Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shawnee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety
Scam alert targeting permit applicants
Fraudsters are impersonating the city to trick permit applicants into wire transfers — one applicant lost $7,000. The city never takes wire transfers, and its emails end in .ok.gov, not .us.com.
Fire department fleet investment
The commission approved two new fire vehicles, a refurbishment of the 2008 E-One pumper, and the Landmark Construction contract for the Station 1 remodel — all under the 2027-2031 capital plan.
Firefighting equipment cost and wait time litigation
The consent agenda included two replacement fire vehicles, a pumper refurbishment, and a contract with Landmark Construction for the Fire Station 1 remodel, all tied to the 2027-2031 capital plan.
OG&E Vegetation Management
Residents complained about OG&E leaving trimmed limbs behind and overgrown lines near power lines after the June 26 storm. The city manager is collecting addresses and pressing OG&E and its contractors, and there's a vegetation complaint portal on the OG&E website.
Public Camping and Public Conduct Ordinance
The city now has a new ordinance banning public camping and public urination/defecation, effective immediately via emergency clause. Earlier drafts were softened to avoid hurting Expo Center event traffic, and police no longer must verify shelter availability before citing.
First responder mental health peer support
A REACT EMS supervisor described a new peer support team for paramedics, EMTs and other first responders who face hundreds of traumatic calls. He asked the commission to back police and fire when they seek funding for the same.
Municipal Code Lien Enforcement Act opt-in
The city can now foreclose on properties with big unpaid municipal liens — think six-figure demolition bills — recovering costs and getting blighted properties back into productive use. Owner-occupied homes are excluded.
Animal shelter spay/neuter pause
A rescue volunteer warned that pausing spay/neuter surgeries for adopted shelter animals until July 1 could cause a population boom and more animals dying.
911 System Renewal and Telephone Tax
The city renewed its 911 Emergency Number Ordinance for three more years and reset the 911 telephone tax rate, keeping emergency dispatch funding in place.
Wildfire Emergency
A grass fire near Shawnee is forcing evacuations in Pottawatomie County. If you’re in the area, pay attention to evacuation orders and road closures—conditions can change fast.
Leftover 2018 half-cent sales tax — public safety funds
Fire officials said remaining public-safety dollars from the 2018 half-cent tax can't cover both a fire training structure ($1-6 million) and Fire Station One renovations, and asked the Commission to steer the money toward Fire Station One.