April 4, 2012 City Commission Meeting

Shawnee City Council Meeting Summary – April 2nd, 2012

Announcements

• 📅 Fair Housing Month: April 2012 was proclaimed Fair Housing Month in Shawnee, encouraging citizens to uphold fair housing laws and practices. The City Clerk is designated as the fair housing activities coordinator.
• Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) Swimming Teams Honored: The OBU Men's Swimming Team was recognized for capturing the 2012 NAIA National Championship, and the Women's Team for achieving National Runner-Up. The teams also set four NAIA records and collected 61 All-American honors in their first season of competition (March 3, 2012).
• 📅 Upcoming Elections: An ordinance was approved calling for general and runoff elections for Mayor, Ward 2, Ward 3, and Ward 4. The final election is scheduled for August 28th, with new terms beginning at the first meeting in September.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Ordinance for General and Runoff Elections: An ordinance was approved calling for non-partisan general and general runoff elections for the offices of Mayor, City Commissioner of Ward 2, Ward 3, and Ward 4.
• Oil and Gas Mineral Lease: An offer from Texoma Land Consultants Inc. for leasing oil and gas mineral acres in Pottawatomie County was approved under Term 2 of their proposal. The land is located northwest of Lake Number Two, about a mile from the shoreline.
• Expo Landscaping and Irrigation Project: The proposed Expo landscaping and irrigation project was approved, directing staff to prepare a change order to amend the current contract with GCG LLC. This decision was met with significant debate regarding the allocation of funds, with some commissioners advocating for funds to be used for other priorities like the swimming pool.
• Telephone System Replacement Proposals: Staff was authorized to solicit proposals from vendors for the replacement of the telephone system at City Hall and Annex buildings, with an option to include the Public Works Service Center. The bid opening date was extended to the first meeting in June to allow ample time for vendors to assess needs.

Financial Matters

• Expo Landscaping and Irrigation: The approved landscaping project is estimated to cost approximately $124,000 to $136,000, drawing from remaining funds from the overall Expo project budget.
• Telephone System Replacement: An estimated $175,000 has been identified and encumbered in the current budget year for the telephone system replacement.
• Unity Health Center Sale: A report from the City Attorney confirmed that the City of Shawnee has no ownership interest in Unity Health Center and will not receive any proceeds from its sale to St. Anthony's. The original transfer of assets occurred in 1989, and all indebtedness has been paid from the medical center's revenues, not city taxpayer money. Community Health Partners, a 501c3 entity, intends to use the sale proceeds for charitable support for community needs including healthcare, education, arts, culture, and economic development.

Administrative Reports Highlights

• Public Tornado Shelter Closures: The Emergency Management Director reported on the closure of three public tornado shelters (Sequoia School, Fire Station #3, and Shawnee City Hall basement) due to non-compliance with ADA requirements, lack of appropriate restrooms, safety concerns regarding sex offenders and children, and interference with emergency response staging. The management team decided to keep the shelters open until July to allow time to find alternative solutions and better manage the facilities during storm season. The department will seek alternate suitable locations, continue to encourage residential/commercial safe room construction (with state rebate programs), and work on a county-wide hazard mitigation plan to seek federal funding for neighborhood shelters and individual safe room rebates.
• Shawnee Rescue Mission Grant: The Planning Director reported that the Shawnee Rescue Mission has purchased a building on Louisa and received funding for overnight sheltering. However, no remodel or building plans have been submitted to the city, and a conditional use permit is required for any overnight sheltering facility under Shawnee zoning code.

Commissioners' Comments

• A commissioner inquired about the circumstances under which commissioners have access to the city's health insurance plan. The City Attorney stated there is no formal record of the decision, but it has been a long-standing practice for commissioners to pay 100% of the premium for themselves and their dependents. The commission was encouraged to formalize this policy.
• One commissioner apologized for inadvertently tapping a pencil during meetings, which was distracting on recordings.

Agenda Summary Table