January 30, 2020 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 Mass Notification System Live: The city's new emergency mass notification system is now fully operational. All landline phones within city limits are automatically enrolled. Residents are encouraged to register their mobile phones and email addresses by calling 459-1500 ext. 299150029 or visiting hyper-reach.com/okshawneecitysignup.html. Information will also be shared in local papers, phone bills, and Channel 3.
• 📅 Shawnee Public Schools Bond Issue: A $18 million bond issue for Shawnee Public Schools will be voted on 📅 April 7th. Citizens are encouraged to support it for the future of the community and workforce.
• 📅 State Legislative Session: The State Legislative session begins 📅 February 3rd. The City Manager and Mayor met with the mid-size coalition group to discuss pre-filed legislation, and a report summarizing relevant bills will be distributed to commissioners.
• Census Forms: Citizens will soon receive census forms in the mail. Please fill them out accurately and timely, as they are crucial for federal funding allocation and congressional representation, benefiting the city, schools, and local organizations.

Public Comments

• Holly Gordon (Gateway to Prevention and Recovery): Spoke in favor of the Complete Streets policy, emphasizing that it has been a long-standing community goal to improve street connectivity, sidewalks, crosswalks, and ADA accessibility for all residents.
• Travis Flood (Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County): Provided an update on the growth of their kids' clubs, which started with 12 boys in 2016 and now serves 483 children across 20 clubs in 8 schools with 9 full-time staff. He highlighted the importance of investing in youth to build a better city.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Complete Streets Policy Adopted: The City Council considered and adopted a resolution to implement a Complete Streets policy. This policy, previously deferred in November 2018, provides guidance for roadway infrastructure improvements to accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. It aims to incorporate best practices and includes metrics for annual reporting on improvements like new sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb ramps. The motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention.
• Properties Transferred to South Central Industries: The Council approved the deed to transfer properties that were previously gifted from the county to the city, to South Central Industries. This initiative will allow South Central Industries, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to build single and multi-family homes for assisted living opportunities. The motion carried 7-0.
• Shawnee Police Department Architect Project Deferred: Consideration of bids for the Shawnee Police Department architect projects was deferred to a future meeting. A five-member committee, including the Mayor, Commissioner Herod, the Police Chief, and two others, will be formed to thoroughly review the project's layout and financial aspects before it returns to the commission. The motion carried 7-0.
• Commercial Aeronautical Service Lease Agreement with Buco Aviation: The Airport Authority approved a 10-year lease agreement (with a 5-year option) with Buco Aviation for Box Hangar #15 and an office T-Hangar complex. Buco Aviation, an aircraft restoration, sales, and management company, will invest $45,000 in capital improvements to the buildings and create a new grass turf strip at the airfield for vintage aircraft. In exchange for these improvements, Buco Aviation will receive a 50% rebate on their rental payments. This agreement is expected to generate significant fuel sales and increase traffic to the airport. The motion carried 7-0.

💰 Financial Matters

• Capital Improvement Fund Budget Amendment: The Council approved a budget amendment for Capital Improvement Fund 303. This amendment realigns existing funds within the budget for remodels at the Liberty Library, Senior Center, and Community Center, ensuring money is allocated to the appropriate line items. The motion carried 7-0.
• Monthly Sales Tax and Budget Report Acknowledged: The monthly sales tax and budget report was presented and acknowledged.
  • Sales Tax: 1.82% above budget for the month, and 6.56% above budget year-to-date.
  • Use Tax: 55.74% above budget for the month, and 50.69% above budget year-to-date.
  • Budget Status: The General Fund is at 50% remaining budget (good for the half-year mark), SMA at 57%, and the Airport at 40%.

Agenda Summary Table