February 23, 2012 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Employee of the Month: Linda Berg from Municipal Court was recognized as Employee of the Month for her outstanding work, particularly in implementing a new system for non-appearing defendants that has resulted in a 60% return rate and generated over $1,000 per week for the city.
• Meeting Date: The Shawnee City Commissioners meeting was held on 📅 February 21, 2012.

Public Comments

• Casino Development Concerns: Steve Roller, a resident of 22 Oak Drive, expressed concerns regarding a proposed casino development near his property. He highlighted that certain types of lighting could trigger grand mal seizures in his handicapped son and requested the Council to consider the potential impact on his family. City staff offered to facilitate discussions with the tribe and city staff regarding his concerns.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Agenda Approval: The agenda was approved with the removal of Executive Session items 13, 15, 17, and 19.
• Consent Agenda (City Council): The consent agenda was approved.
• Kickapoo Tribe Annexation - Memorandum of Understanding: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the plan of services for the proposed annexation of property northwest of MacArthur Street and Acme Road by the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma was approved. This MOU details the city's provision of services (fire, building inspection, animal control, water/sewer) for a fee, with the tribe maintaining jurisdiction and agreeing to build to city codes. The ordinance for annexation itself was deferred to the next meeting to allow the tribe to formally approve the MOU.
• Cottage Park Easements: The acceptance of public easements and dedications associated with the final plat of Cottage Park of Shawnee was approved, authorizing the recording of the final plat and obtainment of signatures.
• Workers' Compensation Claim Settlement: A settlement of $12,500 for the workers' compensation claim of Anthony Grasso (Case #2009-08537A) was approved.
• Utility Service Area Encroachment: No action was taken regarding potential claims, litigation, or other options concerning encroachment into the city's utility service area by other entities.
• Consent Agenda (Shawnee Municipal Authority): The consent agenda for the Shawnee Municipal Authority was approved.
• Consent Agenda (Shawnee Airport Authority): The consent agenda for the Shawnee Airport Authority was approved.

Financial Matters 💰

• Sales Tax Report: The February 2012 sales tax report showed a significant improvement, with receipts totaling $1,624,568. This represents a 12% increase compared to the previous February, bringing the city's year-to-date sales tax revenue to a flat position after running a deficit. Staff attributed some of the increase to adjustments from large retailers like Kohl's.
• Alternative Funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): The Council discussed alternative funding methods and timing for CIP projects, specifically the emergency communications system and the swimming pool, which were rejected by voters in the 📅 February 14, 2012 election.
  • Emergency Communications: The estimated cost for critical infrastructure upgrades (two tower sites) is $2.2 million to address dead spots and meet 2013 technology deadlines. The city manager noted that grant funding is scarce, but exploring contributions from other entities (tribal law enforcement, county sheriff, ambulance services) that use the 911 system is a priority. Commissioners emphasized the critical public safety need and the importance of other users paying their fair share. Staff was directed to provide a list of all system participants and engage them in discussions about shared funding.
  • Swimming Pool: The pool, built during the Depression era, requires significant repairs beyond the 2009 filtration system upgrade. New regulations would require a full overhaul if touched. Staff will provide updated cost estimates for necessary repairs.
  • Next Steps: While no immediate decisions were made on funding, the Council acknowledged the urgency of these needs. The Mayor suggested public roundtables to gather community input on priorities and alternative funding, while some Commissioners advised waiting 30 days for public sentiment to cool before holding such meetings. Staff was directed to gather more detailed information on both projects, including potential partner contributions and the impact of delaying action, to inform budget decisions before July 1.

Agenda Summary Table