September 2, 2025 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

September 2, 2025                                                                                                                5:00 P.M.

Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard called the meeting to order with Commissioner Ann Myers and Commissioner Sarah Artzer responding to roll call.  Mayor Jason Showalter and Commissioner Brook Redlin were reported absent.

Also present were Jason Erhart –Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, 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.

Vice-Mayor Howard led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

  1. 2026 Budget to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Vice-Mayor Howard opened the public hearing for the 2026 Budget to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate at 5:01 p.m.  Clifford Henry, citizen stated, my taxes are going up over $100 next year, how often are you going to keep increasing taxes?  All entities in Sherman County keep raising taxes since we moved here three years ago.  Our taxes have doubled, that is too much.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I understand as I own property also.  For the last several years we have kept mill at the same rate.  Our increase last year was very minimal but with price of goods increasing, do we cut services?  Clifford stated, I want you to maintain the city.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we have cut as much as we can, but we cannot continue to cut the budget.  Gay Henry, citizen stated, taxes just keep increasing and we do not know what we get for increase.  We want to support the community and keep it nice but not sure it is being done.  Kent stated, when we went through the budget process, we needed to cut $489,000 to meet RNR and $434,000 to reach same rate as last year.  Commission decided there were needs we did not address so added items back to budget.  Some of those included demolition of commercial property for a hotel we may have to demolish that will be a big-ticket item.  You ask, if taxes are going to continue to increase?  It depends whether we have to pay for this demolition.  We also have two roofs in critical condition and have not been able to set enough aside, adding an animal impound as current officer has own place and when no longer able to provide service, we have to have our own pound.  In addition, we added a grant writer, adjustment for property and health insurance increases and repainting the big easel.  It was built in 2001, repainted in 2012 and artist is still able to repaint so planning project in 2026.  These are major items to come to published budget rate.  There was a lot of concern and consideration to get to this point.  Commissioner Artzer stated, one of the biggest hits taken in this budget was increased insurance costs.  Gay asked, do you have a reserve?  Kent stated, yes, we have reserves.  This is the 4th budget since I have been in Goodland.  We have worked hard to maintain our mill by cutting and achieving same rate as previous year.  We had a slight increase last year, but there was a lot of work to cut budget.  The utility funds have reserves that have decreased; they are not in danger but cannot keep decreasing.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we do not want to pay more in taxes either.   ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 2025-19: Levy a Property Tax Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.  Vice-Mayor Howard closed the public hearing for 2026 Budget to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate at 5:12 p.m. 
  2. 2026 Budget Hearing – Vice-Mayor Howard opened the public hearing for the 2026 Budget at 5:12 p.m.  Kent stated, this budget is $16,601,759, which is less than actual 2024 because of airport and BASE grants.  2025 was also down.  The proposed budget is a mill levy rate 54.999 mills.  Vice-Mayor Howard closed public hearing for the 2026 Budget Hearing at 5:14 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Clifford and Gay Henry – Gay stated, this summer I ran grandma day camp and utilized city parks.  We are so lucky to have nice parks with beautiful equipment.  However, I am very picky about the weeds, goat heads, sand burrs, tall grass and glass in equipment.  I pick up trash while I am at the park.  There is a lot of glass in the tires that you can see.  I do not want to complain but I am picky.  You have a good facility and it represents your community.  I was disappointed in maintenance of parks.  We dig the goat heads and stickers out of the ditch on our property.  I feel everyone should keep their property clean.  We received a letter with our bills that indicated everyone should keep their yards nice.  I feel you need to keep your parks clean before you ask everyone else to clean up their property.  Clifford stated, why is the city mowing ditches?  That could be a place to cut back.  Kent stated, KDOT will not mow anything but at the interchange and has left it up to the city to mow.  Clifford stated, this is a great place, but need to live within our means.  Gay asked, where are city limits?  Why is speed limit past our place 55 mph and do not require traffic to slow down until after KOA?  Kent stated, the city limits are from Interchange.  Gay stated, traffic does not slow down until further in town and I feel 55 mph in city limits is too fast.  Jason stated, we cannot do anything about speed limit but patrol speed and jake breaks.  Gay stated, I do not want you sitting out in area.  Kent stated, we will look into whether we can do anything about the speed limit.    Commissioner Artzer stated, we appreciate our parks crew, they work hard.  We can always improve and thank you for bringing this to our attention. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 08/18/25 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2025-17, 2025-17A and 2025-P17

