May 20, 2024 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

May 20, 2024                                                                                                                        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 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 COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 05/06/24 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2024-10, 2024-10A and 2024-P10

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

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. OPTIONS Domestic & Sexual Violence Services: Andrea Cross, OPTIONS Development Director – Andrea stated, services in northwest Kansas continue to increase over this past year.  We need to note these problems are not new for individuals, the problems escalate over time.  They now know OPTIONS is a means for help.  We are piloting a program with Ellis County law enforcement with lethality exams to help determine how much danger individuals are in.  All situations are documented to hold people accountable.  Of all homicides in Kansas, about 25% are domestic related.  We are asking for continued support from the City.  If you donate this year it will be the first donation.  The amount requested is less than $.45 per person in your community for services provided.  We continue working to get a shelter in Colby so people do not have to go to Hays or Ellis.  The services we provide overflow with Western Kansas Child Advocacy to ensure services continue.  We also work with GRMC with their SANE (Sexual Assault Nursing Exam) program and we have a campus advocate that travels to the colleges in Colby, Goodland and Hays.  Kaylee Kerry from Goodland is one of our board members.  Commissioner Showalter asked, does the hospital still have a SANE nurse in Goodland?  Jason stated. Yes, Jessica Gittinger.  Commissioner Showalter asked, what services do you provide for SANE program?  Andrea stated, if individual wants an advocate we are present at exam and for follow-up.  We go to court with them for support, provide shelter and sometimes replace personal items they may lose when the plan is put in motion.  We provide many services to make a bad situation the best moving forward.  Mayor Thompson stated, we appreciate the amazing service you provide and having services in community.  We will discuss request during budget.  Andrea stated, we appreciate your assistance.  We know budgets are tight.  Jason stated, I want the commission to be aware they provide an awesome service in our community that we use day and night.  We appreciate any support City can give. 
  2. NCRPC Housing Initiative: Rehab Pilot Program and Demolition Pilot Program – Kent stated, Keegan Bailey representing NCRPC could not be here tonight.  This program is a housing initiative in collaboration with Dane Hansen Foundation.  Funding provided is moderate income housing rehabilitation or demolition.  Both programs require 10% match from homeowner.  Projects for rehabilitation are up to $10,000 and demolition is $5,000.  Rehabilitation includes projects like flooring, roofs, HVAC, windows and siding but not fences, sidewalks or driveways.   Projects must be completed by home owner.  Applications open May 28th and are submitted electronically.  We have information downstairs.  Funding is limited and will go quickly for Logan, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins and Sherman counties in 2024.  In past years funding completed applications submitted within 48 hours.  Mayor Thompson stated, if someone has project, this is a great opportunity. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 1634: Unfit Structure 1526 Caldwell – Zach stated, this structure is unfit and has a lot of structural damage.  The property leaks and is not up to code with electrical and plumbing.  Commissioner Showalter asked, is house occupied?  Zach stated, no, owner is deceased four years ago and son was living there.  There are four years of back taxes on property.  Someone had lived in house for some time without utilities.  Mayor Thompson stated, it is sad to think someone thinks they have to live in property like this but we have responsibility to make sure property is livable and up to code.  Zach stated, this resolution sets hearing for the property.  The item was listed on agenda as Resolution 1631 but it should be 1634.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1634: fixing a time and place and providing the notice of a hearing before the governing body at which the owner, his or her agents, lienholders of record, occupants and other interested parties may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as unsafe or dangerous structure at 1526 Caldwell seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Resolution 1632: Unfit Structure 00000 W. 12th St. – Zach stated, there is no house on property, only a garage that is laid down. It is right next to playground at West School.  I tried to make contact with property owner last year but no response.  A title search lists numerous owners.  This resolution sets hearing for the property.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1632: fixing a time and place and providing the notice of a hearing before the governing body at which the owner, his or her agents, lienholders of record, occupants and other interested parties may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as unsafe or dangerous structure 00000 W. 12th St.  seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Kent stated, the structure is down, just needs to be removed.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Resolution 1633 Emergency Action Pursuant to Section 7-612 for 320 W. 3rd St. – Zach stated, I was called by Police Chief because owner was found deceased.  