January 4, 2016 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The City Commission meeting scheduled for 📅 January 4, 2016, has been canceled.
• The Downtown Streetscape project is scheduled to begin 📅 January 19th.
• Lights on the airport walking trail are expected to be operational either late this year or 📅 early January.
• The City Manager will provide a color-coded map detailing current, planned, and future sidewalk projects.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda Approved: The City Commission approved the consent agenda, which included the minimal rehabilitation of Fire Station #2 on East Main Street. This decision was made despite a commissioner's request to table the Fire Station item due to concerns about contractor performance.
• January 4, 2016 Meeting Canceled: The Commission voted to cancel the City Commission meeting scheduled for January 4, 2016.
• Senior Housing Development Deferred: A resolution of support for Zimmerman Properties LLC to construct a new 48-unit senior multi-family housing development (Shawnee Estates) was deferred. Commissioners expressed concerns about the lack of a current market study demonstrating need, the prevalence of low-income housing in the city, and the absence of a city policy requiring mixed-income developments. The deferral allows for further review of market data and discussion of future housing policies.
• Snow and Ice Removal Bid Accepted: The Commission accepted a bid from PTS Pipeline and Tank Services LLC for snow and ice removal services. Staff was authorized to offer a contract, pending clarification on the dump truck rental rate and due diligence on the contractor's background.

Financial Matters

• TSET Grant Awarded: The city received a check for $110,000 from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) for the splash pad and restroom project. This follows a previous $10,000 grant in 2012 for the airport walking trail.
• Positive Sales Tax Report: December sales tax collections were reported at over $1.5 million, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year and nearly 15% from December 2013. The new Marketplace has generated $259,000 in sales tax since July, with a net of $86,000 after rebates. Overall, the city is slightly under its budgeted 3% growth at 2.9%. Use tax collections have also been notably high due to the Marketplace.

Public Comments

• No citizens came forward to speak during the designated public participation period.

City Manager Update Highlights

• Fire Station Renovations: Minimal rehabilitation of the old Fire Station #2 on East Main Street will proceed to ensure coverage during the extensive renovation of the Bryan Street Station. A contract for architectural and engineering services for the Bryan Street Station is expected by the January 19th meeting, with a projected 6-month design phase and 9-month construction period.
• Auditorium Heat & Air: Bid specifications for the auditorium's heat and air system are nearing completion, with bidding expected by the January 19th or February 1st meeting.
• Trails and Sidewalks Progress:
  • The Bryan Street Trail is almost complete.
  • Construction has begun on the Independence Street sidewalk, connecting to Sequoia Elementary and extending eastward.
  • Airport trail lighting is installed and expected to be operational soon.
  • Plans are being developed for an East-West connecting sidewalk, with MacArthur Street being the most promising route. Staff is exploring additional grant funding for this.
  • Design work is underway for a new Union Street sidewalk, funded by a grant to Shawnee Public Schools, with construction aimed for summer completion.
• Downtown Streetscape: Construction for the downtown streetscape project is scheduled to commence on 📅 January 19th.

Commissioners' Comments

• A commissioner reported that the Woodland Park Christmas lights were not lit this year due to a cut line during construction.
• Regarding Animal Control during disasters, the priority is to proactively locate owners, then work with rescue operations, with standard procedures as a last resort.
• A commissioner expressed ongoing concern about contractor performance and the need for consistent vetting, also voicing strong support for the one-cent sales tax for schools and teachers.
• Commissioners encouraged citizens to shop locally to support Shawnee businesses.
• The Mayor highlighted the significant positive changes and ongoing revitalization efforts downtown and praised community efforts like a recent bicycle giveaway, urging a focus on positive developments.

Agenda Summary Table