November 17, 2025 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

November 17, 2025                                                                                                              5:15 P.M.

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

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, Jake Kling – City Attorney, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 11/03/25 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2025-22, 2025-22A and 2025-P22

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Ordinance 1806: An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, of the City of Goodland – Kent stated, ordinance is authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds.  We received four bids which have been presented to commission.  These were good bids, with a winning bid at 3.7614% for $6,500,000 issue.  There are $3,000,000 in interest over life of bond.  Winning bidder was BOK Financial Securities of the Bank of Oklahoma.  Kevin Cowan, Bond Attorney, indicated this was a very good bid.  Bids have been higher in recent past and within last month the rate was 3.9%.  This bid was even lower.  Staff recommends accepting the bid and approving the ordinance and resolution for the bonds.  Language for ordinance regarding bond sale has been updated in the documents by bond counsel.  Commissioner Myers asked, what is the bond issue for?  Kent stated, this is for the 8^th Street Improvement project.  The sales tax monies we have started collecting will pay-off bonds.  They included the bond schedule; we are borrowing an additional $140,000 that we may need to cover increasing construction costs.  If we do not use the money, we will apply to pay off.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is interest rate set?  Kent stated, the schedule shows the average interest over the 20-year life of bond.  The first opportunity to call bonds to refinance is after the 7^th year, if the rates decrease and we see savings.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Ordinance 1806: An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, of the City of Goodland seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
2. Resolution 2025-31: A Resolution Prescribing the Form and Details of and Authorizing and Directing the Sale and Delivery of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, of the City of Goodland, Kansas – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2025-31: A Resolution Prescribing the Form and Details of and Authorizing and Directing the Sale and Delivery of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, of the City of Goodland, Kansaswith BOK Financial Securities of the Bank of Oklahoma seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
3. Resolution 2025-32: Unfit Structure 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 to Set Public Hearing – Zach stated, I was called to this property with the Police Department and DCF.  I was working with property owners to get property cleaned up but it has been over a month and one-half with no progress.  The trailer is not fit for living conditions and we cannot allow anyone to reside in property.  There is no running water in the trailer.  The trailer park owner and property owner are aware the property is proceeding to public hearing for being unfit.  We need to get trailer cleaned up and make it habitable.  This is one of the nicer trailers in the park.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2025-32: Unfit Structure 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 to Set Public Hearing seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

DISCUSSION

1. Waterworth Utility Rates – Aryan Chawla from Waterworth stated, I have worked with staff evaluating water and electric rates.  Waterworth works with municipalities to balance expenses and revenues to ensure rates are sufficient to cover expenses.  Starting with the water utility, we look at the baseline from three categories: revenue requirements, revenue and cash positions.  We looked at water expenses for past years and current budget year, then include debt service and deposits to CIRF and MERF for future capital improvements.  Looking at revenue collected from sales, other revenues and CIRF and MERF deposits for expenses, we notice the cash balance decreases over the years because rates are not adjusted for increased operating expenses and deposits for capital improvement projects.  You do not want cash to go below $0, plus need to stay above three-month emergency operating cash balance.  Kent stated, his recommendation is to increase water rates 2% to stop the decline and manage deposits in CIRF and MERF.  The recommendation will need to be followed up on next year to ensure we stop bleeding reserve funds.  Aryan stated, if you take money away from CIRF and MERF you will not have sufficient money to complete future projects.  We propose an increase in the meter charge and 2% on usage.  The meter charge increase is based on meter size.  Kent stated, the proposed usage rate changes from $1.40/100 cubic feet (CF) to $1.45/100 cubic foot (CF) for first 4,000 CF; $1.70/100 CF to $1.75/100 CF for 4,000 to 10,000 CF; then to encourage conservation, any usage over 10,000 CF is $2.20/100 CF.  About 1% of your customers fall in this class.  There are 91% of your users in first tier, with 8% in second tier.  The highest tier is 1% of your customers but 11% of your usage, so trying to promote conservation.  Understand this usage is during the summer or hot months and the State is putting additional regulations on water usage.  Aryan stated, the Commercial variable rate is $1.275/100 CF.  When reviewing electric funds, again we look at baselines.  You have the base rates, then the OCA which is a rider adjusting for increased costs.  The OCA has been effective to manage rates and pay costs.  Kent stated, the key issue with OCA is it is calculated on monthly costs and when costs increase that is an adder on the utility bills.  Dustin has discussed with the commission how costs continue to increase.  Inflation for electric materials and supplies is much more than stated inflation rate.  In 2025 there has been an OCA nine out of the ten months.  Previous years it was a lot less.  It is expected to continue in future.  It is a difficult conversation because unexpected costs of utility are passed on in OCA.  It does not just relate to power purchase, but all monthly expenses.  In our proposal, we are proposing to change the OCA to only apply to power purchased. The OCA is about 25% of utility revenue.  Aryan stated, the recommendation is to eliminate OCA but increase base rate 25% to make up for OCA revenue.  The budget is about $6,800,000 and expect with this rate increase you will reach that goal.  The bills will not increase by 25% because you will not have the OCA.  People will be able to anticipate their bills with increase.  With this rate, everyone pays same.  In proposed rate structure, we have increased both the base rate and usage rate by customer class.  There are two proposed versions for a rate change.  The first is increase bills 25% which does not change final bill because customers are already paying rate in OCA.  The other proposal is changes by tiers, not every tier is same rate change.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I do not like raising rates but costs are increasing.  Kent stated, the change we are looking at is keeping revenue as it is now, just simplifying without OCA.  This spreads OCA over 12 months instead of months costs are higher.  It would take an ordinance change to change OCA charge.  The KMEA rate study presented a few months ago showed the city was between rates for Evergy and Wichita.  Power is going to become more expensive.  We do the best we can but we want to make it simple for the public.  The OCA makes it very difficult to determine if hitting revenue targets in order to meet system needs.  Commissioner Redlin stated, this is more pro-active then reactive.  Aryan stated, yes.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, all departments should be self-sufficient and cannot lose money.  We cannot raise labor rates but have to raise the rate on our product.  Aryan stated, I have been working with many communities on electric.  For Goodland the situation is the OCA is capturing additional costs.  Most municipalities use a power cost adjustment as a means to manage excess power costs.  Kent stated, once staff presents ordinance for rate changes, we want to review results and have a similar presentation in a year for commission to stay on top of information.  Vice-Mayor Howard thanked Aryan for his assistance.  

