August 20, 2018 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

 

August 20, 2018                                                                                                                           5:00 P.M.

Mayor Brian Linin called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor Jay Dee Brumbaugh, Commissioner Annette Fairbanks, Commissioner John Garcia, and Commissioner Jacque Schields responding to roll call.

 

Also present were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works, Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Joni Showalter – Police Chief, Suzanne McClure – Economic Development Director, Alex Weis – Code Enforcement, Sami Philbrick – Museum Director, Mary Volk – City Clerk, and Andrew Finzen – City Manager.

 

Mayor Linin led Pledge of Allegiance

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. GRMC Update – Chris Smolik – Chris stated, I would like to emphasize we have no immediate plans for construction on hospital; we are still in draft form researching numbers.  We are looking at a community needs assessment for Goodland and surrounding area.  Hospital is not financially stabilized yet, we have been in black but not where need to be. Revenues have been down last two months but anticipate an increase last of third and the fourth quarter.    When there is relevant information for our plan, we would like to coordinate a meeting with City and County so everyone has same vision.  We have scheduled an open house next month to show off new radiology unit.  The County Commission has asked hospital to take over management of nursing home which we are researching but no promises as it is a tough industry.  We have developed a good relationship with St Francis hospital and continue looking into sharing resources to keep costs down.  New Bio-Med contract is being executed with Garden City.  A positive change has been the handicap ramp in front of hospital to allow easier access.  Commissioner Garcia asked, you indicated coordinating with County and City, are you planning to meet with everyone together.  Chris stated, this is a big community project and I would like to coordinate with all entities together as it is in the interest of everyone.  Rae Stewart from GRMC stated, we have added a pain management specialist to staff.  His objective is to manage pain without use of a lot of medication.  This weekend we are hosting a golf tournament fundraiser for Dermatology Department.  Mayor Linin stated, we appreciate you coming to our meeting, the City is open to the collaborative approach.  Chris stated, this is the first community I have been in for some time where City, County and Business leaders are all pulling the same direction.  We need to determine how to proceed without burdening tax payer.  Chris introduced Bob Wallace from Centura Health who has been working in Goodland for many years and is helping with contracts.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 08/06/18 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances, 2018-16, 2018-16A, and 2018-P16

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

 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1716: Increasing Detached Garage Height – Andrew stated, this ordinance stemmed from discussion at our last meeting.  Commission agreed to increase height of detached garages from sixteen to twenty feet.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Fairbanks to approve Ordinance 1716: Increasing Detached Garage Height seconded by Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. LKM Voting Delegate: Andrew Finzen – Andrew stated, the City can appoint two voting and two alternate delegates for the annual conference.  I have committed to go and willing to serve as a delegate. The Commission needs to make a decision on second delegate and alternates.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Andrew Finzen as a voting delegate for the City of Goodland at the annual LKM Conference seconded by Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Unfit Structure: 1116 Caldwell Avenue – Andrew stated, the Commission approved a resolution on July 16th allowing property owner thirty days to improve structure. Alex stated, the front of roof that is visible from street is done; property owner has informed me he has the siding and remaining roof materials on hand to complete those items.  Lincoln Wilson property owner stated, I will make street appearance better since the materials have been purchased.  Plans are to complete roof in next two weeks.  Hopefully siding on sides of house will be complete at that time.  The back will not be done until winter, but I want to improve street view.  Andrew stated, I recommend giving property owner an extension of thirty days for further improvement on property.  We have been seeing progress on property and I am comfortable with extension.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve a thirty day extension for improvements to the property at 1116 Caldwell seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Unfit Structure: 1302 Kansas – Andrew stated, we have had no contact with property owner since nuisance process began.  At this point I recommend letting property for demolition bids.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh to approve letting property at 1302 Kansas for demolition bids seconded by Commissioner Schields. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. Off-Street Parking Ordinance – Andrew stated, the revised version in packet includes the following changes: Definitional change where the term “principal structure” has been replaced with “building line.”  2. Total parking area and maximum vehicle regulations have been removed.  3. Dirt driveway regulations were modified from being no wider than the driveway approach or curb cut to being no wider than twenty feet.  4. Created an “Exceptions” subsection to address dirt driveway allowances; exempt school, churches and governments; and allow for discretion if a building is placed in an unusual place on the lot.  This is language you typically see in a variance hearing which would be at discretion of City Manager.   Commissioner Garcia stated, I contacted Schlosser Concrete for expertise with gravel.  They feel a two inch depth would be adequate for driveway, which would hold about three tons of weight.  Mayor Linin asked, so they suggest changing three inch depth to two inch?  Commissioner Garcia stated, that was their suggestion.  Kevin Butts stated, does this include fifth wheels?  I park mine on the grass beside the shop I recently built since City regulations would not allow me to build a garage tall enough for my fifth wheel.  Alex stated, his garage is in rear of his property.  Andrew stated, if it is in rear of property that is not regulated.  Commissioner Garcia asked, at previous meeting Randy Riley discussed his property with buffalo grass that he keeps maintained, will his property be in compliance?  Alex stated, since it is behind his house it is alright.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, the ordinance describes rock size, can we just allow gravel?  Andrew stated, this seems to be reoccurring size of gravel in a number of City ordinances.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, can we change to gravel since it was stated at last meeting Schlosser Concrete could get that gravel in but it would be expensive.  Commissioner Garcia stated, Schlosser Concrete eluded they have three quarter rock available that is pretty inexpensive, I recommend going with it.  Quigg McCombs citizen asked, I have a lot at 1302 Syracuse with buffalo grass and a shop on alley, can I park car trailer on there with this ordinance?  It has two drives but is covered in grass.  I park my camper there in winter.  Andrew stated, it is best to discuss these questions with staff before the meeting so we can review the property.  Please make contact with Alex so we can look at property.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, we previously discussed limiting the number of vehicles.  Andrew stated, there was no directive to remove maximum I am just trying to focus on key points of ordinance for Commission.  Commissioner Garcia stated, the objective is to keep vehicles from parking in front of house.  Commissioner Schields stated, my objection were the properties jumping the curb and parking in the side and front yards.  Andrew stated, the only prohibition is if side yard is less than eight feet.  If park on side must be flush with property line.  As it is written, if they gravel any part of their yard they are not limited by number of vehicles can park on approved surface.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, I do not see that affecting a lot of people but not sure that is what we want.  The number we had before was maximum of seven vehicles on a lot, which I felt was fairly reasonable.  Andrew stated, if the Commission wants a number in ordinance, we can add it.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, I feel it is better to have seven than fifty percent of the lot.  I do not get hung up on garden trailers and do not feel that is focus of this ordinance.  It is normal to park a trailer on the side of yard and would like people to have some freedom.  Andrew asked, should trailer be deleted from information in definition?  Commissioner Fairbanks asked, do we need to define difference between garden and boat trailer.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh stated, I am thinking small trailers which are common beside a garage.  Kevin stated, I would like trailers taken out of the ordinance.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I have no issue with Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh’s request.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, can we get feedback from public on the ordinance before it is approved?  It will not be perfect but I want time to see what kind of feedback we get so we can find a balance.  Andrew stated, so I understand you want me to change depth of gravel from three to two inches, remove trailers from definition and add maximum of seven vehicles on lot, which does not include trailers, and keep away from the 50% of lot.  Mayor Linin stated, I like how ordinance was simplified, easier to review.  I feel like we should make changes and post a copy on our website to get public feedback.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, we are focusing ordinance on residential lots, does that pertain to vacant lots also?  Andrew stated, the ordinance includes vacant lots.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, when a property is demolished and the lot cleared off are we required to reseed the property?  Andrew stated, we do not reseed the lots.  Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh asked, we require construction contractors to keep dirt down, are we not required to do that?  Andrew stated, if we did that would be an added expense to demolition.  These are not City lots and we do not maintain them.  I would like to know if Commission has input on effective date of ordinance if we allow public to review before approval.  The standard is an ordinance is in effect upon publication.  Consensus of Commission is to draw up final draft and solicit public input for thirty days, then have ordinance effective upon publication.  Andrew stated, we will work on final draft.

