GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
November 7, 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 Jason Erhart – Assistant 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 COMMENT
- Craig Lovelace: GRMC: Craig stated, we have been working with sister our hospitals to complete process to align efficiencies. We have a single leadership team covering Atwood and Goodland. Mayor Thompson asked, what positions go back and forth between Atwood and Goodland? Craig stated, this is for our administration team which includes CEO, CFO, Director of Nursing in both places, shared radiology services, Clinic Manager, Dr. Daise, Facilities Manager and Human Resources (HR). Finances for the hospital are performing well through September 30, 2022. Last year insurance companies sent out insurance schedules, they did not go up, but inflation has gone up. Our daily cash on hand is 253 days compared to the State average of 200 days. Our expenses are holding level and HR had a good month, with no turnover. We hired some new employees and a former employee came back as Case Management. Tina Wolak has been interim HR and has moved to public relations and foundation as we need significant fund raising. We are needing RN’s, a ward clerk, medical assistant, lab assistant and HR. Mayor Thompson asked, Colby just announced their new facility, will that affect Goodland? Craig stated, I talked to their CEO, they raised significant money over five year period. They are in same boat as we are, a hospital built by government money that has outlived its life. We are concerned with taking care of Goodland. If we build a new hospital it will not be $100,000,000 but closer to $60,000,000. I am thrilled for them but we are going to face same issue, as we need to replace our roof and issues with our HVAC and boiler units.
CONSENT AGENDA
- 10/17/22 Commission Meeting Minutes
- Appropriation Ordinances: 2022-21, 2022-21A, and 2022-P21
ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
- Ordinance 1762: Ordinance on Penalties for Violations of the Fire Code – Kent stated, this request is from Fire Chief James to increase penalties for violations of fire code. This increases maximum penalty amount to $1,000, giving the judge a range to enforce penalties. Jake has reviewed and approved ordinance. Mayor Thompson stated, that will allow discretion based on violation. Commissioner Showalter asked, what violations does this ordinance cover? Kent stated, building code covers all buildings, flammables, fireworks and several different items with fire prevention with the department. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Ordinance 1762: Ordinance on the Penalties for Violations of the Fire Code seconded by Commissioner Redlin. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
- Resolution 1601: Repealing Water Watch – Kent stated, staff requested and commission approved resolution for water watch in July because of drought declaration by Governor. Declaration is still in effect but outdoor watering has stopped. Staff will present implementing measures next year for water conservation so water is used efficiently. There are things we can do to encourage best use of the water. For this request we are repealing the water watch. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1601: Repealing Water Watch seconded by Commissioner Showalter. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
FORMAL ACTION
- Change Order #1: Wastewater Digester Rehabilitation – Abrasive & Coating Proposal – Kent stated, request for change order is for sandblasting and painting the clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant. Original proposal was $116,550. The change order increases contract price $17,915 because of difference in paint thickness. It was ten times than what was expected in some place. The bond cost was reduced by $4,255, so net contract increase $13,570. We located the last time this process was completed was in 1997. ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Change Order #1: Wastewater Digester Rehabilitation – Abrasive & Coating Proposal in the amount of $13,570 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
- MOU for IT Services with Sherman County – Kent stated, request is from Eric Albright and Joshua to put in writing a MOU of what is already in place. Joshua stated, we work well together on a lot of projects and have a lot of same systems. This puts in writing what we are allowed to do when it comes to cyber security. Kent stated, this also comes into play in emergency situations if one entity does not have immediate access, the other can provide service. Joshua stated, this has only happened a couple times. Commissioner Showalter stated, I like when the City and County can work together. Mayor Thompson asked, what about sensitive information for the other entity? Joshua stated, a lot of that boils down to trust. A lot of our processes are same and we have our own passwords. The logins are all audible so they track who signs in and when. We do not do the day to day information. Mayor Thompson stated, my question pertains more when another legal entity has to come in and he is in our system. Jake stated, you are still delegating the work, when you have interim people; they acknowledge coverage in the event something happens. In reality, we are responsible for what is in our system. They do not get protection from City standpoint. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve MOU for IT Services with Sherman Countyseconded by Commissioner Myers. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
- KDOT AV-2023-25 – Engineering Agreement: Design and Construction Engineering Services to Seal the Joints and Cracks in the Concrete Pavement and Paint all markings on Runway 12-30, Taxiway A and the Apron at the Goodland Municipal Airport –Darrin Neufeld, EBH Engineer, joined meeting via telephone. Darrin stated, City was awarded KDOT aviation grant for airport project in the amount of $409,000, adding engineering costs project total is $454,000. KDOT grant pays 90% of construction and construction engineering costs and City is responsible for other 10%, plus 100% for design engineering. This contract is for $20,000 in design engineering and up to $30,000 for construction engineering services. We are ready to let project out for bid. ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve KDOT AV-2023-25 Engineering Agreementin the amount of $20,000 for design engineering and up to $30,000 for construction engineering seconded by Commissioner Redlin. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
- Update on Unfit Buildings at 516 W. Hwy 24, Lots 309 & 417 – Jeff stated, owner of the trailers signed ownership over to owner of trailer park for back rent. Mr. Potterf, owner of park, is getting rid of trailer in lot 417 and was going to improve the other trailer. Once he found out what needed to be done to bring trailer to code, Mr. Potterf decided to dispose of trailer. The good thing is the park is paying for disposal of trailers.
REPORTS
- City Manager – 1. The manager memo is in your packet for review. 2. Included in packet is the month end fund balance report and third quarter financial report. 3. We received letter from KDOT indicating Goodland Caldwell Avenue project was not selected for cost share grant. 4. Tomorrow morning SCCD is inviting the commission to a proposal for Goodland. The meeting is an introductory meeting but we understand we may have a quorum present, but no action will be taken or business conducted. 5. Commission is invited to Senator Moran announcement of a grant for NWKTC Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the corridor. 6. Fire Chief has received information from Grant Historic residences stating they have hired a company to take action on concerns presented. 7. Sales tax ballet issue is part of election ballet tomorrow and encourage people to vote. We included Q & A flyer in billing for public information. It is to continue current sales tax to fund road projects. 8. Staff started discussion on holiday party. There was a good response for hosting in January so we are looking at that option again.
- City Commissioners
Vice-Mayor Howard – 1. Thanks to employees for what they do. Some see what you do, some do not, I appreciate all our employees.
Commissioner Showalter – 1. Thank you to electrical crew for working on outage on east side of town at night. College appreciated it.
Commissioner Myers – 1. No Report
Commissioner Redlin – 1. Please vote tomorrow.
- Mayor Thompson– 1. Went to 100th anniversary of Lutheran Church, good turnout. 2. Went to Colby for a community concerns lunch to discuss things happening in community and see if the community can present additional resources. It is working well for them and I would like to start program here first of year. 2. I have been addressed by individual that bought energy center land west of town. They question why the City assesses taxes on his land. Is commission willing to enter discussion? Consensus of commission is to get information on property. Mary stated, the land was annexed as an island when energy center started.
ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard. Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2022.
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ATTEST: Aaron Thompson, Mayor
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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk