November 5, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• City Commission Retreat: The remainder of the City Commission Retreat is scheduled for 📅 Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 PM at the Expo. Facilitator Neal Presley will be present.
• Certified Healthy Community Grant Deadline: The deadline for the city to submit its application for "Certified Healthy Community" status is 📅 November 1st. If certified, the city will be eligible to apply for grant funding in 📅 January 2014.
• Recycling Program Start: The city is aiming for the new recycling program to go into effect around 📅 January 1st.
• Retail Recruitment Trip: City Manager and Tim Berg will be in Dallas from 📅 November 6th to 8th at the International Council of Shopping Centers to recruit retailers for Shawnee.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Ordinance Repealing and Amending Chapter 15, Article 4 (Smoking in Public Places): The Commission approved (5-2 vote) an ordinance to expand the existing indoor smoking ban to include all city-owned and operated properties, including parks and recreational areas, making them tobacco-free indoors and out. An emergency clause was also approved (7-0 vote), making the ordinance effective immediately. This action is a key step towards achieving "Certified Healthy Community" status, which could unlock up to $110,000 in grant funding for wellness initiatives.
• Ordinance Repealing and Amending Chapter 12 (Court Operations): The Commission approved (7-0 vote) an ordinance to update outdated municipal court ordinances, bringing them into compliance with state law. It allows for the appointment of multiple judges (senior presiding and associate) to manage dockets and authorizes the use of electronic signatures and records. An emergency clause was also approved (7-0 vote), making the ordinance effective immediately.
• Resolution Declaring Surplus Personal Property for Public Auction: The Commission approved (7-0 vote) a resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned vehicles (many of which have been parted out) and other unneeded items to clear storage.
• Resolution Declaring Police Department Surplus Items for Disposal via propertyroom.com: The Commission approved (7-0 vote) a resolution authorizing the disposal of various items in the police department's possession that have value but no departmental use.
• City Manager's Employment Contract: Following an executive session, the Commission approved (7-0 vote) to proceed with and accept the contract items for City Manager Mr. McDougall.

Financial Matters

• Sales Tax Report (October 2013): 💰 The Finance Director reported that October sales tax revenue was up $78,000 from the previous year, totaling $1,465,000. Fiscal year-to-date, revenue is up $231,000.
• Revenue Trends: A presentation highlighted key revenue trends:
  • Sales tax: Up 3.81% over the last three years (approximately 1% annual growth).
  • Use tax: Up 8.6%.
  • Alcohol beverage tax: Up 8%.
  • Cigarette tax: Down 25%, possibly influenced by purchases at Native American smoke shops.
  • Court fines: Currently down, attributed to a period of catch-up last year and a canceled warrant sweep.
• Sales Tax Compliance Efforts: The City Manager discussed a proposed House Bill 1875 that could reduce the state's sales tax collection fee from 1% to 0.5%, potentially saving the city $60,000-$70,000 annually. These savings could be reinvested into local compliance efforts, which have shown significant returns in other cities (e.g., Oklahoma City sees $6 back for every $1 spent on compliance).
• Grant Opportunities: Passing the tobacco-free ordinance makes the city eligible for up to $110,000 in unencumbered grant funds from the tobacco settlement endowment trust for health and wellness initiatives. Discussions are also underway for a potential million-dollar Rotary International grant for active recreation programs for children in the downtown/Mississippi area, a response to the May storms.

Public Comments

• Jim Sims: Expressed concern about "City Shawnee traffic control" barrels blocking sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street, and called for consistent enforcement of ordinances for all.
• Jim Kinnaman: Requested the Commission consider the Shawnee Historical Society's 20-year effort to acquire and restore the old Naval Air Station building and pillars from OBU as a memorial, funded by private donations, when discussing OBU's request to transfer the properties to the city.

Agenda Summary Table