Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved the agenda and consent agenda. Key decisions included authorizing outside counsel for the Nash Construction lawsuit and approving changes to the City Attorney's contract, which included a 5% merit increase and severance pay. The City Manager's performance evaluation was deferred. Updates were provided on the swimming pool project, sales tax revenue, and various city initiatives.
Key Decisions & Votes
Nash Construction Litigation Defense
54:00The commission authorized the City Attorney to engage outside counsel to defend the city in the case of Nash Construction versus the city of Shawnee.
City Attorney's Contract and Performance
55:20The commission approved changes to the City Attorney's contract, including 180 days of severance pay, designating office employees as city employees reporting directly to the City Attorney for HR matters, and a 5% merit salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2013.
Upcoming Community Events
Annual Fly-in
Starts at 7 AM, open to the public at 8 AM. Free admission, $5 parking fee. Features acrobatic performers, WWII aircraft, and kids' activities at the airport.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax revenue for September was up $63,000, totaling $1,412,000. Year-to-date, revenue is up $152,000, with the city remaining on a flat budget.
Pool Project Donations
The Mayor encouraged donations for the swimming pool project, noting that small contributions ($25, $50, $100) are welcome and that matching dollars are available.
Storm Recovery Reimbursement
The city has received approximately $40,000 in reimbursement for storm recovery efforts so far, with more expected. The city has invested an estimated $70,000-$75,000.
Public Comments
One citizen commented on the ongoing fundraising efforts for the swimming pool project, noting good progress and praising the Mayor's fundraising abilities.
Coming Up
Tabled
- City Manager performance evaluation and employment contract (deferred to the second meeting in October)
Watch For
- Taxi cab ordinance review (second meeting in October)
- Master Plan Capital Improvements work session (September 30th)
- White paper on business licenses
- Updates on new public storm shelter locations
- Bids for sedimentation pond repairs
- Electronic voting system implementation (within 30 days)
Announcements
- Thursday, September 19, 2013, was proclaimed as "No Texting While Driving Day" to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
- October 6-12, 2013, was proclaimed as "Fire Prevention Week," with a focus on preventing kitchen fires and promoting home fire safety.
- Lindsay Pickens, Administrative Assistant in Public Works, was recognized as Employee of the Month for her dedicated service.
- Student delegates reported on their positive and life-changing experiences during their trip to Nikaho, Japan, as part of the sister city program.
- The Federal Bridge project is approximately six weeks away from complete opening.
- Improvements to the City Hall parking lot are complete, and the alley will be replaced with concrete by the street department.
- An iPad has been installed in the City Hall lobby to allow citizens to pay water bills or tickets when the main gate is closed.
- A visual aid brochure detailing city spending across various funds is being developed for public distribution.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of the agenda
Consideration of approving the meeting agenda, with a modification to group executive sessions.
Consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration of approving the consent agenda.
Commissioners comments
Open forum for commissioners to provide updates or make statements. Topics included citizen participation, swimming pool update, septic tank regulations, burn pile at the lake, pool donations, federal bridge update, and parking lot/alley improvements.
Citizens participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission on any topic.
Mayor's Proclamations
Proclamations for "No Texting While Driving Day" and "Fire Prevention Week."
Presentation of Employee of the Month
Recognition of Lindsay Pickens as Employee of the Month.
Report from the student delegates regarding their trip to Japan
Student delegates and program chair shared experiences from their visit to Shawnee's sister city, Nikaho, Japan.
Acknowledge the sales tax report received September 2013
Review of the latest sales tax revenue report.
Administrative reports
City Manager and Assistant Airport Manager provided updates on various city projects and initiatives, including the airport fly-in, budget visual aid, and ongoing city operations.
Shawnee Airport Authority - Consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration of approving the consent agenda for the Shawnee Airport Authority.
Shawnee Municipal Authority - Consider approval of the consent agenda
Consideration of approving the consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
Shawnee Municipal Authority - Consider an executive session to discuss potential claims litigation or other options regarding encroachment into the city's utility service area by other entities
Closed session to discuss legal matters concerning utility service area encroachment.
Consider an executive session to discuss city manager's performance evaluation employment contract
Motion to defer the discussion of the City Manager's performance evaluation and employment contract.
Consider an executive session to discuss the city attorney's performance evaluation and employment contract
Closed session to discuss the City Attorney's performance evaluation and employment contract.
Consider an executive session to discuss potential claims litigation or other options regarding CJ 2013-377 Pottawatomie County Nash Construction versus the city of Shawnee
Closed session to discuss potential claims and litigation related to Nash Construction.
Consider matters discussed in the executive session regarding CJ 2013-317 Pottawatomie County Nash Construction versus the city of Shawnee
Action following the executive session concerning the Nash Construction lawsuit.
Consider matters discussed in executive session regarding city attorney's performance evaluation employment contract
Action following the executive session concerning the City Attorney's performance evaluation and employment contract.