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Myers to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2025-21: KMEA NextEra Energy Agreement – Kent stated, staff brought this to commission last meeting.  KMEA will take over our power supply January 1, 2027 and recommend we approve purchase agreement for 5×16 energy supply product, which is day and evening shift during week when price of power is highest.  It has been increasing and KMEA asked for authority to get a fixed price agreement in place.  KMEA was able to lock in rate at $62.75/MWh, which is less than we first thought.  This price will be locked in for five years beginning January 1, 2027.  Staff recommends approval of agreement.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is this price locked in?  Kent stated, yes, we may get to a time period where we are getting called on to generate energy.  If price is above, then we get paid for difference.  We have two other sources for power with the 2 MWh solar contract and WAPA power, which is less than 1 MWh.  This will take care of current supply needs during time period but if we get project in Industrial Park, we will require more power needs.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it could be worse but could be better.  Kent stated, if needs for all data centers come online, the energy needed will increase with demand.  A concern is supply meeting the demand for increased energy.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2025-21: KMEA NextEra Energy Agreement seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  2. Resolution 2025-22: Set Public Hearing date for 621 W. 17th Street – Zach stated, I have received multiple complaints on property.  They have tried to repair roof with tarps but not a permanent fix.  The east side is falling in, but they have not let me inside house to look at property.  This resolution sets public hearing to start timeline.  Kent asked, does this include other structure on property.  Zach stated, yes.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we need to continue to clean up these properties.  Kent stated, the hearing in resolution is set for October 20th.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have you spoken to owner about property?  Zach stated, yes, they were at last meeting but it was not on agenda.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 2025-22: Set Public Hearing date for 621 W. 17th Street seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  3. Resolution 2025-23:  2025 MIH Grant Application – Kent stated, commission also discussed this last meeting.  Last fall Conner Hampton asked commission to create a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) in town.  The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has grant funding for MIH.  SCCD submitted multiple MIH grant applications for Goodland but were not awarded.  This is a more extensive proposal.  Conner and Topside Development, LLC will be included on documents if awarded.  There are resolutions for MIH application in coordination with Kansas Housing Tax Credit (KHITC) grant application.  City submits for MIH in coordination with developer and developer submits KHITC application in coordination with City.  Applications are due October 2nd.  Commissioner Artzer asked, do we have a grant writer helping with grant application?  Kent stated, I contacted Brenna Henry who is willing to help.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we need to get these duplexes built with our demands for reasonable affordable housing. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2025-23: 2025 MIH Grant Application seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  4. Resolution 2025-24:  Supporting KHITC Application – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2025-24: Supporting KHITC Application seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Approve 2026 Budget – ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the 2026 Budget as published seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  2. Housing Authority Appointment- Kent stated, Terrace Adams has volunteered to serve on the Housing Authority Board to fill the unexpired term of Koal Artzer, who resigned from board.  Term ends in 2028.  Shelia Barnett, Housing Authority Executive Director, has recommended the appointment.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I thank everyone that volunteers to sit on these boards.  Commissioner Artzer stated, Koal appreciated being on board but cannot continue with upcoming baby.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Myers to approve appointment of Terrace Adams to fill the unexpired term of Koal Artzer on the Housing Authority Board seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. Dash Cam and Body Cam Contract: Axon vs. Digital Alley – Jason stated, our current vendor is Digital Alley but having significant issues.  We had situation this weekend with a pursuit through town and when Officer Springer deployed spike strips, driver swerved, aiming to hit her and her body cam did not activate.  Most of time they are not working.  Our current contract with them indicates we can give 90-day notice to cancel and send equipment back.  We are looking at Axon which is $28,000 more, but this is a safety issue for the officers.  Jack Torgler from AXON explained relationship with Axon if commission approves to move forward with Axon.  Commissioner Artzer asked, what makes up $28,000 difference?  Jack stated, our quote is full body and dash cam product with cloud storage and five-year contract.  This includes ten body and ten car cameras with docking stations, cloud storage, installation, license and internet connectivity.  We also have a couple add-ons which is live stream/GPS activity for cameras.  This is accessed by department and dispatch to know where officers are.  These is an additional option called draft one for automatic report writing application with the product.  We have another department in Kansas that was losing footage but saved time by being in the field doing their job rather than fixing a camera.  We make sure everything is running.  Jason stated, our quote does not include the draft one but does include the translate.  Jack stated, correct, translate activates using AI and auto translates for 60 different languages.  This saves officers time if they do not speak the language.  Jason stated, currently we use Officer Conde when we need translation and have to pay a two hour call out every time that occurs.  Commissioner Artzer asked, would you use draft one?  Jason stated, yes.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, if a camera goes down what is turn around?  Jack stated, usually a week but we try to get it up and running as soon as can.  Jason stated, Sheriff’s Office just went to AXON.  Kent stated, Jason has reported many issues with the mounts and not necessarily with camera, how do you address maintenance on these items?  Jack stated, we have over 18 mounts, if one breaks under warranty we get you right type of mount.  We will make sure it is right from beginning and throughout contract.  We are proud of our customer support.  Jason stated, we have had several instances where current cameras fall off.  AXON cameras actually lock in.  Assistant Chief Tim Wright stated, I completed a trial run on camera and how it works.  I also tested draft one which will help with officer retention and motivation.  