GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

January 18, 2015                                                                                                                                           5:00 P.M.

Meeting was called to order by Vice-Mayor Annette Fairbanks with Commissioner Gwen Mai and Commissioner John Garcia responding to roll call.  Mayor Brian Linin and Commissioner Gary Farris were reported absent.

Also present were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works, Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Joni Showalter-Police Chief, Suzanne McClure – Economic Development Director, Alex Weis – Code Enforcement, Mary Volk – City Clerk, Gerry Bieker – City Manager and Jerry Fairbanks – City Attorney. 

Vice-Mayor Fairbanks led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

1. Unfit Structure: 120 Walnut Avenue – Vice-Mayor Fairbanks opened hearing for 120 Walnut at 5:01 p.m. James Paladino property owner stated, I put about $4,000 into property but have experienced health problems and have been unable to continue repairs.  I am now able to begin repairs again.  Hearing closed at 5:02 p.m.
2. Unfit Structure: 316 E. 2^nd Street – Vice-Mayor Fairbanks opened hearing for 316 E. 2^nd Street at 5:02 p.m. Justin Lamb stated, I am in process of purchasing property. I have cleaned up the property and have ordered windows.  Hearing closed at 5:03 p.m.
3. Unfit Structure: 515 W. 9^th Street – Vice-Mayor Fairbanks opened hearing for 515 W. 9^th Street at 5:03 p.m. Ben Bliss property owner stated, I plan to tear it down.  The garage in back needs to be saved and I still have stuff to take out of property.  We did not receive money from insurance on the fire.  It is not feasible to fix the property up.  Hearing closed at 5:04 p.m.
4. Unfit Structure: 408 W. 6^th Street – Vice-Mayor Fairbanks opened hearing for 408 W. 6^th Street at 5:04 p.m. Summer Sharon property owner stated, I just paid off house and am waiting for tax return to work on house.  The roof, siding, fence and porches will be complete this spring when weather warms up.  Hearing closed at 5:08 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 01/04/2016 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. 01/12/2016 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
3. Appropriation Ordinances , 2016-02, 2016-02A, and 2016-P02

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 1468: Unfit Structure-120 Walnut Avenue – Gerry stated, resolution states property owner has thirty days to commence repairs to improve property.  In the past the Commission has asked the owner to set out a plan with Alex then return in thirty days to determine progress.  Alex stated, this property has been in City Court to get it cleaned up for close to a year and nothing has been done on property so City Attorney recommended we move forward in this manner.  During court process we tried setting a plan but will try again.  Commissioner Garcia asked, property owner said they have experienced health problems since last May and not able to do repairs, have we stayed in contact with him? Alex stated, yes recently through court process.  Jerry stated, our concern is health and sanitation because this property has not had running water or sewer for a couple years.  Alex stated, he says he is not residing at property but there is a wood burning stove running most of the time at property.  Commissioner Garcia asked, where is he living?  Jerry stated, we think the house but he says he is not there.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve Resolution 1468: Unfit Structure-120 Walnut Avenue seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  Commissioner Garcia stated, we need to ensure he understands we are not trying to be difficult to get along with but there are health concerns on property.  Gerry stated, that is how we approach all properties.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.  
2. Resolution 1469: Unfit Structure-316 E. 2^nd Street – Gerry stated, the same provisions are in this resolution.  Commissioner Mai stated, my concern is if Justin is in process of purchasing the property, is the owner aware property is being discussed.  Justin stated, the owner is present tonight.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Resolution 1469: Unfit Structure-316 E. 2^nd Street seconded by Commissioner Mai. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.  
3. Resolution 1470: Unfit Structure-515 W. 9^th Street – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Resolution 1470: Unfit Structure-515 W. 9^th Street seconded by Commissioner Mai. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.  
4. Resolution 1471: Unfit Structure-408 W. 6^th Street – Commissioner Mai stated, I want to make sure everyone knows whether Alex is contacting the property owner or they are to contact him. Gerry stated, the property owner is responsible for contacting Alex with a plan.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve Resolution 1471: Unfit Structure-408 W. 6^th Street seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.  

FORMAL ACTIONS

1. Appoint Voting Delegates for Kansas Rural Water Association – Gerry stated, Commission needs to appoint voting delegates for the Kansas Rural Water Association in March. I recommend the appointment of Rich Simon as Voting Delegate and Neal Thornburg as Alternate Voting Delegate.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to  appoint Rich Simon as Voting Delegate and Neal Thornburg as Alternate Voting Delegate at Kansas Rural Water Association seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
2. Airport Board Appointments – Gerry stated, Larry Dickey, Stuart Pittman and Jim Baker are interested in being re-appointed to the Airport Board. They have done a good job on board and have the best interest of the Airport and the Community in mind.  I recommend the Commission re-appoint them for three year terms.  Kevin Sanderson indicated interest if there was an opening; we will keep his name for the future.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to  re-appoint Larry Dickey, Stuart Pittman and Jim Baker to the Airport Board for three year terms seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

CORRESPONDENCE

1. City Managers Report- 1. I received a letter from Tom and Mary Butler requesting to be removed from City electric so they can hook up to Midwest Energy. They are outside City limits so fall under guidelines requiring additional costs.  I would like to review costs for outside city limits and consider these customers pay an increased meter cost rather than a higher charge for consumption.  There would be a minor revenue impact in our budget but feel we need to consider the change.  Sooner or later these customers will need water or waste water from City and we will have to work at that time to get them back on City services.  If they pay a higher meter cost, we can charge them the City rate for consumption.  I would like to bring an ordinance to the Commission to consider because of substantial costs to those outside city.  We have another issue regarding utilities that came up today that we will also address in the ordinance.  2. Hope everyone enjoyed the retreat; it was good information and I would like to have a work session to set goals the Commission would like to achieve.  In packet are letters of support to Senator Ostmeyer and Representative Billinger for the sale of land north of Smokey Gardens to the State, if the Commission would like to sign letters.  Consensus of Commission is to sign letters of support.  4. I meet with Fire Board tonight regarding their ongoing discussion of a Fire District.  It is in beginning stages but it is important that it is done right.  Commissioner Garcia asked, have they been in contact with County Commission?  Gerry stated, they have had some conversation and it is my understanding that they said it would have to be taken to the voters.  At this point I am recommending a feasibility study so we are not duplicating services.  Brian’s goal is to have one group of firemen for training and response.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I understand there can be a cap set on their tax levy but the problem people had in past was once they were their own taxing entity, they were not answering to the City or County Commission.  Gerry stated, the positive side is you have one group with a goal to concentrate on fire; you can cap the tax levy and sign an interlocal agreement with the District that has a reversion clause.  The Fire Board needs to take the lead. 

MAYOR AND COMMISSION REPORTS

1. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Mai – 1.  Thank City crews for repair on sink hole and water leak; it shows how important infrastructure is and importance of project we are planning.  Gerry stated, the water project and 19^th Street will be starting in next couple weeks.

Commissioner Farris – 1.  Absent, No Report 

Vice-Mayor Fairbanks – 1.  I appreciated information from retreat, it never hurts to revisit responsibilities of Commission.  I am in favor of having a planning session.

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  Echo Commissioner Mai’s comments on water leak.  2 The retreat was beneficial, would like to thank everyone for attending.

1. Mayors Report – Absent, No Report 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

1. Under the authority of KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel – Vice-Mayor Fairbanks made a motion at 5:37 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel for twenty minutes. I request the Commission, Gerry, Jerry and Jake Kling be present.  Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion.   MOTION carried by a VOTE of 3 to 0.  Meeting resumed at 5:57 p.m.    Vice-Mayor Fairbanks made a second motion at 5:57 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel for ten minutes.  I request the Commission, Gerry, Jerry and Jake Kling be present.  Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion.   MOTION carried by a VOTE of 3 to 0.  Meeting resumed at 6:07 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Vice-Mayor Fairbanks seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Annette Fairbanks, Vice – Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk