Shawnee Board of City Commissioners Regular Meeting, June 15, 2026

The City Board of Commissioners of Shawnee, Oklahoma met in regular session on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered a wide range of city business including approval of the FY 2026-2027 budget, adoption of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, receipt of the annual financial and single audit reports, discussion of economic development services, and a public hearing for a short-term rental conditional use permit. Several citizens voiced concerns about odors from the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Minutes from the May 18, 2026 regular meeting and June 9 and 10, 2026 special call meetings.
• Acknowledged Planning Commission minutes for March 4, 2026, and May 2026 License and Project Payment Reports.
• Approved budget amendments for FY 2025-2026 for the General Fund (health insurance), Drug Forfeiture Fund (K-9 equipment), American Rescue Plan Fund (waterline projects), and Insurance Recovery Fund (lake boat dock).
• Acknowledged resignation of Sally Murphy from the Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
• Confirmed Mayor Appointments: Alan Atkins to Airport Advisory Board; Sue Nelson and Joseph Szczepanski to Beautification, Parks and Recreation Committee; Barry Fogerty to Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
• Approved lease transfer of Belcher Tract Lot 3 from Stony & Kourtney Roberson to Darr Enterprises LLC.
• Renewed eight interlocal and service agreements for FY 2026-2027, including with Pottawatomie County for road repair, COTS transit, REACT ambulance dispatch, school police services, fire dispatch services, and property use.
• Acknowledged the Solid Waste Contract with GFL Environmental and the Management Agreement with Oak View Group for the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul McElfresh (resident ~1 mile from treatment plant) complained about obnoxious odors from biosolids processing at the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant, citing EPA guidance and stating the odors harm quality of life and potentially property values. He requested the city address the issue.
• Ryan Grider (speaking for the Built Environment Committee) praised recent positive developments, including a National Bike to School Day event at Jefferson Elementary, completion of several walk audits, and progress on the Kickapoo extension. He encouraged continued support for walkability and bikeability.
• Dr. Wendell Richards (resident on Hazelville) echoed concerns about biosolids odor and flies, suggesting the city consider spreading biosolids outside populated areas (as Lincoln County does for Oklahoma City). He also expressed appreciation for city services.
• Greg Sebastian (homebuilder in the Hazeldale area) strongly complained that the biosolids odor is so bad it prevents him from selling $500,000+ homes in his new subdivision, as potential buyers are turned away. He urged the city to revert to previous methods.
• Brian Dozier (supervisor at REACT Ambulance) discussed the formation of a peer support team for mental health of first responders (paramedics, EMTs). He asked for the city's support as they expand to partner with Shawnee Police and Fire departments.
• Theresa Cody requested that item E (Mayor Appointments) be removed from the consent agenda, arguing that some appointments failed to properly engage with constituents and that citizen board positions should be filled with motivated citizens.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Adoption: Finance Director Kimberly Hoover presented the budget. Mayor Stephens noted the inclusion of a reserve fund, which he committed to. A motion to approve carried 6-0, adopting Resolution No. 6793.
• Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2027-2031): Presented by Hoover. Commissioner Sehorn noted progress on projects listed. Approved 6-0 via Resolution No. 6794.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit: Kency Duarte of Arledge & Associates presented the FY 2024-2025 reports. He reported the city's total net position increased by approximately $4.7 million from the prior year. The single audit identified two findings: (1) omission of a required component unit (Shawnee Civic and Cultural Redevelopment Authority) from the financial statements, resulting in a qualified opinion, and (2) noncompliance with filing deadlines for the state and federal single audit. Commissioner Matthews questioned the inclusion of Oklahoma Baptist University Authority as a component unit, asking Duarte to discuss with the city attorney.
• Purchase of Security Camera System: CIO Ryan Ayers recommended purchasing from Tru Technologies to replace an outdated system (some cameras 10-20 years old) covering City Hall, Annex, and Public Works exteriors and key interior areas. Approved 6-0.
• Economic Development Services: City Attorney Joe Vorndran opened discussion on the performance of Shawnee Forward and options for the next fiscal year. No action taken; intended as a precursor to items 9 and 10.
• Reconsideration of Shawnee Forward Contract: Vorndran explained the procedural rules. (Note: The official minutes record a motion by Vice Mayor Matthews, seconded by Commissioner Odneal, to defer item 9 to the July 20, 2026 meeting; the transcript indicates Commissioner Shuler made the motion. The deferral passed 6-0.) Item 10, the substantive renewal, was similarly deferred 6-0 per staff recommendation.
• Conditional Use Permit for Short-Term Rental: Applicant Christina Hanson spoke in favor. No opposition. Approval recommended by Planning Commission and staff. Approved 6-0.
• USDA Rural Business Development Grant: Item withdrawn; no action taken.
• Ordinance Amendment (Camping, Public Conduct): Vorndran presented a draft ordinance addressing camping, personal property on sidewalks, and sleeping in vehicles, in light of a Supreme Court ruling. The item was deferred to the July 20 meeting for a vote; commissioners were invited to submit comments.
• Monthly Sales Tax Report: Hoover reported that sales tax collections are $337,417 (1.08%) above the year-to-date budget projection, while use tax collections are $57,770 (1.17%) below projection. (The transcript noted a correction to the report regarding monthly figures.)
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners and the mayor encouraged voting in the Tuesday election. Vice Mayor Matthews proposed increasing transparency by showing who requested each agenda item. Commissioner Shuler attended a Flag Day event. Commissioner Odneal announced free museum admission and upcoming events. Several commissioners thanked REACT and acknowledged the biosolids odor concerns.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 6-0.
• FY 2026-2027 Budget adopted 6-0 (Resolution No. 6793).
• Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY2027-2031) adopted 6-0 (Resolution No. 6794).
• Security camera system purchase from Tru Technologies approved 6-0.
• Contract for Economic Development Services (Shawnee Forward) deferred to July 20, 2026, meeting. (Motion to defer passed 6-0 on both items 9 and 10.)
• Conditional Use Permit for Short-Term Rental at 1309 N Broadway approved 6-0.
• USDA grant resolution: No action taken (withdrawn).
• Ordinance amendment on prohibited public conduct: Discussion only; final consideration set for July 20, 2026.
• Executive Session: Motion to decline entering executive session and to adjourn the meeting carried 5-1 (Mayor Stephens dissenting). Meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.