February 4, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The Shawnee Public Library is now open after a month of limited services. A grand opening event will be held once all new furnishings are in place.
• A local group is submitting a video for the HGTV Hometown Takeover contest by the deadline (📅 tonight/tomorrow).
• The Pig Roast and Trophy Auction for the Junior Livestock Show is scheduled for 📅 tonight at 6:30 PM at the Expo Center.

Public Comments

• The Branch Manager of the Shawnee Public Library expressed gratitude for recent building updates and announced the library's reopening, with a grand opening planned for when new furnishings arrive.
• Representatives from the Blue Zones project and Spoke Lahoma lauded the city for successfully hosting the "Gravel Growler" event. This event attracted approximately 450 participants from 20 states and 3 countries, significantly boosting local businesses including hotels, restaurants, and shops. The event also raised $3,683 for Friendship House.
• It was noted that two individuals recently closed on properties on Broadway, citing excitement and anticipation of upcoming city improvements as their motivation.
• Commissioners also highlighted the success of the Police Foundation banquet held on Friday night, which aimed to raise money for police officers.
• A positive story about downtown Shawnee was featured in the Daily Oklahoman over the weekend.
• The District Livestock Show at the Expo Center saw a large turnout from Wednesday to Saturday, with hundreds of cattle, gilts, and hogs shown, bringing many visitors to the city.

Key Decisions & Votes

Medical Marijuana Establishment Annual Permit Fee Ordinance

• The Commission approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 8, Article 8 of the city's code, increasing the annual permit fee for medical marijuana establishments from a one-time $100 initial fee to an annual $1,500 fee. This adjustment aims to offset administrative costs associated with the annual Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) compliance form, which requires extensive city staff and legal review. The ordinance was approved with an emergency clause by a 7-0 vote. ✅

Resolution to Amend City Fee Schedule for Medical Marijuana Establishments

• A resolution was approved to formally adopt the new annual $1,500 fee for medical marijuana establishments into the city's fee schedule. This passed with a 7-0 vote. ✅

Broadway State Project Request for Qualifications Award

• Staff requested to defer the decision regarding the award of the Request for Qualifications for the Broadway State Project, citing new questions that have arisen. The Commission voted to defer this item to a future meeting (7-0). ↩️

Outdoor Warning System Upgrade Bids

• Bids were presented for the upgrade and replacement of the city's outdoor warning system from five different companies, with prices ranging from approximately $298,000 to $909,000 for base bids and various alternates. Staff requested more time to review the bids thoroughly. The Commission voted to defer this item to a future meeting (7-0). ↩️

Financial Matters

Medical Marijuana Establishment Annual Permit Fee 💰

• The city increased the annual permit fee for medical marijuana establishments from a one-time initial fee of $100 to an annual fee of $1,500. This change is intended to cover the administrative costs incurred by the city for processing the required annual OMMA compliance forms.

Gravel Growler Event Fundraising 💰

• The recent "Gravel Growler" event successfully raised $3,683 for Friendship House, demonstrating a positive community impact.

Outdoor Warning System Upgrade Bids 💰

• Five bids were received for the outdoor warning system upgrade, with base bids ranging from $298,664.73 (Federal Signal Corporation) to $909,919.33 (Bear Com). The decision on awarding this bid was deferred for further review.

Agenda Summary Table