September 6, 2022 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

September 6, 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, 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 HEARING

  1. 2023 Budget to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate – Mayor Thompson opened public hearing for the 2023 Budget to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) at 5:01 p.m.  Kent stated, we published budget summary in paper.  Last year the budget was set at 48.879 mills to generate revenue needed.  Property valuation in city was 35,082,448.  Estimated valuation went up this year to 37,433,732.  The County Clerk calculated our RNR to generate same dollars at 45.811 mills.  To follow state legislative requirements, we would actually lower mill but keep same dollars to meet RNR.  For many years cities had to keep same mill rate, which is what the commission approved for publication in 2023 budget.  The mill at 48.876 mills for 2023 budget is slightly below last year.  As a reminder information is based on estimated valuation.  There were no additional requirements for many years when the mill stayed the same, until last year, when legislature approved RNR in the budget process.  Last year the commission chose to meet RNR for 2022 budget, which lowered mill from 50.029 to 48.879.  This year we looked at cuts, making recommendations to the commission.  With pressures of increased costs and to deliver services, commission decided to keep budget at same level, which exceeds RNR.  You can change something if choose but not a requirement.  We will need to take a roll call vote to approve exceeding RNR.  Published budget is based on estimated valuations and final valuation will be calculated in November adjusted for all changes.  Because of difference in valuation from estimated to final, you can still exceed RNR if you elected to go with RNR.  Mayor Thompson asked if anyone present wanted to comment.  No public comment so Mayor Thompson closed public hearing for the 2023 Budget to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) at 5:07 p.m.
  2. 2023 Budget Hearing – Mayor Thompson opened public hearing for the 2023 Budget at 5:08 p.m.   Kent stated, budget was presented in both July meetings.  The meeting discussion is available on you tube and budget was published in paper several weeks ago.  The publication and budget documents are all available on city website.  Staff recommended a budget with several different items but we cut over $500,000.  Total budget presented is $15,791,588 which includes budgets for public utilities and $400,000 for projects in airport fund.  There are no major items in budget, it is pretty straight forward to maintain operation’s and meet demands over next year.  Mayor Thompson closed public hearing for the 2023 Budget at 5:11 p.m.
  3. Performance Hearing CDBG #21-CV-131 – Mayor Thompson opened public performance hearing for CDBG #21-CV-131 at 5:12 p.m.  Justine Benoit, NWKPDC grant administrator stated, at conclusion of block grants you are required to have a hearing on performance of grant funds.  The grant proposed economic relief for eligible businesses in city due to COVID 19.  The project assisted two businesses which resulted in retention of nine jobs.  Total grant award was $150,000.  The grant administered funds to eligible businesses in the amount of $50,000 to Crazy R’s and $30,000 to Jacques Hallmark.  There were $13,400 expended for grant administration.  Remaining funds in the amount of $56,600 will be returned to the state.  At conclusion of CDBG grants a state monitoring is required.  This is a special grant so no monitoring is required on this grant and funds are not taxable for these businesses.  The City will have to approve final close out documents later in the meeting.  Mayor Thompson asked for public comment.  No public comment so Mayor Thompson closed performance hearing for CDBG #21-CV-131 at 5:15 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Brenda and Gary Fisher were presentto discuss 106 N. Caldwell.  Brenda stated, we have been trying to buy property since beginning of summer.  Property owner thinks he gave property to government.  I spoke with his care giver and they do not want anything to do with property.  We would like you to consider allowing us to purchase property, fix it up and reside at property.  We are not sure how we can do this since still owned by Mr. Barnhart.  We would like to beautify property and make it an asset.  Mayor Thompson asked them to remain for discussion of item later in meeting. 

