June 2, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget has been postponed and will now be held on 📅 Monday, June 8th.

Public Comments

• Jennifer Woolever addressed the Council regarding an administrative order for the removal of her privacy fence at 809 West Main Street. She cited harassment and violence from neighbors, leading to police reports, as reasons for extending the fence.
• Rob Lawrence posed four questions to the Council:
  • Why are the financials of Safe Events for Families (SAF) not required when the city reimburses them?
  • Why is the renewal of Shawnee Forward being voted on without available budgets, given it receives city funds?
  • Will any City Commissioners with immediate family on the Shawnee Forward board abstain from voting on its contract renewal, referencing city code article 16 section 1?
  • What is the specific date for the leak in the Santa Fe Depot roof to be fixed with earmarked funds from the last one-cent tax increase?

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda: The City Council approved the consent agenda. (Vote: 7-0)
• Community Service Contracts (FY 2020-2021): The Council considered recommendations from the Community Service Contract Review Committee, which proposed renewing contracts at 90% of requested amounts due to financial uncertainty.
  • Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency Central Oklahoma Transit System: Contract renewed for $63,000. (Vote: 7-0)
  • Safe Events for Families: Contract renewed to reimburse expenses up to $56,700. (Vote: 6-0, 1 abstention) Council clarified that SAF does not receive direct funds; the city pays invoices, and the city's books are audited.
  • Shawnee Forward: Contract renewed for $57,400. (Vote: 6-0, 1 abstention) Discussion included the allocation of economic development funds and a Commissioner's abstention due to a spouse's involvement on the Shawnee Forward board, citing potential conflict of interest.
• Jennifer Woolever's Privacy Fence Appeal (809 West Main Street): The Council affirmed the administrative order, thereby denying the appeal to keep the privacy fence. (Vote: 7-0) The Council determined the fence violates city building codes (being in front of the build line and over three feet tall, and opaque). They clarified that Ms. Woolever still has the option to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which is better equipped to handle unique hardship cases without setting a city-wide precedent.
• Replat of Shawnee Auto Mall Lot 2, Block 1 and Common Area A: Approved the replat of a 10.33-acre property to combine two lots into one for a new, large dealership, while maintaining the detention area. (Vote: 7-0)
• Preliminary Plat of Belmont Park Commercial 2: Approved the preliminary plat for a 0.87-acre property for a new medical facility (dentist's office). (Vote: 7-0)
• Final Plat of Belmont Park Commercial 2: Approved the final plat for the 0.87-acre property. (Vote: 7-0)
• Preliminary Plat of Wildwood Edition (formerly Woodsong Section 3): Approved the preliminary plat for a 23.88-acre property, which was a name change and housekeeping item from a previous approval. (Vote: 7-0)

Financial Matters 💰

• Community Service Contracts: Total of $177,100 approved for renewal across three organizations, with funding set at 90% of requests due to anticipated revenue uncertainty.
• Airport Surplus Property: Resolution approved to declare certain airport equipment (pickup trucks, fuel truck, tractor, mowers) as surplus and authorize their sale via internet auction or disposal. (Vote: 7-0)
• Airport Field Equipment Lease-to-Own Agreement: Discussion on a lease-to-own agreement for a used tractor for $40,000 (at $2,000/month) was deferred to the next meeting. (Vote: 7-0) Commissioners requested more detailed information on the tractor's age, hours, and comparison to new equipment costs.
• Airport Rental Rates: Approved implementing a 2.3% increase in airport rental rates for FY 2020-2021, based on the Consumer Price Index. This is projected to increase airport rental revenues by $2,465 next year. (Vote: 7-0)
• Airport After-Hour Service Fee: Approved implementing a $50 per hour fee for staff-provided line and terminal services outside normal business hours (8 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week). (Vote: 7-0) This fee is standard in the general aviation industry and aims to cover operational costs.
• Airport Non-Commercial Hangar Lease Agreements: Approved revised standard non-commercial hangar lease agreements, incorporating new airport minimum standards, and authorized staff to execute these leases for FY 2020-2021. (Vote: 7-0)

Agenda Summary Table