February 7, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Shawnee City Council Meeting Summary - 📅 February 4, 2013

Announcements

• No specific upcoming events, deadlines, or important dates were announced during the meeting.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Pro Patch Asphalt Equipment and Truck Chassis Purchase: The Council approved the purchase of Pro Patch asphalt equipment and a truck chassis. A Commissioner questioned a $66,000 encumbrance against a $140,000 budget allocation, but the City Treasurer expressed confidence that funds were available, likely from a prior year's rollover. The City Manager emphasized the necessity, noting the current truck has nearly 700,000 miles.
• CVB Interim Budget Approval: The interim budget for the Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) for January through June 2013 was approved. The budget, presented by Nancy Keith of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, anticipates a 15% increase in lodging surcharge income and outlines expenses for advertising, event funding, marketing, and operations. The CVB is also undertaking an executive search for a tourism marketing expert and launching a new brand, logo, and website (visitsawnee.com), along with a community assessment by consultant Bill Geist.
• Insurance Committee Appointment: The Council approved the appointment of an Insurance Committee consisting of three Commissioners and two staff members. This committee will review city contracts with consultants and insurance providers and make recommendations to the full commission. This decision followed extensive debate regarding the commission's fiscal responsibility for the $1.7 million spent on employee medical insurance versus the role and autonomy of the existing 16-member employee Insurance Work Group. The City Manager noted anticipated 15%+ increases in medical insurance costs for 2014 due to Obamacare.
• Property Demolition Order Appeal (915 E. Hayes): Rita Knight Tabor's appeal was partially approved. The Council voted to limit the administrative order to the demolition of the primary residence (house) at 915 East Hayes. The demolition permit must be obtained by 📅 March 1st, and the structure removed by 📅 April 1st. Other structures on the property (garages, outbuildings, cellar retaining wall) can remain if secured by the prospective buyer.
• Resolution on Local Tobacco Regulations: A resolution urging the Oklahoma State Legislature to authorize municipalities to enact local tobacco regulations was denied. Proponents argued this would allow local control over public health and help secure a $20,000 Certified Healthy Community Grant. Opponents cited concerns about state-level consistency, potential confusion for citizens, and government overreach into personal choices.
• Ordinance Prohibiting Alcohol/Tobacco Advertising: An ordinance prohibiting the advertising of alcohol and tobacco products at city-sponsored events and in city publications was denied. This ordinance was also proposed as a requirement for the Certified Healthy Community Grant. Concerns were raised about impacting businesses and the scope of government regulation.
• Fire Department Training Facility Property Donation: The Council approved accepting the donation of a 3.8-acre parcel of real property for a future Fire Department training facility. The property, located north of the UPS building behind Taco Bell, was donated with the condition it be used for training for 10 years. The city will provide donation letters to the partners involved. No live burns are planned for the site.
• Bell Street Sidewalk Project Bid Award: The bid for the Bell Street Sidewalk Project (Contract #COS PW-1203) was approved and awarded to All Roads Paving for $95,857.50. The project includes sidewalks and an enhanced crosswalk with pedestrian-actuated signals and strobe lights. The initial low bid was disqualified for not following proper bidding procedures. The project is within the allocated budget.
• Kimberly Sewer Lift Station Bid Award: The bid for the Kimberly Sewer Lift Station project was approved and awarded to Jordan Construction for $126,000. This was over the initial budget of $70,000, with the additional $56,000 to be taken from the pipe bursting account. The project includes a new access point off Main Street to improve service access.
• Utility Service Area Resolution: Following an executive session, the Council approved authorizing staff to write a letter to CPN and Rural Water District #3 seeking resolution of issues regarding the city's water and wastewater service area.

Financial Matters 💰

• Pro Patch Asphalt Equipment: $140,000 allocated in the budget for equipment and truck chassis. An encumbrance of $66,000 was noted, with assurance that funds were available.
• CVB Interim Budget: Presented for January-June 2013, with income projected based on 2012 lodging surcharge plus a 15% increase.
• Employee Medical Insurance: Discussion highlighted the city's $1.7 million annual expenditure on employee medical benefits and anticipated 15%+ increases in 2014 due to Obamacare.
• Certified Healthy Community Grant: The city is applying for a $20,000 Merit-level grant, which requires passing certain resolutions and ordinances.
• Bell Street Sidewalk Project: Awarded for $95,857.50 against a $140,000 budget. An additional $30,050.20 was previously approved for decorative lights. Funding includes a portion from a prior mill agreement.
• Kimberly Sewer Lift Station: Awarded for $126,000, exceeding the $70,000 budget. The additional $56,000 will be sourced from the pipe bursting account.

Public Comments

• Citizens Participation (General): No citizens came forward to speak on general topics.
• Insurance Committee: Jennifer Dawson, Chairperson of the 16-member employee Insurance Work Group, voiced concerns about the proposed 5-member committee potentially undermining the existing group's role and employee input. Dustin Brand, the current insurance consultant, clarified past bidding processes and confirmed expected significant increases in 2014 insurance costs. Lieutenant Chip Shepherd of the Shawnee Fire Department (Local 206) also spoke, urging the commission to work with the existing work group rather than creating a new, potentially redundant committee.
• De-annexation of 20-acre parcel: Shawna Miller, the applicant and realtor, explained that the property was purchased under the assumption it was in the county, with prior county commissioner confirmation. She highlighted the intent to build high-quality homes and the community's need for smaller lot sizes than the city's 5-acre minimum.

Agenda Summary Table