October 15, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 Fire Prevention Week: This week is Fire Prevention Week. The Fire Department's clown program will visit 14 schools with 16 presentations. A public program will be held on 📅 Thursday night at 6:30 PM at the Expo Center, featuring snacks and an excellent educational program. Citizens are invited to attend.
• 📅 Upcoming Water/Sewer Rate Increase: An additional, very small water rate increase, primarily on the sanitary sewer side, is scheduled for November. This increase was included in the SMA budget.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Rezoning Property at 2723 North Kickapoo (Monogram Construction/Landis Engineering): The Council considered and approved an ordinance to rezone property from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to C3 Automotive Commercial and Recreation. This change will allow for improvements to an existing filling station, including increasing the number of gas pumps and removing an existing car wash.
• Rezoning Property at 4621 North Kickapoo (La Hoya Mexican Restaurant dba El Nopal Mexican Restaurant): The Council considered and approved an ordinance to rezone property from C3 Automotive Commercial and Recreation to C3P Automotive Commercial and Recreation with a Conditional Use Permit. This permit allows for the on-site consumption of beer and alcoholic beverages at the existing El Nopal Mexican Grill.
• Ward Five Commission Seat (John Winterringer): The Council discussed the residency of Commissioner John Winterringer, who is temporarily residing outside his ward to care for an ill parent. After public comments and commissioner discussion, the Council expressed full support for Commissioner Winterringer, acknowledging the temporary nature of his situation and his dedication to the city. No action was taken to remove him from his seat.

Financial Matters

• 💰 Water/Sewer Rate Increase: A commissioner inquired about a further water rate increase. Staff confirmed a small, additional increase primarily for sanitary sewer is scheduled for November and was accounted for in the SMA budget. The current minimum base bill for water, sewer, and trash is approximately $48-$50.
• 💰 Jail Incarceration Costs: A commissioner asked about potential increases in jail incarceration costs. The City Manager clarified that while the Pottawatomie County Detention Center periodically seeks to raise revenues, the City of Shawnee has a separate contract with the jail. As their largest customer, Shawnee's rates are governed by this contract and are currently not changing, despite any court-mandated adjustments for other entities.

Public Comments

• Kate Joyce (Director, Shawnee Senior Center): Spoke in support of Commissioner Winterringer, emphasizing that debilitating diseases often lead to temporary situations, and it would be "terrible" to force someone to step down for a temporary reason if they wish to continue serving.
• Don Forestburg: Also spoke in support of Commissioner Winterringer, commending the Council's progress and stating it would be "ridiculous" for the Commissioner to step down due to a temporary situation. He also raised concerns about:
  • Siphoning Water from the Lake: Reported seeing two tanker trucks siphoning water from the lake and asked for an update. The City Manager confirmed the police department was investigating the report.
  • Homelessness and Public Facilities: Expressed concern about the growing homeless population, the moratorium on new rescue missions, and the lack of public facilities (like restrooms and trash disposal) for these individuals, especially after the library's water was shut off. He urged the Council to work on concrete solutions with local organizations and churches.

Agenda Summary Table