GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

August 16, 2021                                                                                                                                5:00 P.M.

Mayor John Garcia called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor Jay Dee Brumbaugh, Commissioner Aaron Thompson and Commissioner J. J. Howard responding to roll call.  Commissioner Gary Farris was reported absent.

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Frank Hayes – Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, Kenton Keith – Director of Streets and Facilities, Danny Krayca – Director of Parks, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Cherise Tieben – Interim City Manager.

Mayor Garcia led Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda – ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh to approve Agenda as presented seconded by Commissioner Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

1. Goodland Regional Medical Center Update: Craig Loveless – Craig, Goodland Regional Medical Center CEO stated, I would like to give a quick overview of what we are working on at the hospital.  Our biggest focus is working to mend community relationships.  The hospital does not do well without the community and likewise, the community without the hospital.  We are working first on finances striving to increase volumes to get clients back to Pre-COVID numbers.   We realize healthcare is a choice, but we have to earn that choice.  We are also trying to keep monies received under CARES act.  We have until September to utilize the money, but we have one shot.  We feel we have enough lost revenue to keep dollars so we do not have to send money back.  The hospital is up to 192 days cash on hand, even with COVID.  I am pleased with our staff, but our concern is the number of open positions, not just in healthcare but all businesses.  The concern is what the employee is truly making, adding in benefits.  The real issue is not unique to healthcare; there is staffing shortage everywhere.  As a means of providing communication and improve teamwork, we allow our employees to evaluate senior leadership team.  Our employees have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the community.  Internally they created a tag team effort to help out in other areas of work.  We are short on environmental services so people are volunteering to step up and help clean their area.  What can we do to help the City of Goodland?  Mayor Garcia stated, we appreciate you coming to visit with us.  I have been researching hospital closures; to have a hospital in our condition speaks volumes with many small hospitals closing.  I commend your staff.  We have had open communication with hospital leaders in the past.  We are in this together; no one is leading the role.  We need to be partners to better serve our community.  Craig stated, when I was hired they asked for stability for the hospital, instead of the revolving door they have had in past.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, you are also working in Atwood hospital, but planning on living in Goodland.  Craig stated, we have a home under contract in Goodland.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, I mention that because it is important people know.  Craig stated, we enjoy living in rural America.  We will be part of whichever community we live.  Commissioner Howard stated, thank you for the information on the hospital and hope to continue to move forward. 
2. Sherman County Community Development Update: Julica Oharah – Julica stated, we are working on the CDBG grant the City was awarded.  Applications were available for local businesses on August 9^th and  applications need to be completed and submitted to Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission.  Our committee will then review qualification and award.  Our committee is two members from our board and the City Manager or Chair.  This is a great opportunity for businesses in community.  We are in the process of completing a housing assessment for Sherman County with RGB Planning and Design.  They will complete assessment utilizing focus groups in the community.  Once they have compiled information we will get a presentation and invite the Commission and other groups to listen.  At the Welcome Center and VanGogh our summer intern has recorded 1,800 visitors in June and 1,200 in July.  From January to May there were between 800-1,000.  The public does not see it, but we do.  We are only missing visitors from three states and have had visitors from multiple countries.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, it is nice to see this all come together after COVID. 

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 08/02/21 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2021-16, 2021-16A, and 2021-P16

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Thompson to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 

REPORTS

1. Interim City Manager – 1.  We are losing Code Enforcement Officer.  We have been receiving applications for Building Official and will be reviewing applications.  2.  We received applications for City Manager that we will discuss later.  3.  I received the easement on Wilkens property and need to determine Commission’s desires.  4.  We had a request to consider chickens and will have a work session with staff on September 20^th to review.  5.  Neal’s father passed away so he will be out for a few days.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, are we still considering the Building Official and Code Enforcement positions separate?  Cherise stated, makes sense to combine them now.
2. City Commissioners

Commissioner Thompson – 1.  No Report 

Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Farris – 1.  Absent, No Report 

• Mayor – 1.  Condolences to the Thornburg family.  2.  It has been a busy two weeks with fair, saw many City employees volunteering time.  Thank you for what you do.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) for personnel matters of nonelected personnel – Mayor Garcia made a motion at 5:26 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel not to exceed twenty minutes.   I request the Commission and Interim City Manager be present.  Commissioner Howard seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4-0.  Meeting resumed at 5:46 p.m.  Mayor Garcia made a second motion at 5:47 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel not to exceed ten minutes.   I request the Commission and Interim City Manager be present.  Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4-0.  Meeting resumed at 5:57 p.m. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh seconded by Commissioner Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for September 7, 2021.

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ATTEST:                                                                                John Garcia, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk