February 17, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

February 17, 2026                                                                                                                5:00 P.M.

Mayor Jason Showalter called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard, Commissioner Angie Cloyd and Commissioner Sarah Artzer responding to roll call.  Commissioner Brook Redlin 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.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Jake Kling stated, as a citizen I would like to express my gratitude to the city employees.  Recently I received my utility bill and usage was astronomical.  I discussed the usage with numerous employees and Neal was finally sent to my property to check meter.  Your employees deal with many frustrating people and go beyond to help citizens.  I appreciated the help I received from them; they all know what they are doing.  Mayor Showalter stated, Jake’s comments are not restricted to Jake.  All citizens get this same service and we appreciate that from our employees. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 02/02/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-04, 2026-04A and 2026-P04

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2026-02: Designating Depositories – Kent stated, this is the annual resolution approved by the commission designating bank depositories for City funds as Western State Bank, FNB Bank and THE BANK.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is there a reason we do not use the other bank?  Mary stated, they indicated to me they do not need the City funds.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2026-02: Designating Depositories seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  2. Resolution 2026-03: 2026 GAAP Waiver – Kent stated, another resolution approved annually by commission.  Most cities across the State approve the waiver because of additional costs required by GASB without waiver.  Commissioner Artzer asked, would we ever consider moving to cash basis?  Kent stated, it would be very difficult because of costs and you cannot depreciate your infrastructure and streets.  It is really for bigger cities, if they do it at all.  It would be hard to start the process and your audit would cost a lot more.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2026-03: 2026 GAAP Waiver seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. Resolution 2026-04: Electric Department Reclassification of Commercial Meters – Kent stated, city code requires us to evaluate commercial meter usage to determine what criteria meter meets.  This resolution reclassifies commercial meters based on customer consumption for past year. The resolution lists a number of commercial meters that go from large to small commercial and small to large commercial.  Mayor Showalter asked, how often do we perform review?  Shauna stated, we were doing annually then when rates changed a few years ago, we have not done review.  Customer’s will be notified of change by letter and change will take effect on billing in March.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, when will we perform review going forward?  Shauna stated, plan is in February.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Resolution 2026-04: Electric Department Reclassification of Commercial Meters seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Reappointment KMEA Board of Directors: Director 2, Chris Douglas – Dustin stated, Chris Douglas has been on KMEA board a number of years.  As part of our membership, we also appoint Director 1 and alternate with two-year terms.  Chris will also begin attending KMEA EMP2 meetings in June with our new power contract with KMEA.  Mayor Showalter asked, what is stipend we give for being on board.  Kent stated, we pay travel costs to attend meetings.  Dustin stated, Chris attends meetings and now we will have more opportunities being a purchasing member of KMEA.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, with reappointment, how long has he served on board?  Dustin stated, I believe this is his third appointment.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the reappointment of Chris Douglas as Director 2 on KMEA Board of Directors seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
  2. City Attorney Contract Renewal – Jake stated, contract is two-year term with auto renewal but compensation terms can be reviewed annually.  This is review of contract.  Jake distributed city prosecutor rates for other cities in the state to commission.  In my role as City Attorney, I am general counsel for commission, but also provide city prosecution.  In our situation, Kent felt we should look at the two different positions, even though I serve in both capacities.  For 2026 renewal, does commission want to review contract annually or every two years?  Mayor Showalter asked, what works best for you?  Jake stated, it makes no difference to me.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, it is helpful to see what other communities around state are paying for services, we are somewhat low.  Jake stated, there is a benefit that I serve in both positions.  We need to remember Goodland is a small community and we have been very involved in City activities.  Sherman County Attorney is paid about $110,000, which some of salary is paid by state.  He also has his own budget and two employees paid by the county.  Mayor Showalter asked, there is language regarding additional work stricken from contract.  Jake stated, we are more involved with what the city is doing.  That references jobs that are outside attorney costs.  I am proposing those additional costs be included in contract costs so there will be no additional costs for city.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, have the office expenses previously been in contract?  Jake stated, no that is new, we do not have a city budget and city has a benefit for costs incurred by office like paper, internet, etc.  This is my 10th year and everyone works together very well.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve renewal of the contract with Jake Kling as City Attorney seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. Contract-Cameron Cross: Repaint Big Easel Painting – Kent stated, project was identified in the 2026 budget.  Staff is working with Sherman County Community Development to bring Cameron Cross, original artist for the Big Easel, to Goodland to repaint and repair the painting on the Big Easel.  The contract is needed to obtain a work visa for Cameron to come to Goodland from Canada.  The contract proposed is very similar to previous contract in 2012 when Cameron completed repaint and repair work on the painting.  Cameron is charging the same rate; however, there will be other costs involved including hiring a crane, paint supplies, food budget and housing for maximum of 30 days.  If amount goes beyond what city has budgeted, SCCD has funds to assist with costs.  His plan is to come in September.  Mayor Showalter asked, are there concerns that costs are based on 2012 budget?  Kent stated, there is a little increase from 2012 but we will not know until book travel.  When originally painted, he was able to stay in rental house owned by Ron Harding then last time we worked out a rental for him.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is there a local crane?  Curious about the costs to bring a crane into Goodland.  Kent stated, the costs were not exorbitant but cannot remember where we got it from.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is our cost estimate real?  Kent stated, we do not have issue with estimate.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is 30-day time limit adequate?  Kent stated, yes unless we experience high winds like today.  We will add fencing or security around painting while painting is on the ground.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is SCCD just providing funds for excess costs or helping pay expenses?  Kent stated, we budgeted for the project; they will pay for any costs exceeding our budget.  We have no formal agreement with SCCD.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve the contract with Cameron Cross to repaint the Big Easel Painting seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. Request to submit a grant application for community beautification project – Kent stated, Geremy Cloyd has discussed a possible grant application with Sherman County Community Foundation to assist with a community beautification project.  He wants to work with foundation to obtain a grant from Dane Hansen Foundation to help citizens clean up property.  He is trying to give incentives for citizens to clean up their properties.  Geremy is enthusiastic and ready to contact property owners about incentive to clean up their properties.  We would like to see if commission is in agreement or have concerns.  Mayor Showalter stated, anytime we have community member spearheading these projects it is beneficial.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, if the grant assists people to clean up their property it is a good idea.  Consensus of commission is in agreement for Geremy to work with the Foundation. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo, January month end fund balance report, Police monthly activity report and 2025 Use of Force Analysis Report are in the packet.  2. I signed renewal of FAA lease for FAA owned navigation, communication and weather aid facilities on airport property.  It was signed twenty years ago, simple lease but want to make sure commission is aware.  3.  On the airport terminal building the water/sewer connection for barbershop is complete.  Street crew is pouring concrete in floor, will put wall back and have to complete carpet for area.  We had other costs come up in order to get restaurant lease moving ahead.  We had to replace the electrical breaker box that was out of code and will have to replace engine on the hood.  Building is showing age but working through items.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, will hood be replaced by April 1st when restaurant wants to open.  Kent stated, vendor is out of Hays and I have been talking to him.  Only the engine will need replace, not the entire hood.  4.  Zach stated, on 216 E Hwy 24 Lot D5 all trash has been removed, property scrubbed down and installed new toilets.  They are replacing furnace, refrigerator and stove top.  I have removed property from nuisance list.  5.  Mary stated, we have been notified by another municipality that the vendor we use to process credit cards is increasing costs by about 100%.  The vendor has not notified us directly.  This cost is absorbed by the city and uncertain how long we can afford to continue absorbing the cost.  We are uncertain what the cost is for our new system we are transferring to in near future.  6.  Kent stated, 1008 Main was previously owned by city then transferred to the college.  We have been notified the College received a federal grant in the amount of $1.7M to rehabilitate building.  This is good news; they have been waiting on award for two years.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, what are college plans for building?  Mayor Showalter stated, we plan to use as a maker’s space for students and instructors to interact with community.  It will be nice to have building refurbished.  7.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I saw Senator Marshall was in town, did he stop by?  Kent stated, I did not have contact this time, which is not unusual.  They come to town for many different reasons.  8.  Mayor Showalter stated, in last couple weeks I have received complaints about properties in town.  Is there a way for people to report properties directly to Zach?  Kent stated, there is a manner on the website for them to submit information, then I pass to proper personnel.  They can also call city hall to talk to Zach directly.  Josh stated, all departments have a contact page they can submit information.  Mayor Showalter asked, can they attach pictures?  Zach stated, I have a complaint form that we can put on website to allow file uploads.  Kent stated, we would want a limit on upload.  Joshua stated, the website has limitations for uploads.  They also can provide a link.  Zach stated, if they give me a number or email, I respond back.  Joshua stated, there will be a problem if submit anonymous if Zach responds because it will be bounced back to us.  8.  Kent stated, one of our water wells needs major repair.  Neal stated, the meter for Well 12 by treatment plant died.  We are trying to find a meter to fit our system.  I had a quote but meter was not efficient with our SCADA system.  We need well to communicate with our system. 
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  I appreciate we have many employees willing to help to keep things running.

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Thanks to electrical department on power outage over weekend.  Appreciate your hard work.

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Echo Commissioner Artzer comments.  Outage occurred during night but everything was up and running by morning.

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Absent, No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Cloyd seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2026. 

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ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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