Meeting Summary
The city council meeting featured presentations from five department heads: Finance, Community Development, Emergency Management, Police, and Fire. Each director provided an overview of their department's operations, challenges, opportunities, and future goals. Key topics included budget allocations, infrastructure needs, public safety initiatives, and community development projects, with a focus on informing new commissioners.
Upcoming Community Events
Fire Prevention Week Public Show
Details to be emailed; encourages public attendance.
Air Show
Police Department Sentinels will be assisting.
Financial Matters
General Fund Budget
The current year's general fund budget is $21 million, with $11.6 million allocated to police and fire operations. Approximately $12 million of the general fund revenue comes from sales tax.
Sales Tax Distribution
The city receives three cents of sales tax. Two cents fund the general fund, and the third penny (generating approximately $6 million) is divided: 5% to Economic Development, 38.75% to Capital Fund, 43.75% to Streets, 6.25% to Police, and 6.25% to Fire.
Health Insurance Costs
The city experienced about a 24% increase in health insurance costs this year, attributed to the Affordable Care Act and high claims in previous years. The commission increased its contribution to help offset this.
Motorola Radio Lease
A $2 million lease-purchase for new radios and a tower, with annual payments of $320,000, is set to pay off in December 2021.
Pool and Expo Loans
Loans for the pool and Expo parking lot are scheduled to pay off in December of next year, which will free up an additional $833,000 in the capital fund.
SMA Transfers to Capital and Street Funds
SMA transfers $150,000 annually to the capital fund and has transferred $600,000 over three years to the street fund for the Kikapu water lines project, which cost $1.8 million.
CDBG Emergency Assistance Grants
The Urban Renewal Authority (CDBG) receives approximately $400,000 annually for assistance grants, with a maximum of $10,000 for system repairs and an overall cap of $15,000 per recipient.
Citywide Cleanup Campaign
The cleanup campaign costs approximately $100,000 per year and has resulted in the demolition of 30-35 dilapidated structures annually over the past four years.
Trails and Sidewalks Funding
The city was awarded $641,000 from the Avidus Foundation for trails and sidewalks, requiring an equal matching contribution from the city over two fiscal years.
Emergency Management Department Funding
The department operates with limited funding, including $23,000 for personal services and receives a state reimbursement grant of $44,000-$45,000 annually. Oil and gas inspection fees are dedicated to a separate fund.
Police Department Grants
The Police Department has received over $1.3 million in grants, which help fund various programs and some officer positions.
School Resource and Housing Officers
Two School Resource Officer positions are funded by the schools, and one Housing Officer position is funded by the Shawnee Housing Authority.
New Police Department Facility Estimate
Preliminary estimates for a new police department facility range from $5 million to $7 million.
Fire Department SAFER Grant
The Fire Department received an $835,000 SAFER Grant, fully reimbursing the cost of six personnel for two years, with a third-year extension for veterans hired.
New Fire Pumper Cost
A new pumper truck, fully equipped, is specified at $530,000 and is due to arrive in November.
Fire Station 3 Restroom Renovation Estimate
Preliminary estimates for renovating and expanding restroom facilities at Fire Station 3 range from $20,000-$30,000 for basic additions, up to half a million dollars if new sleeping quarters are added.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Emergency Operations Plan draft to stakeholders this week, with review feedback due mid-to-late October, followed by city manager review and commission adoption.
- New pumper for the Fire Department is due to arrive in November.
- Block for the new firing range tower is expected next Tuesday.
- Avidus trail project (MacArthur and Brian Street) is hoped to begin before the end of the year.
- Emergency Management CERT training will be conducted after the first of the year.
Watch For
- A report on the wayfinding study will be presented at the next city commission regular meeting.
- Implementation of the streetscape plan, Phase 2, is expected in early 2015.
- Future discussions on updating the city's comprehensive master plan.
- Addressing Police Department staffing needs, particularly with the opening of a new shopping center.
- Development of a long-term plan and funding for a new Police Department facility.
- Development of a long-term plan and funding for Fire Department station renovations and a dedicated training facility.
- Establishing an apparatus replacement plan for the Fire Department.
Announcements
- Fire Prevention Week is coming up, with a public show scheduled for Thursday night.
- The Air Show is taking place this weekend, with assistance from the Police Department's Sentinel program.
Agenda Summary
Finance Department Presentation
Cindy Sementelli, Finance Director, discussed the department's duties including annual budget and audit processes, payroll, bank account management, fixed assets, and fund structures. She detailed sales tax distribution, general fund revenues and expenses, health insurance costs, pension changes, and capital fund debt obligations like the Motorola lease and pool/Expo loans. Future goals included hiring a purchasing agent and grant writer, and pursuing a GFOA budget award.
Community Development Department Presentation
Justin Ericson, Community Development Director, outlined the department's four divisions: planning, building, action center (nuisance code enforcement), and urban renewal (CDBG funds). He highlighted support for various city boards and major initiatives such as the Citywide cleanup campaign, updating development regulations, a wayfinding study, downtown revitalization, and the trails and sidewalks project, including a $641,000 grant from the Avidus Foundation.
Emergency Management Department Presentation
Don Lynch, Emergency Management Director, presented on the department's legal basis, responsibilities in hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. He detailed coordination with various governmental and private entities, training programs like CERT, equipment, and exercises. Internal city services such as radio system maintenance, 911 addressing, and oil and gas inspection were also covered, along with the department's accreditations.
Police Department Presentation
Chief France provided an overview of the Police Department's structure, staffing (59 officers, 26 civilian personnel), and various units. He highlighted partnerships, the department's CALEA accreditation, volunteer programs, and over $1.3 million in grants received. Challenges included increased call volume, understaffing (currently 59 officers vs. recommended 68-69), facility needs (new Dispatch Center, lack of space, need for a new police department), and ongoing issues with drugs and gangs in the community.
Fire Department Presentation
Chief Drew Tisher discussed the Fire Department's 53 uniform personnel, three stations, and eight frontline apparatus. He noted the age and condition of stations (Station 1 and 3 are 40+ years old, Station 2 has water intrusion issues) and the upcoming replacement of Squad 1. Services include fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical first response, rescue operations, and hazardous materials mitigation. He also highlighted the Safer Grant for six personnel, an improved ISO rating, extensive training hours, and the need for an apparatus replacement plan and a dedicated training facility.