October 2, 2017 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

 

October 2, 2017                                                                                                                           5:00 P.M.

Mayor Brian Linin called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor Annette Fairbanks, Commissioner Gary Farris, Commissioner Gwen Mai and Commissioner John Garcia responding to roll call.

 

Also present were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works, Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Joni Showalter-Police Chief, Suzanne McClure – Economic Development Director, Mary Volk – City Clerk, and Andrew Finzen – City Manager.

 

Airport Board Members present were Jim Baker and Larry Dickey.

 

Mayor Linin led Pledge of Allegiance

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

Rea Stewart from Goodland Regional Medical Center (GRMC) introduced Chris Smolik, CEO GRMC, who is employed by Centura Health but governed by Hospital Board appointed by Sherman County Commission.  Chris stated, we have great staff and the hospital has a lot of opportunity.  Goodland has given me the best welcome I have received from a community.  I like to keep everyone updated through quarterly reports; looking forward to working in community.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 09/18/17 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances, 2017-19, 2017-19A, and 2017-P19

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. Citizen Concern: Parking on Sycamore Road – Andrew stated, a public citizen contacted staff about this issue but they are unable to attend tonight. Rea would like to discuss a solution.  The concern is south bound traffic at the intersection of Sycamore and Maple Streets north of hospital.  Currently the curb is restricted about two car lengths for buffer zone.  Hospital staff is parking back there and the concern is visibility at intersection.  Rea stated, this has been a concern for a number years.  We looked at it today and suggest painting curb on north side of street, leaving a couple parking spaces by pharmacy.  We feel this is enough parking to accommodate employees on south side of street and in parking lots shared by hospital and Good Samaritan Center.  Chris stated, we appreciate the City help with curb paint and street signs, then tickets can be issued for those that park there.  Rich stated, in past south side of street had problem with ambulance personnel but will do what Commission directs me.  Rea stated, the pharmacy would like parking spaces for his customers and employees.  We appreciate City help with paint and signs.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I feel this is a good answer to problem.  Rea stated, we are talking about curb on both sides of Sycamore on Maple Street.  Joni stated, do not forget you need to leave room for emergency room traffic.  Chris stated, we have to train everyone and there is plenty of parking in our two lots south of hospital.  We will take care of hospital side and enforce our parking lots if City will take care of street enforcement.  Andrew stated, we will place item on agenda for action at next meeting and inform citizens concerned of resolution.
  2. Airport Board: T-Hangar Rent –Andrew presented a time line recap of discussion on T-Hangar rent and finances for three airport funds.  Andrew stated, I have the following concerns about revisiting rent issue:  Budget FY18 has been set based on new rent rate; 2. Consistency of modifying leases sets a bad precedent; 3. Grant project funding since rent revenue helps reduce tax burdens on Goodland residents.  Many communities are dealing with this same issue and electing to raise rent.  I attended an airport seminar and these issues are not unique to Goodland.  Scott City has new hangars they are planning to rent for $125 to $150.  I have talked to other entities such as Burlington and they are watching to see what Goodland does before following suit.   4. The FAA is in preliminary discussion for T-Hangars to be substantially sound to ensure revenues cover costs, similar to USDA loans with rates covering costs.  Commission asked Jim to present information from Airport Board.  Jim stated, I feel comfortable if the Commission would ask the board questions about information provided.  We apologize for what happened as we feel we misinterpreted information presented.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks asked, can you go through the points the board disagrees with?  Jim stated, both times the T-Hangars were repainted with an insurance settlement.  We do not feel a maintenance fund to repaint hangars again should exist since it is done with insurance money.  At the rent rate of $75, we feel that is producing revenue of $24.  Taxes are another issue; we disagree with the numbers presented.  The full tax amount disclosed is not just for T-Hangars.  Another item is grant funding.  Everything in City is paid for by all citizens of the City through taxes.  However, T-hangars were paid 100% by people renting them.  City does not have good records about T-Hangars.  City Council would not have built hangars in 1975 into a negative position.  It was decided when the hangars were paid off that rent money could go into a fund to make needed improvements for hangars.  We feel rent money paid into fund is for improvements.  Our recommendation is there needs to be more money put into airport fund that goes toward grant assurances.  The number we feel is revenue neutral is $52.  The renters feel we have to pay property taxes plus pay additional to store our airplane when this is a City airport and like other City facilities, used by a few but everyone pays.  No one pays into airport fund except those renting T-Hangars.  Andrew stated, the airport fund has had levies in past but has no levy in current budget.  Hangar rent is not the only money that built up the $318,000 balance in fund.  Jim stated, revenue generated by leases at the airport do not compare to T-Hangar rent charged.  Board and renters feel airport is owned and funded by the city but seems like you want to put all airport funding on the renters.  That is not the only place to fund airport grants.  There is a levy there that is not being used.  It is not about the money but that it is unfair to single people out.  Andrew stated, the FAA entitlement is funding of the grant, the City has to come up with the local share on project.  Mayor Linin stated, we can levy in airport fund but money will have to come from somewhere else or we will have to increase our levy.  Jim stated, this is not Goodland versus Colby, we are all on the same side.  We want to do what is right.  The Board did the wrong thing in raising the rent.  We spent a lot of time to come up with the right numbers and are trying to make recommendations that is best for the airport.  We feel our numbers are correct.  Commissioner Garcia asked, how does the entitlement money work?  Mayor Linin stated, we can build it for three years.  Andrew stated, it is money permitted to be used for Federal share of FAA projects.  Jim stated, the Board plan was to build money up to build T-Hangars at no cost but were informed had to do Master Plan.  Commissioner Garcia stated, it was brought to my attention that we need Master Plan done sooner than two years or lose further funding.  Mary stated, the Master Plan is behind schedule and we will not get further funding till the Master Plan is approved by FAA but we do not lose further funding.  Andrew stated, I disagree with Board stating the repainting is not a valid expense to plan.  T-Hangars are not cars, you own them for much longer than five to six years.  I do not feel it is good fiscal management not to budget such maintenance to hangars.  Further, on the utility systems, the user fees are paid to cover general maintenance on systems.  I do not feel they are comparing apples to apples.  Swimming pool and Library are communal uses while the T-Hangars are not.  The Board letter sets revenue neutral at about $51 but agree to pay rent of $75.   Jim stated, we provided you our information, it is up to the City to set the rate.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks stated, I am curious what agreement was made to put rent money in separate fund?  Commissioner Mai stated, I respect what the Board is presenting and the different ways to look at issue.  To be able to rent a space of this size for $75 would be wonderful, sign me up.  I respect what you are saying.  However, the hangars are full and we have a waiting list.  Why are people not using the airplanes stored in hangars?  Jim stated, we are all on same team.  Commissioner Mai stated, we want you to respect the Commission decision.  Commissioner Farris asked, the original recommendation from the Board was $125 per month right?  Jim stated, yes based on numbers originally presented for taxes and hangar painting.  Mayor Linin stated, I look at it like supply and demand, we have a waiting list.  Except for grain, there is nothing that I know of that has not increased in price over a forty year period.  I think that tells us our rent is low.  Our airport is an asset and we need to do what we can for it.  Commissioner Garcia stated, Burlington is at $85, while Colby and Oakley are $125.  I appreciate the Board’s spirit and we want to do what is right on issue.  The Board is instrumental in our airport.  They need to be active in decision making process and budget discussion.  Commissioner Farris stated, I had a friend that leased land for ten years and at end of ten years, owned the land.  Mayor Linin asked for item to be on next agenda for action.

 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Police Vehicle Lease – Andrew stated, the Police Department is cycling out last two vehicles. This lease will finance purchase of new vehicles.  Joni stated, the vehicles we are cycling out are 2009 and 2010 models which have high mileage and are costing us a lot on maintenance.  These will be last two vehicles to complete fleet.  Andrew stated, lease payments will be due in 2020 and 2021 when the current lease payments expire.  Commissioner Farris asked, are the explorers working for the department in comparison to the pickups?  Joni stated, yes but there are some instances we need the pickups but explorers are working nice.  These vehicles are from Dan Brenner Ford where we are able to get government pricing to save money.  Commissioner Mai stated, I would like to see us get used vehicle bids.  Joni stated, the law enforcement package cannot get government pricing on used vehicles because they are high mileage.  Andrew stated, when we cycle these vehicles out of fleet, they are limping to finish line.  Mary stated, the City just bid and purchased three used vehicles.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks to approve the Lease Agreement with Option to Purchase two police explorers from BANKWEST of Kansas seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Change Order #7: 2015 Waterline Improvement Project Phase I – Adam Schart, EBH Engineer stated, APAC is finished with project; this change order adjusts contract quantities to actual, resulting in a credit of $56,663. We have additional use of funds which Andrew will discuss later.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Change Order #7 for 2015 Waterline Improvement Project Phase I seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

