Meeting Summary
The city commission held a retreat to discuss various city matters and gather feedback, as no formal decisions were made. Key topics included the potential sale of two city-owned properties, future adjustments to water and sewer rates, the utilization of the hotel/motel tax, and the urgent need to repair and reopen Fire Station #2. The city also plans to develop a comprehensive master plan by consolidating existing planning documents.
Financial Matters
Sale of Former CVB Property
The city discussed selling the former CVB property, purchased with tourism money, and using the proceeds for tourism-related purposes, such as improvements at the Expo facility.
Regional Park Property
Discussion included the potential sale of all or part of the 160-acre regional park property to fund improvements at other existing park locations, or retaining it for future use.
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
The commission discussed implementing modest 2-3% annual increases in water and sewer rates to address rising operational costs and infrastructure investment needs.
Hotel Motel Tax Revenue
Discussion centered on the existing 5% hotel/motel tax, which generates revenue specifically for tourism-related activities, with the majority allocated to Visit Shawnee Incorporated.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Regional Park property disposition (no consensus reached, to be continued)
Deadlines
- Water and sewer rate changes (earliest implementation early 2017)
Watch For
- Comprehensive city master plan document (expected over the next year)
- Reopening of Fire Station #2
Agenda Summary
Former CVB Property Disposition
Discussion on the future of the former CVB property, which was purchased for a tourism visitor center but is no longer needed for that purpose. Consensus was to sell the property and use funds for tourism-related improvements.
Regional Park Property Disposition
Discussion regarding the 160-acre regional park property on Westech Road, originally intended for a large athletic facility. Options included retaining for future use or selling all/part to fund existing park improvements, with no clear consensus reached.
Water and Sewer Rates
Discussion about implementing modest annual increases (2-3%) in water and sewer rates to avoid drastic future hikes due to rising costs and infrastructure needs.
Water Master Plan
Review of the water master plan, which confirmed an adequate water supply for at least 50 years but highlighted the necessity for substantial investment in aging water and sewer infrastructure and treatment plants.
Hotel Motel Tax
Discussion on the existing 5% hotel/motel tax, its statutory limitations for tourism-related activities, and its primary allocation to Visit Shawnee Incorporated.
Fire Station #2 Repair and Reopening
Extensive discussion on Fire Station #2 on Bryan Street, which has been shut down for approximately six months. A clear consensus was reached to diligently move forward with its permanent repair and reopening due to its critical service area.
Overall City Master Plan
Discussion on the need to consolidate the comprehensive land use plan and various Capital Improvement Plans into one comprehensive document to clearly outline long-term needs and funding strategies.