July 31, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority's proposed 25-unit senior living project at Main and Bryant streets is expected to be on next Monday's agenda for approval.
• 📅 An administrative report on sidewalk improvement progress in Shawnee is requested for the next meeting.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Agenda and Consent Agendas Approved: The City Commission, Shawnee Airport Authority, and Shawnee Municipal Authority all ✅ approved their respective agendas and consent agendas.
• Unite Private Network Permit & Ordinance: The City Commission ✅ approved a permit in lieu of franchise for Unite Private Network LLC to use city rights-of-way to provide wide area network services to Shawnee Public Schools. This includes a 3% revenue payment to the city and standard utility regulations. An emergency clause was also ✅ approved to meet project deadlines.
• Vicious Dogs Ordinance Amendment: The City Commission ✅ approved an ordinance amending Section 5-3 of the municipal code, removing the requirement of a second violation before a judge can order the euthanasia of a vicious animal. This grants judges immediate discretion for severe cases after a hearing. An emergency clause was also ✅ approved for immediate effect.
• Real Estate Purchase Contract (200 South Beard): The Shawnee Municipal Authority ✅ approved a real estate purchase contract for property at 200 South Beard for 💰 $200,000, plus closing costs. This property is adjacent to the Public Works facility, offering expansion, direct access to a collector street, and rail access for bulk material delivery, and serves as an economic development tool. The contract includes provisions for potential hazardous material cleanup, with the city having the option to decline if costs are too high.
• Sale of Ozone System: The Shawnee Municipal Authority ✅ approved the sale of a 150-pound negative pressure ozone system and related controls to Fisher Ferry Water District for 💰 $77,000, exceeding the minimum bid of $75,000.

Financial Matters

• Sidewalk Improvement Costs: A commissioner highlighted the need for sidewalk improvements, with the City Attorney noting costs are approximately 💰 $25-30 per linear foot.
• Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority PILOT: The Housing Authority pays "payment in lieu of taxes" (PILOT) to Pottawatomie County, totaling 💰 ~$73,900 in 2012. The proposed new senior living project would add an estimated 💰 ~$3,800 annually to these payments.
• Municipal Auditorium Restoration Bids: No bids were received for the exterior restoration, painting, and window replacement of the Shawnee Municipal Auditorium. The project will be re-bid, with staff noting challenges for smaller companies to provide required bonds.
• Sediment Basin Repair: The City Manager reported on a breached sediment basin at the water plant due to river erosion. Pumping out the southerly basin is budgeted, but engineering solutions to shore up the bank are needed, with a preliminary estimate of 💰 ~$500,000 for repairs.

Public Comments

• Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority Project: Michael Athenstranger, Chairman of the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority, spoke about a proposed 25-unit senior living project (55+) at Main and Bryant streets. He explained the project requires low-income housing tax credit approval, which has been sought but not yet awarded in the past. He emphasized the Housing Authority's commitment to paying "payment in lieu of taxes" and maintaining their properties, noting a significant waiting list for housing. Eligibility is for Native Americans meeting low-income guidelines.
• Vicious Dog Concerns: Dorinda McElfresh shared a distressing account of her neighbors' three pit bulls repeatedly breaking into her yard, attacking her dogs, and causing a "bloodbath." She also cited incidents where these dogs attacked other pets and a child in the neighborhood. She expressed concern that the court-ordered wooden fence enclosure would be insufficient and advocated for immediate euthanasia of vicious dogs after a first offense, rather than waiting for a second violation. The City Attorney confirmed the wooden fence would not meet required standards (metal and mesh cage with concrete bottom) and acknowledged the judge's frustration with current ordinance limitations.

Agenda Summary Table