Meeting Summary
The City Commission approved a vehicle for hire license for Castle Cab despite concerns about past unlicensed operations, and voted to de-annex a 20-acre parcel on Homer Lane to allow for a new residential development. The transfer of the local cable franchise to BCI Allegiance LLC was accepted, with the new company promising significant infrastructure investment and improved services. Additionally, an insurance committee was appointed, and the sales tax report indicated flat growth after accounting for a one-time equipment sale.
Key Decisions & Votes
Vehicle for Hire License
A resolution was passed granting a vehicle for hire license to Castle Cab to operate taxi services within the city of Shawnee.
De-annexation of 20-Acre Parcel
An ordinance was approved to de-annex a 20-acre parcel near Walker Road and Homer Lane, facilitating a new residential development with higher-value homes.
SMA Rebates and Assessment Collection
A motion was approved to authorize the collection of $2,300 in outstanding assessments from two property owners, with the understanding that rebates will be issued to the other 135 property owners once the city is made whole.
Cable Franchise Transfer
A resolution was passed accepting the transfer of ownership of the local cable franchise from Allegiance Communications LLC to BCI Allegiance LLC.
Appointment of Insurance Committee
A motion was approved to appoint an insurance committee consisting of Mayor West, Commissioners Linda A, James Herod, and staff members Jennifer Dawson and Jill Smith.
Financial Matters
Granada Country Estates Water Improvement District Assessments
Authorization to collect $2,300 in outstanding assessments from two delinquent property owners, with rebates to be issued to 135 property owners once the full amount is collected.
Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project Bids
Bids were received for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project, ranging from $74,900 to $1,296,170. The award was deferred for further review.
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax collections for the month totaled $2,245,000, but $630,000 was a one-time revenue from an equipment sale. Excluding this, sales tax was effectively flat, down $10,000.
Parking Lot Project
The cost for the parking lot project at the old Al James building, estimated at over $20,000, is not currently budgeted and may be put on hold.
Public Comments
One citizen spoke in favor of the de-annexation of the Homer Lane parcel, highlighting its potential for economic benefit through a new housing development. Another citizen, representing an existing taxi service, spoke in opposition to granting a license to Castle Cab, citing a history of alleged illegal and unlicensed operations within the city.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Award of bids for the sanitary sewer rehab project was deferred to the next commission meeting.
Deadlines
- BCI Allegiance LLC expects to close the transfer of the cable franchise by March 31st.
Watch For
- New ordinances regarding vehicle for hire licenses are being drafted to update antiquated city code.
- Budget projections for the coming year will be challenging due to potential impacts from federal sequestration on Tinker Air Force Base.
- A decision on the unbudgeted parking lot project (old Al James building) will be made in future discussions.
Announcements
- Brad, the interim maintenance manager, was recognized as Employee of the Month.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of the agenda
Approval of the meeting's agenda.
Approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items grouped together for efficiency.
Citizens participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission on matters not on the agenda.
Presentation of the Employee of the Month
Recognition of Brad, the interim maintenance manager, as Employee of the Month.
SMA Item 1: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
SMA Item 2: Presentation to update progress on the Shawnee Municipal Authority master plan project by Consultants
Consultants presented updates on the water and sewer master plan, including water supply capacity, treatment plant filter limitations, and progress on the water distribution model.
SMA Item 3: Discussion consideration and possible action regarding rebates for Granada Country Estates Tanglewood Coronado Terrace and Cedar Creek Water improvement district and authorization for collection of outstanding assessments
Discussion and action on a 10-year-old issue concerning rebates for a special assessment district and the collection of $2,300 owed by two delinquent property owners.
SMA Item 4: Consider bids on the sanitary sewer rehab project
Review of sealed bids for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project at various locations.
Airport Authority Item 1: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items for the Airport Authority.
Airport Authority Item 2: Any new business
Opportunity for new business for the Airport Authority.
Public hearing and consideration of a resolution granting a vehicle for hire license to the Castle Cab
Public hearing and vote on granting a license for taxi service to Castle Cab.
Consolidation of an ordinance de-annexing a 20-acre parcel located near Walker Road and Homer Lane
Consideration of an ordinance to de-annex a 20-acre parcel to allow for residential development.
Consider a resolution accepting the transfer of ownership of the local cable franchise from Allegiance Communications LLC to BCI Allegiance LLC
Consideration of a resolution to approve the transfer of the cable franchise to new ownership.
Discussion consideration and a possible action to appoint an insurance committee to consist of three Commissioners and two staff members
Discussion and vote on appointing a committee to review city insurance matters.
Acknowledge sales tax report
Review of the monthly sales tax report, noting a significant one-time revenue boost but otherwise flat growth.
New business
Opportunity for new business items.
Administrative reports
Opportunity for administrative reports.
Commissioner comments
Opportunity for commissioners to make comments.
Consider an executive session in accordance with 25 O.S. § 307(B)(4) communication with the city's attorneys concerning a pending investigation claim or action agree is filed by the IUPA and I the City attorney has determined that disclosure will seriously impair the ability of the commission to resolve the matter in public interest
Motion to enter executive session for legal consultation.
Considering an executive session to discuss potential claims litigation or other options regarding encroachment into the city's utility service area by other entities as authorized by 25
Motion to enter executive session to discuss utility service area encroachment.