December 9, 2015 City Commission Meeting

City Council Meeting Summary – December 7th

1. Announcements 📅

• Employee of the Month: Detective Ronnie Wilson of the Police Department was recognized as Employee of the Month for December 2015 for his exceptional work in solving a major criminal case.
• OML League Certificates: Several city employees were honored with Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) certificates for 25 or more years of dedicated service.
• Animal Shelter Update: The City Manager announced plans to discontinue the use of the gas chamber for animal euthanasia, transitioning to lethal injection. Bid packets for local veterinarians will be sent out late 📅 December 2015 or early 📅 2016. Euthanasia numbers have significantly decreased, from approximately 2,000 in 2007 to fewer than 100 in 2015 (only 4 in 📅 November 2015).
• Sporting Goods Store Opening: The new sporting goods store at the mall, originally slated for the holiday season, is now expected to open in early 📅 2016, possibly as early as 📅 February.
• Sequoyah School Sidewalk: Construction on the sidewalk in front of Sequoyah School is anticipated to begin this week, weather permitting.
• Expo Property Trail Lights: Work has commenced on installing lights along the trail at the Expo property.
• Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas parade, held on 📅 December 3rd, was a great success with a large turnout and excellent floats, thanks to the efforts of Dell Curbs and Safe Events for Families.
• Absentee Shawnee Tribe Snowflake: A representative requested that a city snowflake decoration be placed near the Absentee Shawnee Tribe's offices.
• Upcoming Animal Activist Events (from Public Comments):
  • Rally: 📅 December 17th, 6:30 PM at the Community Center (804 South Park Ave).
  • Overnight Sleep-out: 📅 December 18th, 8:00 PM at the "gas pound" on Independence Avenue, to be livestreamed.

2. Public Comments

Citizens voiced concerns and proposals regarding the city's animal control facility:

• Don Gambrell presented a proposal from "nokillnewyork.org" advocating for an end to the gassing and killing of cats and dogs in Shawnee. The proposal suggests managing the animal control facility with a non-profit rescue, claiming it could save taxpayers $100,000 annually. Ms. Gambrell also criticized the change in animal hold periods from 72 to 48 hours and requested the removal of Chris Thomas from his administrative position over the facility. She announced upcoming rallies and a petition drive.
• Bobbie Shell, Kathy Dixon, and Michael Rose all expressed strong support for the "no-kill shelter" proposal, emphasizing the importance of animals as family members and the success of no-kill models in other communities.
• Paul Hines, President of the Animal Rescue Center of Shawnee, stated his organization is actively fundraising to build a Tri-County no-kill shelter and acknowledged the city's current cooperation with rescue groups.

3. Key Decisions & Votes

• 2016 Commission Meeting Schedule: The standard schedule of two meetings per month was ✅ Approved. Staff will continue to seek opportunities to cancel meetings when there is limited agenda business.
• Cancellation of January 4th, 2016 Meeting: A motion to cancel the 📅 January 4th meeting ❌ Failed (3-2 vote). The meeting will remain scheduled, with the possibility of cancellation closer to the date if there are insufficient agenda items or if election-related matters require a special meeting.
• 2015 Park System Inventory and Assessment: The comprehensive plan for the city's park system was ✅ Approved. Discussion included the potential conversion of Jefferson Circle Park to a green space due to ongoing issues, though it will remain a playground for now. Concerns were raised about park security (lighting, overnight visitors) and the effectiveness of mosquito control.
• Community Service Contract with COCAA Oklahoma Transit: A contract for 💰 $60,000 for fiscal year 2015-2016 was ✅ Approved. This reinstates funding for transportation services, acknowledging significant organizational and financial improvements by COCAA after previous challenges. The funds will be paid in monthly increments, with COCAA providing monthly financial statements.
• Budget Amendment for COCAA Contract: A budget amendment to the General Fund to disburse funds for the COCAA contract, sourced from sales tax funds, was ✅ Approved.
• Final Plat for The Garage Restaurant: The final plat for The Garage Restaurant at Shawnee Mall Drive was ✅ Approved with five conditions, including final construction documents, drainage, a landscape plan, and a completed reciprocal agreement.
• Preliminary Plat for Avenly Cottages of Shawnee: The preliminary plat for the expansion of Avenly Cottages, an assisted living facility, was ✅ Approved with five conditions. This expansion will add 13 units, bringing the total to 29.
• Final Plat for Sac and Fox Housing Wiki Up Apartments: The final plat for the Sac and Fox Housing Wiki Up Apartments was ✅ Approved with six conditions, including final construction documents, landscape plans, sidewalk completion, and the finalization of the street right-of-way closure by 📅 December 29th.
• Executive Session Outcome (911 Fees): Following an executive session, the City Council ✅ Approved a motion for the City Manager to continue negotiations with the Pottawatomie County 911 board regarding unremitted emergency 911 Wireless telephone fees.

Agenda Summary Table