Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shawnee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.