Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard called the meeting to order with Commissioner Angie Cloyd, 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, Neal Thornburg – Director of Water and Wastewater, Danny Krayca – Director of Parks, Zach Hildebrand – Code Enforcement/Building Official, Shauna Johnson – Deputy City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.
Vice-Mayor Howard led Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC COMMENT
CONSENT AGENDA
- 03/02/265 Commission Meeting Minutes
- Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-06, 2026-06A and 2026-P06
ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Artzer. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
- Ordinance 1818: Rezone 504 E. 7th Street from R-1 to R-2 – Zach stated, owner of this property would like to build two duplexes with one owner. That request does not fit the R-1 requirement, which is the reason for request to rezone to an R-2. Kent explained the planning commission had a hearing Tuesday of last week and recommended approval of the change. There were several things considered including character of the neighborhood, consistency with the comprehensive plan, adequacy of public utilities, and suitability of the uses to which the property has been in its existing zoning. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1818: Rezone 504 E. 7th Street from R-1 to R-2 seconded by Commissioner Cloyd. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
- Resolution 2026-07: A Resolution recognizing third party fees assessed for use of Credit Card, Debit Card or E-check payments – Kent stated, these are third party fees associated with electronic transactions of credit card, debit card or electronic check. When these payment methods were first introduced there were minimal fees. However, both the increase by the software vendor and the increase in usage, it has come to a point that the City can no longer absorb those fees and they need to be passed on to the customer. Commissioner Artzer asked, does electronic payment just mean bank transfers or does that include credit card payments? Commissioner Redlin stated, with credit card, debit card and e-checks. It was further discussed a customer still has the option of making payment with check and cash for no fee, also they could pay with automatic withdrawal for a minimal fee. This change will take place on May 1st, 2026 ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2026-07: A Resolution recognizing third party fees assessed for use of Credit Card, Debit Card or E-check payments seconded by Commissioner Cloyd. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
FORMAL ACTIONS
- Airport Terminal Restaurant Lease – Kent stated, lease with Francisco Martinez, L & T Restaurant for the airport restaurant was tabled last meeting. There were some concerns regarding having no payment for utilities included in the contract. There was an agreement reached with the potential lessee to add an amount of $500 to the lease for utilities. This may not cover the full amount, but should cover a large portion of it. The amount can be changed after they have moved in and are operating. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve the Airport Terminal Restaurant Lease with the $500 utility update seconded by Commissioner Redlin. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
DISCUSSION
- County Request – trade right of way acquisition to the City in exchange for Wolak Building ownership – Kent stated, Bret Mangan, County Attorney has approached the city with a request from the County Commission to trade right of way acquisition to the City in exchange for Wolak Building ownership. The right of way would extend from 2nd and Sherman to K-27. Commissioner Artzer questioned what that would mean for the city as far at the Wolak Building. Kent expressed the city has no current operations in the building, but the joint fire department is located there. If, in the future that agreement would change, whose authority would it be to locate there. Vice-Mayor Howard verified at this time the City maintains the outside of the building and carries insurance. Commissioner Cloyd stated, this trade would reduce our overhead cost a small amount. Vice-Mayor Howard inquired how wide would the right of way need to be. Kent believes it would need to be at least 60 to 80 feet wide. This is a little bit of knowledge regarding the topic, you can ponder it and ask for a joint meeting in the future if you choose.
- Update for Progress of 621 W 17th – Zach stated, at the previous meeting it was decided to just remove the porch and move forward with abatement of the rest of the structure. The property owner has a request for the Commission tonight. Bertha Aguilar, addressed the Commission explaining her need for additional time to complete the required structural repairs. The sequence of repairs first required the cellar door be installed to ensure weatherproofing. The progress has been limited due to cold weather conditions and safety restrictions (not working alone). She also stated she has completed some work including removal of exterior siding, installation of temporary supports and preparation for installation of cellar door. The Commission acknowledged the challenges but expressed concerns regarding limited progress since previous meeting, the need to maintain consistent enforcement of city codes and timelines across all properties and importance of preventing prolonged delays. Zach clarified, structural concerns remain with the roof joists and portions of the porch. He also stated repairing the existing structure may be as costly as rebuilding. Bertha and the Commission came to an agreement to grant a three-week extension. Bertha agreed to have weather proof cellar door installed, reinforce the roof joists as required and apply roof underlayment. Zach will inspect the property prior to the next Commission meeting and report finding to the Commission. Commissioner Cloyd reiterated the importance of timely compliance while acknowledging the property owners’ circumstance. However, if the progress made is minimal, more progressive steps may need to be taken.
REPORTS
- City Manager – 1. Manager memo, February month-end fund balance and Police monthly activity reports are in the packet. 2. The application portal has opened for the earmark request related to the second entrance to the Industrial Park. The application deadline is Wednesday of the current week. The City has submitted supporting materials, including letters of support from five local businesses. Based on prior discussions with agency staff and officials, the application is expected to receive favorable consideration. 3. Progress on the street survey has been slightly delayed due to a health issue affecting a crew chief. However, right-of-way data collection has been completed. Topographical work is expected to begin by the first full week of April for the 8th Street project (from K-27 to Caldwell/Cherry). Preliminary design drawings are anticipated for presentation to the Commission at the second meeting in May. Additionally, core sampling has been conducted to evaluate alternative base materials, which may provide more cost-effective construction options. 4. The Museum Board has approved a mural on the Museum. 5. As a reminder, tour of city facilities is scheduled for April 8th starting at 4:00p.m.
- City Commissioners
Vice-Mayor Howard – 1. No Report
Commissioner Artzer – 1. No Report
Commissioner Cloyd – 1. No Report
Commissioner Redlin – 1. No Report
- Mayor Showalter– 1. Absent, No Report.
ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Cloyd. Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2026.
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ATTEST: J J Howard, Vice-Mayor
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Shauna Johnson, Deputy City Clerk