July 1, 2019 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

 

July 1, 2019                                                                                                                                        5:00 P.M.

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

 

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

 

Mayor Linin led Pledge of Allegiance

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. J. Howard citizen stated, people have approached me on time limit for fireworks on July 3rd and 4th. If you go to fairgrounds, there is no time for those volunteering at Freedom Festival to shoot their fireworks.  Andrew stated, the time is set out by code and would require a change by ordinance but there is not enough time for it to be published.  Mayor Linin stated, this is something we may be able to look at for next year.  J.J stated, maybe the police can be more lenient with enforcement.  Joni stated, we do not like to issue tickets for fireworks, but if get multiple complaints we have to let people know.  If we have to go back to a property multiple times then we have to issue a ticket.  We have to look out for everyone.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 06/17/19 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 06/18/19 Joint Commission Meeting Minutes
  3. 06/27/19 Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
  4. Appropriation Ordinances, 2019-13, 2019-13A, and 2019-P13
  5. Resolution 1553: Setting Cemetery Fees

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. Second Pickleball Court at Chambers Park – Tess Smith GAC Director stated, we have one court that is in full use since weather has been nice.  GAC purchased first court for about $490.47.  We have multiple teams waiting on court and a second court will be utilized.  The groups using court would like to have second court.  The Girl Scouts are having a tournament this weekend as a fundraiser.  I feel there is a strong need for second court.  Commissioner Fairbanks stated, it is getting a different group out to use and exercise.  Tess stated, they also use the court in GAC if weather is bad.  It is fun to see older people in community become more mobile.  Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I feel if we can fund it, we should.  Tess stated, Scott Mentzer took a lot of time to tape off a second court at his own expense.  Commissioner Garcia stated, we should be able to purchase this. Tess stated, we will treat the court like we do other one and when weather gets bad we will take it in.  Andrew stated, we can take money out of Special Parks Fund; I would like to have setup similar to existing court.  The Parks and Recreation/Tree Board discussed a second court and recommend purchase.  They also felt the chain link fence was not best border for court so recommended removal and not sure we want to put in another fence.  Consensus of Commission is to purchase a second court for Chambers Park.
  2. Airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Contract – Andrew stated, we are currently out of contract with Butterfly Aviation. As FBO, they provide mowing, flight tracking and correspondence and fill in as airport manager.  Part of their package in past was operating the café which has struggled in recent years and was no longer a benefit so downsizes their compensation package.  They feel every time the contract renews they get less benefits.  They would like us to do mowing but we feel it is beneficial they continue this service.  An offer ceased in this contract is the four cent tax on fuel sales, they would like all fuel revenue, which would add about $8,500 per year for them.  I invite Commission to review contract provided.  Majority of it is the same as past contracts.  Airport Board recommends unanimous approval.  Mayor Linin asked, are we losing something by not having restaurant, I understand it is a negative for them.  Andrew stated, when it was Butterfly Café, they operated café, but with King Air Café, they have no involvement in operation.  Commissioner Garcia asked, what about hangar rent?  Andrew stated, it is only in the community hangar where they get revenue and that is split 50/50.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I have mixed feelings when we are going through the budget process.  I feel we treat them very justly.  Given the last couple years of the budget process I do not want to compromise grant transfer of $100,000.  Mayor Linin asked, how would Airport Board feel if we allocate that money to the Airport Fund rather than General Fund?  They have been pushing hard for a levy in that fund.  By the City giving up the four cents we are going opposite direction.  Andrew stated, the Board would be happy with whatever we can put in Airport Fund, it is what Butterfly Aviation will be happy with.  Mayor Linin stated, I am reluctant of decision as we need them to run the airport.  Commissioner Schields stated, they have responsibility too, we are not just giving them $8,500.  Mayor Linin asked, when did contract expire?  Andrew stated, it has been a few months that we have been working on this contract.  Mayor Linin asked, what options do we have?  Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I like idea of allocating money to Airport Fund.  It does not specifically help Butterfly Aviation, but it helps everyone at airport.  Mayor Linin asked, is that an additional tax on fuel?  Andrew stated, no they indicated prices are so competitive that they do not want to assess an additional tax.  They want to be competitive with surrounding communities.  Mayor Linin stated, I would like to know more about situation they had with restaurant.  The Commission should think about direction want to head.
  3. Ossuarium Policies and Procedures – Andrew stated, the Cemetery Board met Thursday to review rules and policies to have procedures to operate ossuarium.  Board wanted to ensure Commission reviews to keep moving forward.  This is the policies and procedures, fees were set by resolution.  Mayor Linin stated, I do not see anything out of line, but feel if there is a problem with policy we address it at that time.  We have to see how it works.  Andrew stated, I agree the Board did a good job reaching out to other communities to put policies in place.  Mayor Linin asked, are there problems with current policies?  Andrew stated, looking at the policies there were a lot of gray areas which they are addressing.  No urgency but please review for future meeting.
  4. FY 2020 Budget – Andrew stated, this is an opportunity to discuss budget since presentation Thursday.  I have provided a line item budget to show where we are at end of May and updated financial information for Commission for June.  Salary information has been requested and where wage increases fit into budget.  Mayor Linin asked, if we approve budget today, how would wage increase be handled?  Andrew stated, it would be a merit increase based on performance by department head evaluation.  It would not be a flat increase.  Commissioner Schields asked, if approved it will not go into effect until January right? Andrew stated, correct.  We looked at salaries in police department and everything was in order.  Commissioner Schields stated, I had a question on demolition money, but found answer in professional services.  Mayor Linin asked, will we expect entire amount allocated toward completing Motel 7?  Andrew stated, it will go to that property first then we should have some left for other properties.

