staff was directed to craft and issue a simple statement of understanding regarding current lawsuits involving the City of Shawnee, the Citizens Potawatomi Nation, and the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
911 Wireless Telephone Fees Settlement
40:00The City Manager was authorized to execute a settlement agreement with 911 coed regarding unremitted wireless telephone fees.
Upcoming Community Events
Neece Foundation Speaker Series
Featuring Tony Butner from Blue Blues organization.
Financial Matters
Legal Fees for CPN Disputes
A citizen reported that $335,066 has been spent by the city for legal fees associated with disputes with the CPN, suggesting the expenditure has been of no benefit to taxpayers.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Miss Arnold received an award for the city's comprehensive annual financial report, recognizing excellence in financial reporting.
Annual Visual (Expenditures and Revenues)
The final draft of the 2017 annual visual, detailing expenditures and revenues, is being prepared for publication, with commissioners asked to proofread.
Public Comments
One citizen expressed concern over the significant amount of city funds spent on legal fees related to disputes with the Citizens Potawatomi Nation, arguing that these expenditures have not benefited taxpayers and suggesting the city reconsider its approach to these disputes.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Consideration of bids for a remote control self-mover.
Deadlines
- Ballot for Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption on November 8th.
Watch For
- Discussion about designing table tents to inform citizens about the upcoming vote on Sunday liquor sales.
Announcements
- Tamra R. Johnson, HR Director, received the first George F. Wilkinson award from the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund for her outstanding service as an authorized agent.
- Shawnee Splash Aquatic Center has served approximately 30,000 individuals through July, surpassing last year's numbers.
- Miss Arnold received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the city's comprehensive annual financial report.
- Cindy was recognized as Employee of the Month.
- Commissioners welcomed new Ward 1 Commissioner Debra Shawn.
- Downtown revitalization efforts and ongoing construction projects across the city were commended.
- The success of the Shawnee Splash Aquatic Center and the city's path system were highlighted.
- The Expo Center staff was praised for their incredible work, including a recent rodeo.
- A student exchange program departed for Tokyo.
Agenda Summary
1. Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine administrative items.
2. Citizens Participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission.
3. Presentation by Mrs. Jodi Cops
Presentation from the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund.
4. Discussion, consideration and possible action to appoint Debra Shawn to the Ward 1 City Commission seat vacated by Gary Vogel
Appointment of a new commissioner for Ward 1.
5. Swearing in of Mr. Mashaei
Official swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Ward 1 Commissioner.
6. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding a press release that provides information and status with occurred for recent court proceedings between the city of Shawnee in the city of Potawatomi for this citizens Potawatomi nation in the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the citizens Potawatomi nation
Discussion and action on issuing a press release about ongoing lawsuits involving the city, CPN, and OTC.
7. Consider bids for remote control self-mover
Review of bids for a remote control self-mover for city operations.
8. City Manager's Report
Update on various city operations, projects, and recognitions.
11. Discussion, consideration possible action to go into executive session to discuss potential claims litigation or other options regarding emergency 911 wireless telephone fees that were collected and not remitted to the city
Executive session to discuss potential claims and litigation concerning unremitted 911 wireless telephone fees.
12. Considered an executive session to discuss annual evaluations of the city manager and City Treasurer
Executive session to discuss annual evaluations of the City Manager and City Treasurer.
13. Consider matters discussed in executive session regarding potential claims litigation or other options regarding emergency 911 wireless telephone fees that were collected and not permitted to the city
Action following executive session regarding emergency 911 wireless telephone fees.
14. Consider matters discussed in executive session regarding discussion of annual evaluations of the city manager and City Treasurer
Action following executive session regarding annual evaluations of the City Manager and City Treasurer.