April 15, 2024 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

April 15, 2024                                                                                                                       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, 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 HEARING

  1. Waiver of Distance Limitation: 1222 Main St. – Mayor Thompson opened the public hearing for the waiver of distance limitation for 1222 Main Street at 5:01 p.m.  Kent stated, the Commission received a petition for a distance waiver at 1222 Main.  In Section 3-102 of the City code, no alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage is allowed to be sold or served within 200 feet of any church, library or school.  This property is within the 200 feet.  The governing body can waive the requirement if we receive a petition and hold hearing.  Commission approved Resolution 1627 to set public hearing for the waiver of distance limitation.  Neil Watson, property owner stated, our intention is to open an establishment with shuffleboard, pool tables and other games for people to have a place to hang out.  We are serving beer in cans, not on tap with light food.  Alison Griffith, property owner stated, we are only serving cereal malt beverages but if we decide to sell liquor in the future, will this waiver still apply?  Jake stated, the State issues a liquor license so State laws will apply for your liquor license.  Michael Jordan, citizen stated, I operate Goodland Games.  When we moved to Goodland we noticed there is not much for people to do in evening.  This is competition for our business, but I hope this will help give people opportunities for things to do in the evening.  Mayor Thompson closed the public hearing for the waiver of distance limitation for 1222 Main Street at 5:06 p.m. 
  2. Petition for De-Annexation: Goodland Energy Center Lots 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 – Mayor Thompson opened the public hearing for the de-annexation of Goodland Energy Center Lots 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 5:07 p.m.  Kent stated, a petition was filed requesting de-annexation of lots in the Goodland Energy Center.  Previously the lots were annexed for an economic development project that did not come to fruition.  There are no City utility services extended and Midwest Energy provides electrical services for the property.  The Commission approved Resolution 1628 to set the public hearing for the de-annexation.  Zekke Beringer stated, I filed the petition because of lack of city resources for property and ability to do certain things with the property since it is within city limits including a possible shooting range.  I feel this is the best way to improve property for those activities.  Mayor Thompson closed the public hearing for the de-annexation of Goodland Energy Center Lots 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 5:09 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 04/01/24 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2024-08, 2024-08A and 2024-P08

