June 3, 2024 Commission Minutes

June 3, 2024 Commission Minutes

June 3, 2024 Commission Minutes

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GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

June 3, 2024                                                                                                                  5:00 P.M.

Mayor Aaron Thompson called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard, Commissioner Ann Myers and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call.  Commissioner Jason Showalter was reported absent.

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Tim Wright –Assistant Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, Kenton Keith – Director of Streets and Facilities, Neal Thornburg – Director of Water and Wastewater, Danny Krayca – Director of Parks, Zach Hildebrand – Code Enforcement/Building Official, Jake Kling – City Attorney, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Thompson led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 05/20/2024 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2024-11, 2024-11A and 2024-P11

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

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Ben Schears: NWKTC Update – Ben stated, I appreciate the relationship the college has working with various city departments, especially in inclement weather.  We are going through our affiliation which is a game changer, but we are in home stretch.  We are waiting on governing bodies in higher education to give final authorization.  Anticipate receiving approval late June to July.  When that happens will be Fort Hays Tech/NW.  Our colors will be black and gold with a tiger mascot.  We experienced change before and are excited to continue.  Governance transfers to the University but operations will remain same.  The current board will become an advisory board.  The University Board has delegated a lot of authority back to our local board.  It will be good for not only the students but also business and industry.  There will be a lot of signage changes on campus and throughout the community so it will be a busy summer.  Enrollment was up last year 9%.  We graduated 150 students which was one of our biggest classes.  Many are staying in the area and we are seeing salaries come up from regional employers.  Enrollment for fall is trending up.  Crews are working to refresh campus with paint.  Our big challenge is housing, which is not a big surprise.  We have been working with local landlords so we have a contact for the students.  It has been good working with State of Kansas.  We received a $1.5M base grant opportunity for new equipment and allowed us to hire a full time CDL instructor.  State appropriations were down this year.  We are evaluating a request for short term certification training for applicators licenses or CDL.  We had a lot of students and administration clean out the building at 1008 Main and it is maintained in same shape as before.  We brought in GMCN architects who brought in a structural engineer.  The good news, we discovered it has a really good basement floor.  The south and north wall are in pretty good shape but the west wall has a crack which is our biggest concern.  Moving forward, if we are going to make the building habitable we will have to replace that wall.  It is a significant structure with three brick walls that will be a significant cost to have it back in operation.  The estimate is about $700,000 which only includes putting footers in the basement to shore up the structure of the building, rebuild the entire first and second floors and a construction engineer recommended the roof be replaced.  The biggest problem that has held up progress on building is the funding.  We have applied for grants but none were awarded.  We are working with Senator Moran on congressional spending requests.  We received notice we made list and our request will move on to U.S. Congress.  Our request was for $1.75M for additional improvements beyond the original estimate from GMCN.  We would like to create the expansion of advanced manufacturing in northwest Kansas and setup different labs in the building.  In addition we will be partnering with Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to work with the students and utilize their resources.  Fort Hays is the entity that oversees SBDC.  With the interstate, our airport and rail system, there is no reason we cannot have some advanced manufacturing in Goodland.  Commissioner Myers asked, will you be adding programs, other than the CDL program you mentioned?  Ben stated, we are looking at a Power Sports program to work on ATV’s, UTV’s and side by side’s.  There are a few others but we are not willing to go public yet.  Mayor Thompson stated, it is fun to see all the activities with the growth and expansion you have brought to the college.  I hope you get some funding to come through for the building on Main Street.    

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Award Bid: Street Sweeper – Kent stated, we received five bids from two vendors on the IFB for the street sweeper.  Kenton stated, we were able to demo each piece of equipment.  We currently run a Pelican sweeper and attended a class on Global, which is lowest bid.  We have spent a lot of money in ten years on the existing Pelican.  Global is a little different machine and numerous neighboring towns are using equipment.  I spoke to Public Works Director in Wichita; they used a Pelican before then went to Global and will not go back.  The bid does not include a third broom, which we do not need, but we added an arrow stick for an additional $3,000.  Bids for the Pelicans were all standard equipment, no options.  To add options to the current Pelican bids, price would exceed $300,000.  Global is more user friendly and one man can change brooms.  We feel global will be better machine for City.  Levi Wassemiller, City Mechanic, looked at the equipment.  After he went to Global class he was in favor of it.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the bid from Berry Tractor & Supply for the Global M3 Street Sweeper in the amount of $265,158 seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Mayor Thompson stated, the money has been budgeted in MERF.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
  2. Airport Hangar Lease Termination: Scott’s Flying Service- Kent stated, Taylor Scott no longer intends to operate spraying service at Renner Field or build hangar as stated in his lease.  At Airport Board meeting in April he just started conversations to build hangar, but he is working out of another hangar.  Board gave him one month and have had no contact.  At last board meeting, the Board recommended the Commission terminate his lease.  Taylor made contact with staff last week and has signed termination.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve termination of the airport lease for Lots 1 & 2 with Scott’s Flying Service at Renner Field seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. CMB License: The Rec Room – Kent stated, Neal Watson is opening The Rec Room in the 1200 block of Main Street and has applied for a CMB license for consumption on premises.  All inspections and background checks are complete and met requirements.  With initial application the applicant must appear at meeting.  Neal stated, we are getting close to being open, looking at June 21st.  Mayor Thompson stated, I stopped to look at facility and it looks nice.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the CMB License for The Rec Room seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  4. IFB2024-0502: 1526 Caldwell – Zach stated, this is to cleanup nuisance property at 1526 Caldwell.  We received bids from A-2 Construction for $5,200, Goody’s for $4,000 and S & M Repair for $1,000 who also included insurance as requested.  I recommend low bid from S & M Repair for the outside cleanup at 1526 Caldwell.  This includes removal of vehicles on property that are not tagged.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve the bid from S & M Repair for outside cleanup at 1526 Caldwell seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. Resolution 1636: 2024 GAAP Waiver – Kent stated, due to the questions received last year on the need for the GAAP waiver staff completed additional research to document reasons for the resolution.  Basically if you have the waiver, the City operates under other accounting principles allowed by statute, such as KMAG.  The biggest reason many cities go this route is it changes the accounting from cash to modified accrual, which includes money forth coming.  There is additional work required for reporting.  The biggest thing that came out with GASB-34 in the 90’s was for the depreciation of assets, including City’s assets like infrastructure and streets.  When you come to the end of the depreciation schedule, what do you do?  What is the purpose?  You will not build a new street.  There is no way any community can afford to replace the infrastructure and streets.  GAAP requires additional accounting, auditing and engineering, which are additional expenses.  You make improvements as required.  Bond Counsel indicates the additional information does not make a difference with bond ratings.  It is a complicated subject.  Included in packet is the statute and information on City’s approving waivers.  You are not violating statute or requirements from State.  There are many larger first class City’s that approve the waiver.   For cities of second class only 9 out of 90 operate according to GAAP.  The other 81 cities approve the waiver.  Neighboring communities all do cash basis.  Mayor Thompson stated, I never understood reason so I wanted to look into it.  I feel there is value in the information, especially when evaluating rate changes.  I feel we have done a good job last few years focusing on problem areas and not waiting until there is a major problem.  I appreciate your work to explain waiver.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Resolution 1636: GAAP Waiver seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  2. Resolution 1637: Set Public Hearing for De-annexation –Kent stated, with recent de-annexation in Energy Center, Dwight Chipperfield came in to discuss another de-annexation in Energy Center.  This is for lots 17 and 18.  A petition has been filed and this is next step.  Dwight stated, there are no city services and City does not have interest in providing services so I requested to de-annex.  Mayor Thompson stated, the resolution sets a hearing for questions on the de-annexation.  Hearing will be at July 1st meeting at 5 p.m.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Resolution 1637: Setting Public Hearing for De-Annexation seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. 122 W. 14th St: Demo Removal – Zach stated, we need to keep putting property on agenda because they begin work on property.  I have had no contact but they began work today.  I recommend we table pursuing bids until further action is needed. 
