May 8, 2012 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Main Street & Broadway Construction Delayed: Paving and milling projects on Main Street and Broadway will now begin the week of 📅 July 18, pushed back from July 13 due to Rodeo Week and courthouse jury duty.
• Rosa Street Project Begins: Curbing, gutter, and waterline relocation on Rosa Street (west of Kickapoo) will commence on 📅 Wednesday, July 9. Northbound Kickapoo traffic will be detoured.
• Glen Collins Park Paving: The paving project at Glen Collins Park is anticipated to be completed by 📅 mid-August.
• SPD Police Explorer Program: The Shawnee Police Department is launching a new Police Explorer program for young people aged 14-21 interested in law enforcement. An informational session will be held on 📅 Tuesday, July 29, at 6:30 PM at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center, coinciding with the Citywide Neighborhood Watch training.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda Approved: The balance of the consent agenda was approved, following the pulling of several items for individual discussion.
• Contract for SECA Approved with Change: A contract regarding city employee costs attributed to the Shawnee Economic Development Authority (SECA) was approved with a clarification to ensure consistency in language regarding annual contributions and employee salaries/benefits.
• Police Department Travel Requests Approved: All four requests for state and out-of-state travel for police personnel were approved, despite concerns raised about costs and manpower. These included:
  • Chris Thomas and Corporal Dan Shoemaker to a National Conference in Nashville, TN (reimbursed by grant).
  • Officer Jason Crouch and Officer Ellen Nicholls to an Ethics Train the Trainer course in Plano, TX.
  • Sergeant Rod Taylor and Sergeant Mason Wilson to a School of Police Supervision course in Plano, TX.
  • Detective/Corporal Julie Huskins to a Professional Standards and Ethics course in Plano, TX.
• Traffic Commission Recommendation Approved: The Traffic Commission's recommendation to approve the city's payment for electricity for street lights south of the river to the city limits, as requested by the tribe, was approved.
• Rezoning at 1801 West MacArthur Approved: An ordinance to rezone property at 1801 West MacArthur from C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C1P (Neighborhood Commercial with Conditional Use Permit) was approved. This allows for the sale of furniture and home furnishings, and importantly, continues to recognize the southern structure as a legal non-conforming residence, allowing the tenant to reside there while operating the business.
• Rezoning at 304 East MacArthur Approved: An ordinance to rezone property at 304 East MacArthur from R3 (Multi-Family) to C2 (Neighborhood Commercial) was approved, aligning with staff and Planning Commission recommendations and the applicant's agreement.
• Sidewalk Ordinance Changes Approved: Proposed changes to the Shawnee Subdivision Regulation Section 4.2.8 regarding sidewalks were approved. Key changes include exemptions for lake areas and residential estates, clarification on requirements for enlarging existing structures, and a reduction in required sidewalk width for collector streets from six feet to four feet (with ADA-compliant passing areas every 200 feet). The variance application fee was set at $90 (instead of the proposed $120), with staff directed to review all filing fees in the future.
• OMAG Contract for MILO Training Approved: A contract with the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) to share the Shawnee Police Department's MILO use-of-force simulator training was approved. This partnership will bring in 💰 $10,000 to the department, intended to help fund a new driving simulator.
• Retirement Fund Payments Approved: Lump sum payments from the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund for Matthew Orbin and Sterling Hastings were approved.
• Northridge Drainage Project Tree Removal Approved: Staff was authorized to proceed with the removal of a large sycamore tree from a landowner's property as part of the Northridge Drainage Project, including 💰 $1,200 in compensation for a temporary construction easement. The total cost to the city for the tree removal and compensation is estimated at 💰 $4,600.

Financial Matters

• Police Department Training Costs: Several police department travel and training expenses were discussed. The National Conference trip for Chris Thomas and Corporal Dan Shoemaker ($2,164) will be reimbursed by a federal grant. Other training courses for officers ($2,000, $6,000, $1,300) will be covered by the police department's training funds within the general fund.
• OMAG Partnership Revenue: The approved contract with the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group will generate 💰 $10,000 for the Shawnee Police Department, which the Chief intends to allocate towards the purchase of a new driving simulator.
• Sidewalk Variance Fees: Discussion occurred regarding the proposed $120 filing fee for sidewalk variances, which covers the cost of public notice. The Council ultimately approved a $90 fee, with a directive for staff to conduct a comprehensive review of all city filing fees.
• Northridge Drainage Project Expense: The city will incur an expense of approximately 💰 $4,600 to remove a large sycamore tree and provide compensation to a landowner as part of the Northridge Drainage Project.

Public Comments

• Conditional Use Permit for "Rock Bar" (Item 9): A significant number of citizens and local business owners spoke in strong opposition to the proposed "Rock Bar" at 118 East Main. Concerns raised included:
  • Morality and Community Character: Speakers expressed deep concern about the establishment's advertised themes ("sinful Sundays," "morality is strictly optional") and its potential negative impact on Shawnee's family-friendly image, particularly for college students and children frequenting downtown.
  • Safety and Crime: Fears were voiced about increased crime, vandalism, public intoxication, and the need for five security personnel, suggesting a potentially unsafe environment.
  • Parking Issues: Concerns about exacerbating existing parking problems in the downtown area.
  • Impact on Existing Businesses: Downtown merchants worried about the bar repelling families and shoppers, negatively affecting their businesses.
  • Protest Letters: A large volume of protest letters was submitted, with claims of exceeding the 35% threshold for legal protest within 300 feet of the proposed site.
  • Applicant's Withdrawal: Following the extensive public comments, the applicant, Kevin Bentley, voluntarily withdrew his application, stating that Shawnee might not be the appropriate place for such an establishment at this time.

Agenda Summary Table