Public Meetings - Shawnee, Oklahoma

The Board of City Commissioners of Shawnee, Oklahoma met in regular session on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Eric Stephens with all seven commissioners present. The 75-minute meeting covered consent items, public comments, public hearings, and a series of resolutions regarding utility fees, public safety, land use, and transportation safety. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the February 9 and March 2 meetings. - Acknowledged Planning Commission and Senior Citizens Advisory Board minutes, as well as License and Project Payment Reports for February 2026. - Approved budget amendments for the E-911 Fund and Insurance Recovery Fund. - Approved the transfer of a lake lease (Seck Tract Lot 8) from Kenneth West (Deceased) & Lora Davis to Richard & Brittney Taylor. - Approved the reappointment of Kevin Hall and Thomas Hibben to the Shawnee Housing Authority, and Lance Wortham and Tim Barrick to the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority. - Approved the FY-2025 Audit Engagement Letter with Arledge & Associates, P.C. - Accepted Oklahoma Baptist University infrastructure and placed maintenance bonds into effect. - Approved the purchase of a SCBA Cascade System and a Fire Station Alerting System for Fire Station No. 1. The consent agenda was approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Glenn Peck questioned the need for a "Shawnee Downtown Revitalization Amendment Review Committee," stating it was "digging up bones" and would hinder city progress. - Bryan Dozier, a React employee, highlighted the service's 30th anniversary (founded March 17, 1996). He provided statistics: React runs five full-time trucks, responded to 12,857 calls in 2025, operates self-sufficiently without financial support, and has responded to 282,710 calls for service since 1996. He thanked the city for its partnership. - Mike Affentranger, co-chair of the POGO Built Environment Committee, expressed full support for agenda items 10 and 11 (Safe Streets for All Action Plan and Vision Zero resolution), framing them as important investments in the community's built environment and safety. - Cyndi Berger argued for the separation of the Chamber of Commerce from economic development (Shawnee Forward). She also requested the city begin charging property tax to non-profits, stating that homeowners bear an unfair tax burden and that non-profits attract more homeless individuals to the city. She expressed frustration that groups like POGO have exclusive input on plans like SS4A. Discussion Items - Recognition: Mayor Stephens presented Certificates of Recognition to the Grove School Lady Basketball Team for winning the ORES Division III State Championship. - Pet of the Month: Animal Control Officer Stephen Rice introduced "June," a dachshund and terrier mix available for adoption. - Utility Rate Adjustments: - Water and Sewer: Director of Utility Billing Kacie Eck presented a proposal for a 2.7% increase tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effective July 1, 2026. The combined minimum monthly bill increase is $1.19. - Solid Waste: A 3.5% rate increase was proposed, the maximum allowed under the city's contract with Central Disposal. The minimum monthly bill for a large polycart would increase by $0.88, and by $1.89 for a small polycart. Combined with the water/sewer increase, the minimum monthly bill for a large polycart would rise by $2.07. - Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan & Vision Zero: Community Development Director Petya Stefanoff presented the plans. The SS4A plan uses local crash data and community engagement to align investments around reducing fatal crashes and supporting multi-modal transport. The Vision Zero Resolution formalizes a zero roadway fatalities policy. Commissioner Odneal confirmed the plan does not preclude a traffic commission. Both items are required for federal grant eligibility. - UDC Amendments: - Real Estate Signs (UDC01-26): Approved an amendment exempting real estate signs from temporary sign regulations. Steve Reese spoke in favor during the public hearing, citing property rights. No one spoke against. - Single Family & Triplex Uses (UDC02-26): Approved an amendment allowing single-family uses in R-3 (High Density Residential) districts and correcting a "scribner's error" that prohibited triplexes in R-1 (Low Density Residential). - Rezoning Requests: - 4411 North Aydelotte Street (RZ01-26): Proposed rezoning of a 0.21-acre lot from R-1 to C-1 to replace parking lost at the adjacent LifeSouth Plaza due to the 45th Street widening project. The Planning Commission had deferred the item. During the public hearing, Steve Reese, Rob Morris, and Cyndi Berger spoke against it, citing concerns about property values, traffic impacts on the adjacent neighborhood, and insufficient notice. Staff and several commissioners supported it to mitigate traffic congestion and support the major arterial street widening. Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Fichtner dissenting). - 541 West Poplar Street (RZ02-26): Approved rezoning from R-1 to MU (Mixed Use) to bring the property into compliance with its current commercial/residential use. Applicant Joseph Marshall and staff spoke in favor, noting the mixed-use district creates a transition zone between residential and major commercial corridors. Approved 7-0. - Monthly Sales Tax Report: Finance Director Kimberly Hoover reported sales tax collections total $2,232,263 for March, but are $85,167 (3.68%) below budget projections year-to-date. Use tax collections are $49,459 (14.74%) below budget year-to-date. The general fund is currently $29,243 below budget projections. Key Outcomes - Water and Sewer Rates (Resolution 6783): Approved 7-0 for a 2.7% increase, effective July 1, 2026. - Solid Waste Rates (Resolution 6784): Approved 6-1 for a 3.5% increase, effective July 1, 2026. Commissioner Fichtner dissented. - Surplus Equipment Sale (Resolution 6785): Approved 7-0 to sell a 2008 SCBA Cascade System to the Allen Fire Department for $10,000. - 9-1-1 Ordinance Renewal (Resolution 6786): Approved 7-0 for the period of April 6, 2026 to April 5, 2029. - 9-1-1 Emergency Tax Rate (Resolution 6787): Approved 7-0. - Safe Streets for All Action Plan & Vision Zero (Resolution 6788): Approved 7-0, adopting a zero roadway fatalities policy. - UDC Amendments (Ordinances 2824NS, 2825NS): Approved 7-0. - Rezoning 4411 N Aydelotte (Ordinance 2826NS): Approved 6-1. Commissioner Fichtner dissented. - Rezoning 541 W Poplar (Ordinance 2827NS): Approved 7-0.

The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners held a special call meeting on March 2, 2026, to consider entering executive session to discuss confidential attorney-client communications and to vote on a resolution to retain legal counsel for antitrust litigation regarding firefighting equipment costs. The meeting was convened at 4:30 PM and adjourned at 4:51 PM. A quorum was present, but attendance records contain discrepancies between the minutes and the transcript. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Executive Session: The Board voted 5-0 to enter executive session under Oklahoma statute (25 O.S. § 307(B)(4)) to discuss confidential communications with the city attorney concerning a pending investigation, claim, or action. The session lasted from 4:31 PM to 4:49 PM. No votes or decisions were made in open session on this item. - Item 2 – Resolution to Retain Fulmer Sill: Following executive session, City Attorney Joe Vorndran reported that the city possesses causes of action related to exponential increases in firefighting equipment costs and wait times. He stated that Fulmer Sill, previously retained by the city for similar mass tort litigation, offered to explore these claims with no out-of-pocket expense to the city. A commissioner expressed gratitude to the fire department and stated the motion would help fight their battle to protect citizens. The Board voted 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 6782, authorizing the retention of Fulmer Sill for firefighting equipment antitrust litigation. Key Outcomes - Resolution 6782 Approved: The Board unanimously (5-0) approved the resolution to sign and approve the Legal Services Agreement retaining Fulmer Sill to pursue legal claims against manufacturers, distributors, and other third parties regarding firefighting equipment costs and wait times. - Attendance Discrepancy Note: The official minutes record Commissioners Chris Odneal (Ward 3) and Mark Sehorn (Ward 5) as absent, but both cast “aye” votes on the resolution. The raw transcript contains garbled or mismatched names (e.g., “Overnil,” “Rick Burke”), indicating possible transcription errors. This inconsistency is noted but not resolved in the provided materials.