 

REPORTS

  1. City Managers Report- 1. As a reminder the office is closed September 3rd in honor of Labor Day so next Commission meeting is Tuesday September 4th.  In addition, the office will close September 21st at noon.  Homecoming activities for USD 352 are scheduled that afternoon and I ask staff to support the activities.  2. We have two part-time positions open: a part time van driver and museum assistant.    Kudos to Fireman Dakota Roubideaux who had a front tire blow on the ladder track when responding to a call.  He did a good job in keeping the vehicle upright.  4.  We are working with Doug Irvin on steps to proceed with hotel project.  There will be an ordinance coming before the Commission.  In addition he will need the frontage road extended to the south which will be a huge expense.  5.  The FAA did a pavement inspection and did not say good things about cross wind runway 5/23.  He indicated it is the second worst runway he has seen in his four state region and the first has been closed down.  He indicated they will not shut it down but there is some liability if something happens to a plane.
  2. Museum Director – Sami stated, the Science Olympiad and Brook Berringer exhibits have been up and are doing well.  The Berringer exhibit has been extended through Thanksgiving. After the Science Olympiad exhibit we have a climate exhibit funded by the Sherman County Community Foundation.  We have finished with the Junior Gardener program and continue working on disaster plan for Museum.  The Board reviewed survey results and are focusing on public comments to improve the front of the museum, get exhibits that spark local interest and have a means to get word out to the public as to what we have on display.  This summer we have had 1,413 visitors in the museum which is really good.  Commissioner Schields stated, both those exhibits are very good.
  3. Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh – 1. It is nice to hear Chris give presentation to City and being open to everyone working together.  We may not always agree but are all on same team.  It is in the best for the community.

Commissioner Fairbanks – 1.  I would like to thank Barb Bedore and staff for hosting the annual pooch plunge.  It was unfortunate the weather did not cooperate so they did not have many dogs, but those that came had fun.  2.  I had a phone call from a citizen about permits that I did not know how to answer.  They asked if we are trying to cleanup and make community look nice, why are is the City pushing for permits for everything we do.  I indicated I was sure our permits are in line with what other communities require.  Alex stated, our permits are very cheap.  3.  When Sami talked about getting word out for the museum, it came to mind that we have some avenues but previously we talked about a government channel.  Can we look into that again?  Mayor Linin asked, does it work better to have information online or through social media?  Andrew stated, I tried putting together a community calendar on Go Goodland site but it did not work.  Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I understand and do not know if people sit and watch a roll around channel anymore.

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  McB lot has been cleaned up and looks great.  2.  I have had a couple calls regarding the curb and gutter on Cherry between 11th and 12th Street which looks bad.  Rich stated, it was a budget issue that we stopped on south side of high school.  The worst part in that area is where the truck comes off the curb from parking on private property.  We are trying to fix the worst part, then if have money left can look at other areas.

Commissioner Schields – 1.  No Report

  1. Mayors Report – No Report

 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Garcia seconded by Commissioner Schields.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 4, 2018.

 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

 

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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