March 21, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Employee of the Month: Brad, the interim maintenance manager, was recognized for his dedication and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda for the City Commission meeting was ✅ Approved.
• Approval of Consent Agenda (City Commission): The consent agenda for the City Commission was ✅ Approved.
• Approval of Consent Agenda (Shawnee Municipal Authority): The consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority was ✅ Approved.
• Approval of Consent Agenda (Airport Authority): The consent agenda for the Airport Authority was ✅ Approved.
• Vehicle for Hire License for Castle Cab: Following a public hearing, the City Commission ✅ Approved a resolution granting a vehicle for hire license to Castle Cab. This decision was made despite concerns raised about the company's prior unlicensed operation within the city. The city acknowledged its current vehicle for hire ordinance is antiquated and plans to update it.
• De-annexation of 20-Acre Parcel near Walker Road and Homer Lane: The City Commission ✅ Approved an ordinance to de-annex a 20-acre parcel. This decision aims to facilitate the development of 16 new homes, which proponents argued would bring significant tax dollars and community benefits, despite the land's historical annexation status being unrecorded at the county courthouse.
• Emergency Clause for De-annexation Ordinance: A separate motion to ✅ Approve the emergency clause for the de-annexation ordinance was also passed.
• Appointment of Insurance Committee: The City Commission ✅ Approved the appointment of an insurance committee consisting of Mayor West Maynard, Commissioners Linda Ag, James Herod, and staff members Jennifer Dawson and Jill Smith. This decision followed a discussion regarding potential conflicts of interest related to commissioner benefits.

Financial Matters

• Rebates for Water Improvement District: The Commission discussed the long-standing issue of rebates for property owners in the Granada Country Estates, Tanglewood, Coronado Terrace, and Cedar Creek Water Improvement District. An ordinance from 2002 established a special assessment, with an expectation of rebates if new taps occurred. Only two new taps have occurred in 10 years, and two property owners remain delinquent, owing a total of $2,300. The Commission ✅ Approved a motion to first collect the outstanding $2,300 from the delinquent property owners, and then proceed with reimbursing the 137 original property owners (approximately $82.49 per lot).
• Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project Bids: Bids were received for the sanitary sewer rehab project from Urban Contractors ($772,000), Craft Reynolds ($999,354), Cala Construction ($1,296,170), and Jordan Contractors ($744,900). Staff requested and the Commission ✅ Approved to defer the award until the next meeting to allow time for review.
• Sales Tax Report: The sales tax report showed a collection of $2,245,000 for the month. However, $630,000 of this was a one-time revenue from the sale and transfer of equipment. Excluding this, sales tax revenue was effectively flat or down by $10,000 compared to the previous month. The City Manager expressed concerns about future budget projections, citing potential impacts from federal sequestration on Tinker Air Force Base and its effect on local employment and disposable income.

Public Comments

• De-annexation of Homer Lane Parcel: A citizen spoke in favor of de-annexing the 20-acre parcel on Homer Lane. She highlighted that the proposed 16-lot addition (houses ranging from $225,000 to $350,000) could not proceed under current city regulations. She argued that the development would bring significant tax dollars to the community through increased shopping and services, and that the Bethel area is in need of such subdivisions.
• Vehicle for Hire License (Castle Cab):
  • In Favor: Tony Samson, owner of Castle Cab, spoke in favor of his application. He emphasized his company's 10 years of service, including random drug tests and OSBI background checks for drivers. He stated there is a clear need for more taxi services in Shawnee, citing a 20-minute response time and the city's lack of public transportation. He also expressed willingness to provide wheelchair-accessible services if there is sufficient demand.
  • In Opposition: Gloria Wallace, owner of Executive Cab (the city's existing taxi service), spoke in opposition. She alleged that Castle Cab had been operating illegally and without a license in Shawnee for six months, citing instances of soliciting passengers, advertising, undercutting prices, and driving unmarked vehicles. She requested the Commission deny the license due to these "blatant actions" and continuous violations of city codes.

Agenda Summary Table