The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 16 West 9th Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma. The meeting had been rescheduled from February 17, 2026. All seven members were present, and the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda, an election resolution, a preliminary plat, and CIP amendments; a requested rezoning was denied. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0 (motion by Commissioner Odneal, second by Commissioner Fichtner): minutes from the January 20, 2026 regular meeting; Planning Commission minutes from January 7, 2026; Shawnee Beautification, Parks, and Recreation Committee minutes from November 20, 2025; January 2026 License Payment and Project Payment reports; FY 2025-26 budget amendments (including the General Fund property purchase increase at 302 South Beard Street, 911 Management refund, Squad Rescue Apparatus/Engine 1 upfitting, Police Department vehicle purchase, Aquatic Center salary reimbursement, Police facility repair, and Fire Suppression donation increase); confirmation of Petya Stefanoff as Community Development Director; transfer of Pottawatomie County LEPC funds; and the Musco Sports Lighting, LLC agreement for arena lighting at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center under Sourcewell Contract No. 041123-MSL. Public Comments & Testimony - Rob Morris asked the Commission to pull the Fund 001 consent item and discuss the approximately $1.5 million increase for the property purchase at 302 South Beard Street, questioning whether the address was correct (he referred to “320 South Beard”). He also opposed the rezoning at 1402 East Independence Street, calling it “a bad idea all around” and urging commissioners to investigate the applicant, citing multiple names, LLCs, and pending lawsuits. - No one spoke during the public hearing on the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan amendment; Mayor Stephens opened and closed the hearing. Presentations - Animal Control Officer Stephen Rice introduced Bolt, a Pomeranian mix, as the Pet of the Month, encouraging adoption. Discussion Items - Election Resolution (Resolution No. 6781): City Clerk Lisa Lasyone reported that Wards 1, 5, and 6 will elect commissioners for four-year terms from 2026 to 2030. The filing period is April 1-3, 2026; the general election is June 16, 2026; and a runoff, if needed, is August 25, 2026. The nonpartisan election will be conducted by the Pottawatomie County Election Board with absentee voting. Approved 7-0 (motion by Vice Mayor Matthews, second by Commissioner Richter). - Rezoning at 1402 East Independence Street (Case RZ08-25): Community Development Director Petya Stefanoff noted the applicant had requested deferral to the March 2026 meeting. Commissioner Sehorn instead moved to deny the rezoning from C-1 to R-3, seconded by Vice Mayor Matthews. The motion carried 6-0-1, with Mayor Stephens abstaining. This differs from the staff recommendation of deferral. - Preliminary Plat for Barton Industrial Park (Case PL02-25): Stefanoff reported that the application for Indaco Metals, near Highway 177 and American Way, was complete and recommended for approval by staff and the Planning Commission. Approved 7-0 (motion by Commissioner Shuler, second by Commissioner Fichtner). - Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Amendment, FY 2026-2030: Finance Director Kimberly Hoover presented multiple changes, including increasing Streets Fleet Replacement – Tandem from $200,000 to $228,000; decreasing Expo Electrical/Mechanical Equipment from $200,000 to $150,000; adjusting Expo Fleet Acquisition to the actual cost of $66,189.90; moving Expo IT Equipment and pylon sign repair into FY 2027; reducing Expo overhead door and water truck amounts; adding $10,000 for Expo WW Gates and Panels; removing mistakenly included Expo Center enhancements; and moving Fire Station 1 renovations from Fund 301 to Fund 303 at $350,000. The changes left an $866,410 surplus in Fund 301. Approved 7-0 (motion by Vice Mayor Matthews, second by Commissioner Sehorn). - Budget Amendments for Fleet Equipment (Items 9a-b): Hoover presented Fund 301 amendments updating Street Fleet Replacement – Tandem and Traffic Fleet Replacement – Bucket Truck to actual costs. Approved 7-0 (motion by Vice Mayor Matthews, second by Commissioner Fichtner). - Monthly Sales Tax Reports: Hoover reported February collections of $2,804,109.30, including $4,676.72 in interest, distributed across eight funds. Minutes state sales tax was up $13,521 (0.48%) above projected budget year-to-date and use tax was down $6,668 (1.38%). The transcript provides somewhat different metrics, saying collections were 0.48% above projections for the month and 0.07% above rate-to-date, with the combined general fund sales/use tax $62,799 above budget. The report was acknowledged. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Sehorn commented on sales tax and the recent fire north of town. - Commissioner Odneal thanked staff for repairing water issues the previous week. - Commissioner Shuler welcomed the new development and manufacturing jobs, noting the broader revenue impact of manufacturers on city water and electrical services. - Vice Mayor Matthews thanked staff for winter storm response and water repairs and commented on sales tax. - Mayor Stephens commented on the fire north of town and staff response to the winter storm and water main breaks. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Resolution No. 6781, calling the municipal election, approved 7-0. - Rezoning RZ08-25 denied 6-0-1. - Preliminary plat for Barton Industrial Park approved 7-0. - CIP amendment approved 7-0. - Budget amendments 9a-b approved 7-0. - Monthly sales tax reports acknowledged. - No new business was brought forward. Note on Transcript - The raw transcript includes post-adjournment portions apparently covering the Shawnee Airport Authority and Municipal Authority; those are outside the City Commission agenda and minutes summarized here.

