May 8, 2012 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• 📅 Shawnee Centennial Celebration: Mayor Chuck Mills proclaimed September 21st and 22nd, 2007, as the Shawnee Centennial Celebration. Events include dedications of the Louise Fluke Memorial and Centennial County Towns Centennial Park, open house celebrations at the Santa Fe Depot, CPN Cultural Heritage Center, Mabee-Gerrer Museum, Shawnee Alumni Museum, and Beard Cabin. Other activities include unveilings of the Horse in the City art project and photo history mural, a Statehood Ball, fireworks, various cultural dance performances, a Statehood parade, and Santa Fest.
  • The Statehood Ball is scheduled for 📅 Saturday night, with tickets at $25 per couple, including dinner.
  • The celebration kicks off 📅 Friday at 11:00 AM at the Santa Fe Depot, with the parade on 📅 Saturday at 10:00 AM.
• Centennial Commemorative Egg: Rod Hopper presented a unique emu egg, intricately designed with images of past and current state governors, flags, and the Great Seal. It contains a folding screen depicting five historic Shawnee buildings and will be displayed at the library or city hall.
• Airport Advisory Board Recognition: Certificates of appreciation were presented to retiring Airport Advisory Board members Terry Tulle, Jim Tooley, and West Maynard for their dedicated service.
• 📅 City of Shawnee Employee Appreciation Week: Mayor Mills proclaimed September 23rd through 29th, 2007, as City of Shawnee Employee Appreciation Week, recognizing the hard work and dedication of city employees.
• Employee of the Month: Terry Cook, Safety Officer, was recognized as the Employee of the Month for his 30+ years of experience and commitment to employee safety.
• 📅 Upcoming Work Session on Development Codes: A joint work session with the City Commission and Planning Commission will be held 📅 next Monday, September 24th, at 6:30 PM, to discuss updates to the fire, building, and development codes. Citizens and the development community are encouraged to attend.
• 📅 Upcoming Work Session on Storm Water Drainage: A work session dedicated to storm water drainage management is scheduled for 📅 October 22nd at 6:30 PM. This session will address flooding issues, city-owned vs. private drainage easements, and potential solutions, including community work days and funding options.
• OML Conference: The Mayor reported on a successful Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) conference, which included a dialogue on tribal-municipal issues. The Mayor was elected to the OML board.
• Trash Collection Complaints: Commissioner O'Neal requested a report on the number of complaints regarding Allied Waste trash pickup and the city's actions to rectify the situation.

Public Comments

• Sports Facilities: Tom Claybrook urged the city to fulfill its 7-year-old promise to build decent sports facilities for Shawnee children, referencing a $1 million appropriation.
• St. John Lutheran Church Construction: Trey Davis and Arnold Davis from St. John Lutheran Church requested prompt approval of building permits for their new, handicap-accessible church at 3610 North Union. They also sought a variance to allow "Mission Builders" (volunteer RV residents) on site to save significant construction costs. Concerns were raised about the permits being delayed or "lost."
• Allied Waste Services: Janetta Towns expressed frustration with Allied Waste, citing a polycart left uncollected for over two and a half weeks, causing foul odors. She questioned the city's decision to switch from BFI.
• Persistent Flooding: James Gram and Charles George both reported severe and repeated flooding at their homes (4-5 times this year alone), causing significant property damage. They highlighted long-standing issues with drainage infrastructure, including a plugged culvert, and expressed hope that increased awareness from FEMA and the President would lead to action.

Key Decisions & Votes

Ward 6 Commissioner Appointment

• Discussion: The Commission debated whether to appoint a new commissioner or hold a special election, with Commissioner Stevens advocating for a public election despite the City Charter allowing for appointment. The City Attorney clarified that the Charter mandates the Commission to fill the seat, with a special election as a recourse if an appointment fails. The cost of a special election was noted at $8,200.
• Outcome: The Commission voted to conduct an interview with applicant Carl Holt. Following the interview, Carl Holt was appointed as the Ward 6 Commissioner ✅ to serve until the next election. He will be sworn in at the next meeting.