• Planning Commission Response: Text Amendment to Add Conditional Use for RV Parks in Residential Zones – Zach stated, on Tuesday the Planning Commission unanimously approved a motion to notify the City Commission of various issues with the request, and respectfully request the City Commission to reconsider whether to move forward with the changes to allow RV Parks in a residential zone. They have many of the same concerns as KOA and Mid-America Trailer Park.  Commissioner Artzer stated, the Planning Commission discussed the trailers that caught fire and if that was in a residential area, it would have taken a house.  Kent stated, the Planning Commission had four different rezoning requests to review.  The city commission did state if a conditional use permit was approved for an RV in a residential zone, it must meet same standards as required by trailer parks in commercial zones.  There were many concerns from Planning Commission but they did not want to set the Ordinances that would make this change for a public hearing at this time.  They feel they can go through the process but want more direction from the Commission.  Commissioner Artzer asked, do we have updates on people that are displaced or if there is still the demand for places?  Zach stated, there have been spots open up in Mid America, the trailer parks and KOA.  I feel we hit the peak at this time.  We may see another wave in spring but I feel there will be people moving out so do not feel there will be additional needs.  Kent stated, the Planning Commission did not want to proceed with public hearing until they know how commission wants them to proceed.  There is another city commission meeting before next Planning Commission meeting if you want to take it under advisement until next meeting to give direction.  They do not see they are in favor of a positive decision on this issue at this time.  They have concerns with many general items, but the sewers are a big concern.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I feel they should continue with public hearing to get public comment.  I feel the need has decreased and the trailer parks have room for more customers.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I am in favor of proceeding to public hearing to get public comments then bring commission a list of concerns.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I felt we were clear in what we were looking for, but I have no issue with public comment.  I would like to know what are their main concerns. 
• Discussion of Possible Code Section on Right of Way Management Ordinance – Zach stated, the City has been brought under the burden of increased fiber projects that occur in our utility right of way’s. When we have this many large fiber projects occurring at once it really limits staff on what we can do to observe and watch what these subcontractors are doing. This also cuts into work staff needs to get done.  This proposed ordinance would add an extra layer of protection for the city and our Citizens. This outlines times contractors can work and submit locates with a time limit.  The subcontractors are here to get done as fast as possible with no regard to what we have to deal with as a city when they leave.  Ordinance was received from City of Lawrence.  The State has dealt with same issues across the state.  We want to make sure ordinance proposed fits our code. 
• USD 352 inquiry on Vacant Property – Kent stated, the school ballet issue passed.  They own a house across from high school for temporary housing.  They were asking for this property to move house to instead of tearing it down.  The city recently purchased a property at sheriff sale and the school would like to work out an agreement to acquire the property to move the house.  There are no other vacant lots in that area.  We have been working with Jake to get clean title on property which should be complete in about 30 days.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I assume we cover costs of moving house and setting on foundation.  Kent stated, that would be up to school.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I am in favor as long as school covers all costs city has into property.  Kent stated, that is what the discussion has been on the property.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I do not see a problem with it.  I feel it is important to work with them.  Consensus of commission is there is no objection and proceed with agreement with school. 
• Any Actions as a Result of the Joint City/County Commission Meeting before City Commission Meeting – Kent stated, I understand consensus of commission from Joint City County Commission meeting discussion is to direct staff to prepare documents to transfer land to county. 

REPORTS

1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. October month end financial report and the police monthly activity report are in the packet.  3.  I would like to recognize Tyrell Becvar, employee at Power Plant, who attended a Fairbanks Morse class on engines at plant.  Tyrell stated, the class was in Beloit Wisconsin.  I attended Fairbanks Morse class for piston engine and it was a good trip.   The first week was mainly hands on training and testing.  Due to the government shutdown, I stayed a second week to disassemble a piston of the engine.  The school shed a lot of light on how these big engines work.  I learned a lot, enjoyed the training time and thank the city for allowing me to attend.  Dustin stated, we are fortunate to have employees like Tyrell.  The second week was a $3,000 cost we received free because of government shutdown.  He scored 97 on his test, getting only one problem incorrect.  It was a good experience for him.  Commission thanks Tyrell for representing Goodland.  Tyrell stated, two pictures of the Goodland Power Plant hang in the Fairbanks Morse facility in Beloit, WI.  4.  Kent stated, I attended KMEA conference last week.  They recognized Dustin at the conference with the Gilbert E. Hansen-Outstanding Service Award.  Dustin stated, attending the meetings for years, there are many high-end people accepting these awards.  To get the award it was very special.  A great award for not only me but the City of Goodland who I am representing on the executive committee.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we appreciate what you do running our business. 
2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1. Thank all city employees for what you do.  It takes a team.

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

• Mayor Showalter– 1.  Absent, No Report 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Under the Authority of KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) for personnel matters of non-elected personnel – Vice-Mayor Howard made a motion at 6:36 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel not to exceed five minutes.   I request only City Commission and City manager be present.  Commissioner Redlin seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4-0.  Meeting resumed at 6:41 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025.

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ATTEST:                                                                               J J Howard, Vice-Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk