Meeting Summary
The Shawnee City Commission approved several key items, including hiring Stewart, Clover Law Firm as interim City Attorney and authorizing Phase One of the Fire Station #2 renovation. A significant change was announced for the animal shelter, discontinuing the use of the gas chamber for euthanasia. The commission also approved a cooperation agreement with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and a final plat for the Shawnee Auto Mall.
Key Decisions & Votes
Fire Station #2 Renovation Phase One
30:00Staff was authorized to enter into an agreement with Britz Batty Architects for Phase One of the Fire Station #2 repair and renovation, focusing on structural analysis and a detailed cost estimate for $8,900.
Cooperation Agreement with Absentee Shawnee Tribe
37:50A cooperation agreement with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma was approved, fostering collaboration between the city and the tribe.
Shawnee Auto Mall Final Plat
40:30The final plat for the Shawnee Auto Mall, located on Shawnee Mall Drive, was approved with five listed conditions.
Termination of JTS Inc. Contract
45:00The contract with JTS Inc. for antenna work at the North radio tower was terminated due to default, with the company forfeiting its bid bond. Staff was authorized to rebid the project.
City Attorney Position
1:06:00Stewart, Clover Law Firm was approved to serve as interim City Attorney, with staff directed to work out contract details including an option to renew for a full year at the end of the current fiscal year.
Lease of City Pasture Land
1:09:00The bid from DA Stalkery for the annual lease of 160 acres of city property at Leo Street and Westech Road for pasture land was approved for $5,000 per year, including insurance.
Emergency Sewer Plant Blower Replacement
1:20:00An emergency declaration was approved, authorizing staff to replace a critical blower at the Northside sewer plant for up to $45,000, due to its irreparable condition.
Financial Matters
Fire Station #2 Phase One Design Agreement
Authorization for Britz Batty Architects to provide Phase One analysis and cost estimate for Fire Station #2 repair and renovation.
JTS Inc. Contract Termination Bid Bond Forfeiture
Forfeiture of bid bond by JTS Inc. due to default on antenna work contract, partially offsetting rebid costs.
City Attorney Services Contract
Hiring Stewart, Clover Law Firm as interim City Attorney with a monthly retainer and hourly billing for services beyond a certain threshold.
Lease of City Property (Leo Street & Westech Road)
Lease of 160 acres of city property for pasture land to DA Stalkery.
Northside Sewer Plant Blower Replacement
Emergency authorization for the replacement of a critical blower at the Northside sewer plant.
Sales Tax Revenue Update
Sales tax revenue for the month was up 1.5%, and fiscal year-to-date was up 4.24%. Use tax was up almost 20%.
Public Comments
Two citizens provided comments. Amber Green, representing Friends of Shawnee Animals (FOSA), expressed support for the city's animal shelter improvements, highlighted FOSA's efforts in animal rescue, and requested additions to the dog park. The Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe expressed support for the cooperation agreement on the agenda, emphasizing the tribe's commitment to working with the city.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Budget amendment for Fire Station #2 design and construction documents.
Watch For
- A special call workshop meeting on March 25th at 9:00 a.m. to discuss City projects, goals, long-term needs, budget, and funding operations (location to be confirmed on March 7th).
- Further discussions on high-priority water systems needs and funding mechanisms.
- Official action on the city's brand and implementation plan at the March 7th meeting.
Announcements
- Effective immediately, the City of Shawnee will no longer utilize the gas chamber for euthanasia of cats or dogs at the animal shelter, transitioning to lethal injection with veterinarians.
- A modest expansion of the animal shelter is planned to create eight additional runs.
- Visit Shawnee Incorporated voted to extend a contract with a branding consultant to provide biddable wayfinding documents and finalize signage specifications, fully funded by VSI.
- The City Commission will consider official action on the city's brand at the March 7th meeting.
- Streetscape construction is ongoing downtown, and businesses remain open.
Agenda Summary
1. Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative items.
1c. Discussion on Fee Schedule, Project Payment Report, and Planning Commission Minutes
Discussion regarding fee schedules, project payment report details, and suggestions for Planning Commission minutes and legal counsel presence.
1d. Discussion on Airport Facilities Lease
Discussion regarding the lease of airport facilities and 11 acres to Mr. Udder and the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation's role.
1e. Discussion on Collective Bargaining Agreement
Discussion regarding wage adjustments and insurance in the collective bargaining agreement for fire department staff.
1f. Discussion on Normal Retirement Definition
Discussion clarifying the definition of 'normal retirement' as defined by OMRF.
1h. Discussion on Dispatch Services Contract with McLoud
Discussion regarding the retroactive contract for dispatch services with the City of McLoud, including fee structure and revenue implications.
2. Citizens Participation
Public comments from citizens on various topics.
3. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2014-15 Audit
Presentation of the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) and audit findings by Arnett & Associates.
4. Authorized staff to enter into an agreement with Britz Batty Architects
Authorization for Phase One design, engineering, and biddable construction documents for Fire Station #2 repair and renovation.
5. Budget amendment for design engineering and biddable construction documents for Fire Station #2
Discussion and possible action to approve a budget amendment for Fire Station #2 renovation.
6. Cooperation agreement with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Discussion and possible action to approve a cooperation agreement with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
7. Consideration of approval of a final plat for Shawnee Auto Mall
Consideration of approval for a final plat for Shawnee Auto Mall located on Shawnee Mall Drive.
8. Applicant has withdrawn that application
An application was withdrawn by the applicant.
9. Discussion and possible action on termination of contract with JTS Inc.
Discussion and possible action regarding the termination of a contract with JTS Inc. for antenna work at the North radio tower due to default.
10. Discuss and consider setting one or more special call meeting
Discussion to set a workshop for City projects, goals, long-term needs, budget, and funding operations.
11. Discussion and possible action to fill the position of City attorney
Discussion and possible action to fill the City Attorney position, considering a proposal from Stewart, Clover Law Firm.
12. Consider bids lease of the city Shawnee property
Consideration of bids for the lease of city property located at the northeast corner of Leo Street and Westech Road for pasture land.
13. Sales Tax Report
Presentation of the monthly sales tax report and fiscal year-to-date revenue comparisons.
14. City Manager Update
Update on animal shelter operations and city wayfinding and branding efforts.
Airport Authority - Consent Agenda
Approval of the consent agenda for the Shawnee Airport Authority meeting.
Municipal Authority - Consent Agenda
Approval of the consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority meeting.
Municipal Authority - New Business: Emergency declaration for Northside sewer plant blower replacement
Emergency declaration and authorization for staff to replace a critical blower at the Northside sewer plant.