Rezoning 2610 North Park (Fourplex)

• Discussion: An application to rezone a vacant property from C2 (Suburban Office) to R3 (Multi-family) to allow for a fourplex was presented. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, noting it aligns with the comprehensive plan and provides a buffer between commercial and residential areas. The applicant aims for completion by April/May for OBU students.
• Outcome: The ordinance to rezone the property was approved ✅.

Rezoning 2524 North Harrison (Mobile Home Park)

• Discussion: An application to rezone an existing mobile home park from R3 (Multi-family) and C3 (Automotive Commercial) to R3P (Multi-family with Conditional Use Permit) was considered. This change brings the park into compliance with current codes and allows vacant commercial lots to be used for adult-only mobile home rentals. The applicant agreed to add trees for landscaping to soften the entryway from Harrison Street.
• Outcome: The ordinance to rezone the property was approved ✅.

Rezoning 9 West Feral (Alcohol Sales)

• Discussion: An application to rezone property to allow for the sale of beer and alcohol for off-premise consumption was met with significant public opposition. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial, citing non-conformance with the comprehensive plan and Dunbar Heights Action Plan, which aim to protect residential areas and encourage neighborhood-oriented businesses. Concerns were raised about potential negative impacts on a low-income area with a history of drug and liquor-related issues.
• Outcome: The ordinance was denied ❌.

Rezoning 3922 North Kickapoo (Software Office)

• Discussion: An application to rezone a former daycare property from R1 (Single Family Residential) to C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) for a software development office was presented. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, noting the low-intensity use (4-5 employees, no retail customers) aligns with the transitioning commercial corridor identified in the comprehensive plan.
• Outcome: The ordinance to rezone the property was approved ✅.

Rezoning 722 North Harrison (Tattoo Studio)

• Discussion: An application to rezone property to allow for a tattoo studio with a conditional use permit was considered. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, noting the location within a commercial corridor and the state's recent legalization and strict regulation of tattoo parlors. The applicant, instrumental in the state legislation, confirmed state licensing and biannual health department inspections.
• Outcome: The initial vote to approve the ordinance failed ❌ (3-2). After reconsideration, the motion was brought to a second vote, and it failed again ❌ (3-2). The applicant will need to re-engage with the Planning Commission or wait for a future meeting with a full commission.

Woodsong Garden Phase 2 Final Plat

• Discussion: The final plat for Woodsong Garden Phase 2, located west of Bryan and north of 45th Street, was presented for approval. Engineering plans for public improvements have been submitted.
• Outcome: The final plat was approved ✅.

Woodland Park Name Change

• Discussion: A resolution to change the name of Woodland Park to Woodland Veterans Park was proposed.
• Outcome: The resolution was approved ✅.

Financial Matters

Airport Improvement Projects Contract

• Discussion: The Commission considered approving an Engineering Services contract with LBR Incorporated for airport improvement projects totaling $555,500. The FAA will cover 90% of the cost, with the city responsible for the remaining 10% ($55,551).
• Funding Source: Commissioner Stevens recommended funding the city's 10% portion from the $1.1 million street project fund (not yet allocated) rather than the unallocated $289,000 in the street fund, to maintain a healthier balance in the latter. The City Manager concurred.
• Outcome: The contract was approved ✅, with the city's portion to be funded from the $1.1 million street project fund.

Country Club Lift Rehab

• Discussion: Bids were opened for the rehabilitation of the Country Club lift station. The project, crucial for the east side of town and future development, had an engineering estimate of $238,000, significantly higher than the original budget of $110,000. The lowest bid was $188,790.
• Outcome: The item was deferred 📅 to the October 1st meeting to explore additional funding options.

West Tech Road Widening

• Discussion: Only one bid of $661,000 was received for the West Tech Road widening project, which was budgeted at $523,000 and is 100% funded by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
• Outcome: The item was deferred 📅 to the October 15th meeting to allow staff to negotiate with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation regarding the cost and potential design modifications (e.g., asphalt instead of concrete) to align with their budget.

Agenda Summary Table