City leaders face backlash over cannabis licensing fees

During a recent Shawnee city commission meeting, residents voiced concerns and shared positive feedback regarding community developments and local governance.

Michael Effentranger, a resident and co-chair of the Pottawatomie Go Built Environment Committee, highlighted the positive impressions of visitors from Houston regarding Shawnee's safety and walkability, particularly around the Oklahoma Baptist University campus. He urged the commission to continue improving the built environment, emphasizing its importance for community perception and quality of life.

Rob Spade, a local businessman in the cannabis industry, raised serious allegations against the city regarding excessive and seemingly arbitrary fees imposed on cannabis businesses. He claimed that his company faced unsubstantiated fees totaling $4,500 annually, which he described as discriminatory practices by the city inspector's office. Spade called for transparency and accountability in the fee structure, suggesting that the city may be mismanaging funds collected from cannabis businesses.

Cindy Berger expressed her concerns about the recent opioid crisis grant, questioning why the city had only focused on Narcan and Narcan training when there were numerous other potential uses for the funds that had not been presented to the public for input.

Rob Morris addressed the commission regarding the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority, expressing frustration over a lack of transparency in decision-making processes and the need for clear communication about the future of the expo.

Rick Young, a resident, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the city but expressed optimism about Shawnee's progress and resilience, encouraging continued community engagement.

Dr. Kathy Laster, president of the Evitas Foundation, praised the city’s recent achievements, including improvements in infrastructure and governance. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the positive developments in Shawnee while acknowledging that challenges remain.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from animal control, showcasing the \"Pet of the Month\" and highlighting recent adoption statistics, underscoring the ongoing efforts to manage the local animal shelter effectively.

Overall, the meeting reflected a mix of community pride, concerns over local governance, and a call for greater transparency and accountability from city officials.