August 10, 2016 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The Shawnee Splash Aquatic Center has served approximately 30,000 individuals through July, exceeding last year's numbers.
• Pottawatomie County Commissioners approved ballot language for Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. This will be on the 📅 November 8 ballot.
• An upcoming Neatest Foundation Speaker Series event will feature Tony Butner from Blues Every Organization on 📅 Monday, August 22.
• Miss Arnold was recognized for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the city's comprehensive annual financial report.
• The final draft of the city's annual visual report (expenditures and revenues for 2017) is going to the publisher. Commissioners were asked to proofread it for any typos.
• A student exchange program departed this morning for Tokyo.
• Commissioners praised ongoing downtown revitalization and other construction projects throughout the city.
• The city's lakes are full due to recent rains, but citizens are reminded of the continued importance of water conservation.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda (City Commission): The consent agenda was ✅ Approved.
• Appointment of Ward 1 City Commissioner: The commission ✅ Approved the appointment of Deb Bashan to the Ward 1 City Commission seat, which was vacated by Gary Vogel. Ms. Bashan was subsequently sworn into office.
• Press Release on Lawsuits: A motion to issue a simple statement of understanding regarding the current lawsuits involving the Citizens Potawatomi Nation (CPN) against the city, and the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) cases with future Shawnee tax implications, was ✅ Approved. The City Attorney and City Manager will craft the release.
• Remote Control Self-Mover Bid: Consideration of a bid for a remote control self-mover (for $51,000) was 🔄 Deferred to the next meeting to allow staff to review the specifications.
• 911 Wireless Telephone Fees Litigation: Following an executive session, the commission ✅ Authorized the City Manager to execute a settlement agreement with 911 Co-op regarding potential claims litigation over unremitted 911 wireless telephone fees.
• City Manager and City Treasurer Evaluations: Following an executive session to discuss annual evaluations, ❌ No motion was made regarding these evaluations.
• Consent Agenda (Shawnee Airport Authority): The consent agenda was ✅ Approved.
• Consent Agenda (Shawnee Municipal Authority): The consent agenda was ✅ Approved.

Financial Matters

• 💰 Legal Fees for CPN Disputes: During public comments, a citizen reported that $335,066 has been spent by the city on legal fees associated with disputes with the Citizens Potawatomi Nation (CPN).
• 💰 Remote Control Self-Mover Bid: A bid of $51,000 was received for a remote control self-mover, but the item was deferred for further review.
• 💰 911 Wireless Telephone Fees: The City Manager was authorized to execute a settlement agreement regarding unremitted 911 wireless telephone fees.
• 💰 Financial Reporting Excellence: Miss Arnold was recognized for the city's comprehensive annual financial report, which received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Public Comments

• Mr. Claybrook addressed the commission, stating that financial information he requested regarding legal fees is public. He reported that $335,066 has been spent by the city on legal fees related to disputes with the CPN. He urged the city to "stop the bleeding" by "exiting the CPN land" and focusing on other areas of the city, believing a federal court is unlikely to rule in favor of a municipality over a federally designated sovereign entity.

Agenda Summary Table