May 16, 2022 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

May 16, 2022                                                                                                                         5:00 P.M.

Mayor Aaron Thompson called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard, Commissioner Jason Showalter, Commissioner Ann Myers and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call. 

Also present were Frank Hayes – Chief of Police, Sami Windle – Museum Director, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, Kenton Keith – Director of Streets and Facilities, Neal Thornburg – Director of Water and Wastewater, Danny Krayca – Director of Parks, Jeff Dinkel – Code Enforcement/Building Official, Jake Kling – City Attorney, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Thompson led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Roberta Bretz, citizen stated, I want to discuss city codes contractors have to follow.  The rules have been very tight, more than neighboring communities.  I have not done a lot of research, but people say they cannot get the contractor they want in Goodland because of city codes.  It is difficult to get a contractor.  They will not work in Goodland because of expense and it is tough to get licenses.  The Commission needs to look at rules so capable people can come to work in city limits to open the market.  I believe the main reason for codes are to keep standards in contracting, but Goodland exceeds what is normal.  You can accomplish standards without such stringent rules.  Mayor Thompson stated, I have heard same comments about our complicated set of rules.  We recently filled the Board of Trade and Appeals to update and change necessary codes.  If you have specific concerns I recommend you attend one of their meetings.    

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 05/02/2022 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 05/02/2022 Special Commission Work Session Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2022-10, 2022-10A, and 2022-P10

