June 16, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Wolverine Road Paving Project: Pottawattamie County Commissioner Melissa Dennis announced that bids were opened for paving four miles of Wolverine Road (from 177 to Kickapoo). The low bid was $1.2 million, with project completion anticipated by the end of 📅 August or beginning of September.
• Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center Upcoming Events:
  • All-Star Monster Truck Show rescheduled for 📅 September 19, 2020.
  • Micro Wrestling rescheduled for 📅 October 17, 2020.
  • American Bull Riding Federation (ABRF) series with live music on 📅 June 19-20, 2020.
  • New Way Youth Wrestling LLC National Championship scheduled for 📅 July (private event with COVID-19 precautions).
  • Country music star David Nail concert scheduled for 📅 August 22, 2020 (tickets on sale 📅 June 17).

Key Decisions & Votes

• Planning Commission Appointments: The Mayor nominated Amy Loftus Walton and Cami Ingalls to the Planning Commission. A motion to defer the appointments until after the upcoming mayoral election failed due to lack of a second. The City Attorney clarified that appointments are for three-year terms, not four years as initially discussed. Commissioner Harris expressed opposition, citing concerns about "stacking the Planning Commission" and the timing close to an election. The appointments were ✅ Approved (4-2, 1 abstention).
• Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center Contract Acknowledgment: The Council acknowledged the Global Spectrum DBA Spectra contract for Fiscal Year 2021, marking the second year of a five-year agreement. The contract includes a CPI-based compensation increase of $3,600 for the year. Commissioner Harris voiced strong disappointment with Spectra's performance, perceived lack of new events, and insufficient communication. The contract acknowledgment was ✅ Approved (6-1).
• Wildwood Addition Final Plan Approval: The final plan for Wildwood Addition, a 23.88-acre property on East 45th Street by Salazar Homes, was considered. Concerns regarding increased traffic and existing drainage issues were discussed. The developer addressed drainage by reconfiguring Madison Avenue and channeling water to an existing pond. A condition of approval was the addition of a walking trail around the detention pond. The plan was ✅ Approved (7-0).
• Airport Runway and Taxiway Projects Bids: Bids for cleaning, sealing, crack sealing, and remarking Runway 1735 and the parallel taxiway (AIP Projects) were presented. Due to the complexity of FAA funding (two separate grants for a single project with multiple sealcoat alternatives), the Council ↔️ Deferred a decision until further information from the FAA regarding acceptable alternatives and funding is available (7-0).

Financial Matters

• City of Shawnee FY2021 Budget: The Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget for the City of Shawnee, including additional funding for sidewalks, was ✅ Approved (7-0). A resolution formally adopting the budget was also ✅ Approved (7-0).
• Monthly Sales Tax and Budget Report:
  • June sales tax revenue was down 6.27% from the projected budget.
  • Year-to-date cash basis sales tax is down 1.14%.
  • Use tax was up 30.10% for the month and up 3.89% year-to-date.
  • Despite the sales tax decrease, no balancing issues are foreseen for the current fiscal year due to leeway on the expenditure side.
  • As of the end of May, the General Fund has received 91% of its revenue with 13% of its expenditure budget remaining.
  • The Shawnee Municipal Authority (SMA) has received 78% of its revenue with 19% of its expenditure budget remaining.
• Shawnee Airport Authority FY2021 Budget: The Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget for the Shawnee Airport Authority was ✅ Approved (7-0). A resolution formally adopting the budget was also ✅ Approved (7-0).
• Shawnee Municipal Authority FY2021 Budget: The Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget for the Shawnee Municipal Authority was ✅ Approved (7-0). A resolution formally adopting the budget was also ✅ Approved (7-0).

Public Comments

• Melissa Dennis (Pottawattamie County Commissioner, District 1): Offered assistance from the county for the success of the Expo Center and announced the upcoming Wolverine Road paving project.
• Daniel Matthews (Planning Commission Member): Spoke in favor of the two Planning Commission appointments, emphasizing their diverse perspectives and qualifications.
• Rob Morris (Citizen): Raised several concerns, including:
  • Questions about the Expo Center contract renewal, a $25,000 bonus, and contract compliance.
  • Ethical concerns regarding potential bias in Planning Commission appointments if a commissioner is a reference.
  • Allegations of a conflict of interest for a commissioner voting on Blue Zones matters, citing connections between Blue Zones Project, Cher Care, and the Avitus Foundation.
  • Strong opposition to the potential privatization of the Twin Lakes, warning of negative impacts on drinking water, local businesses, environmental quality, safety, and increased city responsibilities.

Agenda Summary Table