September 4, 2014 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• New Commissioners Sworn In: Gary Vogel (Ward 1), Lisa Shaw (Ward 5), and Michael Daker (Ward 6) were officially sworn in by Municipal Judge Robert Jones, receiving their certificates of election.
• Requesting Agenda Items: City Manager reminded Commissioners, especially new ones, to provide a heads-up by Wednesday if they wish to receive an update on a project or topic. This allows staff to prepare an administrative report for inclusion in a future meeting agenda.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Approval of Minutes and Consent Agendas: The minutes for the regular City Commission meeting were approved. The consent agendas for both the Shawnee Airport Authority and the Shawnee Municipal Authority were also approved.
• Resolutions of Appreciation: The Commission approved resolutions of appreciation for outgoing Commissioners Pam Stevens (Ward 1), John Winringer (Ward 5), and Steve Smith (Ward 6). The Mayor and other Commissioners expressed gratitude for their four years of dedicated, voluntary service, highlighting their contributions to the city's progress, economic and cultural development, public safety, street improvements, and community beautification. Resolution #6474 was read, and plaques were presented.
• Vice Mayor Appointment: Commissioner James Herod was appointed Vice Mayor following a nomination by Commissioner Hall and a second by Commissioner Bogle.
• Pamela Johnson's Demolition Order Appeal: The Commission considered an appeal from Pamela Johnson regarding an administrative order for the demolition of her residential structure at 618 East Oakland.
  • Staff reported the property was condemned due to severe disrepair, vacancy, and a history of code violations dating back to 2004. Ms. Johnson missed her initial hearing due to confusion about the location.
  • Ms. Johnson and her brother, Randy Hopkins, spoke about the property's condition, attributing some damage to repeated city sewer backups and expressing their intent to make repairs. Mr. Hopkins stated he could get the house "up to speed" in 90 days.
  • The Commission approved Ms. Johnson's appeal with conditions: she must re-submit and pick up a building permit within 30 days, and then has a six-month period to complete the necessary repairs.
• Resolution Cancelling De-annexation Election: A resolution to cancel the municipal election scheduled for 📅 November 4, 2014, regarding Ordinance Number 2549 NS (amending the city charter on de-annexation) was discussed.
  • Commissioners debated whether the decision to de-annex should be made by the Commission or directly by citizens through an election. Concerns were raised about the potential diminution of Commission authority, the cost of an election, and the difficulty of the citizen petition process.
  • A motion to approve the resolution (thereby cancelling the election) failed with 3 "Yes" votes, 1 "No" vote, and 3 abstentions, as four affirmative votes were required. This means the municipal election on Ordinance 2549 NS will proceed as scheduled.
• Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund Payment: The Commission approved a lump sum payment from the defined benefit plan and a refund of contributions from the defined contribution plan for Fred Couch, as required by the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund (OMRF) for retirement payouts.
• Surplus Vehicle Donation: A resolution to surplus a 2001 Chevrolet pickup and a 1995 Chevrolet truck and donate them to the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority (Expo) was approved. The City Manager noted these older, fully depreciated vehicles would be beneficial to the Expo.

Financial Matters

• Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project Bids: The Shawnee Municipal Authority received bids for the annual sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.
  • Four bids were opened, ranging from $695,028.00 to $2,942,942.00.
  • Staff requested additional time to review the bids and make a recommendation.
  • The item was tabled for consideration at the next Commission meeting.
  • The City Manager highlighted that this project is part of an ongoing initiative to invest $1 million annually in sewer distribution rehab and $1 million in water distribution rehab, addressing deferred maintenance since utility rates were increased five years ago.

Public Comments

• Condemned Property at 618 East Oakland: Randy Hopkins and Pamela Johnson addressed the Commission regarding Ms. Johnson's condemned home. Mr. Hopkins expressed concern about his disabled sister and mother potentially becoming homeless and alleged "nepotism." Ms. Johnson detailed how she missed her demolition hearing due to confusion and described repeated city sewer backups causing significant damage to her home over 21 years, including finding syringes in the overflow. She stated her intent to repair the property.

Agenda Summary Table