Meeting Summary
Announcements
- The Shawnee City Commission meeting was held on 📅 June 4th, 2012.
- Karen Drain of Planning Code Enforcement was recognized as Employee of the Month for May and is retiring in June after 27 years of dedicated service to the city.
- The next public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget is scheduled for 📅 June 18th.
- The Conditional Use Permit for the temporary mobile home at 15305 Patterson Road is valid until 📅 October 19, 2012.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Agenda Approval: The meeting agenda was approved.
- Consent Agenda: The consent agenda was approved, with item 2D (Community Service Contract Review Committee recommendations) pulled for separate discussion.
- Community Service Contracts: Items 1, 2, and 4 of the Community Service Contract Review Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 were approved. Item 3, concerning the contract with Central Oklahoma Community Action (COCA), was deferred to the next meeting to allow for a meeting between COCA and city staff to address concerns.
- CDBG One-Year Action Plan: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year 2012-2013 One-Year Action Plan was approved.
- Mineral Rights Lease: An offer from Texoma Land Consultants to lease an additional 441.35 acres of mineral rights in the Shawnee Twin Lakes area, under the same compensation and conditions as previously approved, was approved. This brings the total leased acreage to 1459.
- Lakeview Estates Waterline Replacement: A bid from Jordan Contractors Inc. for $257,875 for the Lakeview Estates waterline replacement project was approved by the Shawnee Municipal Authority.
Financial Matters 💰
Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget Presentation The City Manager presented the draft budget, highlighting efforts to navigate economic challenges and invest in the city.
- Revenue Projections:
- A modest 2.5% increase in sales tax revenue is projected.
- Fines and forfeitures are expected to increase due to a fully staffed police department and the COPS grant.
- Fund Balance: The city's cash fund balance is approximately $2.9-$3.1 million, representing 2.5 months of operating reserve. The budget proposes utilizing some of this to fully implement the compensation and classification study.
- SMA Transfers: The $1.1 million transfer from the Shawnee Municipal Authority (SMA) to the General Fund will continue. An additional $125,000 (total $250,000 annually) from SMA will be allocated for debt repayment to the General Fund, aiming to reduce a 10-year payback period to 5 years.
- Personnel Costs: The budget includes funds to fully implement the compensation and classification study to address high employee turnover (120 positions in two years out of 280 total) and reward staff. Efforts are underway to manage pension costs (currently 22.51%) and health insurance costs, which are decreasing.
- Capital Projects (Third Penny Capital): Key proposed projects include:
- $3 million for a new communications tower, tower repair, and dispatch console replacement.
- $3 million for a new municipal pool.
- Other projects: Computer/iPad replacements, electronic voting system, 10 new vehicles (8 police, 2 trucks), wayfinding, police range improvements (with a $100,000 match from CBB), electronic ticketing machines, ballistic vests, mowers, fire brush pumper and engine replacements, storm water modeling, backhoe, patch truck, Airport walking trail, Santa Fe Depot tile, Dockery Park upgrades, playground equipment, ADA compliance projects (City Hall restroom, sidewalk ramps), and Municipal Auditorium renovations (windows, brick, HVAC).
- Financing Strategy: To fund the $6 million pool and radio/tower projects, the city is considering a new $6 million bond issue. This would encumber debt service for the next eight years, reducing funds available for general capital (301 fund) and streets/sidewalks (302 fund). Commissioners requested "hard cost" figures and a thorough review of refinancing options before proceeding with new bonds.
- SMA Capital Projects: The SMA budget includes $1 million each for waterline rehabilitation and sewer pipe bursting. A small water rate increase (approximately $3 on the base rate) is planned. Other projects include meter reader vehicle replacements, a kiosk, fishing pier repairs, water plant sludge pond cleaning, backup blower, pipe/valve coating, lab equipment (THM analyzer), HVAC for the filter room, a carport cover, hydraulic power packs, an explorer vehicle, North Side plant blower replacement, screw pump recoating, clarifier repairs, a tractor, essential South Side plant maintenance, Kimberly lift station rehab, an excavator, and a 4x4 pickup for the valve crew. A long-term goal is to get the water plant lab DEQ certified.
- 911 Funding Report:
- Landline Revenue: Shawnee receives approximately $63,649.20 annually from landline 911 fees (3% of base rate), which is declining. Increasing this rate would require a public ballot.
- Wireless Revenue: Shawnee's portion of wireless 911 fees (49% of 50 cents/month per cell phone) was $69,119.69 in 2011 and $98,815.77 year-to-date in 2012.
- Restrictions: All 911 fees are restricted to 911 call receipt and distribution services.
- Federal Grants: No federal funds are currently available for 911 enhancements, despite a $1.2 billion authorization, as Congress has not appropriated the funds. Future grants may require consolidation of dispatch centers.
Public Comments
- Central Oklahoma Community Action (COCA) Contract: Several citizens spoke in support of COCA's transportation services during the discussion of the Community Service Contract Review Committee recommendations.
- Rebecca Stone, COCA Executive Director, acknowledged communication issues but highlighted the vital service, including work and medical transportation, and the role of city funds as a match for federal/state grants. She expressed willingness to meet with city staff.
- Vicky Walls, a resident, confirmed COCA