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

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Arbor Day Proclamation – Mayor Thompson proclaimed April 26th as Arbor Day in the City of Goodland and encouraged citizens to plant trees to promote the well-being of this community for future generations.  Kent stated, April 26th the City will host a celebration at Steever Park at 1:30 p.m.  We will plant a tree in the park south of the shade structure. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 1629: Designating Depositories – Mary stated, annually the commission is required to designate the depositories for City funds.  The resolution outlines the depositories.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1629: Designating Depositories seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
  2. Resolution 1630: Waiver of Distance Limitation: 1222 Main St. – Kent stated, this resolution is for commission consideration if you find no adverse findings.  The resolution grants a waiver for The Rec Room to serve cereal malt beverages at 1222 Main Street.  Resolution identifies that the commission finds the proximity of the establishment is not adverse to public welfare and safety, authorizes waiver as requested and can revoke if business use ever changes.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1630: Waiver of Distance Limitation for 1222 Main Street seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
  3. Ordinance 1771 – De-Annex Goodland Energy Center lots 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 – Kent stated, this ordinance is also for commission consideration if you agree with petition to exclude property from city boundaries.  It sets forth what state statute requires and is only for the designated five lots of the Energy Center.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Ordinance 1771 – De-Annex Goodland Energy Center lots 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Mayor Thompson stated, I understand the original intent for lots, but at this point the City has no interest in the lots and we do not provide services.  I appreciate that you came forward with petition.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. 122 W. 14th Street – Request to Advertise for Bids – Zach stated, my last contact with owner was March 24th.  They contacted Black Hills in February to disconnect service.  Black Hills indicated it would be two to three weeks.  They contacted Black Hills again and said it will be three weeks.  Advertisement of bids keeps our process moving forward.  Mayor Thompson stated, I feel we need to continue moving forward on property.  Zach stated, I called Black Hills and verified they put in the request.  After I called Black Hills, they put in 811 request for a locate.  Kent stated, even if we advertise for bids, we do not have to accept the bids if the property owner takes action to tear down the structure.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve an advertisement for bids for the property at 122 W. 4th Street seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. Industrial Park: Lot Three (3) in Block Four (4) Purchase Agreement – Kent stated, this is two-acre lot we have discussed on the north side of the park at end of current concrete road.  We also discussed the lot on Highway 24, but there are problems with that lot.  Lisa and Raul Rodriquez have agreed to buy this lot at price stated by commission.  I would like direction to move ahead on sale of property.  Mayor Thompson stated, the property has concrete road but no utilities.   We are in the process of bringing utilities to lots and finishing concrete road.  Kent stated, that is correct; project will start in June.  Our bid was good enough that we can extend utilities and road in park.  Mayor Thompson asked, who would be responsible for utilities, the City or new owners?  Kent stated, we would treat like other lot owners.  We will extend the main to them with grant project.  The owners are responsible for costs to connect utilities to our mains.  Mayor Thompson stated, our intent is to encourage business growth and agree with price discussed last meeting.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I agree with sale and feel it is a win for the City and County to have lot improved.  They are putting up a good size building.  We need the lots utilized.  Mayor Thompson stated, their intention is to house and maintain their trucks.  I do not feel this sale will hinder further growth in park.  Consensus of Commission is to proceed with sale of lot and bring documents to next meeting. 
  2. C-2 Downtown Business to D-M Downtown Mixed Use Zoning: Text Amendment Ordinance to Planning Commission – Kent stated, this ordinance references the downtown business district, from Main and 5th Street to 14th Street and generally Central to Broadway Avenues.  This changes zoning of district from C-2 to D-M: Downtown Mixed Use.  In previous discussions, Commission felt the best way to proceed is to change the name to help promote growth and understanding of what is allowable.  Zach stated to change zone district name it requires changes to fourteen sections of our code in the ordinance.  We will still have to discuss property uses and parking.  This ordinance only changes district name.  We will present to Planning Commission for the planning commissioners to consider the proposed ordinance and set hearing.  Mayor Thompson stated, it is a long ordinance, but the only change is the district name to agree with use of area.   Consensus of Commission is to present ordinance to Planning Commission.
  3. Adding ADU’s to Section 19-502: Text Amendment Ordinance to Planning Commission – Kent stated, similar to previous item but references ADU’s.  Zach stated, Section 19-502 outlines Use Standards so with changes in R-1 and R-2 districts it will be clear what is required if someone wants an ADU.  Mayor Thompson asked, what other changes are in ordinance?  Zach stated, Use Standards include information for attached or unattached ADU’s so the applicant will know what utilities will be needed and parking design.  Consensus of Commission is to present ordinance to Planning Commission.  Kent stated, these will be presented at Special Planning Commission Meeting on April 23rd, and then will require thirty days from publication for hearing.  Mayor Thompson stated, I appreciate the work the Planning Commission is doing.  Kent stated, they are willing to have an extra meeting in April and May. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. March fund balance report, monthly police activity report, quarterly municipal court summary and first quarter building permit summary are in the packet.  3.  Kenton stated, the concrete has been poured for the fuel tanks.  The State has contacted Milco to complete testing, but we do not have date.  We still have small leak on the union so Westhusing is coming back to fix.  We will know more once Milco completes test.  4.  We were informed of grant opportunities for the electric system. Whether it be the south loop or additional generation, it seems like a good opportunity.  The application is through the State but it is a federal grant.  The division of emergency management has to approve pre-application before we can submit an application.  It appears to be a good opportunity to submit a grant.  If growth occurs, there is question whether we have enough generation within our facilities, so it could help the community.  Additional generation is not a small ticket item.  5.  I had a meeting with Vice President of Sherman County Child Care Coalition.  We had a previous request but they have not provided information requested.  They submitted paperwork to become a non-profit organization and will attend next meeting.  It appears they are better organized at this point.  6.  We submitted a grant application for water tank maintenance.  They have not announced winners but it is unlikely we were selected.  I had a conversation with Rick Penner from Viking and Neal to present a proposal addressing immediate needs.  We have money set aside but it will be a project over several years.  7.  I have been asked to serve on KMU Executive Board.  They meet four times a year, and a couple meetings are during events I attend anyway.  It will not require much additional time.  8.  Mayor Thompson asked, do we have a date for City wide clean up?  Kent stated, I checked with staff and scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd.   We will get some advertisements out.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Absent, No report

Commissioner Myers – 1. No Report   

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2024. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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