May 8, 2012 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 January 18th, 2008 has been declared Jim Bryant Day in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in honor of his induction into the Shawnee Basketball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place during the boys' basketball game with Carl Albert.
• The special election regarding the IUPA Local #3 collective bargaining agreement proposals is scheduled for 📅 April 1st.
• Citizens are encouraged to place all vegetative ice storm debris at the city's right-of-way by 📅 January 31st. The city plans to make two passes for collection.
• The conversion to chloramines in the city's water system and subsequent flushing of fire hydrants is expected to begin around 📅 January 21st, following the installation of a radio controller on 📅 January 17th. Residents may observe discolored water and significant water flow in streets.
• The Economic Development Work Session is scheduled for 📅 next Monday, where the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation (SEDF) will present its budget and plans.
• The second phase of the "Horses in the City" project is launching soon, featuring new horse poses. A deadline for artists to submit proposals is expected within the next three weeks.
• The drive-thru window at City Hall is expected to be fixed within 2-3 weeks, with demolition of the old overhang and installation of a new awning.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held on 📅 January 20th at 3:00 PM at Galilee Baptist Church (1025 East 9th Street).
• The Shawnee High School Alumni Basketball Game is scheduled for 📅 January 19th.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Agenda Approval: The agenda was ✅ Approved with a change to move item 2C to item 6.
• Consent Agenda Approval: The consent agenda (excluding item 2C) was ✅ Approved.
• Ice Storm Debris Cleanup Budget Amendment: A motion to approve a budget amendment of 💰 $300,000 for the cleanup of ice storm debris and to confirm the bid award to Tomkins and Company for $267,500 (estimated for 2,500 tons at $107/ton) was ✅ Approved.
• Property Improvement Deferral (1005 North Union): Consideration of progress on improvements to the property owned by Annette Davis was ✅ Deferred for another 90 days. The property is secured and for sale.
• Rezoning Deferral (2025 East MacArthur): An ordinance to rezone property at 2025 East MacArthur from A1 agricultural to C3 commercial automotive and recreation was ✅ Continued to the February 17th City Commission meeting.
• Rezoning Deferral (712 East Highland): An ordinance to rezone property at 712 East Highland from R1 residential to C3 Automotive commercial and Recreation was ✅ Continued to the February 17th City Commission meeting.
• Conditional Use Permit (31300 Homer Lane Road): An ordinance to approve a conditional use permit for a mobile home in an A1 agricultural district was ✅ Approved with five conditions, including a modification to condition #3 regarding foundation requirements (now per manufacturer's instructions/building code).
• Rezoning and Conditional Use Permit (4031 North Union): An ordinance to rezone property at 4031 North Union from A1 agricultural to R1 residential with a conditional use permit to allow for a daycare was ✅ Approved.
• Vision Bank Edition Section One Preliminary Plat Variance: A variance to the subdivision preliminary plat procedure to allow for a preliminary plat of only a portion of the property (the "red area") was ✅ Granted.
• Vision Bank Edition Section One Preliminary Plat Approval: The preliminary plat of Vision Bank Edition Section One was ✅ Approved, subject to technical issues 1-8 and including two variances: allowing 4-foot sidewalks on Vision Boulevard (instead of 6-foot) and not requiring a cul-de-sac at the end of Vision Boulevard.
• Vision Bank Edition Section One Final Plat Approval: The final plat of Vision Bank Edition Section One was ✅ Approved, including technical issues 1-9 and reaffirming the two variances (4-foot sidewalks on Vision Boulevard and no cul-de-sac).

Financial Matters

• Ice Storm Debris Cleanup: The city has allocated 💰 $300,000 for the initial cleanup efforts. FEMA is expected to reimburse 87.5% of eligible costs (75% federal, 12.5% state), but the city must pay upfront. The cost of an outside monitoring firm for debris removal will also be reimbursable.
• Police Union Negotiations: The city's labor attorney highlighted significant costs associated with ongoing grievances and arbitrations with the police union, estimating 💰 $3,000 to $5,000 per party per arbitration. The city has incurred substantial legal fees due to numerous grievances and unfair labor practice charges.
• Fund Balance: The City Manager noted that the city's current fund balance is crucial for managing emergency expenses like the ice storm cleanup, as FEMA reimbursements can take time.

Public Comments

• Police Union Negotiations: The Mayor and Commissioners expressed concerns about the negotiation process with the police union, emphasizing the city's commitment to good faith negotiations and being responsible stewards of public funds. They highlighted the differences in proposals, particularly regarding the police review board, firearms proficiency incentives, and the take-home vehicle policy.
• Ice Storm Debris Cleanup: Citizens were encouraged to bring their vegetative debris to Dockrey Park to help save the city money. The Emergency Management Director also noted the ongoing efforts to assist elderly, infirm, and single-parent households with debris removal, urging volunteers to call 878-1650.
• Development Code Consistency: The City Manager and Commissioners discussed the need for greater consistency and clear documentation in applying development codes and granting variances, particularly concerning sidewalk requirements and parking lot improvements, to avoid perceptions of favoritism and streamline processes.
• Traffic Accidents: A Commissioner expressed condolences and prayers for families and friends affected by recent tragic traffic accidents involving young members of the community.

Agenda Summary Table