Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved an ordinance expanding the smoking ban to all city-owned indoor and outdoor public places, including parks, to qualify for a $110,000 health and wellness grant. They also approved an ordinance updating municipal court operations and authorized the sale of surplus city and police department property. The City Manager reported on efforts to recruit retailers, improve sales tax compliance, and explore a broadband initiative.
Key Decisions & Votes
Smoking in Public Places Ordinance
25:00The Commission approved an ordinance to expand the smoking ban to all city-owned indoor and outdoor public places, including parks and recreational areas, to qualify for a health and wellness grant.
Emergency Clause for Smoking Ordinance
26:00An emergency clause was approved for the smoking ordinance, making it effective in 30 days.
Municipal Court Operations Ordinance
29:00The Commission approved an ordinance to update and reorganize municipal court operations, allowing for the appointment of multiple judges and authorizing electronic records.
Emergency Clause for Municipal Court Ordinance
30:00An emergency clause was approved for the municipal court operations ordinance.
Sale of Surplus City Property
32:00A resolution was approved to declare certain city personal property as no longer needed and authorize its sale at public auction.
Disposal of Police Department Surplus Property
33:20A resolution was approved to declare certain items in the possession of the police department as surplus and authorize their disposal via propertyroom.com.
City Manager's Employment Contract
1:01:10Following an executive session, the Commission approved proceeding with the contract items for the City Manager's employment contract.
Upcoming Community Events
Rotary District Grant for Active Recreation
Preliminary discussions for a grant to fund active recreation for kids (soccer/baseball) in downtown/Mississippi.
Financial Matters
October 2013 Sales Tax Report
Sales tax for October was up $78,000 from the previous year, totaling $1,465,000. Fiscal year-to-date sales tax is up $231,000. Use tax is up 8.6%, alcohol beverage tax is up 8%, and cigarette tax is down 25%.
Certified Healthy Community Grant Funding
The city is pursuing a $110,000 grant from the tobacco settlement endowment trust by expanding its smoking ordinance.
Sales Tax Compliance Savings (House Bill 1875)
A proposed House Bill 1875 aims to reduce the state's sales tax collection fee from 1% to 0.5%, potentially saving the city an estimated $60,000 to $70,000 per year.
Public Comments
Two citizens provided comments. One expressed concerns about inconsistent enforcement of city ordinances, particularly regarding pedestrian access and traffic control, presenting photographic evidence. The second citizen advocated for the historical preservation of the old Naval Air Station building requested by OBU, highlighting efforts by the historical society to create a memorial.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- The deadline for the Certified Healthy Community grant application is November 1st.
Watch For
- The City Manager's office will make a recommendation regarding OBU's request for the city to accept two buildings and pillars.
- Discussions will continue regarding the transition of the hotel motel tax function to a 501c6 designation.
- A white paper on sales tax compliance will be presented to Commissioners.
- Finalization of the recycling contract is expected in November, with an anticipated effective date of January 1st.
- House Bill 1875, proposing a reduction in the state's sales tax collection fee, is expected to be proposed in the next legislative session.
- Discussions will continue with OCAN, OneNet, and the Native American Broadband Association regarding Shawnee becoming a pilot city for a dark fiber broadband initiative.
- Another meeting will be called to discuss 9-1-1 consolidation with County Commissioners.
- Preliminary discussions are underway for a Rotary District Grant to fund active recreation for kids in downtown/Mississippi.
- Discussions with Dr. Moore regarding Shawnee school capital needs will continue.
Announcements
- Don Morgan, a police dispatcher, was recognized as Employee of the Month for her dependability, professionalism, and kindness.
- Police dispatch handles over 2000 calls per week.
- City Manager and Tim Berg will attend the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Dallas from November 6-8 to recruit retailers.
- The city supports the 'Shawnee Proud County Strong' group's cleanup efforts by providing a porta potty and a roll-off trash container.
- The City Commission Retreat is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 PM at the Expo, with facilitator Mr. Neal Presley.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of the agenda
Review and approve the meeting agenda.
Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approve routine items without separate discussion.
Commissioners comments
Commissioners shared updates and asked questions regarding OBU property, hotel motel tax transition, and upcoming work sessions.
Citizens participation
Citizens provided comments on ordinance enforcement and historical preservation.
City Manager's presentation of employee of the month to Don Morgan
Recognition of Don Morgan, a police dispatcher, as Employee of the Month.
Discussion, consideration and possible action on an ordinance repealing and amending chapter 15 Article 4 the code of ordinances of the city of Shawnee regarding smoking in public places
Consider an ordinance to expand the smoking ban to all city-owned indoor and outdoor public places, including parks, to meet Certified Healthy Community criteria for grant funding.
Discussion consideration and possible action on an ordinance repealing and amending chapter 12 Court of the code of ordinances of the city of Shawnee
Consider an ordinance to update and reorganize municipal court operations, allowing for multiple judges and electronic records.
Consider a resolution declaring certain items of personal property and describing said items no longer needed by the city of Shawnee and authorizing the sale of the items at public auction
Authorize the sale of surplus city property, including vehicles and other unneeded items, at public auction.
Consider a resolution declaring certain items in the possession of the police department as Surplus to be disposed of by propertyroom.com
Authorize the disposal of surplus police department property through propertyroom.com.
Acknowledge sales tax report received October 2013
Review the October 2013 sales tax report, showing increases in sales and use tax but a decrease in cigarette tax.
City Manager's report
The City Manager provided updates on ICSC conference, sales tax compliance, recycling contract, community cleanup efforts, broadband initiative, 9-1-1 consolidation, Rotary grants, and school capital needs.
New business or administrative reports
No new business or administrative reports were presented.
Consider an executive session to discuss city managers performance evaluation and employment contract pursuant to 25 OS 307 B1
Enter executive session to discuss the City Manager's performance evaluation and employment contract.