Meeting Summary
The City Commission addressed several routine items, including approving a lump sum payment from the fire retirement fund and acknowledging a positive sales tax report. Key discussions involved a contingency plan for a sidewalk project and the decision to reject and rebid the auditorium HVAC project. A citizen raised concerns about red cedar trees, prompting a discussion among commissioners about removal efforts and tornado preparedness.
Key Decisions & Votes
Oklahoma Municipal Fire Retirement Fund Payment
15:30The commission approved a lump sum payment from the defined benefit plan for Jeremy Brown.
Auditorium HVAC Project Bids
19:50The commission voted to reject the single bid received for the auditorium HVAC project and authorized staff to rebid the project, potentially with modifications to the scope.
Upcoming Community Events
Redbud City Night on the Bricks
Downtown Shawnee, community meal. Tickets are required but free, available at distribution centers around town and the Chamber.
Police Foundation Banquet
Friday. All officers are able to attend, with city calls covered by the county sheriff's office and CPN.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report (March 2016)
Sales tax collected was $1,316,000, representing a 1.8% increase from last year. The fiscal year is up 4% overall.
Auditorium HVAC Project Bid
A bid from Hardesty Team for the auditorium heating and air project was received and subsequently rejected, with staff recommending the project be rebid.
Baby Daisy Fundraiser
The Masonic Lodge of Shawnee and Shawnee Dental held a fundraiser for Baby Daisy, who had a viral infection that destroyed her heart. The lodge committed to matching funds raised.
Public Comments
A citizen, Beverly Davis, expressed significant concerns regarding red cedar trees, highlighting their impact on allergies, high water consumption, and fire hazard. She inquired about a past city plan for removal and suggested exploring options for utilizing harvesters.
Coming Up
Watch For
- An in-depth presentation on civilian emergency plans by Don (Emergency Management) at the next meeting.
- Further discussions and potential partnerships for red cedar tree eradication efforts.
- The city retreat on Friday for long-term planning.
Announcements
- A moment of silence was held in honor of former City Commissioner Marva Home Needle.
- Daniel Turner was recognized as the Employee of the Month for March.
- A commissioner reported positive feedback after meeting with the management of Jimmy's Egg regarding customer service.
- The Masonic Lodge of Shawnee and Shawnee Dental held a fundraiser on March 18th for Baby Daisy, who is recovering from a heart transplant. The lodge will match funds raised.
- The city's mass notification system (Blackboard Connect) is available for tornado warnings, with sign-up information on the city website.
- Construction on Main Street, involving boarding and curbing, is progressing well.
- The Redbud City Night on the Bricks event is scheduled for April 15th in downtown Shawnee, featuring a community meal.
- The Police Foundation Banquet is scheduled for Friday, March 25th, with city calls to be covered by the Sheriff's office and CPN.
- A city retreat is scheduled for Friday to discuss long-term planning and encourages public input.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items, with items D and E pulled for separate discussion.
Item D (pulled from consent agenda): Contingency plan for contractor costs
Discussion regarding a contingency plan for potential cost overruns for a sidewalk project connecting students to the Middle School, with city street funds as a potential backup.
Item E (pulled from consent agenda): Application for board/commission service for Mr. Gilliam
Discussion regarding an application for board/commission service that was last updated in 2014, with a commissioner expressing concerns about the outdated information.
Item 3: Presentation by City Manager to employ a month Daniel Turner
Recognition of Daniel Turner as the Employee of the Month for March for her dedicated service in the Engineering Department.
Item 4: Consider the Oklahoma municipal fire Retirement Fund lump sum payment from defined benefit plan for Jeremy Brown
Consideration and approval of a routine lump sum payment from the Oklahoma Municipal Fire Retirement Fund.
Item 5: Acknowledge sales tax report received March 2016
Review of the sales tax report for March 2016, showing a 1.8% increase from the previous year and a 4% increase for the fiscal year.
Item 6: Consider bids for the auditorium HVAC project
Consideration of a single bid received for the auditorium heating and air conditioning project. Staff recommended rejecting the bid and re-bidding the project, potentially separating the fencing component.
Shawnee Airport Authority - Item 1: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Shawnee Airport Authority.
Municipal Authority - Item 1: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Municipal Authority.