May 19, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 Shawnee High School Class of 2020 held a parade today (May 18th) down Kickapoo Street.
• The police station remodel is scheduled to begin this week.
• Shawnee Public Schools have distributed approximately 100,000 meals during the recent period, with staff delivering meals on school buses.
• Citizens are encouraged to continue shopping in Shawnee to support local businesses and sales tax revenue.
• Condolences were extended to Commissioner Bolt on the recent loss of his father.

Public Comments

• No citizens signed up for general public participation.
• During the public hearing for the rezoning of 15226 South School Road, applicant Jenny Collins spoke in favor of the conditional use permit.

Key Decisions & Votes

Consent Agenda (City Council)

• The City Council approved the consent agenda, with the exception of item 2d, which was pulled for separate discussion.

Global Spectrum/VBA Spectra Contract Acknowledgment (FY 2020-2021)

• Discussion: Commissioner Herod expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of Global Spectrum/VBA Spectra, the management services for the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. Concerns included the appearance and maintenance of buildings, outdated event schedules, and the condition of restrooms, despite approximately half a million dollars already being spent.
• Decision: The item was tabled until the first meeting in June to allow the City Manager to address the performance concerns with the contractor and for commissioners to conduct further observations.

Memorandum of Understanding with Central Disposal

• Discussion: Following an RFP for solid waste collection, Central Disposal was the sole bidder. Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, Central Disposal agreed to defer a scheduled rate increase for citizens from July 1st to October 1st. It was noted that Central Disposal has not raised rates in over five years.
• Decision: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was ✅ Approved.

Kickapoo Street Paving Project Easements

• Discussion: The Council considered a resolution to acquire necessary easements for the construction and expansion of the Kickapoo Street paving project (a spur to Farrell Street). Approximately two-thirds of the required properties have been secured, with about 50 properties remaining. The resolution authorizes the City Manager and City Attorney to acquire these easements through purchase or, if negotiations fail, by eminent domain. Property addresses related to ongoing negotiations are sealed and not subject to open records.
• Decision: The resolution declaring public necessity and authorizing easement acquisition was ✅ Approved.

Rezoning Property at 15226 South School Road (Guest Cabin CUP)

• Discussion: A public hearing was held for an ordinance to rezone property at 15226 South School Road from A-1 Rural Agricultural District to A-1 Rural Agricultural District with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The CUP is for an existing guest cabin (384 sq ft) to remain on the property after a new single-family home is built, to be used for family visits. The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval with three conditions: the guest cabin shall not exceed 600 square feet, shall not be sublet, and shall share a common drive with the primary residence.
• Decision: The ordinance to rezone with the conditional use permit, including the specified conditions, was ✅ Approved.

Shawnee Airport Authority (SAA) Consent Agenda

• The SAA approved its consent agenda.

SAA Runway and Taxiway Rehabilitation Bids

• Discussion: The SAA sought authorization to advertise for bids for the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiway at Shawnee Regional Airport. This is the first major resurfacing work since 2012. The project, estimated to cost over $1 million, will be funded primarily through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including recent stimulus package grants and 2019 discretionary funds. The City of Shawnee and the Airport will contribute approximately $30,000.
• Decision: Authorization to advertise the Request for Bids was ✅ Approved.

Shawnee Municipal Authority (SMA) Consent Agenda

• The SMA approved its consent agenda.

Financial Matters 💰

• Monthly Sales Tax and Budget Report:
  • The total sales tax deposit for the month was $1,561,504.19, which was 12.5% below the monthly budget.
  • Despite the monthly shortfall, the city remains 2.3% above year-to-date budget for sales tax.
  • Use tax continues to perform strongly, coming in 22.12% above the monthly budget and 27.25% above year-to-date.
  • Overall, the city's budget is currently stable, with revenues supporting expenditures, though unexpected costs related to COVID-19 have occurred.
  • Projections indicate that even if May sales tax comes in 17% below budget, the city's overall budget should remain stable, largely due to strong use tax performance. Concerns were raised about potential larger reductions in future months, similar to state-level figures.
• Central Disposal Rate Deferral: Central Disposal agreed to defer a planned rate increase for solid waste collection from July 1st to October 1st, providing financial relief to citizens during the COVID-19 recovery period.
• Airport Runway Project Funding: The runway and taxiway rehabilitation project at Shawnee Regional Airport, estimated at over $1 million, will be largely funded by federal grants (FAA, stimulus, discretionary funds), with the city and airport contributing approximately $30,000.

Agenda Summary Table