July 21, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Shawnee Expo Center Upcoming Events:
  • Drive-in concert featuring For King & Country: 📅 August 28th. Tickets start at $100 per vehicle.
  • All-Star Monster Truck Show: 📅 September 19th. First 100 tickets are $10, includes a free child's ticket with paid adult.
  • David Nail concert: 📅 August 22nd. VIP tables and tickets still available.
• Ward One Commissioner Vacancy: Applications for the Ward One Commissioner position will be accepted until the end of next week (approximately 📅 July 31st). Interviews and potential appointment are scheduled for the next meeting on 📅 August 3rd.
• OG&E LED Light Program: The city is awaiting inspections for the high mass towers on I-40, which are hoped to be conducted this year. The lighting project for 177 and Farrell is scheduled to begin "very soon."
• State Superintendent School Plan: An announcement regarding school opening plans from the State Superintendent is expected on 📅 Friday.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda (City Commission): The City Commission approved the consent agenda.
• Ward One Commissioner Appointment Process: The Commission approved the City Manager's recommendation to accept applications for the Ward One Commissioner vacancy until the end of next week, with interviews and a potential appointment to occur at the 📅 August 3rd meeting. The appointed commissioner will serve until the next general municipal election for Ward One.
• Surplus City Property Donation: A resolution was approved to declare certain city property (library tables from 1989) as surplus and donate them to Shawnee Public Schools.
• Runway and Taxiway Crack Seal and Sealcoat Project (Airport Authority): The Airport Authority approved awarding the contract for the runway and taxiway crack seal and sealcoat project to American Road Maintenance, contingent upon the receipt of a third pending grant.
• Consent Agenda (Airport Authority): The Airport Authority approved its consent agenda.
• Consent Agenda (Municipal Authority): The Municipal Authority approved its consent agenda.
• Employment of Kelly Gibson: Following an executive session, the Commission approved the staff's recommendation for disability retirement for Ms. Kelly Gibson.

Financial Matters 💰

• Monthly Sales Tax and Budget Reports:
  • Sales tax was up 27.23% of the projected budget.
  • Use tax was up 20.36% of the projected budget.
  • The General Fund received 99% of its budgeted revenue, with approximately 4% of the budget remaining.
  • The SMA (Sales Tax for Municipal Authority) received about 98% of its estimated revenue, with 3% of the budget remaining.
  • Overall, the budget for the year ended on a positive note.
• Airport Authority Project Funding: The Runway and Taxiway Crack Seal and Sealcoat Project, valued at approximately $800,000, will only cost the city $31,833 out-of-pocket. This is due to a combination of a 90% federal FAA discretionary grant, a $30,000 CARES Act grant, and a 10% FAA CARES Act match for the taxiway portion, effectively making that section 100% federally funded.
• Special Election Costs: A standalone special election for the Ward One Commissioner vacancy would cost approximately $7,000, with costs potentially lower if piggybacked onto another election.

Public Comments

Citizens addressed the commission on two main topics: upcoming events and the potential for a city-wide mask mandate.

• Shawnee Expo Center Events: Aaron Stevens announced several upcoming events at the Shawnee Expo Center, including concerts and a monster truck show, encouraging citizens to purchase tickets.
• COVID-19 Mask Mandate Discussion:
  • Opposition to Mandate:
    • Donna Bryce expressed strong opposition, citing her hearing impairment which makes communication difficult when masks muffle voices and prevent lip-reading. She also highlighted concerns for assault victims who may be triggered by face coverings.
    • Shane Jett advocated for individual freedom of choice regarding masks, urging the commission to provide information and recommendations rather than mandates, warning of potential backlash and constitutional freedom concerns.
    • Deborah Waterman, a disabled veteran, stated she cannot wear a mask due to an anxiety disorder. She raised concerns about HIPAA violations, police enforcement of mandates, and cited studies questioning mask effectiveness. She supported businesses making their own mask policies.
    • An unnamed citizen echoed opposition to a mandate, emphasizing individual choice and concerns about police resources being diverted. This citizen also raised a separate issue regarding a child's safety at the splash pad and alleged inaction by city staff.
    • Jeffrey Branham (DAV Chapter 54 Commander) informed the commission about the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) becoming involved in mask mandate issues, citing potential $75,000 fines for violations and specific concerns for veterans with anxiety or respiratory conditions.
  • Support for Mandate:
    • Jack Barrett, Chairman of the Traffic Commission, urged the commission to utilize the Traffic Commission more and advocated for a mask mandate based on scientific evidence.
    • Carol Tomlinson, a long-time Shawnee resident, passionately urged the commission to formulate a plan to stop the spread of COVID-19, including a mask mandate, to save lives and help schools remain open, citing scientific consensus.

Agenda Summary Table

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