August 7, 2023 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

August 7, 2023                                                                                                                      5:00 P.M.

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

Also present were Frank Hayes – Chief of Police, LeAnn Taylor – Municipal Court Judge/Clerk, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, Kenton Keith – Director of Streets and Facilities, Neal Thornburg – Director of Water and Wastewater, Danny Krayca – Director of Parks, Zach Hildebrand – 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

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 07/17/23 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 07/24/23 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2023-15, 2023-15A, 2023-P15 and 2023-P15A

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.  

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Police Intern Presentation – Haydn Blochlinger served as police intern over the summer.  She presented a report of her work in the department and how she learned what the officers do every day. Haydn stated, I am interested in this for a career path.  I have a new understanding on the life of an officer and the commitment they have to the community.  Frank stated, we were approached by Nex-Gen about the intern program.  Haydn graduated from the program last week and presented this information at graduation.  She has done a good job and hope to host her again next year.
  2. 811 Day Proclamation – Mayor Thompson proclaimed August 11, 2023 as 811 day in the City of Goodland and encourages everyone to call 811 before they dig.  It is the law in the State of Kansas.  Troy Mannis from Black Hills was present for the proclamation. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1764: 2023 Standard Traffic Ordinance – LeAnn stated, included in packet are changes outlined by the League.  Main change for us is removing mandatory term of confinement for driving while suspended or revoked.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Ordinance 1764: 2023 Standard Traffic Ordinance seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  2. Ordinance 1765: 2023 Uniform Public Offense Code – LeAnn stated, there are more changes in the public offense code, especially in definitions.  We have amendments for many of the changes to turn case over to District Court.  The age to purchase electronic cigarettes is now 21.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Ordinance 1765: 2023 Uniform Public Offense Code seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Authorization to Apply for Dane G. Hansen Grant: Flock System – Kent stated, we had a demonstration a couple months ago and also discussed system during budget.  This allows staff to apply to the foundation for a grant to install the system in the community.  The application would be to install the system for the first year.  Mayor Thompson asked, the application is for year one, if you get the grant is the program important enough for you to continue budgeting $15,000 in future years?  Frank stated, yes, I plan to track data received to determine if we should continue.  I believe it will benefit the community more than many realize.  Mayor Thompson asked, some people have the “big brother” concern with the system.  Frank stated, the system is not for day to day review.  The only reason we will review the system is when we receive an alert for a vehicle.  A lot of plates will be tracked but we are only looking for specific plates when we have reason to search for that vehicle.  Mayor Thompson asked, is there a query in the data base to start the search?  Frank stated, that is correct.  We input information involved in the situation to see if the vehicle passes through our system.  Mayor Thompson asked, where are the five locations the system will be installed?  Frank stated, where we have traffic entering the community from the interstate and Highway 24 and 27.  We recently have had situations where the camera would have picked up stolen vehicle information.  Commissioner Showalter asked, do we have a flock camera operating in Sherman County?  Frank stated, yes the Highway Patrol has one on I-70 east bound that is old.  Commissioner Showalter stated, so we are just adding to a system in place.  Will this help you fight the drug problems in our community?  Frank stated, absolutely.  We have a policy in place with roles set as to who can access information in the system.  Mayor Thompson asked, who would have access?  Frank stated, myself and Jason Erhart will have investigative ability in system.  It will run through dispatch so alerts will notify dispatch and the officer.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to authorize the City to apply for Dane G. Hansen Grant for the Flock System seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
  2. Memory Park Standpipe: Roof Repair Proposal – Kent stated, we have been informed there is an issue with the roof on standpipe in Memory Park.  We have been working with USG, formerly Midwest Tank who the City signed a contract with in the 1990’s.  They submitted a proposal for the repairs but we asked for additional information and received no response.  During your special meeting the Commission voted to discontinue the contract.  We received two additional bids for standpipe repairs and feel we should be responsible and proceed with repairs.  Maguire Iron physically inspected the roof and submitted a bid in the amount of $62,500.  Viking Industrial Painting (Viking) submitted a bid in the amount of $78,500.  Viking currently has the contract for maintenance and inspection for our other towers and will give a presentation at our next meeting.  Staff recommends approving the proposal from Maguire Iron, even though a different company, staff is comfortable with their professionalism.  This was brought forward two years ago when someone was inspecting standpipe and did not feel comfortable getting on structure.  ARPA funds can be used for this repair.  Mayor Thompson asked, do we know time frame for repair?  Neal stated, I am hoping toward fall when we do not need to utilize tank for storage.  Commissioner Showalter asked, is there enough ARPA money remaining for this project?  Kent stated, there are enough remaining ARPA funds for project.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to utilize ARPA funds for project and approve the bid from Maguire Iron in the amount of $62,500, seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. Approve Engineering Contract: Cost Share Project for Caldwell Ave. – Kent stated, we received cost share grant for driving lanes of Caldwell and intersections between 10th and 17th Streets.  We need engineers for design and to let project for bid.  Andrew stated, project is mill and overlay of center 26 feet of street.  There will be some depth patching in places.  Mayor Thompson stated, the contract is in the amount of $12,500 for design and not to exceed $20,000 for construction engineering.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve the engineering contract with EBH Engineering for the Cost Share Project on Caldwell Avenue seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. 516 W. Hwy 24 #406: Building Official Report – Zach stated, I was contacted by property manager of mobile home park because resident was in hospital and noticed house was in bad shape.  I entered property with N-95 mask and my nose was burning.  Trailer is unfit for human habitation with limited electrical outlets and no water as the stool was leaking.  There were 25 to 30 cats and the house is full of cat urine and feces.  I discussed property with City Attorney and Department of Animal Health who will not be able to assist.  The owners are in charge of taking care of animals until we can determine what can be done with them.  Once the animals are removed, she will turn mobile home over to property manager to remove trailer.  We are trying to remove animals as cheap as we can.  Kent stated, we are looking at removing trailer if property manager does not.  Mayor Thompson stated, there are two issues: the cats and removal of trailer by someone.  It is unfortunate for the cats.  What is the time frame to remove cats?  Zach stated, I feel we are looking at two weeks but if they do not remove them we will have to put them down.  Mayor Thompson stated, our focus should first be on the cats.  If the cats are removed and time goes by and the trailer is not removed, the City needs to get involved. 
  2. 1319 Cherry Ave.: Building Official Report – Zach stated, property owner is same as trailer in lot 406.  When I visited her about the trailer, she gave permission to inspect this property.  There are also numerous cats at this property we need to address before we address property.  It is also unfit for human habitation.  Mayor Thompson asked, what is her intention with property?  Zach stated, she wants to fix it up and live there.  It will be difficult for her financially.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, are there utilities on in this house?  Zach stated, the utilities are off on this property.  Mayor Thompson stated, again, finding a place for the cats is our priority.  Then if we determine property is unfit we need to start demolition process.  It is a process so there is time for the property owner to come forward and show her intention to rehabilitate property. 
  3. 122 W. 14th St.: Building Official Report – Zach stated, this property has been vacant for a period of time and has delinquent taxes since 2020.  I spoke with property owner and they indicated plan is to remove building and build new apartment building.  I have received no response to date.  There was an open door on property so it is open to animals and kids.  There is a lot of mold and graffiti inside.  We will have to wait until next year as we do not have funds available in budget for demolition.  Mayor Thompson stated, this property has been brought to my attention and it will take a lot to demolish.  I do not like to see our entire budget go toward one property.  Zach stated, I agree but this is right across from our park so people see it.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I agree this is not a good sight for people visiting our community in the park.  Kent stated, it is a process so we can begin to be ready next year. 
  4. Topics for Joint Meeting with County Commission and Hospital Board – Kent stated, I have not received confirmation from Hospital Director but did get confirmation from his staff and the County Commission that the 14th will work for a joint meeting.  Mayor Thompson stated, items listed for discussion are hospital direction and future plans, sales tax sunset and start of new sales tax (replacement), Wolak building and update FEMA floodplain map panels.  Kent stated, the County is sole entity in the Wolak building so need to discuss future plans of building.  The FEMA map has not been updated since 1981.  They are updating other counties around but have not received appropriate response to update our map.  Mayor Thompson stated, can you inform importance of flood map.  Kent stated, citizens need for insurance rates and property that could be developed, whether in the county or city.  It is important for people to know if they live next to property in a flood zone.  They do aerial flights showing extent of the flood plain.  Mayor Thompson stated, if there are more topics let Kent know.  Mary asked, what time is meeting?  Kent stated, we will have to confirm time.    

