March 4, 2024 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

March 4, 2024                                                                                                                       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 –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, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Thompson led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

  1. Unfit Building: 122 W. 14th St. – Mayor Thompson opened the public hearing on the unfit building at 122 W. 14th St. at 5:01 p.m.  Zach stated, after last discussion I was contracted by contractor and they obtained their license.  He then did not contact me again until last Friday to get demolition permit.  Does the commission want to provide a time line for property owner?  Mayor Thompson stated, I am frustrated with situation as he indicated he wanted to improve property but we are not seeing any action.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I am pleased he started process to get permit but it seems we have to hold their feet to the fire to move forward.  Kent stated, we have Resolution 1626 prepared if the commission would like to approve that provides property owner 30 days to demolish property.  If not demolished, we will continue to move forward with bids.  Zach stated, I suggested to owner that they attend meeting but he did not reply.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel we need to set a date because they are dragging their feet.  Mayor Thompson closed the public hearing on the unfit building at 122 W. 14th St. at 5:03 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Reid Petty District Director for Senator Moran – Reid stated, I work in Kansas offices in Manhattan and Hays.  I will be covering northwest Kansas and wanted to introduce myself to inform you to reach out to me if needed.  We also provide governmental services for people that may need assistance or letters of support for federal grants.  I appreciate all you do at the local level, it is a thankless job.  Commission thanked Reid for coming to meeting. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 02/20/24 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2024-05, 2024-05A, and 2024-P05

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

PRESENTATION & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. 2024 Girls State Wrestling Champion – Coach Joseph Sramek stated, Goodland made history with first ever girls state wrestling champion.  Destiny Gonzalez is a junior and has put a lot of time into the sport since 7th Grade and finished 34-6 this year.  She is a great representative for our community and the state.  Mayor Thompson proclaimed March 4th as Goodland Cowgirls State Championship Day, congratulating Destiny Gonzalez on her outstanding accomplishment as 2024 3A Girls State 140 pound Wrestling Champion.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1769: Allow Sunday Sales – Kent stated, the request for clarification in Section 2 on time for Sunday sales is revised in ordinance for clarification.  Mayor Thompson stated, the ordinance does not require business to be open just, gives you the right to be open.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Ordinance 1769: Allow Sunday Sales seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Resolution 1626: 122 W. 14th – Mayor Thompson stated, this resolution deems structure as unsafe and gives owner 30 days to demolish property before we start bid process.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1626: 122 W. 14th Street seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. City Attorney Contract Renewal – Kent stated, copy of contract is in packet for additional two year term at the agreed amount of $5,250 per month.   ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve the contract renewal with Jake Kling, City Attorney in the amount of $5,250 per month seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Cemetery Board Appointment – Mayor Thompson stated, this request is to reappoint Tamara Hayes who has served on the Cemetery Board for a number of years.  Tamara has submitted an application to renew her appointment and board recommends approval.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the reappointment of Tamara Hayes to the Cemetery Board for a three year term seconded by Commissioner Meyers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  3. KMEA Board of Director Appointment – Kent stated, this is a request to reappoint Chris Douglass, Power Plant Foremen, as Director 2 on the KMEA Board of Directors for a two year term.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the reappointment of Chris Douglass as Director 2 to the KMEA Board of Directors seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  4. Prior Bid Award for Caldwell Avenue: Bidder Ownership Change – Mayor Thompson stated, the Commission awarded the Caldwell project to McCormick Asphalt & Paving who was purchased by Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc.  The contract award needs to reflect the acquisition.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to change the name on all contracts and legal documents for the Cost Share project on Caldwell Avenue, including the notice of bid award for $393,980.85 to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc. due to the recent acquisition of McCormick Asphalt & Paving by Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc. seconded by Commissioner Meyers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. Replacement of 2 Poles on Electric Tie in Line – Dustin stated, Sunflower Electric will be replacing two poles on our 7-mile tie to the City of Goodland.  During the replacement the City Power Plant will generate electricity during the replacement.  We had an inspection in November and two poles were tagged for replacement.  They have given us a 3-day window time period from March 13th to 15th to replace poles.  There will be some additional generation costs.  We cannot work on the line so Sunflower will send a crew to replace them.  Public should not see any issues as we will be running before they disconnect.  The line was put in during the 1980’s so the poles have held up well.  Commissioner Showalter stated, we can do a press release to let public know and recognize our power plant crew for having the ability to run.  Dustin stated, our plant is an asset as we have no other tie to the outside world. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. February month end financial report is in the packet.  3.  After presentation last commission meeting, Barb from CMI will attend next meeting as well as Planning Commission.  Staff has been reviewing the 35 recommendations to determine if staff can make changes to code or we need CMI to provide recommendation to give Commission an estimated time frame.  Most ordinances will require review by both Planning and City Commission because affect zoning code.  Majority of recommendations can be done by staff or staff and have CMI review.  There are a few that require experts to help with ordinance. Barb wants a discussion not a presentation.  Mayor Thompson stated, when we start process then get down to make changes, it becomes difficult.  I am glad she is coming out to discuss.  4.  The Parks, Streets and Electric crews did a good job installing the playground shade structure.  Danny stated, we could not have completed project without help from other crews.  We had ten employees over eleven days and two loads of cement to complete project.  This is largest project Parks crew has done.  The park has been busy since shade went up.  Mayor Thompson stated, it looks good and is really heavy.  It took a lot of work.  Kent asked, what is good date for ribbon cutting at park?  We will invite Paige Ely who started the idea.  Consensus of commission is to schedule ribbon cutting sometime next week.   5.  The museum is submitting a grant application for restoration of mammoth tusk.  She has contacted KU who said they will be able to restore it and design a metal piece for mounting.  6.  The 2025 budget calendar is in the packet.  The main obstacles setting stage for budget is when we receive valuation from County which is around June 17th.  Then the County needs City response regarding RNR by July 19th which follows second meeting in July.  We will try to start presentation second meeting in June then again July 1st.  The Commission can consider information and how want to proceed.  Staff needs to complete other information before June meeting.  7.  I asked Zach to provide an update on nuisance properties.  Zach stated, the two trailers at 516 W. Hwy 24 have been removed.  The double wide at 716 W. 8th has been removed; they are working to get property cleaned up.  At 1004 Kansas I have been in contact with property owner.  They will be cleaning up property.  Property at 1608 Cherry was condemned previously but they have renovated property and almost ready to occupy.  I am working with City Attorney for property at 416 W. 4th.  8.  The Leadership Kansas application I submitted did not make cut for this class.  They did recommend I submit another application next year.  9.  Annual water use information is included in your packet.  With moisture in spring and early summer our water usage was down last year.  It was the lowest in fifteen years.  300,000,000 gallons were pumped which equates to 183 gallons per capita per day for Goodland.  We need to be better with water consumption and conservation.  Hays has been required to be in a program for a number of years and their per capita per day average is in the 80’s.  10.  I had an individual inquire as to whether the City would be interested in selling our property on Highway 24.  They are having to move their business.  Does the City have any interest for me to discuss with individual?  It is not retail but a commercial business.  Mayor Thompson stated, that property is located in a commercial district.  I would want it to tie into other businesses in area.      
  2. City Commissioners

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Congratulations to Cowboys and Cowgirls, good luck at state.  

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Echo comments of Commissioner Redlin.

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  I would like to recognize KHP Trooper Scott Baker.  KHP awarded him for largest cocaine seizure in Kansas and most drug and currency seizures in the state.  I know he works with Jason and his officers.  We are lucky he is stationed in Goodland, he does a great job. 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  Echo comments of Commissioner Redlin.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive session was not held.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2024. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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