July 29, 2015 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Visit Shawnee Inc. App Launch: A new Shawnee app, featuring Visit Shawnee Inc., is under development with a target launch around 📅 Labor Day (September). It will include push notifications for local events and sales.
• Head Start 50th Anniversary: Mayor Peters proclaimed 📅 August 3, 2015, as the 50th Anniversary of Head Start, recognizing its long-standing service to children and families.
• Parks Master Plan Update: The final draft of the Parks Master Plan is expected to be presented in 📅 August.
• Bond Issue Payoff: A bond issue is scheduled to be paid off in 📅 December 2015 (or next year).
• Commissioner Travel: One commissioner announced an upcoming trip to Japan with Sister Cities.

Key Decisions & Votes

Appointment of Municipal Judge

Following an executive session for interviews, the commission took action to approve Randall Wy for the part-time position of Municipal Judge. The salary was set at 💰 $41,000 without benefits, with the appointee responsible for scheduling and compensating any necessary replacements.

Honoring Judge Robert H. Jones

The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution (Resolution Number 6499) honoring Judge Robert H. Jones for his 49 years of dedicated service (1966-2015) as Municipal Judge. The resolution officially names him Judge Emeritus and designates the municipal courtroom as the Robert H. Jones Court. Speakers from the Oklahoma Municipal League and the Pottawatomie County Bar Association, along with Vice Chief Justice Judge Coles, offered tributes. Judge Jones shared personal anecdotes from his tenure.

Fire Station #2 Emergency Repairs

The City Manager reported water infiltration and mold issues at Fire Station #2 on Bryan Street, leading to its temporary closure and relocation of personnel. The commission approved an emergency expenditure of up to 💰 $25,000 for mold remediation and emergency repairs. Further investigation is needed to determine the full extent of the damage, with options to be presented at a future meeting.

Kimberly Street Closure Ordinance

A public hearing was held for an ordinance to close Kimberly Street (Block 1 & 2 of Sack and Fox Edition) to the public, converting it to a private easement for the Housing Authority of the Sack and Fox. Staff recommended approval, noting the transfer of four streetlights to the Housing Authority. A motion to table the item for 30 days (to encourage discussion with the Sack and Fox Nation regarding the Bryan Street exit) ❌ failed. Subsequently, a motion to approve the ordinance ❌ failed, meaning no action was taken on this item at the meeting.

Airport Improvement Project

The Shawnee Airport Authority approved awarding the bid to Libra Electric for the rotating Beacon, automated weather observing system replacement and relocation, and apron lighting project. This project is 90% funded by the FAA.

Financial Matters

• Sales Tax Report: The July sales tax report showed a 2.39% decrease compared to last year, with 💰 $1,477,000 received, a drop of 💰 $35,334. The state sales tax was also down by $12 million for the month.
• Fire Station #2 Repairs: An emergency expenditure of up to 💰 $25,000 was approved for mold remediation and repairs.
• Municipal Judge Salary: The newly appointed Municipal Judge will receive a salary of 💰 $41,000 without benefits.
• Airport Project Funding: The approved airport improvement project is largely funded by the FAA, covering 90% of the costs.

Public Comments

• Visit Shawnee Inc. Update: Randy Gilbert and Dana Fable (President/CEO) provided an update on Visit Shawnee Inc.'s recent activities. They highlighted the hiring of new staff, a reworked marketing contract focusing on social media, the development of a new Shawnee app (expected launch 📅 Labor Day), and their lead on a city-wide branding campaign to create a unified and recognizable image for Shawnee.
• Judge Robert H. Jones Recognition: Carolyn Stager, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, presented a certificate of special recognition. Mr. Butler of the Pottawatomie County Bar Association spoke about Judge Jones as his mentor. Judge Jones himself shared humorous anecdotes from his 49 years on the bench. Vice Chief Justice Judge Coles also spoke, acknowledging Judge Jones's significant impact on the legal community.

Agenda Summary Table