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2.  Informed by SCCD of possibility of a trackless train rental for Main Street Christmas event.  Mayor Thompson asked, is this like the train car BANKWEST used for events?  Kent stated, similar but a little different.  The vendor is from Colorado Springs.  Commissioner Showalter asked, who will drive it?  Julica Ohara, SCCD Director stated, they run the operation and where we struggle finding volunteers we felt it was a good idea.  3.  I have no update on playground grant application.  4.  Staff had idea of a water conservation sign contest.  At the water meeting we got a timer, which we felt was a good promotion.  I have purchased a few more to place around town for people to find.  We will also be submitting conservation tips for the public.  We are pretty high per capita with water usage per day compared to rest of state.  Hays had to implement procedures to conserve water.  They have lowered their water usage to 75 gallons per capita per day.  I feel it is better to start encouraging conservation before we are required to in an emergency.  5.  Community BBQ is Friday at Steever Park from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Other events are scheduled that day.  Julica stated, this is our last concert in the park from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Sherman County Community Foundation is providing bounce houses, GAA has a pie throwing contest and boys’ basketball have corn-hole tournament.  GAC is having events through the morning.  Kent stated, staff will be helping and invite commission to help and come meet the public.  6.  Notice of hearing for budget is in your packet that will be published in paper in near future.  7.  Kenton stated we have had complaints on alleys around town that Black Hills has worked on.  Brian Rippe is their contractor to fix alleys and is having trouble getting millings.  The City is helping him with alleys so they get fixed and he will replace our millings when the mill is back up.  8.  We are sealing approximately 60,000 square yards of streets Wednesday and Thursday this week. 
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Welcome everyone to BBQ Friday.

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  I had opportunity last week to attend meeting for potential economic development project by Ruleton.  There are good things happening to bring jobs to our community.  We need to stand behind the housing issues in community to make sure these projects go forward.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  Absent, No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.  Next regular scheduled meeting is August 21, 2023.   

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ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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