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Update on GRMC: Craig Loveless – Craig GRMC CEO stated, for month ending July 31st, income for the month was $1,999,000, year to date (YTD) was $12,200,000 before expenses.  Expenses were $1,780,000 for July and $11,900,000 YTD.  Of the expenses, nearly 50% is employee salaries and benefits.  That gives us total operating income of $216,000 for month and $298,000 YTD, so it has been a tight year.  Non-operating income, which is reduced drug rate able to do for pharmacies total $194,000 for month and $1,200,000 YTD which give total net income for month of $389,000 and $1,300,000 YTD.  It is a pretty tight budget and down from last year.  We went into budget this year projecting 8% inflation with no revenue increases.  Medicare reimburses 67% of our expenses, which is a straight pass through reimbursement.  On the commercial side, Anthem Blue Cross has a strangle hold on health care as they tell us what they are reimbursing and there is no increase from them this year.  I am excited this year from an operating standpoint, we are ahead almost $300,000 YTD.  I discussed our strategic plan previously and want to report on our key initiatives for our community and employees.  The first pillar was to work on strengthening core services of the clinic and specialty clinic.  The biggest thing we have done is invested in our staff for retention.  We have completed two salary reviews for an average increase in employee wages of 10%.  We have also done some retention bonuses to assist everyone fighting inflation.  We are looking at our benefits; we do well for employee but many have families.  The trend in the insurance world has been to pay for employee insurance but not family, so we are trying to adjust our benefit package to help the family.  We completed an annual newsletter and have had employee’s request updates more often, so going to try quarterly newsletters.  For the community investment we are doing a needs assessment as it has been three years.  The medical foundation is back in place and have planned a couple events.  An area that has been missed in few years is health fair, but we have next one planned for October.  To help with growth and enhance revenue cycle, we hired a full time individual to help with billing process and be a patient advocate.  Last piece is employee engagement where we have been working very hard to improve.  It measures employee intent to stay with hospital and the value they feel from hospital.  Scores for GRMC are about 4%.  The final question we receive is what benefit we receive from management company, Centura.  Hospital pays $187,000 a year and we receive benefits worth $230,000.  Centura reimburses approximately $130,000 for flights for different specialists, about $18,000 for HIPPA training required annually, employee surveys are about $14,000, approximately $30,000 from a specified trainer program, up to date medical resource guide for the providers is approximately $15,000, able to participate in general purchasing of supplies and equipment to save about 10% which totals about $40,000 to $50,000, approximately $11,000 buy medical services which are non-dollar items which are non-medical items, have received trauma education to certify hospital and  access to policies and procedures for leadership.  It is a benefit to GRMC and of course a benefit to them. 
  2. Eagle Scout Project Proposal: Jarek Crow – Jarek stated, I have started my Eagle Scout project at Goodland Gun Club.  It is a pavilion with two memorial benches at skeet range and four memorial benches at trap range.   The 12×24 Pavilion is almost complete.  It will include a cement base, picnic tables and gun racks.  The memorial benches are donated by High Plains Roosters.    There are three different teams that shoot at the club.  Teams grow annually and practices are lengthy.  4-H team has an annual state qualifier at the club; this year we had ninety-five competitors participating.  My budget has a cost of $5,236.  Pavilion was $2,998.  I am planning if I get additional money to buy two tables built from recycled tires which are $1,000 each.  Mayor Thompson asked, how long ago did you start project?  Jarek stated, about two weeks ago.  Mayor Thompson stated, we appreciate your project, it is needed at the club with participation growing.  Commissioner Showalter asked, how much money have you raised?  Jarek stated, the college donated $1,500 then a few $100 donations and Pheasants Forever donated memorial benches and bases.  I am going to Kiwanis and other organizations for additional donations.  We are waiting on gutter and tin for the roof and benches, otherwise project is done. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 08/15/22 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 08/29/22 Joint Commission Meeting Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2022-17, 2022-17A, 2022-17B, 2022-P17 and 2022-P17A

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

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Resolution 1594: Levy a Property Tax Rate Exceeding the RNR – Mayor Thompson stated, this resolution is to approve exceeding RNR as discussed during public hearing.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1594 to approve Levy of a Property Tax Rate Exceeding the RNR seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Approve 2023 Budget – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the 2023 budget as published seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  Mayor Thompson stated, with the crazy year I feel everyone has done a good job with the budget.  It is a budget to maintain and hope it looks better next year.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Approve Closeout Documents: CDBG #21-CV-131 – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve closeout documents for CDBG #21-CV-131 seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  4. Resolution 1595: KDOT Cost Share Grant Application for Caldwell Ave. 10th to 17th Street – Kent stated, KDOT is accepting applications on eligible projects.  We are submitting application for mill/overlay on Caldwell Avenue.  Caldwell is also listed in sales tax question, it is just no guarantee where funding will come from.  KDOT just recently announced this grant opportunity, so this funding was not available when discussions started with county.  I would expect with sales tax question we would only be able to complete our priority project of 8th Street because of increased costs.  Andrew Brunner EBH Engineer stated, our estimate is hoping when we bid project, prices will be down.  We have to get a letter of support for application so I was going to talk to Ben Schears at college and Bill Biermann at school.  Kent stated, staff discussed a local share of 20%.  The minimum required by state is 15% but when Andrew discussed application with state, they recommended a higher local share for the application to be considered.  Andrew stated, I took core samples of Caldwell and project will be from 10th Street to 17th Street with additional asphalt included where asphalt is cracking.  Road will have better drainage.  Mayor Thompson stated, our local share is coming from 2023 chip seal budget to cover project if approved.  Kent stated, yes and Kenton agrees this is a good opportunity to get road done.  The previous mill/overlay stopped at 10th street. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1595: KDOT Cost Share Grant Application for Caldwell Ave. 10th to 17th Street seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  5.  Resolution 1596: Support 1% County Sales Tax Question Election for Street/Roadway Improvements – Kent stated, during last joint meeting it was recommended the city commission approve resolution of support to place a question of 1% county sales tax for road improvements split between three entities on November 8th ballot.  The tax is split 25% City, 5% Kanorado and 70% County with the ballot question listing street projects.  At the meeting commission recommended adding statement allowing other streets if emergency exists.  Our priority is 8th Street, then Caldwell and other streets needed if emergency exists.  This is only a resolution of support to put question on ballot.  Commissioner Redlin asked, when we went through process is the list from county asking for all paved roads in county?  Kent stated, it may be the ones they are responsible for and not the state.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel a blanket statement is not fair representation to tax payers.  Mayor Thompson stated, I cannot speak for county commission but overall it is a need we have throughout county.  The need is there and funding is going to have to come from somewhere.  You cannot keep letting things deteriorate.  As far as the county not having specific projects it does not bother me as they have a lot wider birth of roads that are deteriorated in different spots.  This is only my speculation.  That will need to be addressed with them as there is more time before election.  I understand this is a long term tax with a wide range of roads.  City of Kanorado is the same way but you do not know where we will be in fifteen years.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I feel good about city wording and if voters have that concern, they can address it with county.  That is the language they have chosen.  Mayor Thompson stated, as citizens of the county we can go to their meeting and ask for clarification.  As citizens of county they should discuss with the county commission if they have concerns of what they are trying to accomplish.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, the wording for the city is straight forward.  For the County it seems to be a lot of roads but it is not, it is a mile here or a mile there on all the roads.  Commissioner Showalter stated, we need to forward question to the ballot.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Myers to approve Resolution 1596: Support 1% County Sales Tax Question Election for Street/Roadway Improvements seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-1 with Commissioner Redlin casting the dissenting vote.     
  6. Resolution 1597: Emergency Action Pursuant to Section 7-612 for 106 N. Caldwell – Jeff stated, property was brought to your attention at August 15th meeting.  USDA relinquished title for property.  I have received several complaints and spoke with caretaker.  Mr. Barnhart does not feel he owns it, but that the government does.  I would like approval of resolution to board up and secure property to keep squatters out of property at this time.  I feel we want to take process slow to make property safe from people going on property.  Mayor Thompson stated, for clarification, we are looking at making it safe at this time and demolish in future.  As far as city is concerned, we will not own property.  If you want to buy property you will have to work with property owner.  Brenda stated, we have been trying to talk to owner and they feel they do not own property.  Back taxes due on property are about $5,000.  We have removed glass in front of window and nailed up tarp so no one will get hurt.  We just want chance to fix it up.  Mayor Thompson stated, you still have time to pursue ownership.  City will not own property and will not be involved with you obtaining ownership.  Transfer of ownership has to come from owner.  County does the tax sale, not city.  This is only process for us to demolish property.  We do not go through process immediately but you have to go through other sources to gain ownership.  Commissioner Redlin stated, you probably need to contact an attorney to assist you.  Jake stated, the city has no intention to own property.  To own the property has to go through a tax sale.  For anyone else to own property they have to go through the process for property to be transferred to them.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1597: Emergency Action Pursuant to Section 7-612 for 106 N. Caldwellseconded by Commissioner Redlin.  Kent stated, resolution states that code enforcement can carry out steps to vacate, make safe, or demolish property; our only intent at this time is to make property safe.  MOTION carried on a V OTE of 5-0.
