July 21, 2025 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

July 21, 2025                                                                                                             5:00 P.M.

Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard called the meeting to order with Commissioner Sarah Artzer and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call.  Mayor Jason Showalter and Commissioner Ann Myers were reported absent.

Also present were LeAnn Taylor – Municipal Court Clerk/Judge, 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, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Vice-Mayor Howard led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Dean Graber citizen stated, I reside at 802 Colorado and have questions regarding the proposed 8th Street improvement.  I began thinking about this because of the situation in Wichita where residents received notice indicating they had 30 days to repair their sidewalks at their expense.  I am not aware of what the 8th Street project entails, just that it was within the confines of the current street.  State Statute states if the sidewalk abuts your property, it is the property owner’s responsibility.  There is no law stating you must have a sidewalk.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I understand your concerns and we will take it under consideration.  Kent stated, we are only in preliminary plans for project.  The project is funded by the sales tax passed by citizen’s vote.  In initial project, there are plans for sidewalks, but not at citizens expense when initially put in.  When final plans come in, they will be approved at a commission meeting and will be available for review in City Office.

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 07/07/2025 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 07/14/2025 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2025-14, 2025-14A and 2025-P14

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner

Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1800: Adopting 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance, 52nd Edition – LeAnn reviewed changes in the Standard Traffic Ordinance and Uniform Public Offense Code.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Ordinance 1800: Adopting 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance, 52nd Edition seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  2. Ordinance 1801: Adopting 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code, 41st Edition – ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve Ordinance 1801: Adopting 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code, 41st Edition seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Audit Proposal – Kent stated, the city has utilized Agler & Gaeddert for a number of years.  This proposal is for FY 2025 through FY 2027 audits.  At last renewal we provided an invitation to bid, they were the lowest bid.  They are familiar with city operations and staff.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the audit proposal from Agler & Gaeddert for $9,950 per year plus not to exceed $1,500 for expenses and $3,000 for any single audits required for FY 2025 through FY 2027 seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 
  2. Merchant McIntyre Proposal for Federal Funding Action Plan- Kent stated, Merchant McIntyre Associates were recommended by FHSNWT as they utilized their services and received assistance on the Diesel Tech Building.  In conversations with Brian Merchant, they have worked with communities our size.  We would like to work with them for the project to get electrical to the Industrial Park for the proposed bakery project.  Estimated cost of the project is around $7M which causes the big price tag.  However, any federal funding received can reduce the amount of bond needed to complete project. The proposal presents initial objectives for first 90 days and previous projects they assisted funding.   They have connections for federal funding.  Intention is to work with city staff and Economic Development Administration (EDA) for funding strategies that will work for the city.  Retainer required for initial term of 90 days is $10,000 per month.  The city can then determine if we want to continue utilizing services up to a year.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are they basically functioning as a grant writer?  Kent stated, yes, in addition coordination of project and contacts.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel they are pricey and need entire commission to make decision.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is this in the budget?  Kent stated, we will use electric reserves.  The intent is to utilize service for grant assistance to decrease amount of bond needed to complete project.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have they had success?  Kent stated, yes and I can get clarification for next meeting.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, if we retain their services and want to use for another project, are we able to?  Kent stated, yes, like the second entrance that has been discussed for the Industrial Park.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I would consider the 90-day proposal but understand you want a consensus.  Kent stated, there is no urgency at this point, I just needed feedback.  Commissioner Artzer stated, if funds are in budget I agree to the 90-day term because we need the help.  I am hesitant to go beyond that timeframe.  Kent stated, it is expensive but the college received a lot of grant assistance by utilizing services.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to table the Federal Funding Action Plan by Merchant McIntyre Associates seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

DISCUSSION

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. Police monthly activity report is in packet.  3.  Ninnescah Flats solar project report is in the packet indicating all permits are in place to begin construction.  Goodland has energy credits with project.  4. Jason stated, I am working on an ordinance for a community event CMB permit.  Justin Stasser discussed idea with commission last year.  The idea is when there are food vendors and a beer garden that patrons be able to leave the beer garden to patronize food vendors.  The ordinance will need to address whether only allow one permit or multiple permits with designated areas, cups identifying the vendor and bracelet showing they are 21.  We will need to address signage at each entrance and exit indicating where alcohol is or is not permitted and at businesses or churches within area.  Commissioner Redlin asked, who is responsible for policing?  Jason stated, that is an issue because I do not have the manpower to police it and the event.  The vendor will have to provide some assistance.  Commissioner Artzer asked, has there been complaints from people not being able to walk around?  Kent stated, biggest complaint is the food trucks are not in same location as beer garden.  Jason stated, the ordinance will not be specific for Flatlanders, but allows people to meander from beer garden to food trucks.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have you discussed with SCCD since they put on the event?  Jason stated, we are meeting soon and we will discuss it.    5.  Kenton stated, we will be completing the chip and seal project July 31 through August 1.  Kenton discussed streets involved in project.  6.  We have received notice pickle ball resurfacing project will begin mid-September.  Commissioner Artzer asked, will entire park be closed?  Danny stated, no just pickle ball area.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, how long will project take?  Kent stated, a week as project is done in three layers.  7. On the 8th Street project, the bond attorney has discussed approving a charter ordinance to exempt the project debt from City’s debt ceiling since financed with sales tax.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel appropriate to free up debt limit for future projects.  Kent stated, your limit is 30% of assessed valuation.  We currently have debt for water and street bonds.  
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  As a reminder the Art Center is having a re-grand opening and ribbon cutting Thursday at 5:00 p.m.  2.  Thank you to the street crews for the curb work and painting being done.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  Absent, No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 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 6:00 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2025.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               J J Howard, Vice-Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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