There were a lot of good things going on at the meeting of the Shawnee City Commissioners. First, Interim City Manager Eric Benson presented two $2,000 checks to local nonprofits at the Shawnee City Council meeting Monday evening.
During public comments Benson said, “Commissioners, I’ve had the privilege of serving your community and one thing I’ve learned from this experience is that this community gives back. I’d like to give back my last paycheck. I have a $2,000 check to the Children’s Center of Rehabilitation on behalf of the City Council. I have a $2,000 check to Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County for the kids club on behalf of the Shawnee city employees.”
Just a few items down, The board voted unanimously to hire Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer as the new city manager. She was immediately sworn in and switched seats with Benson.
Before the meeting was over, the board heard from three applicants for the vancant Ward 2 Seat. Elliot Shuler, Frank Sims, and Cami Engles all threw their hats in the ring, but Engles was chosen fill the seat with five yes votes and an abstention by Commissioner Ben Salter.
Engles was sworn in and asked to join her fellow board members for the remainder of the meeting. Another lengthy discussion was held regarding the shopping cart ordinance but no vote was taken as the item was once again deferred.
Staff and city attorney Joe Vorndran will go back to the drawing board once more and see if they can come up with a solution to ease at least of couple of the commissioners minds. Commissioner Daniel Matthews and Mayor Ed Bolt both voiced concerns regarding how the carts would be retrieved and what would happen with the belongings being hauled in the carts.
During public comments Commissioner Mark Sehorn referenced the carts saying, “You guys are making this to difficult.”
RJ Fencing was awarded the bid for fence removal and replacement at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. The bid was for $266,232.60 which Fleming said was under budget.
Expo Director Katy Fleming updated the board stating there are now new laundry facilities, new sinks in the grandstand bathrooms, and fiber running to the crows nest at the Expo. She also said those who wish to reserve an RV spot may now do so online.
Fleming said overnight security had been hired and would begin soon, as well as a full time housekeeper.
She thanked Brad Schmidt and his crew for all the help they have provided.
Peggy Cook with the Pioneer Library System told the board a Story Walk would soon be installed at Boy Scout Park.
The board will meet again on Oct. 18, 2021.
