August 3, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

August 3, 2026                                                                                                                      5:00 P.M.

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

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Jason Erhart –Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, 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

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 07/20/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-15, 2026-15A and 2026-P15

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1825: Code Additions for Electric Scooters discussion – Kent stated, Jason outlined a list of items to change Section 16 in City Code to include items agreed upon by commission last meeting.  Changes are highlighted in yellow and asking commission for recommendations before presenting formal ordinance.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I agree with recommendations discussed last meeting.  What about considering safety vests to help with visibility, or is that too much?  Commissioner Cloyd stated, it would be good education but I do not feel we can require the vests.  Jason stated, getting people to comply with vests will be difficult.  Mayor Showalter stated, I think this is an aggressive step in the right direction.  We need to try updates and if we need changes we can make them.  I do not want to add burden to people.  I think we need to proceed with these recommendations.  Jason stated, this will ban everything except E-bikes and E-scooters.  Commissioner Redlin stated, for clarification we are not taking scooters away from children under 12; we are adding safety requirements.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, some children have put flags on the scooters or bikes which is good.  I feel this is the direction we want to head.  Jason stated, the flags will not fit all applications.  In some cases, that is asking them to remove a bolt to attach the flag, which I do not agree with.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, how are our E-bikes going?  Jason stated, good, we have not had many calls since these have been discussed.  Mayor Showalter asked, Article 416 describes penalties, I assume that will be enforced after a period of time when warnings have been issued?  Jason stated, we will give one warning, then it will be citation. I wrote a citation to an E-bike for speed.  Jake could not assess because it was not in code.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we have to start somewhere, we can change if needed.  Kent stated, a formal ordinance will be presented next meeting for approval.    

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Resignation of Commissioner Sarah Artzer and procedure for filing for the position – Kent stated, we received notification of resignation from City Commissioner Artzer.  I would like to thank her for filling the position.  Her resignation was submitted a few days ago, effective immediately.  I discussed the procedure to fill vacancy with Jake.  Kansas Statute states position needs to be filled within 60 days.  The procedure that was followed when Mayor Thompson moved from the community was individuals who were interested came to the commission meeting and stated interest, then the Commission appointed a replacement at the following commission.  Commissioner Redlin asked, is this to fill unexpired term?  Kent stated, yes, term will be until election at end of 2027.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is August 17th giving community enough time?  Kent stated, yes, we have already had inquiries and I feel it is better to fill the vacancy as soon as possible.  Mayor Showalter asked, is there an application with questions?  Kent stated, no, when an individual runs for commission, you complete an application, but there is no pre-format for this.  Mayor Showalter asked, would it be smart to advertise for people to come to next two meetings then appoint following meeting.  Jake stated, that is fine but you need to set time the appointment will be made.  If you want to advertise you can but you already have had interest.  Commissioner Redlin asked, when does time period start?  Jake stated, it becomes effective when next business of city is conducted.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel people know she has resigned and have inquired.  I feel if interested, they should present at the next meeting then we would appoint at the first meeting in September.   Consensus of commission is to advertise one time in newspaper and if interested, come to next meeting so a replacement can be appointed September 8th.   

DISCUSSION

  1. NRP Projects and Numbers: Rachelle Standley – Rachelle Standley, Sherman County Appraiser stated, I have been appraiser since 2017 and in field of work over 32 years.  I deal with economic development with my job.  I provided you documentation of economic development numbers that come through our office.  It shows that economic development is not just about bringing in new businesses and loans which was mostly discussed at your last meeting.  I also want to provide history about Sherman County Community Development (SCCD) forming from my perspective as an original board member.  Economic development is not just about jobs and new businesses.   It is about establishing new housing, revitalization, new construction and many programs.  I work with many tax incentive programs, but the one utilized the most in Sherman County is the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.  Our county wide program gives a rebate of 90% of new taxes generated for five years on improvement that costs property owner and increases property value more than $5,000.  This is a very low threshold with increased construction costs and anyone can apply for it.  New rebate numbers for value added on appraised property values as of January 1, 2026 is a little over $11,700,000.  This consists of 67 projects over the 5-year period.  This year we added 13 new projects.  This is economic development.  We have one economic development exemption in the county at this time.  The exemption is granted by the Board of Tax Appeals order on the property.  I provided you a copy.  This is a 10-year tax abatement.  The first year is 100% exemption and it decreases 10% a year.  They had to create 31 full-time jobs and have to file paperwork annually to show they continue to meet requirements for abatement.  This was a multi-million-dollar project where SCCD and my office worked with them over two years to get exemption.  This is an extremely fast time-frame for this kind of exemption, The process was faster because it is a big company with capital and they applied for the exemption in other counties.  In economic development, most people talk about the TGT or bed tax money.  This tax is collected when you stay in a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or Airbnb.  It is a tax on the consumer.  This money is to be spent for tourism and travel to bring people to county.  Tax is established by Sherman County Commissioners and the current rate is 5%.  For a little history on SCCD, none of the current city or county commissioners were on board when SCCD started.  I am grateful that I live in a place where city and county government’s work together to improve community.  Many communities do not have that cooperation.  SCCD started in 2019, before then economic development was under the city and CVB and chamber of commerce were separate entities with own employees.  City and county wanted everyone in one office without politics being involved.  City put in $90,000 and county $50,000 which was the same amount they were funding economic development at the time.  The city and county commissions each picked three members for the board.  Those six would then pick a 7th member for the board.  I am not from Goodland or Sherman County but was fortunate to be on initial board.  We were a volunteer board starting the business from scratch.  We had to hire a director, establish a not for profit, write our bylaws, establish a mission statement and more.  The work of the board is impressive with a goal to improve Goodland and Sherman County.  You cannot put a price tag on the work of board for economic development.  Projects take a long time to complete.  The efforts may fall through but you have to do the work and take the risk.  Economic development is a slow process in a world everyone wants immediate satisfaction.  SCCD job is not to lure in the big companies but to do what is best for all big and small businesses.  When you can complete the work and still visit existing businesses, it is impressive.  Matt and Bert were talking about the $1,000,000 in loans brought in during 2025.  If you can turn $90,000 into millions of dollars in loans it is a good investment.  My office works closely with SCCD to get everyone best options.  My husband and I decided to make Goodland our forever home, which is not what I planned when I came to the community.  Goodland has a lot going on.  We believe in the community and it takes everyone to make community development.  You will make mistakes, but need to learn from them and move on.  We need to remind everyone that words, intentions and actions matter, we want to be part of solution.  It is good to ask questions, but it needs to be addressed in a respectful manner.  As an elected official you are representing the tax payers.  Trying to destroy someone’s work and reputation should not be acceptable.  I appreciate all you do.  We need to work together.     
  2. Interlocal Agreement on SCCD: Modification Proposed by Sherman County – Kent stated, there was an issue brought up on the inter local agreement regarding the Sherman County Community Development Board.  Current agreement states they shall be subject to an annual audit and results of said audit shall be submitted to the respective public agencies participating in the agreement.  In order to clarify, County Attorney, Bret Mangan submitted a proposed change to agreement at the Sherman County Commission meeting and Jake asked for change to be presented to the City Commission.  The proposed change is “The Sherman County Community Development Board shall be subject to an annual audit, at the request of any member to this Agreement, with the costs of the audit being assessed to the requesting party.  When an audit is requested, the results of audit shall be submitted to the respective parties participating in this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed as requiring an annual audit without a request being made from a participating party.” The TGT funds are part of county audit.  Funds we provide SCCD are audited but use of the funds by SCCD is not.  County Attorney indicated if proposed change is agreeable that he would prepare document required for agreement.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel it is important the funds given SCCD have some oversight as to where funds are going and needs an audit on annual basis.  It is not a private entity donating the funds.  Mayor Showalter asked, with the city audit, what would it look like if we request they include audit of SCCD?  I assume it will come at an additional cost that could be significant.  Kent stated, it will be an additional cost, probably a few thousand, but unsure what total cost will be.  I feel it will be typical of a component audit and less complicated than the city audit.  Mayor Showalter stated, I feel it would be a fairly simple audit for funds the city pays SCCD would be used to pay employees and benefits.  I do not feel there would be a lot that needs to be audited.  Kent stated, the purpose of our audit is to get to unqualified opinion and assure funds were properly used.  I do not think it would be complicated to complete; it will just come at a cost.  Mayor Showalter asked, what other similar boards do we have that if we request this of SCCD we will have to request an audit for them.  Mary stated, only other board like this is GAC, other ones are included in city audit.  Kent stated, the money we give GAC is not majority of their budget.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, the language in current agreement is an annual audit but the proposed change is a basically an ad hoc audit.  Kent stated, I would add, if requested.  Mayor Showalter asked, in theory, if we agree with this can we request an audit every year?  Kent stated, yes you could make request.  Mayor Showalter asked, that would be at our own direction through our own accountant to audit only the money the city provides?  Jake stated, realistically I do not feel you can separate the city and county money.  It would be an audit of both city and county money.  This proposal does not change process, simply clarifies intent.  You could also ask for an annual report as to how they spend your money.  If you have qualms with report, you can request an audit.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, does requesting annual financials need be part of this or can we request it separately?  Mayor Showalter stated, that makes the most sense, we should be asking that of everyone that we provide money, even GAC.  This is what the county commission is comfortable with?  Jake stated, correct.  Mayor Showalter stated, if we decide we want an audit, it will be at our expense.  Jake stated, yes if the county does not join you in request.  It is unfair if one party in not interested in doing an audit to ask them to pay for audit.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I am in line with proposed change.  Mayor Showalter stated, I feel comfortable with the recommendation of county commission and we need to ask for annual financials to show how money is spent.  I feel with everything that has occurred with citizen complaints this year we find out what the additional cost will be for an audit of SCCD.   If for no other reason, but to put to rest the comments, complaints or issues that have been brought to us.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I agree but I feel it is important we have an audit every year.  Kent stated, staff will come back with estimate of cost associated with an audit for the commission.  It may cost more the first year to set up the parameters.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, do we need to vote on proposed change?  Jake stated, wait until you get formal amendment to approve change.  Under commission direction, I will let Bret know commission is in favor to proceed with proposed change. 
  3. Hangar Lease Agreement: Med Trans Corporation – Kent stated, this is renewal of hangar lease for Med Trans Corp, formally known as Eagle Med.  A few changes are recommended by Med Trans.  Specifically in Section 5, the abandonment of premises or personal property is a concern.  Jake stated, main concern is we do not want to lease space and not house a plane.  We proposed they cannot leave hangar vacant for a number of days.  After that time the concern would be if the plane is taken for maintenance and cannot control time of return.  Recommendation if it is beyond the time indicated they provide written notice with proposed date plane will return.  They added the extra language in lease of which I am not in favor, as it would nullify the first time period.  I feel we need to keep it simple, allow 45 days and if exceed timeline inform us in writing of estimated date the plane will return, not to exceed a certain time period.  My concern with proposal is they can show up with airplane day one of lease, take it out and write a letter saying will be outside timeline and plane will be gone until end of lease.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, our goal is to keep them here to provide services so I am in favor of language to make it happen.  Mayor Showalter stated, can we terminate lease for any reason?  Jake stated, no not in this realm.  If they violate any other terms of the lease then yes.  Commissioner Redlin asked, who would check on lease?  Jake stated, you can have FBO or Airport Board.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, we would know if the plane is not here when we need the service and they are not here?  Kent stated, not necessarily as they are not the only transport agency, so it may just be the circumstances.  Mayor Showalter stated, I feel this is the closest we can get and they indicated they are not planning on going anywhere.  We need to sign agreement.  Kent stated, either party can terminate agreement by giving 90-day notice.  Mayor Showalter stated, we need to try to fix it if something goes sideways.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the Hangar Lease Agreement with Med Trans Corporation as presented seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  4. 2027 Budget: Staff Direction – Kent stated, commission asked for information showing how change in mill levy will affect property taxes.  Information shows property appraised value converted to assessed value to calculate property tax on both residential and commercial property.  It shows the change for the mill rate as published, to meet 2026 rate and RNR for city taxes only.  The information shows remaining amount need to cut budget to reach each level.  For the 2026 rate we need an additional $32,682 more from cuts already taken.  Then to get to RNR the amount is $53,979.  There are different options to obtain each level.  The biggest chunk would be decreasing the amount set aside to demolish some commercial properties we need to address to $0.00.  All but one property has changed direction so we are only dealing with one remaining property that is of concern, which is OYO.  There has been a lot of communication on property and we do not feel the direction has been settled.  Having the money set aside will be helpful, although it is not enough.  We will need to make strides toward doing something with the property.  Costs should be paid by some owner of the property, but probably will not recoup most costs.  For a property in past with demolition of hotel, the city did not recoup any costs.  Mayor Showalter stated, there have been hard decisions to get to where we are.  One thing I believe is if the city is going to reduce spending, the different entities we fund throughout the year will also need to reduce their spending and meet same benchmark.  The library requested an increase and yes, it is deserving, but we have to make decisions.  It is not just on the city but everyone we fund.  I do not feel RNR is a smart decision, but I would like to go to 2026 rates.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel 2026 rates or as close as possible is as low as we can go.  I agree other entities we fund need to be on board with same principal.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I appreciate staff going through the budget to make the cuts needed.  Mayor Showalter stated, I am aware it is not a huge increase, but it is what the people want.  It may be kicking the can down the road but this year we need to do it.  Kent stated, we will put together a couple examples of the budget to reach 2026 rate.  The notice published in the paper is the maximum spending limit for the city.  It does not mean we have to be at that rate.  If staff provides options for next meeting, you can let staff know where you want to be for hearing on 8th.  Consensus of commission is in agreement to meet 2026 rate.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. As a reminder the Park n Play Concert with City BBQ is at Steever Water Park August 14th.  Welcome commission participation and it will begin at 5:00 as advertised.  Public is welcome.  3.  For the EDA Grant, we received notice of curing letter which is list of items they are requesting clarification on from application.  This is normal part of process.  I have made contact with Merchant McIntyre and engineer from KMEA Mid States.  Response must be submitted by end of August.  Once submitted, they will make a decision on the process.  Have meeting with EDA officials for clarification on points requested.  4.  Andrew will be here next meeting for presentation on 8th Street project.   
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Fair going on, be safe and enjoy.

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Time to vote tomorrow.  It is important everyone votes.    

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026. 

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ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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