  4. Proceeds from Industrial Park Lot Sale – Mayor Thompson stated, the sale of the lot is complete and I requested this item on the agenda to discuss where the proceeds could be used.  Do we want to reinvest in community or put in reserve?   Last year we put a lot of money in sprinklers at Phillips Park but equipment is old.  My thoughts are to invest in Phillips Park equipment, shelters and landscaping.  I do not feel we should stop with sprinkler system.  Commissioner Myers stated, that is a good idea, that park is used a lot.  Kent stated, as a reminder, the base grant project in Industrial Park starts June 10th.  With grant we will complete street and all lots will be served with water and sewer.  When EBH presented change order, projected costs were spot on to total allowed.  I do not expect additions but I would recommend using this money if we have changes, rather than taking from water and sewer reserve.  If project is complete as presented there should not be a problem.  Danny and I have discussed improvements needed in Phillips Park with the Park Board.  The park is used a lot, especially by school children. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. May month end financial report is in the packet.  3.  Street department started Cherry Street Road Project today.  Kenton stated, today we removed half the asphalt; it is thicker than anticipated.  I hope removal is done tomorrow, then dirt work and add concrete millings then concrete.  4.  On the emergency demolition at 320 W. 3rd Street, low bid for demolition was B & K pumping.  We need receive special waste disposal permit from KDHE to proceed.   5.  The PAPI installation project is not proceeding well.  Continue with conflicts between standards to follow between FAA, engineering and contractor.  We are still waiting on couple items to complete project.  They want to put in a lighting system then tear it out later to put in LED’s.  Grounding effect has been a discussion.  It is not a lot of work but it is according to FAA specifications.  6.  TheIndustrial Park street and utilities project will start June 10th.  7.  As a reminder the Commission tour of City facilities is June 6th at 5:00 p.m. and will visit a number of sights until 7:30.  We will meet at the museum and power plant, look at water tower at plant, then Phillips Parks, followed by discussing 8th Street project at 8th and Kansas.  From there we will go to the wastewater treatment plant and airport to look at new snow removal equipment and finish up at police department.    8.  2025 budget calendar is included in your packet as a reminder.  Within three meetings have to make decision of RNR but we will not get estimated valuation information until right before meeting.  9.  David Blochlinger has contacted me about the property for Sherman 4C’s.  They are interested in property on West 10th.  What conditions does commission want included in contract before we develop contract.  Jake stated, they want property gifted for a cause.  Our concern is if project does not continue in a few years, what happens to land.  Their plan is to develop property and if project does not proceed they stated they would sell property.  What does commission want to do in that case?  They have water and sewer to property.  Mayor Thompson asked, are they looking at one lot?  Kent stated, they are starting with one house on lot next to the house, but they would like second one available if needed.   Mayor Thompson stated, there has been a lot of discussion and I feel they are moving in good direction.  Property would be good for them but I have not thought what to do if project fails.  I feel City should get something back for the lot if they sell the property.  Commissioner Myers stated, their funding is grants so unsure how long it will take.  Mayor Thompson stated, we are not doing anything with the lots and are not against any time frame to have structure built or get property back.  However, if sell property for profit, I feel City should get something back.  Commissioner Myers stated, that is my concern but I am unsure on time frame.  Mayor Thompson stated, they want to move forward as soon as they can with funding.  Jake stated, I feel it is appropriate for the City to commit lot to them, then once break ground we can give them the land.  It is to their benefit for the City to hang on to property so it will not be taxed.  Once it changes to their name they will pay taxes since they are not a 501-c3.  I do not know if the City has a number they want to get back if they sell the land.  We could make it similar to them renting the property to justify the number as a lien that is released after said time frame.  Mayor Thompson stated, it is a good opportunity and would like to have a time frame for them to proceed with project.  Kent stated, a MOU that states we will hold property in our name until their funding is available will assist as a document for grant funding.  Jake stated, it could be an amount that is scaled based on years they use property.  Mayor Thompson stated, I feel that amount would be the value of the lot, scaled back.  10. Movie night at the pool is June 7th.  We will close early to set up for the two movies.  Swim meet is Saturday, later in day to be able to setup for the meet.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Absent, No Report 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  I would like to personally thank the Goodland Police Department.  They saved me a lot of heartache.  It goes unnoticed the information you have to act on.  They handled my situation very professionally.    

  • Mayor Thompson– 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2024.

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ATTEST:                                                                                Aaron Thompson, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk