April 20, 2020 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

April 20, 2020                                                                                                                        5:00 P.M.

Mayor John Garcia called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor Aaron Thompson, Commissioner Jay Dee Brumbaugh, Commissioner J. J. Howard and Commissioner Gary Farris responding to roll call. 

Also present were Joshua Jordan – IT Director and Andrew Finzen – City Manager. 

Present remotely were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works and Mary Volk – City Clerk.

Mayor Garcia led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 04/06/20 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2020-08, 2020-08A, and 2020-P08

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

DISCUSSION

  1. Stop Sign at Toelkes/Main Intersection – Andrew stated, Commissioner Brumbaugh requested this item on agenda to address intersection of Main/Toelkes.  Main Street currently has right of way, there are stop signs east and west on Toelkes which is emergency route.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, the hospital is interested as feel this is more of an emergency route to hospital.  I would like feedback from emergency personnel.  EMS feels the change would be better for patient care.  This is not an emergency situation just wanted to have it discussed.  Vice-Mayor Thompson asked, has there been any incidents at the intersection?  Andrew stated, no we pulled crash records for last three years and there were none.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, I feel would be better to have Toelkes as through street with stop signs on Main Street.  Mayor Garcia stated, I agree with Commissioner Brumbaugh.  Commissioner Howard stated, I feel it should be left as exists since no problems in past.  Commissioner Farris stated, I agree, with lights and sirens they have the right of way anyway.  Consensus of Commission is leave intersection as it exists since there have not been any accidents at intersection. 
  2. Commercial Livestream Proposal – Andrew stated, Josh submitted a cost proposal if Commission would like to set up livestream the way it should be.  Currently we are using Josh’s personal equipment that he has volunteered and a webcam from Walmart.  Two biggest items on proposal are computer to stream meeting and camera.  There is support equipment required for set up.  The base proposal is $5,473.43 which includes a couple inexpensive items we purchased for current situation.  The proposal does not include a second camera for presenters at the podium.  That is additional cost of $1,986.57.  Josh stated, in my research, no one has a good setup so there could be additional costs for items I am unaware of that I did not include in cost proposal.  I do not want to permanently mount camera so it can be used at other locations, like customer appreciation to stream videos or joint meetings at Wolak Building.  Andrew stated, included is a policy for operation of live streaming meetings which outlines many things included in current resolution.  Mayor Garcia asked, do you feel this will be effective for the public to have a good view and listen to the meetings?  Josh stated, the cameras are a mix between professional and mid-grade.  We are currently using a stationary webcam.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, it is good to have more transparency for the public.  Mayor Garcia stated, I feel item c on page three of the policy should state the City Manager, Mayor or Commission have discretion of content displayed in the event things get ugly.   Where will funds come to pay for equipment?  Andrew stated, from the General Fund.  Vice-Mayor Thompson asked, what is the computer doing that we need a $2,000 computer?  Josh stated, the processing takes massive amount of computing power.  Currently, I lost the feed with this meeting.  Vice-Mayor Thompson asked, do we need a separate backup for each computer?  Josh stated, yes every computer has their own backup for protection.  Vice-Mayor Thompson asked, do we need the mobility cart if it is only used for commission?  Josh stated, this room is used for more than Commission meetings and feel equipment needs to be secure.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, we already have equipment and cameras out in the room.  Josh stated, that equipment would go in the cart also.  I also feel if equipment is taken offsite for joint meetings it needs to transport easily.  Mayor Garcia stated, I feel cost is reasonable.  Andrew stated, if we are going to stream meetings, I asked Josh to bid the proposal right, including ensuring equipment is mobile and secure.  Those are options for the commission.   Consensus of the Commission is to purchase the equipment as presented.
  3. Home Rehabilitation Program – Andrew stated, the revised plan outlines low income guidelines for plan.  The guidelines were obtained from Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Mayor Garcia stated, with guidelines, if applicant falls in level they are allowed.  Andrew stated, as long as funding is allowed and Commission approves applicant.  Mayor Garcia stated, the maximum is $3,000 per house and we have $10,000 set aside for program.  Andrew stated, that is correct.  Commissioner Howard stated, I feel we should prioritize items on the list as some items will take precedence.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, that is fine if priority is obvious, not sure how you determine what is most important when it is not obvious what work needs to be done.  Are you indicating someone needs to inspect house to see what needs to be completed?  Commissioner

Howard stated, it is something we need to look at closer and prioritize how to do items.  In project I worked with before they inspected house, tested house for lead based paint and mold and looked at age of furnace.  If that was adequate, they moved outside.  If we want to do more work on the outside, we need to have more wording on direction we want to go.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, I am not sure we will agree on that.  I feel we are going to get so picky that it will deter people and they will not apply.  Commissioner Brumbaugh asked, is fencing included in project?  Andrew stated, it was in initial draft but removed.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, everything on list is structural and now trying to determine what structural issues need to be done.  Mayor Garcia asked, was there going to be a committee to help define process?  Andrew stated, process defined in program is for staff to receive and review application then bring to commission for ultimate approval.  That is where the applications will be prioritized rather than at the application level.  There will be an internal review board to review application before commission approval.  That board is not defined in process.  Mayor Garcia asked, will that work if the application brought to us is for brick or masonry but they have electrical issues, will we catch that?  Commissioner Howard stated, I do not want to deter anyone from applying but want to spend money best we can for property owner to help our residents.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, I do not want to micro manage, but these are nuisance funds which come to us for approval anyway; we are trying to keep the structure sound.  Andrew stated, like any program, if this gets implemented it is not perfect but you modify the plan as you move forward.  From the onset you probably want the program to be broad until see what applications we get.  Mayor Garcia asked, how soon will program start?  Andrew stated, I still need a few weeks to get documentation to make program viable before approved by Commission.  Will try to have packet for approval within next few meetings.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, I feel like a lone wolf but I am not a fan of the idea they have to live in property for three years.  Andrew stated, to clarify, the three year term is when they receive funds they have to live in house three years or pay back on prorated basis.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, our goal is to help people and save property so it does not become unfit.  I want to save the property and deter it from becoming an unfit structure so I am in favor of loosening up time frame.  Property can go downhill fast in three years.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, that is where I am coming from it will help the new property owner if they sell property.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, our end goal is to save property.   Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, one requirement is applicant has to be living in property so landlords cannot use funds.  Andrew asked, who is to say after applicant gets money they will not rent out property?  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, it is not a lot of money for each property.   Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, I can deal with one year.  Mayor Garcia stated, good point, will Commission agree to two years?  Consensus of Commission is two year requirement.    

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  First quarter budget reports are in packet.  2.  To update you on COVID-19, Sherman County got first case last week.  We have taken several actions in community for preparation but not a lot has changed.  The next couple weeks are pretty crucial to determine outcome of summer programs and pool.  We are monitoring situation every day.  The last of park signage went up today.  In a conversation with Mike Johnson, EMS Director, there is a possibility we can disinfect public park equipment.  3.  We have selected a summer intern for Main Street plan through the Dane Hansen Foundation.  He is an Architecture Student from KSU that spent last summer working in St Francis on a project.  4.  Airport CARES Act has provisions for airports that is applicable to Goodland.  For our Land Acquisition Project the cost share has changed from 90/10 split to 100% FAA.  This will save City $20,000.  They have also dedicated $30,000 toward lost revenue at airport.  Obviously we have no lost revenue experienced at this time.  We are working through details to see if we can use money toward our match on construction projects.  We are uncertain if possible at this time, still under review.  5.  Topside Trail is all done but a little dirt work.  6.  They are progressing on Motel 7 demolition.  7.  Street project is progressing with work on 15th Street. 
  2. Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Thompson – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Brumbaugh – 1.  Disappointed the County did not want to hold joint meeting.  We can do several things at once while waiting on fire merger.  Do we have time frame on merger?  Andrew stated, trying to get time line but have not received one.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, we get in a routine then stop meeting.  Mayor Garcia stated, I reached out to County Commission to get an understanding of their decision.  They pointed out they did not want to discuss fire merger.  They indicated they are waiting for Jake to get information to County Attorney.  Andrew stated, Jake has kept in good contact with me and he stated everything is in County Attorney’s hands.  Mayor Garcia stated, the County Attorney has self-quarantined since he had to make a trip out of state.  I told them we could meet and discuss other things so they put it back on County agenda tomorrow.  I indicated I would like us to come together and be proactive and not reactive. 

Commissioner Howard – 1.  This is a trying time for all employees.  All are doing a good job only being able to work with half our employees.  Appreciate what everyone does in City of Goodland.   

Commissioner Farris – 1.  Any further information on curbs at Peterbilt?  Andrew stated, we feel it is KDOT’s responsibility to fix so been working with them.  Commissioner Farris stated, it is bad from Cherry to KOA.  2.  Any new information on water problem out there?  Andrew stated, no new information at this time.  I am not sure what Commission wants the City to do.  Commissioner Farris stated, I do not feel it was designed right by EBH years ago.  Mayor Garcia stated, I am not sure what expertise we can get but water is being channeled that infringes on property owners.  We need to channel water where it needs to go so it does not cause problems for property owners.  Andrew stated, historical drainage is for water to go east.  When the City put in the pumps years ago for the water we slowed down the water flow so we are not creating the drainage issue.  It is normal drainage path.  If we change direction of water it will be expensive and could cause more problems down the road.  You can design something to hold any amount of drainage you want but how much money do you spend.  It occurs infrequently and is only needed for a day or two.  If this is a priority of Commission we can continue to look at it.  Commissioner Farris stated, we need to make drainage slower.  Mayor Garcia stated, only way is to hold water and pump further east but will have same problem on property down the road.  It will take some engineering.  Andrew stated, I would need to bring in Andrew Brunner from EBH.  There has been discussion to get water under tracks, but I thought they looked at that in the past.  Drainage is heavily regulated and if you mess with it, it will mess something up.  You need an engineer. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

  1. Executive Session – Under the authority of KSA 75-4319(b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel –   Mayor Garcia made a motion at 6:07 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnelnot to exceed twenty minutes.   I request the Commission and City Manager be present. Commissioner Howard seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5-0.  Meeting resumed at 6:27 p.m. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Howard seconded by Vice-Mayor Thompson.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2020.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               John Garcia, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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