 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1. Eustis Street is open and contractor has moved on to paving 4th  We had a minor issue with a property owner’s fence being in the right of way but it has been worked out.  Contractor will then move to Sherman, then 15th Street.  2. Brick street project is proceeding smoothly.  3.  There was a good write up in the paper on Suzanne.  4. Firemen are helping with Freedom Festival.  5.  Dispatch is coming along.  Closer to where the partition wall will come down.  The kitchenette is taking shape.
  2. Fire Chief/Building Inspector – Brian stated, it is a busy time with July 4th to help setup, be on standby and tear down fireworks.  It takes time away from our families, this is my 12th We are talking next year that we are going to charge for our crew to be out there because if we were not there, he would have to hire a crew.  Commissioner Garcia asked, did he get a shooter?  Brian stated, yes Zach Golemboski from Colby is registered shooter, then Matt Breininger is training.  Next year we are looking at Brandon VanVleet, Matt and myself taking test to shoot and he can pay us to shoot the fireworks.  We had four guys out yesterday building racks then we start at 8:00 a.m. Thursday loading racks and watch it till show starts about 9:30 p.m.  We tear down that night.  Mayor Linin asked, does Joe Diaz just sell the fireworks?  Brian stated, he has contract with carnival board and it states he provides shooter, mortars, and fireworks.  Commissioner Fairbanks asked, is he paying the shooter to come from Colby.  Brian stated, I understand the carnival board is paying for it.  If you have more questions talk to Aaron Duell.  We are testing fire apparatus pumps Friday.  I just completed testing hydrants and hose.  We are trying to keep ISO points where they need to be.  Lohr Electric is running the conduit and electrical for our training facility.  Progress is slow but they are volunteers.  Dakota is doing well with Code Enforcement.  He has sent out a lot of weed notices and letters for inoperable vehicles.  On parking ordinance he is addressing three properties, just waiting for owners to address.  The fire inventory is complete for the City looking ahead to possible merger.  Holiday Inn Express is moving ahead and beginning foundation work. We are doing fire training at Motel 7 tomorrow night.  Contractor is planning to begin demolition next week.  Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I would like to express to the volunteers that I appreciate the time they give up for show to happen and hopefully next year can find money for their work.
  3. Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Brumbaugh – 1.  Absent, No Report

Commissioner Fairbanks – 1.  Thank you to Rich from Topside Trail committee for donating old and broken fire hydrants for Dog Park.

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  When is next budget meeting?  Andrew stated, July 15th.

Commissioner Schields – 1.  Appreciate Eustis Street, it is very smooth.  2.  Thank you to the City workers, everyone does a good job and works hard.

  1. Mayor – No Report

 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Garcia seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2019.

 

 

 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

 

 

 

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

 

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