September 16, 2024 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

September 16, 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 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. 09/03/24 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2024-18, 2024-18A and 2024-P18

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

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Julica Oharah, SCCD Executive Director and Bert Mosier – Julica stated, we opened applications for building brilliance incentives to help businesses with signage, façade, etc. on September 1st and will close September 30th.  We have a committee of local representatives to review applications in October then announce two $5,000 grant awards November 1st, with 25% match.  Flatlanders Festival is progressing well.  We have sixty vendors to find space for at event.  There is also the car and motorcycle show.  I will have updates on meat packing and tire plant at a later date then the ribbon cutting for Scoular is this week.  Julica introduced Bert Mosier, new economic development director.  Bert stated, I am originally from Hoxie but moved to California.  I came back this summer and decided to stay.  I am trying to get out to all businesses to see what the needs are in community. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 1643: Transfer Title/Ownership of City Fire Vehicles to Sherman County – Kent stated, resolution was revised from last meeting.  Commission wanted information from original agreement referencing how property will be returned if operations cease.  The resolution references information outlined in the agreement.  Chief James has a copy of the department inventory.  We removed the 1950 Seagraves truck from the resolution to keep as City vehicle per commission request.  Mayor Thompson asked, has the County been notified of transfer?  Mary stated, yes I spoke with Ashley, then Brian approved resolution.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1643: Transfer Title/Ownership of City Fire Vehicles to Sherman County seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Request additional abatement at 1526 Caldwell – Zach stated, bids for demolition are scheduled for October 7th.  We have concerns with pest control and mice with proximity to neighbors and are requesting permission to address conditions before demolition.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to proceed with pest control on property prior to bid opening seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. Proposed Ordinance 1783: Low Income Rates for Utilities – Kent stated, purpose of proposed ordinance is to amend qualifications for low income rate in City code to match federal requirements of health and human services.  These guidelines are published in January and the proposed amount is changed from $18,000 to $20,440, which is for two person household.  We did not put a variable for the number of individuals in household.  This rate is for both water and electric utility.  Mayor Thompson stated, I still feel rate should be based on number in household not just two people.  Commissioner Myers stated, I do not know how you would enforce code based on number in household.  Mayor Thompson stated, it would be same guidelines but would have wording for number of individuals in household.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I have thought about this since our last discussion.  If we are going to help low income individuals, I feel we need to base rate on number in household.  Commissioner Redlin stated, my issue is to make sure it is not overwhelming for staff.  Kent stated, the hardest part is to make sure people reside at residence.  It is difficult that we want to help people on low income but we do not want the rate to have impact on utility rates for everyone.  If it becomes difficult, we can bring information back to commission.  Mayor Thompson asked, how many utility customers do we have?  Kent stated, 2,600 customers, about 400 are businesses, so 2,200 residential.  Mayor Thompson stated, we have a minimum number of citizens on low income rate.  If we see a large increase of customers on low income rate, we may need to revise requirements.  Kent stated, we will have to revise ordinance to include household information. 
  2. Lot Commitment for Fort Hays Tech NW Construction program –Kent stated, we have a proposed MOU for Fort Hays Tech NW similar to MOU for Sherman 4C’s.  This will hold the lot in City possession until grant funds and other resources are awarded to build a home at 326 Sherman by construction program.  A subsequent agreement will be presented for consideration to sell or donate the land to Fort Hays Tech NW.  Mayor Thompson asked, what is time line for us to hold property?  Commissioner Showalter stated, I feel it will be one school year.  They are starting foundation January and plan to finish by end of school year.  I believe we plan to move ahead whether or not receive grant.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it is good for community to see the college is building houses.  Jake stated, I have no concern with MOU, it is important to have funding gap in agreement.  Kent stated, we will have college approve and bring back to commission.
  3. Utility Incentives for Businesses – Kent stated, staff presented information at last meeting and waiting for commission direction.  Mayor Thompson stated, we have a couple different recommendations we already do, just feel should have a policy.  We do not agree on utility rates and may need to work on case by case basis.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I feel comfortable with a standard policy on installation costs for business but feel we need to allow flexibility if bigger business that boosts economic growth in community.  Kent stated, I have not discussed this with Bert.  Commissioner Showalter stated, I would like to table discussion until Bert is more comfortable in position and can provide insight.   Consensus of commission is in agreement with Commissioner Showalter and table discussion until Kent and Bert have discussed. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. August month end financial report and police monthly activity report are in the packet.  3.  The Industrial Park BASE Grant Project is moving forward.  They have completed about half the line for the sewer main on north side, 500’ of street on south side and working to pour curbs end of week.  They will then proceed to pour more street.  4.  Caldwell Cost Share project for mill and overlay is scheduled to begin September 18th.  Street department posted notices at residences and cars parked on Caldwell.  There will be no parking on Caldwell during project.  They anticipate project to take four days and must be done by Flatlanders Festival.  Pre-construction meeting is tomorrow.   5.  The commission indicated regulations for golf carts should fall under the micro-utility vehicle ordinance.  After further discussion with Chief Erhart, there are a couple different issues that make it difficult.  Jason stated, golf carts do not have seat belts and those that allow rides on back of cart do not have shoulder straps.  I have some safety concerns and do not feel we should allow.  I know we have scooters and motorcycles, but golf carts top out at 25 mph.  Golf carts have blinkers but no wipers and would require modifications to the cart.  People sitting on back facing traffic are a safety concern.  I know they are allowed in smaller counties where traffic is limited.  I do not feel it is safe and we would have to draft a different ordinance for golf carts because criteria is not same as micro-utility vehicles.    6.  We are working with GAC to install new scoreboards at 4-plex.  The baseball and softball clubs want new scoreboards and GAC asked if City can help with installation.  7.  LKM conference is October 10th through 12th if interested in attending we can register you.  Mayor Thompson asked, is Commission in favor of golf cart discussion.  Consensus of Commission is to continue discussion.   
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Thank commission and community for coming out to college affiliation party.  We served about 600 which is more than other communities.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Under the Authority of KSA 75-4319 (b) (6) for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property – Mayor Thompson made a motion at 5:38 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (6) for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property not to exceed fifteen minutes.   I request City Commission and City Manager be present.  Commissioner Showalter seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5-0.  Meeting resumed at 5:53 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2024.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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