Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved an ordinance to update alcoholic beverage regulations and another to allow polyethylene pipe for water service lines, providing a more cost-effective option for developers. A resolution was adopted to implement new fees for septic haulers and industrial wastewater users, including annual permits and surcharges for excessive waste. The sales tax report showed a slight decrease, but use tax saw a significant one-time increase. Discussions were held regarding billboard regulations, with staff instructed to prepare for a temporary moratorium to revise the ordinance. Bids for riverbank repair were received and deferred for further review.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Alcoholic Beverages
06:40The commission approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 of the code of ordinances regarding alcoholic beverages. This action primarily involved housekeeping changes, aligning definitions with state law, and moving fees to a resolution. An emergency clause was also approved.
Ordinance amending Chapter 26 Utilities (Poly Service Lines)
11:30An ordinance was approved to amend Chapter 26 (Utilities) to allow polyethylene pipe as an approved material for water service lines between the water meter and the city water main. This provides a less expensive option for developers. An emergency clause was also approved.
Resolution setting fees for water and wastewater system
25:30A resolution was adopted to implement new fees for septic haulers and industrial wastewater users. These fees include a $100 annual permit fee per truck, a $10 tipping fee per received load, and a 35 cents per pound surcharge for excessive biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS). The accepted pH limit for industrial waste was also changed to 9.0.
Financial Matters
Water and Wastewater System Fees
A resolution was adopted to implement new fees for septic haulers and industrial users, including a $100 annual permit fee per truck, a $10 tipping fee per load, and a 35 cents per pound surcharge for excessive BOD/TSS. The accepted pH limit for industrial waste was also changed to 9.0.
Sales Tax Report (February 2014)
Sales tax for the month was down $37,322. Use tax was up $92,000 due to a one-time payment from pipeliners. Overall top nine revenues are up over 5% since 2011, and 49% of anticipated revenues have been collected.
House Bill 1875 (Sales Tax Collection Fee Rebate)
Discussion on proposed House Bill 1875, which aims to rebate half of the 1% sales tax collection fee currently retained by the state, potentially providing an additional $80,000 in annual revenue to the city.
River Bank Failure Repair Bids
Multiple bids were received for the repair and restoration of a river bank failure, ranging from $154,628.60 to $284,930. Approximately $55,000 in FEMA funds have been received for this project. The bids were deferred for staff review.
Public Comments
A commissioner relayed an email from a 68-year-old resident on a fixed income, expressing concerns about city spending and utility rates. The resident urged the commission to consider the impact of budget decisions on the broader population. No citizens spoke during the designated public participation period.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Bids for the repair and restoration of the river bank failure were deferred to the next commission meeting for further staff review and recommendation.
Deadlines
- Commissioners are encouraged to schedule one-on-one meetings with staff to provide input for the upcoming budget cycle.
Watch For
- A Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Hunt proposal is expected to come before the commission in March.
- Discussions with legislators regarding state funding for capital projects and economic development initiatives are ongoing.
- The status of House Bill 1875, which proposes to rebate half of the state's sales tax collection fee to cities, is being monitored.
- Labor negotiations with the IAFF and IUPA uniform labor unions are beginning.
- An application for a T-cent grant (tobacco settlement money) is anticipated and will require commission approval.
- Further ordinance changes, including those related to window coverings, are expected to be brought before the commission.
- Staff will prepare for a temporary moratorium and revisions to the non-accessory sign (billboard) ordinance.
Announcements
- Certificates of appreciation were presented to Oklahoma Baptist University, Rotary Club of Shawnee, Salvation Army, Lowe's, Gordon Cooper Technology, Shawnee Public Schools, East Central Workforce Investment Board, Avidis Foundation, United Way Pottawatomie County, TDK, Walmart, and Citizens of Pottawatomie Nations for their support during the May 19, 2003 tornado response and recovery.
- The Hunt proposal project is expected to begin around April 1st and aims to be open for the holiday season this fall.
- Recycling bins are being distributed this week, accompanied by a media campaign to inform citizens about accepted materials (tin cans, #1 & #2 plastic, newspaper, aluminum). Glass and cardboard will be accepted at the 45th Street location, and the Independence recycling location will be closed.
- The Senior Citizen meeting recently received a national healthy business award.
Agenda Summary
Item number one is consider approval of the agenda
Consideration and approval of the meeting agenda.
Item number two consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration and approval of the consent agenda.
Item number three commissioners comments
Opportunity for commissioners to provide comments. Commissioner Smith shared public feedback regarding city spending and utility rates.
Item number four citizens participation
Open floor for citizens to address the commission.
Item number five mayor's presentation of certificates of appreciation for disaster response and recovery
Mayor presented certificates of appreciation to various organizations for their support during the May 19, 2003 tornado response and recovery efforts.
Item number six discussion consideration and possible action on an ordinance amending chapter six alcoholic beverages of the code of ordinances of the city of shawnee
Discussion and possible action on an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the city's code of ordinances, primarily for housekeeping, aligning definitions with state law, and moving fees to a resolution.
Item number seven discussion consideration and possible action on an ordinance amending chapter 26 utilities of the code of ordinances of the city of shawnee oklahoma
Discussion and possible action on an ordinance to amend Chapter 26 (Utilities) to allow polyethylene pipe as an approved material for water service lines.
Item number eight is discussion consideration and possible action on a resolution setting certain fees connected with the water and waste water system
Discussion and possible action on a resolution to establish new fees for septic haulers and industrial wastewater users, including annual permits, tipping fees, and surcharges for excessive waste, and to adjust the accepted pH limit.
Item number nine is acknowledge sales tax report received for february 2014
Acknowledgment of the sales tax report for February 2014, including figures for sales tax and use tax.
Item number 10 is the city managers report
City Manager provided updates on the Hunt proposal, legislative initiatives, labor negotiations, the budget process, the rollout of recycling bins, and upcoming T-cent grant applications.
Item number 12 administrative reports but including but not limited to non-accessory signs justin erickson community development
Community Development staff provided an update on the city's non-accessory sign (billboard) ordinance, its history, current regulations, and potential future revisions, leading to a directive for staff to prepare for a temporary moratorium.
Shawnee Airport Authority - Item number one is consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration and approval of the Shawnee Airport Authority's consent agenda.
Shawnee Municipal Authority - Item number one is consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration and approval of the Shawnee Municipal Authority's consent agenda.
Shawnee Municipal Authority - Item number two is consider bids repair and restoration of the river bank failure
Consideration of bids for the repair and restoration of a river bank failure.