April 3, 2014 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The city is entering its budget cycle for the coming year. Department heads are currently submitting their needs, and commissioners are encouraged to schedule one-on-one meetings with staff to discuss budget initiatives.
• The Hunt development proposal is expected to begin construction around 📅 April 1st, with an aim to open for the holiday season this fall.
• Recycling bins are being distributed this week. A public education campaign will accompany this rollout to inform citizens about what can be recycled (tin cans, #1 & #2 plastics, newspaper, aluminum). Glass and cardboard will not be collected curbside but can be taken to the 45th Street location.
• The city will be applying for a T-CENT grant, which utilizes tobacco settlement money.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Approval of Agenda and Consent Agendas: The general meeting agenda, the Shawnee Airport Authority consent agenda, and the Shawnee Municipal Authority consent agenda were all approved ✅.
• Ordinance Amending Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages): An ordinance was approved ✅ to amend the city's alcoholic beverages code. This is part of a recodification effort, primarily for housekeeping. Changes include aligning definitions with state law, moving fees to a resolution, and clarifying regulations regarding minors. An emergency clause for this ordinance was also approved ✅.
• Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 (Utilities - Polyethylene Pipe): An ordinance was approved ✅ to amend the utilities code, allowing the use of polyethylene (poly) pipe as an approved material for water service lines between the water meter and the city water main, in addition to copper. This offers a less expensive option for developers. An emergency clause for this ordinance was also approved ✅.
• Resolution Setting Water and Wastewater System Fees: A resolution was approved ✅ to implement new fees for septic haulers and industrial users. This includes a $100 annual permit fee per truck, a $10 tipping fee per load, and a 35 cents per pound surcharge for excessive Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) above 250 mg/L. The resolution also changes the acceptable pH range for industrial waste from 6.5-12.5 to 6.5-9.0, as 12.5 is considered hazardous waste that the city is not equipped to treat. These changes are expected to go into effect around 📅 April 1st.
• Bids for Riverbank Failure Repair: Bids for the repair and restoration of the riverbank failure (caused by May 2003 floods) were received, with the lowest bid at $154,628.60. The item was deferred ❌ to the next commission meeting for staff to review the bids and make a recommendation. FEMA has provided approximately $55,000 towards this project.

Financial Matters 💰

• Sales Tax Report (February 2014): Sales tax collections for the month were down $37,322. However, use tax was up by $92,000 due to a one-time payment from the oil industry related to pipeline construction. Overall, top nine revenues are up over 5% since 2011. Building permits are down 47% since 2011 but are anticipated to exceed budget this year.
• State Legislative Initiatives: Discussion included House Bill 1875, which proposes to rebate half of the 1% fee the state collects for sales tax administration, potentially bringing an additional $80,000 annually to the city. The city manager also advocated for state funding for capital projects and economic development initiatives in mid-sized cities.

Public Comments

• A commissioner shared an email from a 68-year-old resident on a fixed income, expressing concern that the city commission is not doing enough to rein in spending, specifically mentioning water and sewer costs. The commissioner emphasized the need to consider the entire population when making budget decisions.
• No citizens came forward for general public participation.

Agenda Summary Table