November 6, 2023 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

November 6, 2023                                                                                                                        5:00 P.M.

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

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Jason Erhart – Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, 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. 10/16/23 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. 10/30/2023 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2023-21, 2023-21A and 2023-P21
4. Public Transportation Assistance Grant Approval

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

PRESENTATIONS

1. Daycare – Donna Swager, Hope’s Place Director stated, our concern through community organizing to promote equity (COPE) is the inequity of people being able to receive childcare.  The desire seems to be that we have a childcare facility that accepts Medicaid and for people that would like to have childcare but there is none available.  In 2023, state statistics we have thirteen licensed childcare homes in Sherman County and one head start program serving 116 children.  We have the need to provide service for more.  We do not want to run in home daycares out of business but to create space for additional children.  We would like to pattern our program after Plainville’s project.  We can build two facilities like a home daycare that will provide up to twelve children in each.  The count in each will depend of the number of infants.  We have received CCKS budget grant for $45,000 to be used for the facility, utilities, maintenance and upkeep.  We also received a supports grant from the Patterson Foundation in the amount of $39,000 for cubby’s, tables and chairs.  We have funding available to outfit facilities but do not have resources to do this at Hope’s Place.  We are in process of forming S4C Corporation for accountability.  By having two facilities, we would be able to float people between facilities or operate in one facility if needed.  We are evaluating what we can do to make it financially secure.  Providing daycare does not pay for itself.  We have a couple providers that would like to help get the daycare out of their home.  The college has a program to license providers.  We have the plans and funding but no place to operate.  The daycare floorplan we looked at has been approved by Hansen Foundation.  They pay for the building then it is placed locally with utilities.  We would like to ask for assistance with the location and utilities.  We would like to stay north of railroad tracks.  We are asking for whatever help City can provide.  Each facility requires 1,500 square feet for building and 750 square feet for play space.  Today the potential need for daycare children 6 and under in Sherman County is 243.  Mayor Thompson asked, how did you start with this idea to get to this point?  Donna stated, Hope’s Place was asked to host a meeting for the COPE foundation, the director then resigned so I took over the organization.  COPE looks at everything in Sherman County that seems to be inequitable for people to access.  Daycare was number one, transportation was number two and healthcare number three.  Mayor Thompson asked, who would be responsible for the facility?  Donna stated, we have a board forming an SC4 Corporation that is directing at this point.  We will hire a director to oversee operation of facilities.  We went with smaller units because a lot less regulation and employee requirements.  We cannot write a grant for buildings until we have an address.  Our finances are on a short timeline as we have to spend grant money by May 1^st.  Mayor Thompson asked, is grant money available annually?  Donna stated, I have asked same question.  Patterson Foundation is known to support projects like this.  CCKS have hired teams to get daycares operating and keep them running.   Sustainability is the issue but I assume would be annual.  If all else fails, the buildings could be sold as homes if it does not work.  Commissioner Myers asked, are grant amounts per unit or for both units?  Donna stated, for both units.  Mayor Thompson asked, what is S4C Corporation?  Donna stated, it is a nonprofit organization.  Mayor Thompson stated, so money beyond paying staff will go back into facility.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, how many employees are required to run each unit?  Donna stated, each unit has to have one employee for the children that are there.  You have to have two adults available so you have a backup plan if one needs to step away.  Two for each unit is ideal.  Commissioner Myers stated, the number of infants guides number of adults needed.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, what about fencing for around play area?  Donna stated, I do not see that in either grant, but could fall under grant money from Hansen Foundation.  The Hansen Foundation hired someone to help write these grants.  Mayor Thompson stated, so your highest priority is a location to have an address.  Have you looked at other options?  Donna stated, we looked at a lot of properties but none meet physical requirements without major remodeling.  Mayor Thompson stated, we appreciate you coming back to provide additional information.  Commission will think it over and discuss next meeting.  We commend you for what you are trying to accomplish. 
2. Lockboxes/Vial for Life – Melody Knudson and Adrian Springer from Sherman County EMS and Jason were present.  Jason stated, this idea started by EMS at Flatlanders Festival with a call they were not able to get to the individual to provide services.  Melody stated, the project is both lockboxes and vials for life.  We could not get to citizen because door was locked but she knew we were there.  There are a lot of elderly and disabled citizens that have hidden a rock by door with spare key or leave their door unlocked, which is unsafe.  We need to make use of our time by having access to a key to save time for lifesaving skills.  If we have a lockbox at the house to gain access, dispatch would have the lockbox code to get to the key and get in house.  We want to keep our community safe.  We are looking at having three levels for a lockbox.  Level three being the citizens with the least need based on age and functionality.  We have a citizen in town that has life alert but leaves door unlocked if needed, he would be a level one.  Others at level one would be those in wheel chairs, disabled or cannot get around easily, needing 911 services.  We are working on how to code the lockboxes so we do not have to have numerous different codes.  Would like to start with 300 lockboxes in community.  I have applied for funding from COPE and applied to match day for assistance.  We do not know what funds we will receive, but if we do not have quite enough, we are asking City and County for donations.  We are trying to save money where we can.  We are working with County Attorney on the lockbox contract for liability of the box.  Asking the City assistance when a citizen with a lockbox moves or passes they can contact us.  Mayor Thompson asked, how did you come up with the levels?  Melody stated, everyone will have to complete an application showing needs.  Everyone needs to complete a vial of life so that can go to everyone in the community.  That is a higher priority than the lockbox.  Citizens can complete the application for the vial of life, lockbox or both.  We want to help people in our community.  Jason stated, there are specific questions for EMS that will determine level needed.  Mayor Thompson asked, is EMS overseeing project?  Melody stated, the three of us are overseeing the project.  Mayor Thompson stated, we just need to make sure we do due diligence so questions place citizens at right level.  Melody stated, that is why we are working with legal to stay within bounds.  Adrian stated, the vial of life is a form the citizen lists their medications, DNR, allergies and other pertinent information for EMS.  Because of medical information we have to follow HIPPA guidelines.  Vial of life is not kept at EMS station so people do not access to information.  Citizens will complete and put on refrigerator so we know where to look for information.  We will know they have the vial of life by a sticker placed on residence.  Project works hand in hand with someone having an emergency crisis.  Mayor Thompson asked, where do they place stickers?  Adrian stated, on the door or window, then one on folder on refrigerator.  I am making up a user friendly instruction sheet for citizens that I would like to hand out at the health fair and other events.  We will help citizen’s complete information.  Mayor Thompson asked, are you raising funds for both projects?  Melody stated, yes.  Adrian stated, we would like to get information out for the citizens.  We are trying to work with them so we have access to information, but they can get their own kit.  We would like to see if we can put information in the City newsletter.  Melody stated, we have to rely on each other; we cannot just go through EMS files because of HIPPA.  Mayor Thompson stated, it seems like a simple process for lifesaving events.  Adrian stated, it does not just benefit health care; but also law enforcement who do welfare checks.  All information will be logged into dispatch so that when we are called to the address they can provide it to us.  The information will not be announced over the radio.  Melody stated, the lockbox is not for personal use if someone is checking your house.  Only emergency use so not shared with anyone but emergency services.  Donna asked, when will you know if you get grant money?  Adrian stated we are part of match day in November.  Melody stated, the sooner we get a list the sooner we can get the boxes and information out to the public. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Ordinance 1766: 2018 IBC and 2018 IEBC – Zach stated, the first ordinance is for building code.  The IBC is for commercial type buildings.  IEBC allows for remodels and repairs which makes it easier for citizens.  The Construction Board and I have reviewed the books to determine what we need to enforce without putting citizen lives in danger.  The current code is from 1997.   Mayor Thompson stated, the changes look minimal.  Zach stated, most changes are specific to add your information and fee schedule.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it is about time this is updated.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Ordinance 1766: 2018 IBC and 2018 IEBC seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
2. Ordinance 1767: 2018 IPMC – Zach stated, this is property maintenance code which replaces 1997 housing code to keep slum houses from being operated.  It gives me the ability to enforce regulations on these properties.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Ordinance 1767: 2018 IPMC seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

