September 15, 2025 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

September 15, 2025                                                                                                                   5:00 P.M.

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

Also present were 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 Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Joni Guyer: Temporary RV Parking – Joni stated, I am here to address temporary RV camping.  We have owned a lot on 1419 Cattletrail, for years.  We have had campers there for years with proper sewer and water.  We just updated electrical plugs. We had two campers but lost one and have one remaining with eight campers waiting to see outcome tonight.  We would not put them all on the lot in City.  The electrical for our lot will accommodate about four campers.  If all goes well tonight, will rewire electrical to shop and dig another sewer.  At this point in time, we are utilizing a portable sewer company.  We are bearing the pain of the expense.  According to the workers this is the first wave of people coming to town and we still have additional people coming to town.  All businesses will benefit from the additional people in town. I understand we have codes and guidelines to follow.  We are putting more camping spots on our farm.  Our lot looks better than it has for years and my kids are right there and watch what goes on.  We need to do what we can to welcome everyone. 
2. Scott Weber – Scott stated, thank you to the commission and all in attendance.  We are all here because this is something we feel is important for our community and to all of us.  I am the owner-operator of Mid America Campground inside city limits.  This has been a family business since 1980.  Approximately two years ago my mom passed so I stepped in to operate the campground.  I hear rumors you may be making a change in code to allow short term camping in city limits.  I do not know the details, but I do not feel this will be the proper thing to do.  Unsure what planning and zoning think of situation but I do not think you should rush into decision.  In my opinion this sets precedence for other businesses.  Are we going to see restaurants in homes or mechanic shops in driveways?  It is going to set a precedence.  This would put code enforcement in a bad position and it will become more of an issue.  The codes in place are there to protect our properties, business owners, community and customers.  Being owner of the campground, we pay commercial rates on utilities and specific commercial insurance required for campground owners.  For property taxes we pay a trash fee per lot.  There is may be a shortage of long- or short-term camping right now, but I feel it will slow down.  As the pipeline crew moves forward, they will move to Colorado and this will level out.  It has been a while since we have had two big projects like the pipeline and wind generators kick off at same time.  We have never been short on rooms.  The closing of old Howard Johnson and Roadway hotels cause a shortage problem.  These workers know what problems they face as they travel place to place for jobs.  I have been on these jobs before.  I wonder how the city will handle metering and sewage.  If you start dumping sewage in cleanout, it is going to run back to house.  The sewer tap saddle itself is $200 to hook on to main.  That does not count fee to tap into sewer.  What do you do with extra taps when the people leave?  The line weakens when you have additional taps.  If you move forward with this, are you going to require a permit and will money go into capital improvement fund.  What happens to taxing, is it done with property taxes?   This is not a good idea for few bucks short-term.  I ask for careful consideration when looking at your long-term goals.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, how full is your campsite?  Scott stated, I am about 85-86 % full.  I still have several sites available. 
3. Sean Boden: KOA operator – Sean stated, I am the manager for KOA Campgrounds.  Many of our concerns is this going to be long-term proposal or short- time.  If it becomes long-term, they are a competitor to KOA and Mid America and we have to follow regulations for campgrounds.  When I renovated recently, there was a new law that required me to have a public facility for ten or more spots.  When you allow sites being put together quickly, is code going to be followed correctly?  If keep long term, it will change the type of people coming to the area.  With the housing crisis there is already an issue of homelessness.  This increases the possibility when we allow anyone to call what they have a campsite.  Where are regulation’s going to be enforced around this and how are you going to ensure current codes are properly enforced?  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, how full is KOA?    Sean stated, about 85 % full.  We are leaving sites for short-term camping, as that is what our business is.  Over 50% of our guests now are long-term and part of pipeline project.  Mayor Showalter stated, thank you for everyone that came to speak tonight.  Appreciate you taking your democratic right to address your government.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 09/02/25 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2025-18, 2025-18A and 2025-P18

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

FORMAL ACTIONS

1. Police Body Cameras: Termination and Contract Proposal – Jason stated, Jake drafted the termination letter to Digital Alley and will send out tomorrow pending approval.  Termination is effective December 1, 2025.  The updated quote form AXON includes Draft One.  They asked for $20,515 in November 2025 then next payment in January 2027 so we can properly budget for amount.   Bret Mangan, County Attorney supports the program and agreed to donate $10,000 toward payment in November.  Mayor Showalter stated, AXON is good equipment and very reliable.  Our officers need to have equipment that works.  Commissioner Redlin stated, for clarification, we are requesting change because of malfunctions in current equipment.  Jason stated, yes.  Commissioner Artzer asked, I want to be confident the contract payment will work into 2027 budget.  Kent stated, we will have to make it work.  Mayor Showalter stated, body and dash cameras are like bullet proof vests.  Tim Wright, Assistant Chief stated, officers are excited and I was able to use system on trial run and it saved me a lot of time with the report.  We appreciate getting to add Draft One to the quote.  Kent stated, with the body and dash cameras there is an expectation to have as a required piece of equipment.  When officers have to go to court on case and equipment is not working, it becomes an obstacle for the prosecution to continue.  It is an expectation in the legal world.  Tim stated, every time we go to a scene the cameras need to activate which they will with AXON.  We are not getting the information from current equipment.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to submit the termination letter for our current contract with Digital Alley effective December 31, 2025 and approve the five-year contract with AXON effective November 1, 2025 in the amount of $254,305.96 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
2. KDOT Traffic Impact Study- Kent stated, this has come up with discussions with Merchant McIntyre for project in Industrial Park and possibility of second entrance to park for truck traffic.  First step to move forward with the project is a traffic impact study.  KDOT engineer recommended we proceed with study now.  Cost of study will be $5,000.  Mayor Showalter asked, is there reason to wait until bridge construction is complete?  Kent stated, no because KDOT has previous traffic count.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve EBH to conduct the Traffic Impact Study for KDOT seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
3. Piper Sandler Financial Services Letter – Kent stated, I have been talking with bond attorney Kevin Cowan.  Part of conversation is discussion with Clayton Kelley for financial services.  This is an engagement letter for work their processing and selling bonds.  They do not get paid unless bonds are issued.  This pertains to bonds on 8^th Street project and to continue with design and bid process.  They include information in the letter in the event we need to terminate their services with 30-day notice.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, is the rate of $6.50 per $1,000 issued a standard fee.  Kent stated, yes.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the financial services letter with Piper Sandler seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION

1. Temporary RV Parking – Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate everyone coming in and giving feedback.  I spoke with Joni on telephone with her concerns for quite a while.  I have thought about this a lot trying to evaluate what happens when we have an ordinance in place and we vary from it.  This is a necessary process and how government is supposed to work when you disagree with a law in place.  We cannot rush into a decision on this.  I asked Kent for options we could look at.  The first option is that we do not do anything at all.  Kent stated, currently RV parking on a property in a residential lot is not allowed but is allowed in commercial property, like RV parks or campgrounds.  There are a few different ways this can be approached.  RV parks require utilities and issue a standard parking space for each camper.  This includes water, sewer, electricity and how the camper fits in with neighbors.  This is the reason code allows them in commercial zones and not residential.  If you want to allow in residential area I see the following options:  1. Not do anything but look at lots in commercial zones.  2. Have property owner request rezoning application from residential to commercial property, then work toward meeting requirements of RV park. There are requirements for lot size, proximity to neighbors and more.  3. Change code to allow RV parks as a standard use in residential lots.  Just like issues brought up, once this is allowed, other issues come to forefront.  What type of businesses are you going to allow or do neighbors want them in the neighborhood?  We have had problems of this nature in past not related to RV parks.  Goodland does not have many two acre lots to allow in residential area.  4. Change code to allow RV parks as conditional use, which means certain criteria needs to be met to allow conditional use. We allow some conditional use permits for other items.   It requires a public hearing.  Requirements can be set to allow the conditional use, like time limit, renewal of permit or other conditional uses.  You can require same regulations as allowed in commercial lots to even playing field.  There are people with needs which is what has brought the request to the commission.  It is not an easy decision.  Staff is looking for direction.  The process to change code will take time, many times 60 to 90 days because requires a publication, public hearing and review by Planning Commission with their recommendation to the Commission.  It is a process for good reason.  It was put in code originally because there were concerns about RVs in residential areas.  There may be some lots in Goodland where it will work.  Staff met with the County about lots at fairgrounds.  They have lots that are used during fair but not long-term stays.  We reviewed long-term requirement for water and sewer.  It is nice weather now and campers can be moved easy.  In winter, how are they going to handle if cannot move RV to dump sewerage.  Will long-term power work properly?  Will the ground hold up through winter weather?  We are not discouraging the use, just have to review so do not have larger issues later on.  Staff is trying to figure out if it is possible or what problems could arise.  Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate Kent’s level headed approach to give us the information with choices for us to evaluate.  I feel bad we are just now hearing this.  If they would have informed us earlier, this could have been avoided.  We want them here and their business but want it to be fair.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked Burt Mosier, Economic Development Director, if he is aware of how many campers will be coming to our community.  Burt stated, I have listened to the information.  I would have liked to have notice also but we did not get notice.  It is my understanding we have another crew of 130 coming in soon to hookup electrical into system for wind generators.  We will also have a crew for the rail road, but I have not been contacted by them at this time.  We were told 650 with pipeline and have not received number for wind generators.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, there are two wind generator crews that are in town.  There is the redo of old wind generators then new ones being built north of Burlington.   Burt stated, yes but also another crew next year for a wind generator project in northern Wallace and southern Sherman County.  We are trying to work with everyone but told there is a lot more to come.  I have been getting calls daily for about three weeks.  Trying to work with everyone but uncertain how many more are coming.    Commissioner Artzer asked, how many have come so far?  Burt stated, I am unsure as I never see them in groups.  Most of my contact is through Geremy Cloyd who is an SCCD Board Member and owns the laundry mat and liquor store so they contact him for housing.  I encourage the commission to do the best you can do to manage people that are here because we want them to spend their money here.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I get calls because I am a landlord and they say all neighboring towns are full.  We need to take advantage of them being here.  Burt stated, I feel we need to address short-term need to address the situation without changing the ordinance.  All businesses are being hit with this.  Joni stated, many are bringing their wives and families?  Burt stated, this is first time school has run a bus through KOA campgrounds.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I do not want to take anything away from KOA or Mid America because I want you full.  We as a City need to take advantage of additional tax revenue in town.  Scott stated, I agree but I am concerned about the long-term effect of allowing campers in residential areas.   Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate the information Scott has presented.  I never thought about this creating an unfair advantage to your business.  They need to follow same guidelines as you.  Scott stated, it is not about taking business from us, our family has paid our dues and will continue.  If you are in it for long haul I have no problem, but you need to follow same rules.  We have had up and down years and seen a lot of trends.  We used to see custom cutters come through in waves, but that has tampered off.  Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate your long-term commitment to the community.  You are an important part of the community, just like Joni and the pipe line crews.  We do not want to create an unfair advantage.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are residential lots housing trailers at this time?  Kent stated, one person on Caldwell but it is for electrical reasons while house is being done.  There may be others but we have not had any complaints.  Zach stated, it gets hard on enforcement as either the police or I have to sit and monitor whether people come and go from the camper.  Mayor Showalter asked, what about a fifth option for a temporary code to allow a temporary conditional use in effect with an expiration date, like for an emergency?  Kent stated, to accomplish this would require discussion with staff, legal staff and Planning Commission but could possibly be done.  Mayor Showalter stated, I do not want an ordinance hanging over our heads, but feel we need to see if we can accommodate more tax payers.  Commissioner Artzer stated, my list of requirements are lot size, time limit and camper limit to accomplish this.  Kent stated, we need to go back and review code requirements for RV parks and see what commission wants to include.  