May 1, 2023 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

May 1, 2023                                                                                                                           5:00 P.M.

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

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Jason Erhart – 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

  1. Craig Loveless: GRMC Update – Craig gave a GRMC first quarter 2023update.  We have been able to transfer less patients out, which is good.  We continue to work on our strategic plan with focus on staff, marketing, growing service lines and investing in equipment.  We are available for a joint meeting when it can be scheduled.   
  2. Wayne Boll: 1523 Colorado – Wayne stated, I am getting the one trailer dismantled and utilities are on to house.  I feel mess will be cleaned up by end of week.  Mayor Thompson stated, there are two trailers at property.  You say one is gone and one is still there?  Wayne stated, yes and plumbing is there.  I will get water line put in, then turn power on.  Mayor Thompson asked, there is no water line to trailer?  Wayne stated, correct I have not been able to get line installed.  I have started working so it has slowed me down.  Mayor Thompson stated, I appreciate what you have done and will take this into consideration when discuss issue. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 04/17/23 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2023-09, 2023-09A and 2023-P09

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Julicia Oharah: SCCD Update – Julicia stated, we continue moving forward with grants.  We will begin installing sound system down town and the library and school projects are moving ahead well.  I am excited we received the BASE grant.  We are revisiting the MIH grant and plan to meet with housing committee to make adjustments to grant.  At the end of April I went to Heartland training program. There was good networking for things we can implement in a rural community.  We have a good core team working on new leadership program for community and we would like to begin program this year.  Our event system is rolling out this weekend with Mama’s Day out, then our first concert is scheduled for June 9th.  Commissioner Showalter stated, thank you for working with Brenna on BASE grant.  Everyone worked together for us to get an award. 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. IFB 2023-05: Demolition Bid Award – Zach stated, staff recommends awarding bid for demolition.  Does the plumbing have a hookup to sewer line as I do not see it on the GIS?  Wayne stated, of course it does. Mayor Thompson stated, the bid was to demolish two trailers but only one is standing.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, the frame of one and the second trailer remain there.   Wayne stated, the one trailer is sold and will be picked up in couple days.  Mayor Thompson asked, you mentioned piping water over from other house?  Wayne stated, it was suggested to do by the downstairs office.  I have money to turn utilities on, but cannot complete process without water installed.  Kent stated, that situation will create more problems and city code does not allow two properties connected to one meter.  That also was not the only issue with the property.  Wayne stated, one trailer is shot and the other trailer was kept up until my father passed a few years ago.  There is nothing structurally wrong with my father’s trailer.  Mayor Thompson stated, this has been an ongoing discussion for some time.  I thought in a previous discussion you were using parts from one trailer to fix other trailer.  Wayne stated, that is correct.  In taking down one trailer I have gained a lot of knowledge.  The other trailer only has two leaks that I know how to fix.  Commissioner Showalter asked, why are you selling property?  Wayne stated, I wanted to see what interest I could get on the house.  The gentleman I mentioned before has stepped up to help me.  My yard is a mess because I have had to take stuff out of house.  Commissioner Showalter stated, this has carried on for months, I wonder if you think we are serious.  We have given you ample time and feel we keep getting the run around.  The progress we have asked for is not there.  Wayne stated, I am making progress you requested but did not bring pictures.  I am tired of it also.  Commissioner Showalter stated, if we vote tonight, I will vote for demolition.  It is taking up time and we need to deal with other issues.  Wayne stated, I am working hard and am close to completion.  Mayor Thompson stated, you still have the issue with water meter.  Wayne stated, I was at a bad part in my life but I am willing to do the work myself.  I have a good job now so I can get taxes paid and property improved.  Mayor Thompson asked, why do you want to keep trailer so bad?  Wayne stated, it is the reason I came here as that is all I have left of my dad.  Mayor Thompson stated, I appreciate what you are feeling.  The bid was for two trailers but now we are down to one.  Kent stated, we have one and the remains of second, if it is not removed.  The vendor went to visit property last week, so it has not been long ago.  Zach confirmed the property is in different shape today.  There were issues with both trailers on property.  Either way, to consider allowing property to remain, the trailer must be habitable.  A recommendation would be to allow staff to review bid to determine if adjustments should be made.  Going forward, it would be difficult to have two utility bills.  Wayne stated, I planned on renting the house and live in trailer.  I also have considered fixing up both to rent and leave the area.  Kent stated, we are trying to follow the rules.  These are difficult choices but we need to be fair to the neighbors and you.  We could check on current status of property and work with vendor.  There was a list on both trailers that needed addressed.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we need a strict timeline set up for improvements, if you miss one deadline, it all gets moved.  This puts us in a bad spot.  Kent stated, this does not mean you can remove things to neighboring properties.  Wayne stated, I intended to use city wide clean up to help haul stuff away.  Commissioner Showalter stated, that is not the purpose for city wide clean up.  Wayne stated, I am looking at a refrigerator, washer and dryer.  I want to take responsibility for what I need to do.  This is my last attempt, I want it gone.  Commissioner Redlin stated, we need clarification of bid adjustments and I question how the trailer is livable.  Is sewer really hooked up?  If we do not see movement by next meeting and a plan in place we need to move forward with demolition with adjusted bid.  Mayor Thompson stated, I agree with Kent and Commissioner Redlin. Jake stated, if you want to table the bid that is what needs to happen.  If you want to award the bid, you need to call for the vote.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to table award of IFB 2023-05 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-1 with Commissioner Showalter casting the dissenting vote.  Mayor Thompson stated, we will plan to have timelines at next meeting.  Jake stated, I would recommend rebid property demolition because of changes.  Mayor Thompson stated, you can see patience is wearing; we appreciate what you have been doing recently. 