  7. Resolution 1598: Unfit Structure 516 W. Hwy 24 Lot 309 – Jeff stated, August 12th I was called by police and animal control to property because it is in bad shape and has animals needing care.  Upon entrance found animals, charges are pending on case.  I walked through property later and found live wires, roof leaking, dog feces and smell is rough.  It is beyond state of repair.  In discussion with owner he understands he cannot go in property with our notice posted.  Resolution is asking commission to set hearing on property for October 17th to place property on demolition list.  Commissioner Showalter asked, is trailer privately owned?  Jeff stated, yes it was owned by trailer park but they sold to tenant.  Commissioner Showalter asked, we have proof of ownership?  Jeff stated, yes got property owner information and bill of sale from county appraiser.  Commissioner Redlin asked, even if it is at trailer park, it falls on city?  Jeff stated, yes I have been working with park to see if they will take action to remove trailer but concerned with mess inside.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1598: Unfit Structure 516 W. Hwy 24 Lot 309 seconded by Mayor Thompson.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  8. Resolution 1599: Unfit Structure 516 W. Hwy 24 Lot 417 – Jeff stated, the owner of 309 also owns this trailer using it for storage which is against code.  The owner went in last week and it is in bad condition, entire living room ceiling has fallen in.  He wants to remove personal property and does not have funds to fix trailer.  This will be the third trailer we have addressed in this park.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1599: Unfit Structure 516 W. Hwy 24 Lot 417 seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  9. Appoint Voting Delegates: Annual LKM Conference – Kent stated, annual LKM conference is in October in Overland Park.  At conference they hold regular business meeting for membership on October 10th.  As part of meeting they allow voting delegates from membership based on population size.  Goodland is allowed two delegates.  At the current time, I am only one attending meeting.  They need document from City showing voting delegates are appointed.  Mayor Thompson stated, I would like to attend but I have a conflict.  I recommend if anyone has time to attend; it is a good learning experience.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to appoint Kent Brown as the voting delegate for the City of Goodland seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  10. Resolution 1600: Support Moderate Income Housing (MIH) Grant Application – Julica Oharah, SCCD Executive Director stated, we are pursuing an MIH grant application on behalf of the city.  The resolution supports moving ahead to start building our land bank.  Applications are due September 30th.  We are working with Justine at NWKPDC and working to get documentation to submit application.  The grant is setup that SCCD cannot apply for grant so we have to apply through the City and transfer funds to program to complete project.  Mayor Thompson asked, this is using 326 Sherman to start getting funding for housing stock?  Julica stated, yes and long term the theory is to build the land bank from there.  Commissioner Showalter stated, housing is an issue all over the state so appreciate you moving forward to help with solutions.  Julica stated, there is another opportunity available that we hope will also help move project forward.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 1600: Support Moderate Income Housing (MIH) Grant Applicationseconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. West School Traffic Pattern – Mayor Thompson asked Sheriff Burton Pianalto if he had any additional information to present.  Burton stated, I would like to thank the public for support of Sheriff Office with everything that has happened.  I feel we need to continue with project to help protect the children.  We need to eliminate traffic one way.  The commission had some good ideas, but we need to sit down with school board.  Mayor Thompson stated, I feel we should have a one way traffic way entering at 12th Street.  Burton stated, I feel best way is to take traffic out on Texas Street.  Kent stated, city crews repainted the cross walks at 11th and Wyoming intersection to help with traffic.  Mayor Thompson stated, I feel the issue needs to be discussed further with school board so everyone is on same page to eliminate congestion.  Burton stated, if you made a dirt road to the east it would not be that expensive.  Commissioner Showalter asked, is there drainage issues in area if we added a street?  Kenton stated, that would be a concern of mine as it is the main drainage flow.  When we get huge rains it overflows so I feel it could be an issue.  I need to look into it with our engineer.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I feel we need a group to help come up with solution.  Streets are really expensive but cannot put price on safety of kids.  Burton stated, I would like to be on committee.  Kent stated, I will try to initiate discussion with the school district and address quickly. 
