Chris Cummings

The meeting included recognition items from the mayor, featuring an award presentation to Barbara McAllister for her dedication to promoting the Cherokee language, opera career, and native painting. Following this, the committee discussed and moved several items to the subsequent City Council meeting without recommendation, including the annual cooperative agreement with Muscogee County Public Transit Authority concerning transportation services and associated funding of $152,885 for FY 2019-2020. The committee also considered the agreement with Main Street Muskogee for economic development, valued at $60,000, and the agreement with Neighbors Building Neighborhoods (MBM) for grant applications and animal shelter expansion oversight, valued at $30,000. Finally, approval was sought for the purchase of a 2019 Caterpillar skid-steer with an asphalt milling attachment for the Public Works Department for $64,995 via the Sourcewell contract.

The City Council meeting covered several key items. The council authorized staff to prepare and submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for facilities renovations at Spalding Park, clarifying that the project scope, though grouped together for approval purposes because the total cost exceeded the $25,000 threshold, would involve individual contracts under that limit, with the majority of work to be performed in-house. The council also received an update on the City of Mogi 2020 Strategic Plan, which was approved. Furthermore, a resolution was approved authorizing the City Manager to execute documents related to real property transactions at the intersection of US Highway 69 and Shaune Avenue, involving cooperation with the Board of County Commissioners and ODOT. Approval was also granted for two Right-of-Way acquisitions for the John T Griffin Industrial Area improvements project. During an executive session, the council discussed matters related to the employment terms of the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney. Following the executive session, an open session motion passed to grant the City Manager a 2% salary increase, effective July 1, 2014. No action was taken regarding the City Clerk or City Attorney appointments/terms.

The special call meeting included a public hearing to receive input regarding the City of Mogi budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, as well as proposed budgets for the Mogi Parking Authority and the Mogi Municipal Authority. A presentation detailed the organization's staffing levels, showing 455 permanent full-time positions out of 606 total positions, and noted 45 vacant organizational chart positions. Budget highlights covered reduced general fund operating expenditures, implementation of Phase 1A of the urban renewal plan including retail development, acquisition of Highway 69 and 62 land, and progress on various drainage and improvement projects like Elliot Street Drainage and the MLK Community Street Improvement project. Progress on the MLK Community Center completion was noted, as was the completion of the Robson Park skate park. The creation of a Retail Business Enterprise Department and staffing efforts were discussed. Partnerships with the Mogi Foundation for housing rehab and the development of a First Responders Training Center were mentioned. Challenges noted included a flat sales tax economy, the need to balance the 2016 budget, completing mandated Water and Sewer projects, difficulties in external agency funding monitoring, and recruitment challenges for certain positions. The presentation also outlined two options for the 2016 budget, both involving setting aside funding for employee compensation, but differing on general fund reserve requirements and cuts to Economic Development or employee health insurance contributions. Public input strongly opposed reducing the Economic Development Fund transfer and changing employee health benefit funding, preferring to maintain reserves.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of the Employee of the Month for January 2020, Amanda Kendrick, acknowledged for her dedication and willingness to cover multiple roles in the revenue division. Key agenda items included the approval of Finance Committee minutes from December 2nd, 2019, and the approval of claims for all city departments spanning November 23, 2019, through December 26, 2019. The committee then considered and approved the award of a contract for Station Number Three roof repair to the lowest bidder, contingent upon receiving performance and maintenance bonds. Approval was also granted for the roof repair of Hangar Number One at Hatbox Field. Furthermore, the committee addressed the wastewater treatment plant HVAC restoration project, noting that the scope significantly increased due to flood damage, and recommended approving the contract to the lowest bidder, utilizing various funding sources including OWRB loan money and FEMA reimbursement for flood-related expenses. Finally, the committee recommended awarding contracts for water distribution materials based on the lowest and best bids to ensure a six-month supply inventory to mitigate ongoing supply issues. The final major discussion involved the purchase of four 2020 Peterbilt refuse trucks with Labrie automated bodies for the solid waste division, detailed as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve safety, reduce operational costs (estimated savings of $250,000 to $330,000 annually), enhance working conditions for staff, and reduce commercial routes.

The Muskogee Municipal Authority meeting first addressed the approval of the October 9, 2017 minutes and claims for the month ending October 31, 2017, which involved routine monthly transfers of funds for capital projects and debt service. Following this, the body transitioned to the City Council agenda, which included a public hearing and action regarding Ordinance Number 431, a rezoning request for property at 4421 Denison Street from R1 Single-Family Residential District to C1 Local Commercial District to permit a daycare center. Several residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about spot zoning and non-compliance with the comprehensive land use map. The applicant defended the request, clarifying that a large family daycare (up to 12 children) is regulated differently than a center under state DHS guidelines, but concerns about traffic and neighborhood character persisted. Council ultimately directed staff to research guidelines from other communities regarding large family daycares and report back, suggesting a potential refund of the application fee until new policy recommendations are established.