Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved the 2016 holiday schedule and a change order for the Shawnee Splash project. Key ordinances were passed to prohibit texting while driving and update emergency conduct regulations to align with state law. The commission also voted to retain legal counsel for the ongoing pawn shop ordinance lawsuit. Sales tax revenue showed a positive trend, and updates were provided on fire station repairs, new sidewalk projects, and community events.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Agenda (excluding 1F & 1G)
02:00Routine items on the consent agenda were approved.
2016 Holiday Schedule
05:00The holiday schedule for 2016, including Christmas Eve as an observed city holiday, was approved.
Shawnee Splash Project Change Order
10:00Change order number one for the Shawnee Splash project was approved after discussion on contractor costs.
Texting While Driving Ordinance
20:00An ordinance amending the municipal code to prohibit texting while driving, aligning with state law, was adopted.
Emergency Conduct Ordinance Amendment
25:00An ordinance amending the municipal code to prohibit certain conduct during a declared emergency, specifically removing outdated firearm regulations to comply with state law, was adopted.
Retention of Legal Counsel for Pawn Shop Lawsuit
40:00The city voted to retain the law firm of Colin Zorn and Wagner to continue defending the city in the lawsuit regarding pawn shop regulations.
South WWTP Emergency Generator Project
1:05:00Bids for the South WWTP emergency generator project were considered and awarded to All Phase Electric for $225,000.
Budget Amendment for South WWTP Generator
1:07:00A budget amendment of $175,000 was approved for the South WWTP emergency generator project, utilizing available reserves.
Upcoming Community Events
Christmas Parade
Theme: 'Christmas Through The Eyes of a Child'. Sequoyah School child to ride on Santa's float. Largest nighttime Christmas parade.
Boo on Bell
Central Oklahoma's largest Fall Festival. Carnival, flags, and signs are already in place.
Financial Matters
Shawnee Splash Project Change Order
Change order for the Shawnee Splash project, with discussion on overhead and for-profit costs.
Sales Tax Report (October)
Sales tax revenue for October was over $1.5 million, an increase of $116,000 from last year. Retail trades are up 10.8% for the quarter.
Sales Tax-Free Weekend Check
A separate check for the sales tax-free weekend is expected.
South WWTP Emergency Generator Project
Project to install a backup generator at the Southside sewer plant.
Budget Amendment for South WWTP Emergency Generator
Budget amendment to cover the remaining cost for the emergency generator project.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Future modifications to the texting while driving ordinance.
- Updates on the pawn shop ordinance lawsuit.
- Completion of the OG&E street light audit (by end of year).
- Formal agreement between the city and Shawnee Public Schools for the Union Street sidewalk project.
- Updates on potential Christmas light sponsorship program.
- 3-year trend comparison of retail sales in Harrison, Independence, and Main areas.
Announcements
- Shawnee Beautification Committee named a finalist for a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful award.
- Historic Shawnee Alliance (formerly Shawnee Chamber Downtown Task Force) named a finalist for the Paint Day project award from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. Winners announced November 30th.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items, with two items pulled for discussion.
Holiday schedule for 2016
Discussion regarding Christmas Eve being an observed city holiday.
Approve change order number one for the Shawnee Splash project
Discussion on overhead and for-profit costs in change orders for the Shawnee Splash project.
Citizens participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission.
Presentation by Safe Events for Families regarding the annual Christmas Parade
Update on the upcoming Christmas Parade and Boo on Bell festival, including a new tradition of drawing an elementary school for a child to ride on Santa's float.
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone with a conditional use permit for property located at 111 West 45th Street
Public hearing for a rezoning request.
Consideration of an ordinance amending the Shawnee municipal code to prohibit texting while driving
Ordinance to align city code with state law regarding texting while driving.
Consideration of an ordinance amending the Shawnee municipal code prohibiting certain conduct during a declared emergency
Ordinance to update emergency conduct regulations, specifically removing provisions related to firearms/ammunition that are no longer permitted by state law.
Discussion, consideration, and possible action for retention of Council in the Circle Deep Pond number four Inc at Al versus city of Shawnee United States district court for the Western District of Oklahoma
Discussion and decision on retaining legal counsel for a lawsuit challenging the city's pawn shop ordinance.
Acknowledge the sales tax report received for October
Review of the city's sales tax revenue report for October.
City Manager update
Updates on Fire Station Number Two repairs, new sidewalk projects, Bryan Street lights, Airport Trail lights, OG&E lighting audit, and Christmas lights.
Airport Authority - Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Airport Authority.
Municipal Authority - Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Municipal Authority.
Municipal Authority - Consider bids on the South WWTP emergency generator project
Review and award of bids for a backup generator at the Southside sewer plant.
Municipal Authority - Budget amendment on the SMA fund 501 money for the generator
Budget amendment to allocate funds for the South WWTP emergency generator project.