Meeting Summary
The City Commission denied a rezoning request for the Shawnee Rescue Mission to operate an overnight homeless shelter, citing concerns about public health, safety, welfare, and the lack of a comprehensive operational plan and funding. The commission also decided to proceed with a previously approved water and sewer rate increase, despite discussions about deferring it, acknowledging the city's significant water debt and infrastructure needs. Additionally, bids for the airport pedestrian trail were deferred for further review and funding discussion.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning for Shawnee Rescue Mission
01:17:00The request to rezone property at 204 North Luisa from C3 to C4 with a conditional use permit for an overnight homeless shelter was denied due to concerns about public health, safety, welfare, and the impact on the residential neighborhood.
City Manager Compensation Adjustment
01:59:00The City Manager's compensation was adjusted as set out in his contract, retroactive to July.
City Attorney Contract Adjustment
01:59:40The City Attorney's contract was adjusted retroactively, and amended to provide six months severance. The commission will research compensation with other OMLA cities.
Willbanks vs. City of Shawnee Legal Defense
02:00:15The City Attorney was authorized to proceed as discussed in executive session regarding the defense of the Willbanks vs. City of Shawnee case.
Financial Matters
Water and Sewer Rate Structure
Discussion on a revised ordinance regarding water and sewer rates. The previous commission's approved rate increase went into effect, adding approximately $750,000 in revenue to the SMA, which could be used for debt repayment or infrastructure projects like the Kickapoo water project.
Shawnee Rescue Mission Grant
The Shawnee Rescue Mission has a $450,000 grant for remodeling their facility, which requires overnight lodging. An additional $240,000 is needed for the project to reach occupancy, with further funds required for a commercial kitchen.
Public Comments
Public comments were divided, with supporters of the Shawnee Rescue Mission emphasizing the need for homeless services, the mission's positive impact, and the availability of grant funding. Opponents, primarily local homeowners and representatives of facilities for disabled individuals, raised concerns about decreased property values, increased crime, safety risks to vulnerable populations (especially children at a nearby bus stop and disabled residents), and traffic congestion. They also questioned the mission's operational capacity and the need for a shelter of that size in the proposed location.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Bids for the airport pedestrian trail were deferred for tabulation and funding discussion.
Watch For
- A moratorium on homeless shelters and related ordinances (location, financing, structure) is requested for a future agenda item.
- The master plan for water and sewer infrastructure is expected to be completed in 16-18 months, with phases completed sooner, particularly for the water plant.
- The issue of the old Malone building and the water district needs to be addressed.
Announcements
- Veterans Day will be observed on Sunday, November 11th, 2012.
- Wednesday, November 14th, 2012, was proclaimed Becky Carlberg Day in recognition of her volunteer work on the Japanese Peace Garden.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of the agenda
Approval of the meeting's agenda.
Consider approval of the consent agenda
Approval of routine items, with one item (M) moved for separate discussion.
Item M: Solar panel flashing school zone light
Approval for the installation of a solar-paneled flashing school zone light on Bryan Street, funded from the Traffic Division's 302 fund.
Public hearing and consideration of rezoning property located at 204 North Luisa from C3 Automotive commercial and Recreation to C4 Central business with a conditional use permit
Public hearing and commission discussion regarding the rezoning request for the Shawnee Rescue Mission to operate an overnight shelter.
Consideration and possible action on a revised ordinance regarding Water and Sewer rate structure
Discussion and potential action on deferring a previously approved water and sewer rate increase.
Consider resolution declare a certain item Surplus property and transferring of said item to the Shawnee Civic and cultural Development Authority
Resolution to declare a truck as surplus property and transfer it to the Expo.
Consider a resolution to declare certain items Surplus property and authorizing the sale of said items at an auction
Resolution to declare various city equipment as surplus and authorize their sale at auction.
Consider bids for the airport pedestrian Trail
Review of bids received for the construction of an almost four-mile pedestrian trail around the airport property.
Consider an executive session to discuss City attorney's Employment contract
Executive session for discussion regarding the City Attorney's employment contract.
Consider an executive session to discuss the city manager's Employment contract
Executive session for discussion regarding the City Manager's employment contract.
Consider an executive session to discuss defense of willbanks versus city of shaune padic County CJ 2012- 0478 Pursuit 2 25307 B4 on the recommendation to the council that public discussion would impair the ability of the City attorney to adequately defend the city
Executive session for discussion regarding the Willbanks vs. City of Shawnee legal case.