  1. City Managers Report- 1. Danny and his crew have been carrying out the steps laid out in the Action Plan for the cemetery. They finished aerating last week, and were aided by the heavy rain received. Previously, Danny was having to water the cemetery manually, which limited us to getting about a block done per week; thus, the rain was much appreciated. In addition, the Cemetery Board is preparing to put the caretaker services out for bid middle of October in preparation for the current contract’s expiration in February.   2. Black Hills Energy will be holding their annual informational meeting on Wednesday, October 4 from 5:30 – 7:00pm at Shiraz. Commissioners are all invited to attend.    There is no citywide fall cleanup, it will be held in the spring like this year.  4. We were gifted a conference table from the weather station, which we have put in the basement and outfitted a second conference room. We appreciate their donation of this table.  5.  At the next meeting, Adam will do a presentation on the Geographic Information System (GIS) upgrades we plan to achieve with the remaining funds from the water project. We will have a contract with EBH for those services that the Commission can approve at that meeting.  6.  Street & Alley staff are preparing to get the new airport access road built over the next two weeks.  Once that is done, we will open up the traditional hangar entrance route which has been closed since Rocky Mountain Aviation began construction; we will also close the temporary entrance at that time.  7.  Staff have been installing new cameras at City Hall which have increased capabilities and outstanding picture quality. These new cameras will mean greater security for the City and dispatch.  8.  We will be having Customer Appreciation week at City Hall October 9th through 13th.  There will be different treats and snacks each day for our customers.  9.  I had notified Commissioners via email about the car that crashed into the Schoolhouse over Flatlanders weekend.  We have turned our costs over to insurance and filed a claim. We are planning on using Northwest Tech students to help scrape off the building’s old paint and apply new paint as part of their “Day of Service” on October 9.  10.  There are five new poles up on Highway 24, and conduit run for next five. This project will take some time, but our staff are plugging along with it, even while getting pulled away to complete projects at Scoular and Rocky Mountain Aviation.  11.  We received notice that our grant application to the KDOT Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program was awarded in the amount of $537,660 for brick-street from 9th to 10th on Main Street. Combined with the City’s match of $229,510, we will complete another block of brick street replacement and utility line improvements for a total project cost of $767,170. We anticipate bidding this project in the fall of next year with work to begin in the spring; design will begin in near future.

 

MAYOR AND COMMISSION REPORTS

  1. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Mai – 1.  Have you and Ben met to discuss how to collaborate funds for college?  Andrew stated, yes, we have had discussions.  2. I would like to thank Adam for writing the grant for Main Street on late notice.  It has been discussed that a walking trail through town will qualify for this grant but need to make sure we have a plan to in action to apply for grant in two years.  3. Thank City for their work at Flatlanders and Picnic in Park.

Commissioner Farris – 1.  When Gerry Bieker was City Manager we adjusted utility rates and he said there would be no change in utility cost, is something wrong because everyone’s bills are high?  Mary stated, the bills citizens are questioning are for July usage when the temperature was high and it was very humid outside.  I used my air conditioner and my bill was higher.  Overall, our revenues for both water and electric are low.  Adam stated, if it pertains to water, with new meters on the project people may see a change in usage because the meter will register water actually used.  The meters removed were very old and do not register all water running through the meter.  Mayor Linin asked, is there someone’s bills in particular we need to look at?  Commissioner Farris stated, no, I was looking at mine.  Mayor Linin stated, it would be good for the Commission to see where we are for the year with utilities.

Vice-Mayor Fairbanks – 1.  I think it is important we appreciate what management and staff do especially when we ask them to do more.

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  I have had calls on curb by Vision Source, it is rough.  Rich stated, the curb will be included on project. 2. When we put out newsletter we need to remind people to take pride in aesthetics of their property.  I let people know City is doing a lot of States work out on highway.  3. Thank you to Andrew, Suzanne and College Basketball team for work at Picnic in Park.  4. College is doing great things; they have started high five Friday’s at schools.  5. As a reminder the annual hot dog feed is at 11th and Main Thursday before the homecoming parade.  6. I would like to get the City, County, School and College together periodically to brain storm so we know what everyone is doing.

  1. Mayors Report – I received a call from a contractor regarding licensing issue.  I see they are working now but you might check out the situation.  2.   One of the contractors bidding on 1619 Kansas called since we did not accept their bid.  They do not like going through the bid process then we do not accept bid.  We need to be sensitive to what it takes to put a bid together.  3.  We have good things going on in Goodland, do not let anyone tell you different..

 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Garcia seconded by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

 

 

 

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

 

 

 

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