Meeting Summary
Announcements
- A special commission meeting has been called for 📅 next Monday night at 6:30 PM to develop a plan and committee for the replacement of the City Manager.
- A planning meeting is potentially scheduled for 📅 January to address the significant issue of water loss (estimated 25-30 million gallons annually).
Key Decisions & Votes
- Agenda Approval: The meeting agenda was ✅ Approved.
- Consent Agenda Approval: The consent agenda, excluding item E, was ✅ Approved.
- Pool Manager Position: The commission ✅ Approved the creation of a new Pool Manager position. This role will manage the pool, splash pad, birthday parties, and consolidate Reynolds Park pavilions and special events.
- Citizen Participation Ordinance: A motion to approve a new ordinance regarding citizen participation in city commission meetings was ❌ Denied. The proposed ordinance aimed to provide consistent guidelines for public speaking, but commissioners expressed concerns about enforceability, flexibility, and potential overreaction.
- Shawnee Airport Authority Consent Agenda: The consent agenda for the Airport Authority was ✅ Approved.
- Shawnee Municipal Authority Consent Agenda: The consent agenda for the Municipal Authority was ✅ Approved.
- Property Acquisition Investigation: Following an executive session, the commission ✅ Authorized staff to conduct further investigation into acquiring property for city use, with an expenditure not to exceed 💰 $2,000.
Financial Matters
- Pool Manager Position Funding: The new Pool Manager position (estimated annual salary of 💰 $60,000 for 5-6 months) will initially be funded from a debt service fund with approximately $150,000-$160,000 available. Future funding is expected from pool revenue, with the general fund as a backup.
- Shawnee Rotary Club Donation: The Shawnee Rotary Club presented a 💰 $5,000 check to help rebuild the city's lake building, which was destroyed by a tornado. They also announced a separate donation of 💰 $3,000 worth of equipment for Rotary Boy Scout Park and planned bathroom repairs.
- Pioneer Library System Financial Overview: Ann Masters, Director of the Pioneer Library System, provided an overview of their finances and operations:
- The current budget is approximately 💰 $15 million, with over 96% funded by a six-mill ad valorem tax.
- Pottawatomie County contributes over 💰 $2 million to this budget, with over 💰 $1 million directly benefiting the Shawnee library and community (including approximately $775,000 in salaries).
- The library system established a foundation for grant writing and fundraising, as they are at the legal limit for ad valorem tax funding.
- Budget increases were noted for expanding digital collections and programming for children and teens.
Public Comments
- No citizens came forward to speak during the designated "Citizens Participation" portion of the meeting.
- Presentations were made by the Shawnee Rotary Club regarding a donation and by the Pioneer Library System regarding their audit and services.
Agenda Summary Table
| Agenda Item | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Consider the approval of the agenda | Approval of the meeting's order of business. | ✅ Approved |
| Consider approval of the consent agenda | Approval of routine items in one vote, excluding item E. | ✅ Approved |
| Consider approval of the Pool Manager position (pulled from consent agenda) | Discussion and vote on creating a new position to manage the city pool and related recreational facilities. | ✅ Approved |
| Commissioner's comments | Opportunity for city commissioners to share updates or concerns. | Noted |
| Citizens participation | Opportunity for citizens to address the commission on non-agenda items. | No speakers |
| Presentation by the Shawnee Rotary Club of donation to help rebuild city's lake building that was destroyed by the tornado | Rotary Club presented a donation for rebuilding efforts and announced other park improvements. | Noted |
| Presentation by Ann Masters with the Pioneer Library System regarding the audit for the year 2013-14 and other things | Director of Pioneer Library System provided an overview of the library's audit, finances, and strategic initiatives. | Noted |
| Discuss considering possible take action on approving a new ordinance regarding citizen participation in city commission meetings | Discussion and vote on a proposed ordinance to establish consistent guidelines for public speaking at meetings. | ❌ Denied |
| Any new business | Opportunity to introduce new topics for future discussion or action. | No new business |
| Shawnee Airport Authority: Consider approval of the consent agenda | Approval of routine items for the Airport Authority. | ✅ Approved |
| Shawnee Airport Authority: Any new business | Opportunity to introduce new topics for the Airport Authority. | No new business |
| Shawnee Municipal Authority: Consider approval of the consent agenda | Approval of routine items for the Municipal Authority. | ✅ Approved |
| Shawnee Municipal Authority: Any new business | Opportunity to introduce new topics for the Municipal Authority. | No new business |
| Discussion, consideration and possible action to go into executive session for discussion in accordance with 25 O.S. § 307(B)(3) for the purchase or appraisal of real property | Motion to enter a closed session to discuss real property matters. | ✅ Approved |
| Consider matters discussed in executive session in accordance with 25 O.S. § 307(B)(3) for the purchase or appraisal of real property | Action taken on discussions from the executive session regarding real property. | ✅ Authorized staff to investigate acquiring property (up to $2,000) |