Meeting Summary
The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners approved a new contract with Shawnee Tourism Inc. for the administration of hotel surcharge proceeds and operation of a convention and visitors bureau, effectively ending the long-standing contract with the Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce. This decision followed extensive debate regarding the Chamber's financial practices and use of taxpayer funds. The commission also approved an ordinance creating a new Tourism Advisory Committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Contract with Shawnee Tourism Inc.
35:30The commission voted to enter into a contract with Shawnee Tourism Inc. for the administration of the Shawnee Hotel surcharge and operation of a convention and visitors bureau.
Transition from Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce Contract
39:40The commission approved a motion to honor all outstanding debts and obligations of the CVB through August 31, 2012, to be paid from existing funds held by the Chamber, with no new obligations to be incurred after August 20, 2012.
Ordinance Creating Tourism Advisory Committee
43:50An ordinance was approved to create a Tourism Advisory Committee with seven voting members (two mayoral appointments, five board-elected) and four non-voting ex-officio members, serving three-year staggered terms beginning September 1. The emergency clause for immediate effectiveness failed.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax revenue for August 2012 was $1,339,000, which is down $77,000 from last year and $50,000 from the year prior, representing a 5.49% decrease for the month. Other revenues are strong, keeping the city's overall financial position stable.
Water Treatment Plant Sludge Removal Bids
Bids were received for sludge removal at the water treatment plant, ranging from $126,960.16 to $377,468.64. Staff recommended deferring the decision to the next meeting for further review.
Removal and Replacement of Enclosed Fishing Dock and Walkways
One bid was received from Recon Services Incorporated for $177,482, with an alternate for heaters at an additional $5,947. Staff recommended deferring the decision to the next meeting for review of specifications.
Transition from Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce Contract
The commission approved honoring all outstanding debts and obligations of the CVB through August 31, 2012, to be paid from the approximately $200,000 currently held by the Chamber. No new obligations are to be incurred after August 20, 2012.
Public Comments
Four citizens addressed the commission, primarily expressing concerns and criticisms regarding the ongoing dispute over the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) contract. Speakers urged compromise, questioned the city's ability to manage tourism, and criticized commissioners for perceived self-interest and lack of engagement with the tourism industry and its representatives.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Water treatment plant sludge removal bids
- Removal and replacement of the enclosed fishing dock and walkways on Shawnee Twin Lake number one
Watch For
- City Manager's presentation of employee of the month to Brian Logan (next month)
- Future sales tax reports, hoping for an increase due to rodeo and back-to-school season
- Public policy regarding medical insurance eligibility for elected officials and their dependents
Announcements
- Reverend Larry Sparks from New Beginnings Church gave the invocation.
- Linda Peterson was thanked for her service as mayor.
- Water conservation level for the city has been reduced from Level 2 to Level 1 due to improved weekly average at the water plant, cooler weather, and rain.
Agenda Summary
Consider approval of agenda
Approval of the meeting agenda.
Consider approval of consent agenda
Approval of items on the consent agenda.
Citizens participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission.
City manager's presentation of employee of the month to Brian Logan
Presentation of the employee of the month award.
Discuss and consider an ordinance modifying the Shawnee municipal court code as to the definition of a dilapidated building
Consideration of an ordinance to conform the municipal court code with Oklahoma statutes regarding dilapidated buildings.
Acknowledge sales tax report received August 2012
Review of the sales tax report for August 2012.
Discuss and consider cities contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield providing medical insurance coverage for elected officials and dependents
Discussion regarding medical insurance coverage for elected officials and their dependents.
Consider an executive session for discussion and possible action on any litigation pending against the city of Shawnee by the Shawnee area Chamber of Commerce
Consideration to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation.
Consideration and possible action on matters discussed in executive session
Possible action following discussion in executive session.
Discussion consideration and possible action to contract with 501c6 Corporation Shawnee tourism Inc for administration of the proceeds of the Shawnee Hotel surcharge and operation of a convention and visitors bureau
Consideration of a contract with Shawnee Tourism Inc. for tourism administration.
Discussion consideration and possible action to authorize city manager to provide for the administration of the Shawnee Hotel surcharge
Consideration to authorize the city manager to administer the hotel surcharge.
Discussion consideration and possible action on such items as may be necessary to affect a transition from the contract with Shawnee area Chamber of Commerce
Consideration of actions needed for the transition from the Chamber of Commerce contract.
Discussion consideration and possible action on an ordinance creating a tourism advisory committee
Consideration of an ordinance to establish a new tourism advisory committee.
Discussion consideration and possible action on appointments to the Tourism Advisory Committee
Consideration of appointments to the newly created Tourism Advisory Committee.
New business
Opportunity for new business items or administrative reports.