The Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority (SCCDA) moved a few steps closer to hosting the 2022 International Finals Youth Rodeo during the meeting held Thursday, Feb. 17.
During the Feb. 7 Shawnee City Commission meeting, $50,000 was approved to assist with costs for the rodeo. But, several of the Commissioners stated the money would only be used for the 2022 rodeo. It could not be used to pay past bills. This was also voiced as part of the motion before being approved.
When the SCCDA agenda was posted on the morning of Feb. 16, four outstanding bills totaling $31,375.94 were attached, and an agenda item to discuss, consider, and possibly take action was near the top of the list.
SCCDA Chairman Randy Gilbert said the morning after the city meeting, he received notice of the invoices. He said he was aware of the electric, and SCCDA did have an agreement with Spectra to split the cost of the electric bill for the month of July.
“The venue said they would work free of rent with set-up crews, etc., as in years past,” said Gilbert.
He said there were some problems, and the SCCDA had paid an outside company to do the set-up, but when the company arrived, things were not ready for them to work. The company had to move on to its next job, but the SCCDA had to pay them due to the contract.
Gilbert said the SCCDA hired Spectra workers to do the setup after hours since they could not work on the project during their workday.
All of the bills were sent to the Heart of Oklahoma address. During the discussion, Expo General Manager Katy Fleming said there seems to be some confusion about where to send the bills.
The electric invoice issued by Spectra came to just $20,000. Central Disposal billed $5,812.60 for roll-offs and 80 polycarts. An invoice from Xylo for pine shavings added $1,579.50 to the total, and the final invoice came from the Shawnee News-Star for just over $3,500.
Fleming said she was willing to cover the Xylo bill. She also said to remove $2,000 from the Central disposal bill.
After a quick phone call, Dale Yerigan said that the News-Star bill had been paid as of two weeks ago (when the IPRA office received it).
An additional $10,000 deposit issue from 2019 was found by the City of Shawnee while searching for the budgeted $50,000 for the rodeo. However, City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer said she was told this had been promised to be paid by the city by a previous city manager.
She said she did not find anything in the minutes, but since it was promised in a public meeting, the city would pay it.
Fleming said it was made very clear that “our help was not wanted.” But, as she addressed the board, “our relationship has grown by leaps and bounds.”
Fleming then addressed Gilbert directly stating he had made a comment at the City Commission meeting and she was offended.
She also said she would have a new memorandum of understanding prepared by the next meeting.
In preparation for this year’s rodeo, Fleming said a barrel event is scheduled in June, so some of the set-ups will be done a month in advance.
During public comments Dist. 1 County Commissioner Melissa
Dennis said the communication still needed to drastically improve.
She said “I’m not speaking as a county commissioner, I’m speaking as Melissa Dennis, a leader in this county.”
“It’s alread February and we haven’t done a darn thing for this rodeo,” said Dennis. I get frustrated. I get really frustrated because we’re letting emotions get in this.”
“We’ve got to talk. We’ve got to figure out who’s responsible for what,” said Dennis. Even if the rodeo doesn’t bring money..... This is one of the biggest things the city does and it brings recognition.”
She said, “We all want to blame each other and that’s not what we need to do. But, when Katy Fleming said ‘I take offense to that’ I thought I need to get up and speak because we can all take offense to something. But instead of taking offense, let’s get out and talk about it.”
A motion was made and passed to pay $18,133.62 to the Heart of Oklahoma for outstanding bills.
The board also approved a contract with Dale Yerigan/IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) to manage the IFYR.
The transferring of non-attached assets was deferred again. Mediation is scheduled for Mar. 7 between the trust board, the City of Shawnee, and the county commissioners. The SCCDA will place the transfer on the agenda for the Mar. 17 meeting.
