Meeting Summary
The Shawnee City Commission addressed several key issues, including a contentious discussion on the future structure and funding of tourism dollars, which was ultimately referred to staff for review. They also approved an annexation request from the Kickapoo Tribe for potential gaming facilities and acknowledged a positive sales tax report. Bids for Expo parking lot improvements and a Community Center fire suppression system were discussed, with the former deferred and the latter rejected due to being over budget.
Key Decisions & Votes
New structure and/or trust for tourism dollars
24:00The commission voted to refer the matter to staff for review of the existing structure, exploration of other options, and recommendations. This followed significant public comment and commissioner debate regarding the timing and implications of potentially altering the funding mechanism for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Annexation request by Kickapoo Tribe
26:00The request for annexation by the Kickapoo Tribe for potential gaming and other facilities was approved, with a condition to negotiate in-lieu-of tax payments if retail operations are included. This allows the city to have some control over building inspections.
Award contracts for snow and ice removal
37:50Contracts were awarded to both CP Integrated Services and BDC Homes for snow and ice removal assistance on city streets, utilizing their respective equipment types for roads/bridges and emergency access.
Award bid for rebuilding primary and intermediate clarifiers
39:20The bid for rebuilding one primary and one intermediate clarifier was awarded to DPS Equipment Services, who was the only vendor to inspect the facility.
Upcoming Community Events
Christmas Parade
6:30 PM, Grand Marshall is Speaker Chris Steele. Parade entries still accepted this week.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax was up $53,000 from last year and $158,000 from 2008, totaling $1,289,43 for November. Year-to-date, sales tax is still down 2.41% ($165,000), but overall revenues are on target.
Expo Parking Lot Improvements
Seven bids were received for the Expo parking lot improvements, with the lowest base bid at $1,510,188.40. The item was deferred to allow staff to review the bids against the initial estimate of $1.26 million, which did not include additional water and sewer line work.
Community Center Fire Suppression System
One bid was received for the Community Center fire suppression system at $199,800, which was significantly over the $80,000 budget. Staff recommended rejecting the bid to re-evaluate specifications and rebid.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed strong opinions regarding the proposed changes to tourism dollar funding, with most speakers opposing the city's potential takeover of the Convention and Visitors Bureau's funds. Concerns included the timing of the discussion, the appearance of retaliation against the Chamber of Commerce, and the potential misuse of funds for a controversial sports park project. One speaker supported the city's investment in sports infrastructure.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Discussion and possible action regarding new structure and/or trust for tourism dollars (referred to staff for review)
- Expo parking lot Improvement C-pw11 d04 (deferred for staff review of bids)
Deadlines
- Christmas Parade entries (late ones accepted this week for Dec 1st parade)
Watch For
- Staff recommendations on tourism dollar structure
- Re-bid for Community Center fire suppression system
- Staff recommendations on Expo parking lot improvements
Announcements
- Brandon Remington was recognized as Employee of the Month for his extra effort in the water department.
- FEMA, SBA, and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management surveyed earthquake damage in the county, and staff is confident criteria for an SBA disaster declaration will be met, potentially offering low-interest loans.
- The city's Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 1st, at 6:30 PM, with Speaker Chris Steele as Grand Marshall. Volunteers are crucial to its organization.
- A commissioner requested exploring an ordinance to prevent former commissioners from working for the city or its entities for a period after their term, similar to state legislature rules.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Consider approval of agenda
Approval of the meeting's agenda.
Item 2: Consider approval of consent agenda
Approval of routine items grouped together.
Item 3: Citizens participation
Opportunity for citizens to address the commission on any topic.
Item 4: City manager's presentation of employee of the month to Brandon Remington plant operator water plant
Recognition of Brandon Remington as Employee of the Month.
Item 5: Discussion and possible action regarding new structure and/or trust for tourism dollars
Discussion on evaluating the current structure for tourism funding and exploring alternative options.
Item 6: Consider annexation request by Kickapoo tribe for purposes of construction of gaming and other facilities and authorize staff to proceed with notice and hearing requirements
Request for annexation by the Kickapoo Tribe for potential development, with a condition to negotiate tax payments if retail is included.
Item 7: Acknowledge sales tax report received November 2011
Review and acknowledgment of the monthly sales tax revenue report.
Item 8A: Consider bids a Expo parking lot Improvement C-pw11 d04
Review of bids received for improvements to the Expo parking lot.
Item 8B: Community Center fire suppression system
Review of bids received for the installation of a fire suppression system at the Community Center.
Item 8C: Removal of snow and ice from the streets of the city of Shawnee proposal or award
Consideration of proposals and award of contracts for snow and ice removal services.
Item 8D: Rebuild one primary clarifier and one intermediate clarifier award
Award of a bid for the rebuilding of clarifiers.
Item 9: New business
Opportunity to introduce new topics for discussion.
Item 10: Administrative reports
Reports from city administration on various ongoing matters.
Item 11: Commissioners comments
Opportunity for commissioners to make comments or raise non-agenda items.