  2. Animal Control: Inter-local Agreement – Mayor Thompson stated, the inter-local agreement was discussed in joint meeting.  Kathy has not had an increase since 2010 and is asking for an increase.  County was going to discuss at their meeting.  Current contract is $27,000 with 70/30 split.  She asked for increase to $36,000.  Commissioner Showalter stated, we had an increase built in budget, but it was not that much.  She has not had one since contract started and needs one but I am not comfortable going to that extreme when it exceed the budget we just approved.  I would consider looking at amount built into budget then increase remaining amount following year in budget.  Mayor Thompson asked Kent to work on solid numbers from budget and whether county will agree with increase for next meeting. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager Memo is included in packet.  2.  Month-end balances are in packet and feel we are in a good solid financial position to date.  3. Andrew stated, on the runway project things are wrapping up.  Plan is to have all items complete week of the 19th except for materials and items needing FAA approval on change order.  Kent asked, will runway open after that date?  Andrew stated, we will have to place a nodem that is it strictly a visual approach until PAPPI equipment is complete.  Concrete is all poured with good test results.  4. We are back in service, using Thomas County van.   We appreciate cooperation of Thomas County to rent vehicle.  Damage is sufficient to total the van.  Mary has discussed options with KDOT.  Mary stated, our option with insurance is total loss or a salvage title.  If we elect to total the vehicle, 80% of the settlement will be paid back to KDOT.  If we elect to keep vehicle with a salvage title, they will allow us to keep 100% of settlement to repair vehicle.  The concern is additional costs to repair engine and transmission in vehicle.  In addition, we will need statement from a mechanic certifying the vehicle is safe and sound to operate in the grant program.  In speaking with Levi Wassemiller, City Mechanic, Kenton and Kris Krayca from Advanced Auto Body, they do not feel comfortable making that statement.  They all feel it is a risk for the City and we will run into additional costs.  KDOT is working to get us a van until we can bid out a new one in the program, but it is a process that will take time.  We can use the van from Thomas County until we get one or they need it because they had a break down.  Mayor Thompson stated, long term I feel we should take total loss settlement.  Kent stated, this points out the need we have for a backup van to operate.  It is a good program for community when van is operating.  We will have additional costs to replace the van; our goal is to minimize those costs.  I do not feel salvage is reasonable at this time.  Consensus of commission is to continue with total loss settlement on van.  5.  I asked Frank to give commission an update on the police vehicles we are purchasing.  Frank stated, when we asked for vehicles we were aware it would be a minimum of July when we received them.  My last update with Dan Brenner is our build date is October so may have vehicles by December.  Equipment to outfit vehicles is in, just do not have vehicles.  6.  We had a request to close Main Street for the homecoming parade.  Kenton stated, they requested closure at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.  Lineup starts at MAX down 13th Street to Main Street up to 8th Street.  Kent stated, we hope to have it closed as short of time span as we can.  Kenton stated, I talked to Emmett Rudolph from North School regarding staging areas they requested for the students.  Mayor Thompson asked, do we typically have parking spots blocked.  Kenton stated, we close the streets at 1:00 so if a vehicle is currently there, they cannot leave until we remove the barricades.  Commissioner Showalter stated, the idea is so children are not running out in street for candy in between cars.  Kent stated, we want to have as little impact on businesses as possible.  7. Planning Commission will have a meeting at end of month for request to change zoning on West 16th Street from residential to commercial.  The South half of West 16th is zoned commercial already.  7. Sheriff Pianalto has asked to hold memorial service for undersheriff at Chambers Park and has asked for some seating changes to set up for service.  Service is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10th and it will be a busy and congested area.  I feel there will be large number of law enforcement and vehicles attending service so we closed the park for the morning.  Burton stated, the game wardens are doing a 21 gun salute at ceremony.  Mayor Thompson stated, Chief Hayes had to leave the meeting, please communicate information with him.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  I would like to recognize the service of Officer Riedesel, not only with County, but City as well.  I thank him and his family.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2022.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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