DISCUSSION

  1. BASE Grant Awarded: next steps – Kent stated, City received award of BASE grant to install water and sewer lines and streets within a portion of industrial park.  Originally it appeared we would be required to do an RFQ for engineering services but we have an alternative because it would take time.  Their request states if you have a designated engineer, which we have our engineer that was designated with Airport Master Plan.  We are submitting information for EBH to perform engineering and see if Department of Commerce (DOC) accepts our information, if not we will have to do an RFQ.  They are requiring a lot of other documentation then will award first distribution for project.  The grant money needs to be spent within two years.  We need to develop construction plans before we bid construction.  Most likely it will be the beginning of 2024.  Mayor Thompson asked, is there a benefit not to do an RFQ other than timeline?  Kent stated, it would be difficult to have a different engineering firm request plans for work completed to date.  Mayor Thompson asked, is there a financial benefit?  Kent stated, pricing for engineering services do not vary much, fees are standard based on project costs.  Costs are not included with an RFQ, just qualifications.  Commissioner Showalter asked, have we approached the foundation to assist with part of city portion for project?  Kent stated, now that we received notice of award we will look at options.  By next meeting we will have information for the city’s costs.  We will have the local costs going forward whether or not we get assistance.  The DOC requires documentation where local funds are from, but can amend.   
  2. Sale of Real Property: terms and procedure – Kent stated, I was contacted by an individual regarding property on Highway 24 that ended up in City ownership.  Property used to be known as K-Inn, east of Mosbarger Farms and E-Free Church.  This property went through same process we are going through with 1523 Colorado.  The demolition cost city about $40,000.  The City ended up with property in a tax sale.  It is a little over an acre in a commercial zone.  A neighboring property owner asked if we were interested in selling property.  Jake stated, when you sell public property, it has to be advertised to seek best market price.  Kent asked, does commission have interest in selling commercial property.  The individual asking wants property to store additional equipment.  The process must be a public process.  Jake stated, this is not like the property on Main Street where things need to be addressed with property that was given to school.  This property is vacant and cleared.  Commissioner Showalter asked, does it have to be by bid or can we list with realtor.  Jake stated, either way, realtor, advertisement or auction are all public processes.  Mayor Thompson stated, the City got property at tax sale and it could be a prime piece of property.  I am not certain we should own property just to be owning property.  I feel there can be a better use of property than equipment storage.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel it would be better to advertise as we can choose whether or not to accept bid, unlike an auction.  Commissioner Showalter stated, it is a great spot to have real estate and if selling we want to get best price.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, would we get a better price from a realtor?  Jake stated, if you want to list with realtor you will have to seek qualifications since public property.  Commissioner Showalter asked, are there other properties to sell and package together?  Kent stated, two residential properties by West Elementary.  Mayor Thompson stated, we planned to keep residential property for MIH if we receive grant.  Commissioner Showalter stated, that is correct, we should not include residential lots.  Consensus of commission is for Kent to provide information on sale of property to next meeting. 

Jake stated, I recommend an executive session under attorney client privileges to summarize discussion on the demolition bid award. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo, 1st quarter financial statement and police monthly activity reports are in packet.  2.  Jason stated, we had site inspection by personnel from law enforcement training facility reviewing our accreditation.  We were 90% compliant; however, removing information that is not applicable, we are 95% compliant.  We are in process of completing policies required.  They recommended other agencies review our process.  Overall our initial inspection went well.  We have an inter-local agreement with dispatch that needs additional information to abide by chapter 18 and 19 of accreditation standards.  Dispatch is following them but the agreement was last updated in 2016 and must be updated with accreditation standards.  In addition, we will have to approve the agreement annually or add information that agreement remains in force with changes in Mayor.  We have done away with all past polices and rebranded policies for accreditation.  There are a few more remaining then Jake will review rebranded policy manual followed by staff review.  3. Zach passed certification for residential building inspections.  He will be heading back for next course in near future.  We are also looking for volunteers from electric and plumbing for certification as backup in those areas.  This process has showed it is tough to rely on Brian James as backup because he is very busy.  4.  Drainage project by cemetery behind Spruce Street is complete.  The area held water.  This flume connected to two existing flumes to get water to drain toward Main Street.  This should work and there are no plans to do additional work in area.  5.  Spring cleanup is May 4th and 5th.  Only certain items allowed in pickup.  Kenton stated, we will start at 17th and Cattletrail, moving across town. 
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Did you follow up with squatter incidents?  Kent stated, owner of property with camper is addressing issue.  The others are unconfirmed reports. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION –  Under the Authority of KSA 75-4319 (b) (2) for Attorney-Client Privileges – Mayor Thompson made a motion at 6:27 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (2) for attorney-client privileges not to exceed ten minutes.   I request City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney and Zach be present.  Commissioner Showalter seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5-0.  Meeting resumed at 6:37 p.m. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for May 15, 2023. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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