Doug Donahoo

This 2026 'State of the City' address reviews past achievements and outlines Shawnee's strategic outlook for community development, economic prosperity, and international engagement. Key priorities include upholding national accreditation standards across all city departments and ensuring fiscal responsibility. The city is focused on driving economic development through projects like the Westbrook Green Shopping Center and the Midland Entertainment District. A significant aspect of the strategy involves preparing to welcome international visitors for major events such as the 2026 World Cup and the Kansas City Chiefs' relocation, while simultaneously strengthening long-standing sister city ties. The address also emphasizes promoting diverse housing options, celebrating academic and athletic achievements of local students, and fostering civic participation among the youth, all with the vision of maintaining Shawnee as a welcoming 'hometown with heart' that continuously builds a stronger community and offers a high quality of life.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one member participating remotely, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Hope Lutheran. Procedures for public input were explained, limiting comments to five minutes per person on city business only. The consent agenda was approved without any items being pulled. Under business from the floor, a resident, Michael Brown, discussed critical issues concerning rising housing costs, the unavailability of Section 8 housing lists, and the lack of accessible affordable housing for physically disabled and mentally ill residents, urging the council to prioritize these issues. Another resident addressed difficulties related to tenant rights after allowing temporary occupancy to friends for six months. A third speaker requested increased funding and maintenance for dangerous sidewalks on Midland Street between Cottonwood and Whitmer. Mayor's items included the proclamation of March 2nd to 6th, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week, with presentations from the Office of Emergency Management and CERT team members. Appointments were approved for the Visit Shauny Advisory Committee. Staff items included approval of final plans and authorization to bid the Johnson Drive and Coera signal replacement project, approval of an interlocal agreement with the City of Lanexa for surface treatment on Gleon Road and 79th Street, approval of a contract for replacement playground equipment and safety surfacing at Kanan Park, and consideration of a redevelopment grant for Tiki Taco from the Economic Development Seed Loan fund, which involved a presentation from the business owners.

The council meeting included the declaration of March 2nd to 6th as severe weather awareness week in Shaunie. The council unanimously approved reappointments to the Shaunie Chamber of Commerce's visit Shaunie advisory committee and authorized staff to bid on the replacement traffic signal at Johnson and Quaver. Playground equipment and new safety surfacing replacement at Kanan Park were also unanimously approved. An agreement for a performance-based redevelopment loan of $75,000, paid out over three years, was approved for Tiki Taco, the restaurant opening in Shaunie. Updates were provided on the process to close the train crossing at Lake Crest Drive and silence related bells and horns, estimated to take five to eight months. During council committee, a report on benefits renewal indicated potential health insurance increases limited to 1.5% for the next benefits year, with final approval pending. The department also reviewed major proposed changes to the 2014 International Energy Conservation Code and recommended against adoption due to high costs and enforcement challenges.

The council committee meeting primarily focused on a discussion regarding the Hickok Zara TIFF district, covering its current status concerning planning, transportation, and finances for the 2.5 square mile area. Key infrastructure challenges within the district were outlined, including existing substandard conditions such as inadequate stormwater pipes and septic systems for some homes. Major proposed infrastructure projects discussed included the Woodland road extension, the extension of 75th Street, and the interchange at K7 and 75th Street, with funding prospects for these projects heavily dependent on external sources like the competitive STBG applications and other grants. The financial discussion highlighted that Bristol Highlands is currently the primary revenue engine for the TIFF, generating funds that are currently offsetting debt payments for 80th Street construction. Future development, particularly in mixed-use areas along Monacel and 75th Street, will be guided by development agreements. Additionally, the committee discussed potential TIFF fund investment for improvements to Midland Drive contingent upon the approval and construction of the Overlook at Midland apartment complex.

The City Council meeting included procedures for public input, limited to five minutes per person and requiring sign-up by noon on the day of the meeting. The consent agenda was approved without any items being removed. Business from the floor included a resident, Mr. McQueeny, expressing significant concern regarding the surprise announcement of a three-month road closure in the Midland corridor, which negatively impacts local businesses who had previously endured a 16-month closure. Mayor's items involved honoring city staff and volunteers for milestones in public service, with the Communications Director reading the list of honorees. Staff items included the adoption of 2026 state and federal legislative priorities, which were identical to the previous year's priorities focusing on local control, budget, and funding. The council also considered adopting the 2024 International Fire Code and Building Code ordinances, updating several existing codes, though the Commercial Energy Code was excluded for further evaluation due to high costs and restrictions on fossil fuels. Key changes in the adopted codes focused on safety improvements, including new requirements for GFCI protection, surge protection, and exterior disconnects in residential construction, as well as operational permits for energy storage systems due to the specific hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.