1. Construction Board Application: Aimee Kendrick – Kent stated, last meeting we had the realtor member on the board that moved out of community.  The realtor adds a different viewpoint.  Aimee is willing to become member of the board.  Mayor Thompson stated, I appreciate she is willing to volunteer.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the appointment of Aimee Kendrick to the Construction Board seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
2. Art Center Lease Renewal – Kent stated, arts council leases the Carnegie Library building on a five year cycle.  There is a letter in packet indicating the Council’s desire to continue lease.   Mayor Thompson stated, the original contract is pretty old.  Are the minimum amounts for liability insurance adequate or does it need to be updated?  Jake stated, this is for their inventory inside the building so it is their decision.  That is a minimum requirement, they can increase it as they feel the need.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the renewal of the Art Center Lease seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
3. Electric Department Pole Purchase – Dustin stated, these are 35’ poles for the distribution system throughout town.  The crew has been changing out older poles.  I solicited bids and only two responded.  The difference between the bids is one pole.  With Brown Wood Preserving Company, we would have to unload poles, where Thomassson Company will unload their poles.  Our inventory is running low.  Commissioner Redlin stated, there are two different prices in the information.  Dustin stated, the quote is without tax.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, Brown Wood is $775 per pole.  Dustin stated, which is double what we used to pay.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the purchase of poles from Thomasson Company in the amount of $27,751.40 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION

1. TEAP Study Recommendations follow up – Kent stated, in August the Commission reviewed the traffic study for 11^th and 12^th and Main Street traffic signals.  The base recommendation for the study is to remove both signals.  An alternate recommendation is to keep the signals at both intersections, but must be updated to current day standards.  We also did a public survey and staff has discussed signals.  Dustin got a quote from Gades Sales to upgrade signal at 12^th Street intersection so we know cost to upgrade.  We will have to update signal at intersection of Highway 24 and 27.  Staff recommendation is to remove signal at 11^th Street intersection and for 12^th Street intersections there are arguments both ways.  If that signal is removed, I feel we need a 4-way stop.  Dustin stated, the poles at that intersection would stay because we have lights on them, but the cross arms would be removed.  Mayor Thompson stated, the quote to update signal is $21,500, what is life span?  Dustin stated, we are running on borrowed time with existing equipment.  They say fifteen year life and we are running close to twenty-five years with existing equipment.  They indicated the radar drove up the price, so quoted a fish eye camera which is better at Highway 24 and 27 intersection.  Mayor Thompson stated, if we take down the cross bars and leave the poles, then change our mind, it would be a simple process to put cross arms back up.  Study shows we do not need them and I feel should remove both signals.  Then if we find we need them we can put them back up easily.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I agree but if we remove signal at 12^th Street intersection I recommend a 4-way stop with the next block being the early childhood center.  That will slow traffic in that area.  Mayor Thompson stated, I disagree.  I know if you have long stretch of road people will drive faster.  There is already a long stretch of road from the other direction without a stop sign.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel the 4-way stop will cause more confusion.  Mayor Thompson stated, if we have people speeding we have options like digital signs to alert people of their speed.  Jason stated, Main Street has needed speed limit signs for a long time.  I feel posting signs will help.  The current signs are hidden.  In my opinion, I feel one stop light is beneficial.  The problem with stop signs is seeing around parked cars.  There is a lot at the intersection of 12^th and Main.  Mayor Thompson stated, I considered that because it is difficult to see past the parked cars, but you have same thing at 10^th Street intersection.  Jason stated, at the 12^th Street intersection the businesses are busier and there are cars parked there more often, but I understand both sides.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel the consensus is to remove signal at 11^th Street intersection.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we can remove the signal at 11^th Street intersection then come back and make a decision on 12^th Street intersection later.  Mayor Thompson asked, when will we need to update the signals?  Dustin stated, there is no timeline but if a controller fails, you would have to update.  If we remove the signal at 11^th Street intersection, we can use it for parts.  Mayor Thompson asked, do we want a resolution for change?  Kent stated, we could have a resolution to put in the stop signs.  Mayor Thompson stated, please bring a resolution back for 11^th Street intersection. 

REPORTS

1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. October month end financial report is in the packet.  3.  This past week I appointed Jason Erhart as Chief of Police.  He was appointed interim and after going through some things with Jason, I appointed him Chief.  Commission congratulated Jason on promotion.  4.  Chief appointedTim Wright as Assistant Chief of Police. He has been serving as Sargent and will do a good job.  5.  Zach stated, Lot 509 in Meadowlark has been cleaned up on outside and are in process of moving trailer out.  They are working on the trailer on 8^th Street, progress is slow but it is progressing.  We are in process of contacting property owners for 122 W 14^th Street.  The hearing for this property is on the November 20^th.  6.  The NWKTC has received funding and regulatory approval to start a CDL Program.  They have requested use of the property south of hotels on K-27.  After discussing request with Jake, we have had trouble receiving a proper response from Yellow Freight who was previously using property but is going through bankruptcy.  Since it was used by an over the road carrier, a good use of property is to train people for over the road carriers.  He indicated we can have a MOU for the college to use property unless Yellow freight comes back with a response.  Consensus of Commission is this is a good location for program.  7. There is an example for a Land Bank Program in your packet from another community in Kansas.  It has been brought up to have a tool for properties that are dilapidated and we have had one property donated to the city.  Program allows a method for property to go through the bank and to another property owner to update the property.  This example has been in operation for eight years.  We have the housing committee looking at incentives for housing.  I would like to present to the committee for review, then for consideration.  It is more of a structured program that we can revise to fit Goodland needs.   
2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  All city crews are staying busy.  I appreciate the employees.  2.  I would like to ask everyone to get out and vote.

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Absent No report

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Encourage people to vote.  2.  I have received a lot of compliments on the work street crews did at library.   

• Mayor Thompson– 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 6:25 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2023. 

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ATTEST:                                                                                Aaron Thompson, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk