ShawneeDispatch.com

The City Council on Monday authorized tax breaks for a major improvement project at Shawnee’s second-largest warehouse operation.

McLane Foodservice Inc. requested $16.5 million in industrial revenue bonds to purchase the distribution center it currently leases at 8200 Monticello Road, upgrade the facility and add about $1.5 million in new equipment. While square footage won’t increase, the improvements are expected to increase McLane’s current employment of 186.

During a public hearing, Shawnee Economic Development Council executive director Andrew Nave described the plans as an “exciting opportunity” for Shawnee.

Tim McKee, general manager of McLane’s Shawnee location, said food service distribution is a competitive, low-margin business. He said McLane appreciated Shawnee’s highway access and skilled employee base.

McKee added that the company and its employees donate annually to a number of area charities.

“We are committed to being good stewards to the community,” McKee said.

No residents spoke during the hearing. The Council approved the bonds unanimously.

In other business, the Council: 

• Awarded $560,378 in bids for roof replacements at City Hall, the Civic Centre, Fire Stations 71 and 73 and the Parks Maintenance Shop. Roof work was planned during the city’s budgeting process earlier this year.

• Approved a special use permit allowing Sky Zone to operate at 6495 Quivira Road, a space formerly home to Hy-Vee. The indoor recreation facility, a national franchise, is expected to feature indoor trampolines available for open play as well as organized trampoline basketball, aerobics and dodgeball activities. Under the permit, the business will be allowed to operate from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.

• Approved rezoning 5832 Flint St. to allow the owner, who expected to close on the property before the end of the year, to convert a single-family residence into a business. “The rezoning of the property allows the structure to be renovated for viable use,” planning director Paul Chaffee said in a staff report.

• Elected Council member Mickey Sandifer to serve as vice-chairman of the Council Committee. Beginning in January, the committee of the whole will replace the Council’s Public Works and Safety and Finance and Administration committees.

• Approved a special-use permit allowing Christine Foley-Mitchell to increase her home day care capacity from six to 10 children. Her home is in the 21500 block of W. 51st Terrace.

• Appointed Robin Frazee, Cathy Marks, Larry Pedrie and Justin Shobe to the Shawnee Convention and Visitors Bureau. Clifton Alexander and JoLynn Brosnan were reappointed. All terms expire in December 2014.

• Reappointed Peter Erlich and Michelle “Shelley” Fabac to the Shawnee Parks and Recreation Board, with terms expiring in December 2014.

• Approved the city’s 2012 State Legislative Program.

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