The Board of City Commissioners of Shawnee, Oklahoma, met in regular session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 16 West 9th Street. Mayor Eric Stephens presided; a quorum was declared. Commissioner Ashley Fichtner arrived at 6:04 PM. The meeting included routine approvals, citizen comments, rezoning requests, a bid award, financial reports, and an executive session. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the entire Consent Agenda (Items 2a–i) by a 6-0 vote: December 15, 2025, regular meeting minutes; Planning Commission minutes from December 3, 2025; December 2025 License and Project Payment Reports; FY 2025-26 budget amendments adding funding for the Code Enforcement Demolition account and appropriating funds in Fund 303 for an E-One Rescue Pumper for Fire Department FY26 expenditures; the Eckel Tract Lot 10 lake lease transfer from Frank and Mary Sims to FPS Twin Lake, LLC; Acknowledgment of Change Order No. 1 for Fire Station No. 3; confirmation of City Manager hires Kacie Eck (Director of Utility Billing and Court Administration), Kevin Moore (Director of Building and Engineering Services), and Bradley Schmidt (Director of Public Works); and acceptance of a utility easement for the Grove Phase II project. Public Comments & Testimony - Glenn Peck reported on Salvation Army Angel Tree and Red Kettle results: Angel Tree served 520 children from 242 families totaling 1,247 persons; each family received a box of food. He said $18,000 was collected for Angel Tree, this year's Red Kettle collections were $25,000, and last year's Red Kettle total was $23,000. - Clif Harden spoke against the proposed rezoning at 1402 East Independence Street, saying it was across from Sequoia Elementary School and would be lower-income housing; he requested the Commission table or deny the request and said he was relaying concerns from Sequoia parents. Subdivision Plats – Northcreek Villas - The Commission unanimously approved the Preliminary Plat (Case PPL04-25) and Final Plat (Case FPL04-25) for Northcreek Villas, a replat of Northcreek Manor. Interim Community Development Director Petya Stefanoff explained the replat separates the newly zoned C-2 commercial area from R-3 residential and splits the commercial area into north and south tracts. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval; both motions carried 6-0. Zoning Requests and Public Hearings - 1402 East Independence Street (Case RZ08-25): The public hearing was held on the request to rezone from C-1 Local Commercial to R-3 High Density Residential. Applicant Jerry Roca spoke in favor, proposing 26 apartment units (20 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom), a fully sprinklered building, a new fire hydrant, TPO roofing, an all-solar system, and affordable housing. He noted he is developing 127 units in Tulsa and 38 in Oklahoma City. - Opponents included Gayle Hucks (adjacent property owner for 22 years; cited the 66-year-old former nursing home that has been vacant for 15 years, noise and nuisance, and impact on property values), Jacob Borgsmiller (argued public notice was one day short of the 20-day requirement because his notice was postmarked December 19, 2025, for a January 7, 2026 Planning Commission hearing; also cited missing fencing/screening and traffic concerns), Jason Gates, and Rob Morris (opposed the location across from a school due to parking and traffic concerns). The City Attorney determined notice was proper and enhanced notification requirements did not apply. - After Commission discussion, Mayor Stephens moved to defer the rezoning ordinance to the rescheduled February 9, 2026, meeting to address loose ends and a requested traffic study; the motion carried 6-0. - 4731 North Union Avenue (Case RZ09-25): The public hearing addressed rezoning a portion from R-3 High Density Residential to C-2 Regional Commercial for a personal storage/self-storage facility. Mitchell Moore of Johnson & Associates spoke in favor; no one spoke against. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. - Following questions about surrounding zoning, Commissioner Odneal moved to deny the rezoning ordinance; the motion carried 5-1, with Commissioner Richter voting no. The remaining portion of the property would stay R-3. Bid Award – Shawnee Twin Lakes Dam 1 Rehabilitation - Director of Engineering Seth Barkhimer reported five bids were opened January 6, 2026. The Commission voted 6-0 to award the base bid to LandShape, LLC of Amber, Oklahoma, for $415,800. The project covers vegetative removal on the down slope to the toe of the dam and is funded in part by a $1 million state ARPA grant. Financial and Administrative Reports - Finance Director Kimberly Hoover reported January 2026 sales tax totaled $2,618,365.91, including $3,489.82 in interest. Collections were 1.96% below January 2025 and 4.06% below conservative budget projections for the month and year-to-date; sales tax revenue was $110,726 below the projected budget year-to-date. Use tax totaled $434,969.10, 0.56% below projections ($2,458 below year-to-date budget). Combined with use tax, the General Fund was $62,708 above budget projections. A commissioner noted sales tax receipts were $330 above the projected year-to-date budget. - Assistant City Manager Seth Barkhimer and Fire Chief James Kriwanek presented the Quarterly 2018 Half-Cent Sales Tax Report. The half-cent tax passed in June 2018, took effect October 2018, expires September 30, 2028, and is allocated 25% public safety, 25% streets/roads, and 50% parks/public facilities. To date, $27 million has been collected and $26.2 million expended. The Fire Department completed Fire Station 3 renovations and purchased a new fire engine now awaiting delivery. A full training structure (estimated at $1–6 million) and complete Fire Station 1 renovations are not concurrently feasible with remaining funds; staff sought Commission input on directing remaining public safety funds to targeted Fire Station 1 renovations. Executive Session - The Commission voted 6-0 to enter executive session under 25 O.S. § 307(B)(4) to discuss confidential attorney communications regarding Pottawatomie County Case No. CJ-2023-468 (Fairview Mausoleum). The Commission entered at 6:53 PM and reconvened at 8:07 PM. No action was taken after the executive session. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 6-0. - February 17, 2026, regular meetings of the City Commission, Shawnee Airport Authority, and Shawnee Municipal Authority were rescheduled to February 9, 2026, by a 6-0 vote. - Northcreek Villas Preliminary and Final Plats approved 6-0 each. - 1402 East Independence Street rezoning deferred to February 9, 2026, by a 6-0 vote. - 4731 North Union Avenue rezoning denied 5-1. - Shawnee Twin Lakes Dam 1 Rehabilitation awarded to LandShape, LLC for $415,800 by a 6-0 vote. - Executive session held; no action taken. Meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.

The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Shawnee City Hall, 16 West 9th Street. The Commission approved a consent agenda, heard presentations on the annual audit, economic development, and the Safe Streets for All plan, acted on three rezoning requests, awarded a sewer construction contract, and took no action on a litigation-related executive session item. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved 6-0: minutes from the November 17, 2025 regular meeting; Planning Commission minutes from October 1 and November 5, 2025; Shawnee Beautification, Parks, and Recreation Committee minutes from October 16, 2025; Shawnee Senior Citizens Advisory Board minutes from August 12 and October 3, 2025; and License and Project Payment Reports for November 2025. - Accepted the resignations of Kerri Keck and Ann Dowdy and approved mayor appointments: Nathan Ferguson to the Beautification, Parks, and Recreation Committee; Joe Ward to the Senior Citizens Advisory Board; James Wilder to a full term on the Oklahoma Baptist University Authority; and Sam Garlow to replace Marty Lewis on the Oklahoma Baptist University Authority, with terms as listed in the agenda. - Approved FY2025-26 budget amendments appropriating donated revenues for Fire Department equipment, maintenance, and contracts; Parks & Recreation materials, supplies, and contingency; FY26 OK Safe Grant overtime for Police; federal grant equipment, parts, and supplies for Emergency Management; OMAG capital outlay equipment for the Fire Department; and Aquatic Center donations for other contractual services. - Acknowledged the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund lump-sum payment from the Defined Benefit Plan for Vicki Files; accepted Bison Curve public infrastructure and placed maintenance bonds into effect; and ratified the agreement with Total Demolition Services, LLC for demolition of the structure at 6 and 8 West Main Street. Public Comments & Testimony - John Bobb-Semple spoke during Citizens Participation. He praised the fall festival, downtown built environment, and the Christmas parade as community strengths worthy of honor. He also raised a pedestrian-safety concern, describing a young swim team member who must walk to the YMCA and navigate traffic, and urged the Commission to embrace both celebration and hard truths. Presentations Pet of the Month - Animal Control Officer Trel Meyers introduced Lisa, a seven-to-eight-month-old female lab. Lisa was vaccinated and spayed, is available for adoption, and has two sisters at the shelter, Sally and Cassie. FY2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit - Kency Duarte, CPA with Arledge & Associates, presented the FY2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit Report. The audit included an adverse opinion related to the omission of the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority (SECDA) balances; the Oklahoma Baptist University Authority was newly included as a component unit with a prior-period adjustment, and modified opinions were issued for the remaining opinion units. - Single-audit findings covered the omitted SECDA balances, the prior-period adjustment related to OBU Authority inclusion, and the timing of filings with the state and federal clearinghouse. In response to a commissioner’s concern that the city cannot compel SECDA to provide audited data, Duarte said the adverse opinion reflects the required treatment. Shawnee Forward Presentation - Crystal Romanyszyn, Shawnee Forward President & CEO, reported nine active economic development projects representing nearly 700 potential jobs, an average wage of about $87,000, and potential capital investment exceeding $550 million. - She described a retail recruitment strategy using trade-area data showing about 150,000 shoppers for a city of roughly 33,000 residents, with target sectors including grocery, home improvement, health and wellness, and home accessories. - She also reported that after the Gindal Films closure announcement on September 26 and closing on November 26, about 80% of affected employees had been re-employed or were using training grants. She highlighted facade improvement grants, a child care grant that assisted dozens of families, and an 18-month effort supporting Home Depot’s anticipated arrival. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Project - Interim Community Development Director Petya Stefanoff introduced a video presentation by Halley Reeves of the University of Oklahoma. The Safe Streets for All Action Plan is supported by a U.S. DOT grant; the city applied in June 2024, received notice of award in fall 2024, and funding began in July 2025. - Community engagement included multiple events, with about 96 surveys completed and 260 locations identified so far. The website and survey were presented as safestreetsshawnee.org. Once the plan is complete and adopted, Shawnee becomes eligible for federal implementation funding. - Commissioner Richter encouraged residents to complete the survey, noting the response count was low. Zoning Requests 316 North Kimberly Avenue – RZ05-25 - Public hearing was held; no one appeared in favor or against the request to rezone from R-1 to R-3. - Staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial. Staff said the applicant, Ethan Acock of Acock Properties LLC, wanted multifamily housing, but the surrounding area is R-1 and the request conflicted with the comprehensive plan. Staff also noted that some multi-unit uses are already possible in R-1, with a conditional use permit (CUP) for certain categories. - During discussion, a commissioner asked whether a CUP application would have been handled differently; staff said yes and that the applicant had been informed. A deferral was not offered because a new application would require a new fee and fresh neighbor notification. No motion was made, and no action was taken. 3901 North Kickapoo Street – RZ06-25 - Public hearing was held; applicant Paul Bass appeared in favor, and no one appeared against the request to rezone a portion of the property from R-3 to C-2. - Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The 0.99-acre portion is in Northcreek Manor, adjacent to commercial zoning and fronting North Kickapoo, a major commercial corridor. Staff reported no written protests from property owners within the required notification area. - The Commission approved Ordinance No. 2822NS by a 6-0 vote. 1301 East Independence Street – RZ07-25 - Public hearing was held; Kenneth Gober and Sam Ehtisham of Aspire Equity Holdings LLC appeared in favor, and no one appeared against the request to rezone from R-1 to C-1. - The applicants proposed converting a former church building into a virtual golf/gaming studio. Staff recommended denial, calling the request spot zoning and inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding low-density residential zoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval. - Commissioners discussed parking requirements, future use controls, the building’s difficulty to convert back to residential use, and whether Independence Street’s arterial nature supported commercial zoning. The Commission approved Ordinance No. 2823NS by a 6-0 vote. Bids and Contracts - Director of Engineering Seth Barkhimer reported three bids were received for Shawnee Sewer Bursting FY 26, Project No. 25-119, with bids opened December 8, 2025. Staff recommended awarding the Base Bid and Add Alternate No. 2 to Jordan Contractors, LLC of Tecumseh, Oklahoma for $2,094,060.00. The Commission approved the award 6-0. The project is partially funded through ARPA and the capital improvement program. Financial Reports - City Manager Mark Simpson presented the monthly sales tax report. December sales tax receipts totaled $2,565,462.75, including $4,099.72 in interest, distributed across eight funds. December 2025 collections were 8.11% above December 2024. Use tax totaled $475,733. - The combined general fund position was $74,812 above budget projections. Note: The minutes and transcript differ on some variance comparisons: the minutes state that sales tax was $3,242.00 (0.13%) below projected budget year-to-date and use tax was $45,716.00 (10.63%) above projected budget year-to-date, while the transcript describes the 0.13% sales-tax variance as below projections for the month and reports collections 0.72% above budget year-to-date. Other Business and Commissioner Comments - No new business was introduced. - Commissioners wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season, encouraged residents to shop local, and commented on Shop with a Cop, the Christmas parade, Winter Wonderland, Shawnee Forward, economic development, and the Safe Streets for All survey. Executive Session and Litigation Item - City Attorney Joe Vorndran reported on agenda items 17-18 regarding Pottawatomie County Case No. CJ-2023-468, related to the Fairview Mausoleum. He said the anticipated information was not yet available, Staff recommended no action, and the Commission took no action. No executive session was held. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda 6-0. - Approved Ordinance No. 2822NS (RZ06-25, 3901 North Kickapoo Street) 6-0. - Approved Ordinance No. 2823NS (RZ07-25, 1301 East Independence Street) 6-0. - Took no action on RZ05-25 (316 North Kimberly Avenue). - Awarded Shawnee Sewer Bursting FY 26, Project No. 25-119 to Jordan Contractors, LLC for $2,094,060.00, 6-0. - Heard and acknowledged the audit, Shawnee Forward, Safe Streets for All, and sales tax reports. - Took no action on the Fairview Mausoleum litigation item and adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The Board of City Commissioners of Shawnee, Oklahoma met in regular session on November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM. All seven commissioners were present (Commissioner Fichtner arrived at 6:03 PM). The meeting included public comments, approval of a consent agenda, two conditional use permits for short-term rentals, a rezoning, a monthly sales tax report, commissioner comments, and two executive sessions followed by actions on property acquisition and Santa Fe Depot litigation. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from October 20, 2025. - Acknowledged reports from Shawnee Beautification, Parks, and Recreation Committee, License Payment Report, and Project Payment Report for October 2025. - Confirmed Mayor's appointments: Joseph Szczepanski (Parks & Rec), Raymond Burrell (Planning Commission), Susan Morris (Arts & Culture). - Approved budget amendments for Capital Improvement Fund (OMAG funds, vehicle sale funds) and Donations Fund for Christmas festivities. - Approved a lake lease transfer and a lease agreement for the Southwest Loop Waterline project. - Acknowledged Change Order No. 1 for Walnut Water Line project. - Approved an agreement with Safe Events for Families (SEFF) for FY2025-2026. - Approved purchase of a CXT restroom for Optimist Park. - Confirmed hiring of Kerri Foster as Parks and Recreation Director. - Vote: 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Theresa Cody urged the commission to prioritize ordinary citizens over political maneuvering. She questioned the city manager's letter soliciting county funds for a city event, the safety of an empty building tour during a city event (noting a building collapsed days later), and the use of taxpayer money for Christmas lights on private businesses. She called for transparency and partnership. - Glenn Peck, speaking for the Salvation Army Ladies Auxiliary, reported that the 42nd annual Spaghetti Dinner raised over $20,000 (up from $14,000 last year), with 1,300 meals served and 6,000 quarts of sauce sold. He thanked the city for its partnership. - Cyndi Berger spoke as a housing authority board member. She praised the Fall Festival's success and noted that people are moving to Shawnee for family life, not jobs. She highlighted new Housing Authority CEO Charles Ensel's efforts and mentioned an incident where a warrant was not served during a shooting, requesting more attention. - David Henry announced a walk audit on November 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM from the Community Center to Main Street, and an OBU student presentation on the Dunbar Heights area. - Rob Morris criticized the lack of a specific address in the first executive session agenda item. He asserted that the railroad is leaving Shawnee (county commissioners are purchasing land south of Shawnee) which will cost the city tax revenue. He also accused the municipal judge of cheating a woman in a property transaction (buying land for $450,000 and attempting to sell to the county for $800,000), calling for the judge's removal. - Bill Rooth requested a line-item breakdown of expenditures in the SEFF agreement to ensure transparency. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permits for Short-Term Rentals: Two properties were considered: 3520 North Market Avenue (applicant Mary Wisdom) and 17308 Magnino Road (applicant Will Jones). Interim Community Development Director Petya Stefanoff presented staff recommendations. Both were approved unanimously (7-0) after public hearings where only the applicant (for the second) spoke in favor. - Rezoning (Case RZ04-25): Application by Dean Koleada to rezone 306 East 45th Street from C-2 (Regional Commercial) to R-3 (High Density Residential). The property is Lot 8 of a newly platted area; Lots 1-7 will remain commercial. The applicant's representative, Gunner Joyce, explained it is a downzone to create a buffer between commercial and an existing single-family neighborhood. Approved 7-0 after a public hearing with only the applicant speaking. - Monthly Sales Tax Report: Finance Director Kimberly Hoover reported that November 2025 sales tax collections totaled $2,562,337.40 (including $4,137.18 interest). Compared to the budget, YTD sales tax collections are $65,429 (2.62%) above projections, and use tax collections are $19,284 (0.99%) above projections. However, November collections alone were 7.56% below November 2024. Combined general fund revenue (sales tax share + use tax) is $76,433 above budget YTD. Staff also provided peer city comparisons. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioners congratulated the Salvation Army, noted the success of the Fall Festival (estimated 7,500 attendees), praised new Parks Director Kerri Foster, encouraged local holiday shopping, and highlighted ongoing projects (Georg Fischer building, wastewater treatment plant, Kickapoo widening, animal shelter groundbreaking, Station 3 groundbreaking). Commissioner Odneal announced the walk study on November 18. Key Outcomes - Approval of Consent Agenda (7-0). - Conditional Use Permits: Both short-term rental permits approved (7-0 each). - Rezoning Ordinance: Ordinance No. 2821NS introduced and approved (7-0). - Executive Session (Real Property) : Commission entered executive session at 6:48 PM, reconvened at 7:57 PM. Following discussion, authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate the purchase of a 13.66-acre property owned by S & S Farm Center, Inc. (located between Beard and Kickapoo, Main and Oakland), and to execute purchase contracts, appraisals, and inspections (motion carried 7-0). - Executive Session (Santa Fe Depot) : Commission authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to enter negotiations with the Pottawatomie County Historical Society Board regarding a settlement; if negotiations fail, to exhaust all legal remedies available (motion carried 7-0). - Adjournment at 8:06 PM.