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Residents urge monthly police reports on school resource officers; built-environment group promotes Pedalpalooza
Summary
Public commenters requested regular police reporting on school incidents, described community walking audits and an upcoming Pedalpalooza, and a resident summarized new state public-record and conflict-disclosure laws.
During the citizen participation portion of the meeting several residents addressed the commission on school safety reporting, neighborhood built-environment audits and a recent state law affecting public-record responses and conflict disclosures for public officials.
Cindy Barker asked the commission to request monthly updates from the Shawnee Police Department about school-related incidents handled by school resource officers (SROs). Barker said SROs are employees of the Shawnee Police Department and asked for counts of thefts, violent crimes and other reports so the public can monitor accountability. She suggested the police department’s public information officer could provide the data.
Fred Turner summarized a new state law he said requires the city to respond to citizen questions within 60 days and to engage in mediation with citizens and the attorney general’s office if the city fails to respond. He also referred to House Bill 2164 (as stated in the meeting) and said city employees and commissioners would need to disclose conflicts of interest under that law; Turner urged the city to brief citizens on the details.
Susan Morris, representing the Built Environment Committee of Pogo (Pottawatomie County GO) and noting funding from the Avitus Foundation, described walking-audit activities, concerns about sidewalks and curb ramps, and the planned Pedalpalooza bicycle event on Sept. 20. Morris requested broader public participation in neighborhood audits and highlighted specific pedestrian obstacles identified during prior audits.
The public comments did not result in formal commission action at the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the speakers and noted requests would be directed to appropriate staff.
