December 17, 2019 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The Avitus Leadership Series will feature speaker Wes Moore on 📅 May 27th.

Public Comments

• Blue Zones Project: Mark Finley thanked the local Blue Zones staff (Rachel, Lindsey, Taylor, Miriam, Corey) for their work in providing educational opportunities for healthier lifestyles in the community.
• Property Transfer to COCAA:
  • Jeremy Johnson expressed opposition to the transfer of 12 properties from the county to the city, then to a private entity (COCAA) for low-income housing. He argued it bypasses tax deed sales and fair market value, potentially creating a perception of corruption.
  • Kay Steel Herod, a COCAA board member, supported the transfer, explaining that nuisance liens make these properties too expensive for private citizens to buy at tax sales. She highlighted that transferring them to a non-profit for low-income housing would get them back on tax rolls and is crucial for a grant application due in January.
  • Mike Little, a developer, also supported the transfer, citing successful similar projects (Woolworth Building, High Street revitalization) and COCAA's 51% ownership model.
• Broadway Bike Lanes:
  • Randy James inquired about potential transportation initiatives from south to north Shawnee for work, and the possibility of cutting curbs for street parking, expressing concerns about the Broadway bike lane project's impact.
  • Jean Greenfield commended citizens opposing the bike lanes and asserted "Broadway is our street" as taxpayers.
• West McArthur Street Rezoning:
  • Gary Dowdy opposed the rezoning of property on West McArthur Street, advocating for the area to remain residential as per the comprehensive plan and residents' expectations.
  • Lewis Walters, Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church, also opposed the rezoning, citing the church's hosting of Epic Charter Schools (30-35 children weekly) and studies showing increased crime rates around medical marijuana dispensaries.
• Clear Pond Road Rezoning: Kevin Mitchell, an adjacent property owner, spoke against the rezoning, stating he was not properly notified due to a recent property transfer and limited visibility of the public notice sign.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda: The consent agenda for the City Council, Airport Authority, and Municipal Authority were ✅ Approved (7-0 for all).
• Rezone Property at Highway 102 & Lake Road: An ordinance to rezone 4.68 acres from A1 Rural Agricultural District to C3 Highway Commercial District was ✅ Approved (7-0). This aligns with the 2019 comprehensive plan to add commercial services to an underserved corridor.
• Rezone Property at Clear Pond Road: An ordinance to rezone 6.4 acres from A1 Rural Agricultural District to A1 Rural Agricultural District with a Conditional Use Permit to allow a manufactured home was ✅ Approved (7-0). Staff confirmed due diligence in public notification despite a recent property ownership change.
• Rezone Property at West McArthur Street: An ordinance to rezone 2.58 acres from RE Residential Estate District to C3 Highway Commercial was ❌ Denied (7-0). The Planning Commission and staff recommended denial, citing the area's designation for low-density residential use in the comprehensive plan and the presence of Epic Charter Schools within 1,000 feet, which would conflict with a potential medical marijuana facility.
• Designated Health Zone Ordinance: An ordinance establishing a Designated Health Zone encompassing areas around Shawnee Public Schools, SSM Health Care, YMCA, Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Oklahoma Baptist University, Community Renewal, Gateway to Prevention, and Shawnee Housing Authority was ✅ Approved (7-0). This initiative aims to create tobacco and vape-free areas, particularly targeting youth, due to growing concerns about vaping's health impacts.
• De-annexation for Kickapoo Tribe: An ordinance amending city boundaries by de-annexing property north of P&K Equipment for the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma was ✅ Approved (7-0), along with its emergency clause. This allows the tribe to pursue a grant for an elder housing subdivision with more affordable water and sewer infrastructure solutions, as extending city services would be cost-prohibitive.
• Deeding Properties to Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA): Approval was given to deed several properties to COCAA with restrictions for affordable housing programs. This was ✅ Approved (6-0 with 1 abstention).
• Fire Station #4 Surplus Declaration: A resolution declaring the real property at 518 South Beard Street (Fire Station #4) as surplus and authorizing staff to solicit sealed bids for its sale was ✅ Approved (7-0). The building is no longer needed by the fire department.
• Senior Citizen Center Roofing Project: The bid for the Senior Citizen Center roofing project was ✅ Approved and awarded to Ground Zero Roofing and Construction for a base bid of 💰 $63,500 (7-0).
• Digester Cleaning at Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant: The bid for digester cleaning was ✅ Approved and awarded to Jordan Contractors for a total bid price of 💰 $302,000 (7-0).

Financial Matters

• Avitus Foundation Presentation:
  • The Avitus Foundation, with an asset base of 💰 $100 million, is required to give away approximately 💰 $5 million annually.
  • Since 2012, it has invested approximately 💰 $40 million in communities, including a 💰 $15 million match for the SSM hospital tower.
  • 💰 $4.6 million has been invested in partnership with the City of Shawnee for projects like airport trails, sidewalks, the Broadway project, Expo Center remodel, Shawnee Splash, and public transportation studies.
  • 💰 $1.9 million has been given to the Shawnee Public School system.
  • The foundation has leveraged a 💰 $0.5 million investment into 💰 $2.5 million in federal grants for other communities.
  • Approximately 💰 $1.9 million has been committed this year to other grants and programs.
• Sales Tax Report:
  • Sales tax revenue for the month was 21.45% above budget, and 7.4% above budget year-to-date.
  • Use tax revenue was 12.68% above budget for the month and 49.88% above budget year-to-date.
  • Budget remaining: General Fund (57%), SMA (65%), Airport (45%).

Administrative Reports

• Director of Tourism Report: Stacey Cameron, Director of Tourism, reported on efforts to position Shawnee as a top tourism destination, aligning with state goals.
  • Funding: The department is funded by hotel-motel tax, aiming to bring in external tax dollars.
  • Mission: Focus is on attracting tourists from over 50 miles away or those staying overnight.
  • Data & Metrics: Shawnee was the most requested municipal piece on the TravelOK website in October 2019 and fourth in November. New data collection methods will track cell phone pings for visitor origin and duration.
  • Social Media: Significant growth in social media followers (over 6,200) and engagement (315,600 interactions in 90 days).
  • Future Plans: Efforts include ensuring Shawnee is "guest-ready" (cleanliness, public art, parks, Blue Zones options), improving communication, launching marketing campaigns (print ads, billboards, TV/radio), expanding the Welcome Center, updating brochures and website, engaging the group tour market, and preparing for the growing film industry in Oklahoma.

Agenda Summary Table