This will help get the reports done and they are accurate.  I also played with live stream/GPS which is very accurate and useful to know where officers are.  Jason stated, with the live stream/GPS, I can monitor officer locations, the scene and talk to my officers.  The current ones take an extra application, but the key is, it has to work.  Jack stated, with live stream/GPS, you can see all officer cameras and when camera is active to determine if backup is needed.  You can also speak to your officers.  Jason stated, we are supposed to be able to do same with current camera system but it has never worked.  Tim stated, another good feature is we assume our camera is active but with AXON, any use of force will activate camera.  It will also go back 30 seconds before activated.  Jason stated, this is a huge safety factor.  Tim stated, translate works well and very viable to communicate with anyone in the situation.  It will pick up everything even with the wind.  Having viable body camera is necessary for all cases.  They protect us from liability claims and also protects civilians.  Recently worked DUI case with Sheriff’s Office and because they have AXON, they transferred all information from their cameras straight to my system.  Good to be able to share data immediately.  Jason stated, our tasers are also AXON.  Commissioner Artzer asked, how long has the Sheriff’s Office used AXON?  Jack stated, they started contract July 1.  Commissioner Artzer stated, she was generally happy with the product as presented.  Jason stated, that the Sheriff is very happy with service and product.  Motorola also makes camera but our tasers are AXON and unsure how well that would work.  I feel you pay for what you get.  Jason stated, AXON would work with us to start contract.  We have $10,000 budgeted for 2026 and came up with additional $10,000; but then the remainder would be adjusted to reach the total price during years 2 through 5.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I feel the city has been wasting the current $10,000 on current vendor.  Jason stated, our current vendor, Digital Alley, is not working and I am constantly working on cameras.  Commissioner Artzer stated, body and dash cams are important.  Kent stated, it is an expectation that body and dash cameras are working at all times.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, the cameras assist in keeping officers safe.  The draft one option will help keep officers out on duty.  Jason stated, they do offer License Plate Readers as an additional feature but it is not included in quote.  Commissioner Artzer asked, how much is the draft one option?  Jack stated, the current quote is $196,000 over 5 years.  Draft one option would add $10,000 per year.  Commissioner Artzer asked, could we add this option later in the contract?  Jack replied, yes it can be added and would be prorated.  Jason stated, officers spend a lot of time in office doing reports.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are the AI reports good?  Jack stated, the draft one report function works for the narrative not evidence.  It cuts down time to assess a case and tells story of what happened.  If coming from video footage it would be more accurate than the officer going back to the office to try to remember what happened.  Jason stated, the officer will have to insert certain information for the report to generate.  Tim stated, the report is accurate and puts only the information narrative for the officer.  Jason stated, on major crimes like sex crimes we have to narrate the report ourselves.  Our current camera has one microphone, while AXON has four which helps when wind is an issue.  AXON provided example with video and report drafted.  Jason stated, Tim has tested this portion, the Sheriff’s Office does not have this feature or the License Plate Readers.  This is Tim’s experience with draft one.  Jack stated, it is not on current quote but you can add down the road.  You have the trial for 30 more days.  Jason stated, with AXON we get new body cameras every 2.5 years.  Kent stated, this agenda item is discussion so commission can see quote and give staff direction.  Jason stated, we have 90 days to give notice and next payment due to Digital Alley is January 1, 2026.  We can work with AXON as to what we need to present next meeting, but 90 days is important.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we need cameras that work for the officers.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we should work on termination with Digital Alley.  I feel we utilize current quote without draft one, which we can add later.  They need working cameras.  Jason stated, I will have Jake review contract to make sure we are covered.  I would like to thank commission for input. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. August month end financial report is in the packet.  3.  Zach stated, I have sent 42 letters for inoperable vehicles with a 30-day time period to remove.  They then get 15 days before I can do anything. Process t is moving but not a quick process.  Commissioner Myers asked, what is considered an inoperable vehicle?  Zach stated, a vehicle has to run by itself.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are these on public or private property?  Zach stated, on private property; if they are on the street the police will enforce.  4.  IdeaTek is starting first phase of project starting at Highway 24 and Caldwell, around to Cherry Street, then to 17th Street, from 17th Street to Broadway to 10th Street to the AT&T building where they will utilize their equipment for connection to Goodland.  They will then work through the rest of community.  They are working with line crew on system and whether service is placed on poles or underground.  They will not be attaching to customers property yet.  5.  SCCD is replacing signage around town.  I have provided copies of their proposal for the commission.  They are also replacing billboard at Highway 24/27 intersection.  SCCD is paying for signs.  6. We are working onPickleball court resurfacing project.  Danny stated, I am boring through the cement to set poles.  They will be here the week of September 15th to setup courts.  The courts will be closed for about a week when the company is in town. We have a lot of projects going on and I am down an employee.  We have a lot of mowing to do for the city and not much time to get it done.  Kent stated, they also do a lot of spraying in parks.  Danny stated, I also attended the meeting with the college electrical department, who will be installing trail lights in Steever Park.  Before winter we plan to replace basketball goals on courts by West School.  7.  I had a discussion with Jake regarding property sold at Sheriff’s sale that has demolition costs incurred.  I will have to work out details for commission.     
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  I hope Mayor feels better.  2.  Thank you to all city employees for what you do, dealing with the public and commissioners.

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Absent, No Report

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Myers seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2025. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               J J Howard, Vice-Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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