Seth Barkhimer

The report details quarterly activities across various city departments. Human Resources coordinated employee events and supported Fire Department promotional processes. The City Manager's Office supported community and employee events, adopted a new Social Media Public Content Policy, and hosted Sister Cities exchange students. The Fire Department engaged the community, hosted an open house for Station 3 (funded by the 2018 sales tax CIP), and held a promotion ceremony where Sgt. Holman was named Firefighter of the Year. Public Works crews managed repairs for water main breaks, with the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements nearing completion. Parks and Recreation noted ongoing projects like the Wildwood Park trail system renovation and the promotion of Kerri Foster to Director. The Finance department reported the successful completion of the Fiscal Year 2024 Audit and continues work on the 2025 audit, presenting monthly sales tax reports. Community Development hosted focus groups for a housing study and is working on an AARP grant. Tourism welcomed a new Attraction Development Manager and promoted the city through media projects. The Shawnee Regional Airport is undertaking a major capital improvement program focused on tornado recovery, including new taxilanes and hangars, with plans for a new terminal in 2026. The Municipal Court processed citations and warrants. The Police Department received grant funding and started the 7th Shawnee Police Academy. Significant progress was noted on the Kickapoo widening project and SS4A grant continuation meetings.

The commission meeting included presentations and recognitions. A certificate of recognition was presented to the Shawnee High School swim team for their state championship win. A second-place winner in a statewide essay contest, "If I Were Mayor," was also recognized. Citizen participation included discussions about sidewalks, public comments at county commissioner meetings, the legality of a previous expo meeting, and a conditional use permit for a crematory. Other agenda items included an amended contract for right-of-way acquisition, and public hearings and considerations of ordinances to rezone properties for a guest cottage and a crematorium.

The commission meeting started with an update on a fire caused by a contractor hitting a gas line on Broadway Street. Several recognition items were presented, including one for emergency response personnel who assisted with a surprise baby delivery and another for Grove School Wildcats robotics teams who dominated the state robotics competition. Public comments included concerns about homelessness, the need for affordable housing and a shelter, and the maintenance of the homeless coordinator position. Other comments addressed the allocation of funds for park renovations, the location of a homeless shelter, and the need for transparency and clear rules regarding the shelter and addiction services.

The meeting started with a student giving the opening remarks, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A best-in-class award for Kids Space Park was presented. Citizen participation included discussions on homelessness, including the cost to the city and the need for a homeless coordinator. Concerns were raised about the unfilled homeless coordinator position. Discussion also included the benefits of a day and night shelter for the homeless population. Other topics included the Oklahoma Museum Week, the celebration of life park, a contract cancellation for the depot, and an ACLU letter. The meeting also covered the approval of a consent agenda.

The commission meeting included citizen participation, with discussions on lake safety, shoreline erosion, and the need for better communication and response to citizen questions. A donation to the Children's Center of Rehabilitation was announced. The meeting also involved the approval of a consent agenda, a presentation by animal control, and the discussion and consideration of a contract with a new city manager. Concerns were raised regarding the firing of the homeless coordinator and the lack of transparency around a meeting held on tribal land.