I have been contacted by owner’s brother and no one wants anything to do with property.  There is hazardous material in the house and need to demolish property.  Kent stated, a neighbor called today, there is a fly problem in the structure and if wind is in right direction, there is an odor from home.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1633: granting emergency action pursuant to Section 7-612 of the code of the City of Goodland for an immediate hazard to the public at large hereby granting permission and directing all code enforcements officers and representatives to include fire, police, animal control and the like, access to the property located at 320 W. 3rd St.  seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Deferred Annexation Agreement: Jessica Davis – Kent stated, Bryce and Jessica Cole have agreed to deferred annexation agreement with information as we discussed.  The agreement was reviewed by Jake.  The Cole’s are unable to attend meeting due to medical appointment in Hays.  The agreement follows standard set by KSA 12-534.  Mayor Thompson stated, I am in favor of this agreement.  This is a good compromise for owner to have access to water but not require sewer, because of cost.  Agreement states if sewer comes within 100 feet of property, they will annex property in city.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Thompson to approve Deferred Annexation Agreement with Bryce and Jessica Cole for property at 621 Eustis and allow property connection to City water once executed and recorded at Register of Deeds seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. 122 W 14th St Demolition Bid: Cancel Bid Process – Zach stated, previously I requested an invitation to bid for property at 122 W. 14th St.  The property has been demolished so staff is requesting to cancel the bid process, unless debris is not removed from property within four weeks.  Demolition of property changes scope of bid so recommend if owner does not show progress, Commission allow us to submit an invitation to bid for debris removal. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Howard to cancel original bid process on the property at 122 W. 14th St and if debris is not removed by June 3rd Commission meeting, staff begin the bid process to remove debris at property seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Change Order Industrial Park Project: BASE Grant – Kent stated, change order is for Industrial Park Base Grant Project.  Original bid of $890,482.50 on project was lower than expected in grant approval.  The Department of Commerce asked that we extend project to spend grant award.  Andrew and I met with general contractor to work out change order.  Andrew stated, we got project cost as close as possible.  With changes we will have the entire loop of road complete and all property will have access to water and sewer.  We added quantities to sewer and water.  In the change order the contractor is completing the road and sewer, then purchasing supplies for the City to install water line.  We also added 40 days on contract to complete work.  We are within $200 of total grant award.  They plan on starting June 10th.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve change order #1 for the Industrial Park Street and Utility Improvement Project – BASE Grant award by Miller Construction Services, LLC as presented seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. We got title work complete for sale of land to Lisa and Raul Rodriguez, but the title company asked for a resolution outlining authorized signers on documents on behalf of the City.  Resolution 1635 authorizes Mayor Thompson to sign documents on behalf of the City.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1635 authorizing Mayor Thompson to sign documents in the sale of the property in the Industrial Park to Lisa and Raul Rodriquez seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.  3.  Amendments to the zoning text were not published in paper enough times to hold hearing so the Planning Commission will hold hearing June 11th.  Process is still moving ahead.    4.  I met with David Blochlinger and Dallas Burndt regarding property for Sherman 4C’s project.  They were interested in property near West Elementary.  We are getting additional information to bring back to commission.    5.  We have scheduled the commission tour of City facilities for June 6th at 5:00 p.m.  6.  The swimming pool is set to open May 25th.   Mayor Thompson stated, pool looks good.  Kent stated, most mechanical stuff is taken care of but we are waiting on parts to one heater.    7.  The police department has scheduled bicycle rodeo at college on June 8th.  Mayor Thompson asked, what is the bicycle rodeo?   Jason stated, children can register bikes and we have Shores there to check out bikes for safety.  Jessica Gittinger will be there to discuss safety and concussions.  They will have a fun obstacle course with drinks and snacks.  8.  Kent asked Kenton to update commission on Cherry Street project.  Kenton stated, with schedules we will start June 3rd.  We will put information in the paper to inform the public.  Kent stated, the project is between Highway 24 and 19th Street.  There will be a simple detour to get around project.  Kenton stated, estimate two months to complete.    
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Standpipe roof is painted. 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Thank you to Danny for assisting the college with picnic tables.  2.  Appreciate work Zach is doing for city. I have a contractor that bends my ear and he really appreciates work you are doing. 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Showalter seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2024.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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