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. IFB-2022-05 Demolition Bid Award – Jeff stated, this bid is for 326 Sherman where property owner deeded property to the City.  We sent owner a letter but she wanted to have property demolished because she could not sell property.  The City cleaned up loose trash.  Kent stated, we received two bids for demolition:  B& K Pumping in the amount of $4,875 and Goody’s in the amount of $7,500.  Staff reviewed bids and recommend low bid from B & K Pumping.  Commissioner Redlin asked, have we used B& K Pumping before without issue?  Jeff stated, yes we have.  Commissioner Showalter asked, are completion dates same?  Kent stated, B & K was the end of June.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the bid from B & K Pumping for the demolition of 326 Sherman in the amount of $4,875 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Pista Grit Motors Purchase: Wastewater Treatment Plant – Neal stated, this request is for three backup motors from Smith & Loveless at wastewater treatment plant.  There is a 15 hp motor for $14,836.41, 1 hp motor for $4,570.12 and a ¾ hp motor for $2,485.06.  If we lose one motor, our operation is down.  We looked into delivery timeframe which is twenty to twenty-two weeks.  The machine has been running since 2015, so it has some age on it.  We do not want it to go down; we need to keep running.  Mayor Thompson asked, I assume you are looking at what is happening in the economy and what is going on for specialty items?  Neal stated, that is correct.  We cannot be guaranteed when we will receive anything.  Kent stated, we were going through items that will keep us operational and within KDHE guidelines.  This is higher priority item to stay operational and compliant as it affects rest of treatment plant process.  Mayor Thompson stated, I know we are working hard to make things run out there and we do not want to go backwards.  Neal stated, we will have a KDHE inspection coming in near future.  Mayor Thompson asked, where is funding to pay for motors?  Neal stated, the sewer fund from equipment maintenance.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel all department heads should make this same review.  Kent stated, we are having those discussions.  Mayor Thompson stated, all three motors total $21,441.59, which sounds like a lot but they are specialty items.  Neal stated, the bid is from Smith & Loveless because that is what our equipment is.  Kent stated, we will have to adjust a couple items in budget but are able to make it work.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to purchase all three motors from Smith & Loveless in the amount of $21,441.59 seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.  
  3. Water Meter Purchase – Neal stated, request is for upgrades to meters that are over ten years old to increase revenue and decrease water loss.  We are pushing to finalize installation of radio read meters but need 390 meters to complete project.  This will also reduce meter reading time.  Kent stated, standard for meters is ten to fifteen years because meters slow down over time and do not read all water going through meter.  It is tough to do but we should have a schedule.  We have been working on project for fifteen years and this will finalize project.  This will help customer’s know if there is a problem earlier.  It also helps the City know where water is going and reduces water loss.  Mayor Thompson asked, with the 390 meters, we will have everything radio read?  Kent stated, yes, and we will have a few on hand to change out other meters.  Mary stated, to pay for the expense $20,000 will come from water fund and $50,000 from the water line replacement project in CIRF.  Commissioner Myers asked, do we know delivery date?  Neal stated, smaller meters are common and will be available but the large meters will take longer.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to purchase 390 water meters from Salina Supply in the amount of $70,516.58 seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  4. Library Board Appointments: Craig Boggio & Riley Oharah – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the reappointment of Craig Boggio and appointment of Riley Oharah to the Library Board for four year terms seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  5. Museum Board Appointment: Ron Vignery & Heather Evert – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the appointment of Ron Vignery and reappointment of Heather Evert to the Museum Board for four year terms seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. Ordinance to Change Expiration Dates for Renewal of Contractor Licenses – Jeff stated, currently expiration of contractor licenses stagger through the year.  The Board is looking at having all licenses expire at one time, which is what several other communities do.  Board is discussing whether to have license renewal every year or every other year.  Commissioner Showalter stated, this should simplify process.  Jeff stated, yes and it will help with budget.  Mayor Thompson asked, was there a positive reason to stagger license terms?  Jeff stated, I am not aware of reasoning.  Other communities have them all expire at end of year.  Mayor Thompson asked, can we change the word bi-annual in sample to ensure it is understood as every other year?  Jake stated, yes it will read every other year. 
  2. Ordinance Adopting a Code for Continuing Education Requirements for Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Contractors – Jeff stated, in researching code we do not require proof of continuing education but State of Kansas requires they show proof.  Education for all contractors are basically same at six hours annually or twelve every two years.  We are also discussing since they have to have classes.  Kent stated, when this was discussed with the board, the contractors said they had to provide proof for other communities.  It is not intended to complicate things for contractor.  Changes in electrical and mechanical code happen every six months so it is a benefit the contractors review everything to keep current. 
  3. Letter of Support: Topside Trail Grant Application – Ben Schears from Topside Trail Committee stated, other committee members present are Annette Fairbanks, Andrew Brunner and Danny Krayca.  We are in process of applying for a grant with the Dane Hansen Foundation to extend trail 1/3 mile to loop south of Elks.  We would like a letter of support from the City.  Mayor Thompson stated, I see many people using the trail and it is a great addition to community so I am more than willing to offer support.  The last grant was applied for through the City and would like to ask same.    Consensus of Commission is to write a letter of support for the grant and submit application through the City.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  There are a couple purchases that follow the purchasing policy recently adopted but we want to be sure Commission is aware.  We obtained two bids for the aerator budgeted in the parks department.  The bids were American Implement in the amount of $3.479.92 and Yost Farm Supply in the amount of $4,100.  The item was approved in the budget and we will purchase from American Implement.  The other item is the wind cone at the airport that is damaged beyond repair.  Many will call this a wind sock because it shows wind direction but it is lighted at night.  We obtained quotes and it is higher than expected but within purchasing guidelines and we need at the airport.  Bids were Hali-Brite in the amount of $6,552.55 and ADB Safegate in the amount of $7,495.07.  We are purchasing the wind cone from Hali-Brite.  Mayor Thompson asked, is damage from constant high winds?  Kent stated, mainly the winds but then someone got too close to it.  2. We are proceeding with runway project and making good progress.  Andrew Brunner stated, project is progressing, will not have concrete for couple weeks but doing other work.  At last Airport Board meeting Eagle Med was concerned about runway closure with project.  FAA did indicate we could close runway during day but open back up at night for Eagle Med to be able to use.  For now, it will remain open weekends, but contractor only has twenty day window to complete this portion of project, so it will be weather permitting.  3.  Andrew stated, on the 17th Street project, they poured concrete this morning and will do another pour tomorrow and Thursday then take a break from concrete because short on cement powder.  They will continue with other items on project.  We have to evaluate what the week of rain did to contractor’s completion date.  4.  Over weekend airport restaurant had to close but close is temporary and not long term.  At this time it is closed until they get employee situation figured out.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I hear good things so I hope it continues.  5.  Field work for audit was complete last week without concern.  They will have report by end of June.    6.  As a reminder, we have a work session following meeting. 

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  I want to thank Topside Trail committee for work on project.  The project came out of community assessment group and adds value to our community.  I see people actively using trail. 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2022.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

Contact Us

Important Information

Community Links

Skip to content