Meeting Summary
Announcements
- 📅 Special Call Meeting for Park Master Plan: A meeting focused entirely on the Park Master Plan will be held on August 31st at 6:30 PM at the traditional meeting location. A consultant will provide a detailed overview and presentation.
- 📅 City Project Goals Workshop: A follow-up workshop to discuss city project goals, long-term needs, and funding operations is scheduled for September 14th at 6:00 PM. The location will be determined, with a preference for a round table format.
- Splash Pad/Pool Season Update: The first choice splash season is winding down. The facility saw nearly 29,000 participants (averaging 550 per day), with "Dollar Wednesdays" attracting over 1,000 attendees. Limited hours are available through Labor Day, including aerobics, open swim on Saturdays, and the splash pad open from 12-8 PM. Universities will utilize the facility post-Labor Day, with hopes to extend its use through October.
- Fire Station #2 Repairs: The first phase of mold removal at Fire Station #2 on Bryan Street is complete. An architect and city engineering staff are assessing the building to devise a long-term repair plan, including regrading the property and improving drainage. Major repairs to grading, concrete, roof, and siding are anticipated. More information, including cost estimates, is expected in September.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Preliminary Plat for Shawnee Auto Mall: The City Commission approved ✅ the preliminary plat for Shawnee Auto Mall, located on Shawnee Mall Drive east of Union Street. This redesign involves 21 acres divided into four lots, each approximately 4.5 acres. The approval includes a variance for a cul-de-sac length of 773 feet (exceeding the standard 500 feet but within the 1,000-foot allowance for commercial lots). Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, noting satisfaction with proposed easements and stormwater drainage plans.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement with IUPA Police: The Commission approved ✅ the collective bargaining agreement with the IUPA Local Number 3 Police Union. Key changes include adding a step for topped-out members to bring pay closer to the average of comparable cities and modifying the maximum accrual of comp time from 120 to 240 hours, aligning it with non-union employees. The estimated budgetary impact is $19,185 for the first six months, with an anticipated annual impact of $38,000.
- City Attorney Contract Evaluation: Following an executive session, the Commission tabled ✅ the item regarding the City Attorney's contract evaluation. The Mayor and a Commissioner were authorized to work out the details of the contract.
- Rhonda Dineen Goodwin Litigation: After an executive session, the Commission authorized ✅ attorneys to negotiate within the discussed bounds regarding the litigation pending against the City of Shawnee by Rhonda Dineen Goodwin.
- Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Agreement: The Shawnee Airport Authority approved ✅ a resolution to accept a grant agreement, contingent on a grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for AIP project number 3-04-0008-16-20X5. This project will fund lighting and equipment improvements at Shawnee Regional Airport, with the FAA providing a 90% financial match. This resolution allows the City Manager and staff to quickly sign the grant offer once received.
Financial Matters 💰
- Sales Tax Report (August 2015):
- Sales tax revenue for the month was $1,588,000, representing a 10.9% increase ($156,000) compared to the previous year.
- New development, specifically Home Properties (Aldi), contributed approximately $35,000 per month, totaling $78,000 through June 30th. After accounting for the city's obligation of $50,000, the net gain is $28,000 so far.
- Use tax revenue increased to $155,000, up $50,000, largely attributed to building materials.
- Overall, the city's revenue is up 2.2% over last year.
- Commissioners noted a decrease in occupational tax and cable/video franchise tax, possibly due to increased competition from services like Uverse and Amazon. Nuisance taxes were reported to be up.
Public Comments
- No citizens came forward to participate during the designated public comments section.
Agenda Summary Table
| Agenda Item