Staff needs direction.  Jason asked, are you talking about turning the sites into temporary commercial?  Kent stated, no a conditional use.  Jason asked, I am checking because they are exempt from noise ordinance so would be difficult to enforce.  For emergency purposes, if multiple campers are allowed on a lot, we have to able to identify lot needing assistance.  They need to be marked.  Kent stated, it will have to be conditional use with sight plan for issues that can be overcome and identified.  Mayor Showalter asked, if we explore option 4 are we interested in pursuing anything less than requirements for RV parks?  Kent stated, the size requirement would make it difficult for many residential lots to comply.  Mayor Showalter stated, I am not in favor of starting any unfair business advantage for our RV parks.  Commissioner Myers stated, the only thing is this issue is here now.  Mayor Showalter stated, we can talk about proposed ordinance but I do not want to make it easier than it is for KOA or campgrounds.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel we should write something up using this option so we have something to start with.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, how many square feet is it per camper?  Zach stated, I believe current code requirement is 1,000 feet and 18 feet separation to allow for slide outs.  Joni stated, the crews on our west side is 32 feet right now and both our crews are for wind generator.  We never hear anything out of them.  Commissioner Myers asked, how many campers can your lot serve?  Joni stated, we can safely house four campers.  The campers were probably about 15 feet from each other, but they do not know how to handle winter.  We have a load of straw bales coming if this goes through.  Zach stated, you cannot have straw bales in city limits because fire hazard.  Last year RVs in parks used foam insulation but still froze up.  Joni stated, they do not know how to handle winters.  I do not want to take business from anyone, but we are equipped.  Commissioner Artzer stated, this is not necessarily a business issue but a housing issue.  They are helping our community; we need to accommodate them.  We need something in front of us to review.  We need to accommodate them.  Jake stated, you need to consider this is not about allowing this to happen.  Codes are there to protect your people, but they are also there to protect the people coming to town.  Do not assume everyone will do it the right way.  Commissioner Myers stated, we have to have guidelines in place either way.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, if you are working on your house there are temporary permits, then you can have two 30-day extensions.  Zach stated, correct under my discretion for the building side of things.  For this you are talking more along the lines if someone has family coming to town for an extended time with an RV, they have to get a permit and turn in a site plan to park in residential lot.  That can be extended one time in a year.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I believe we have a lot of smart people on staff that can come up with a creative solution.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, can we write it in code that if the RV park and campground are 75% full, the commission can put this in place.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I would hesitate including that; it would be difficult to enforce.  Jake stated, I would caution that as well.  We have two great owners now, but if they sell to someone that does not follow the law it would be difficult.  You would also be requiring them to report their numbers, so I would be cautious of that action as well.  Mayor Showalter stated, I would be interested in option 4, meeting as many of the requirements for RV parks as possible and include an expiration date.  Scott stated, if that is the route you intend to go down, if you are calling it short-term camping, I would include short-term limitations.  Two years is too long. It should be reviewed every six months, if not more often.  Mayor Showalter stated, I agree with that.  Scott stated, I have had the pipeline and wind generator people in my campgrounds for two years.  Terry Webb, representing Mom’s Kitchen stated, you should have shared that information.  That is major information for businesses like myself or landlords.  I have had a lot of people in my business.  Short term accommodations are a good idea with a conditional use, but we will be here every six months.  We have been told the pipeline will be here for a minimum of a year, then we have been told the power line is coming in after that.  It will be a lot for us to come back every 30 to 60 days.  The code for utilities is good idea but hooking up the sewer should go back on the property owner.  As a community we are seeing a boom at the restaurant right now, it may be short term.  Mayor Showalter stated, when I stated expiration of two years, I want any ordinance on this matter to expire in two years so it is not on the books for twenty years.  Within that two-year limit, we will need to have follow-up to see if we can move the RVs to commercial areas.  Roberta Webb, Mom’s Kitchen stated, Goodland has been good to us and welcomed us; we need to extend that to these people.  Goodland needs to grow.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I echo the mayor’s comments at the beginning of the meeting, Goodland is open for business.  Mayor Showalter stated, this is a good problem to have.  Cythia Bohl hairdresser stated, it is affecting my business too.  I have people requesting haircuts on the weekend so I am looking at working weekends.  Sean asked, I am concerned with code enforcement process with building potential campgrounds in residential areas.  As far as the electrical, it could create potential fire hazard.  Are they going to have to go through the permitting process to ensure they are meeting demands or overwhelming that system?  Who is that going to fall back on, the property owner or are you going to require RV park insurance to cover that?  Mayor Showalter asked, do we require RV park insurance?  Zach stated, uncertain if it is in the code but I believe if you are operating a campground without it, you would be making a mistake.   Mayor Showalter stated, whatever we create, I am not open to creating unfair balance for you to operate.  They need to be subject to same requirements as KOA and campground.  I am only interested in a temporary answer.  Commissioner Artzer stated, this is to have all the residential campgrounds shut down within time frame provided in ordinance.  Commissioner Redlin stated, that is reason to follow up so we can weed out those that just pop up overnight; they need to follow same guidelines.  Sean stated, even with two-year guideline, when we renovated the back part of KOA, it took three years for the soil to quit settling and for the campers to quit making ruts in the ground.  Mayor Showalter stated, I certainly do not think someone will just decide they want to run an RV park tomorrow.  The job you do is not easy and do not feel people are wanting to throw together an RV park in the back yard.  Jason stated, the police department help Zach with enforcement when we see an RV pull in that should not be there.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, most of these guys are nice and they are here to do a job and not cause a problem.  Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate information from the community, nice to have input to assist with decision making.  Commission directs staff to put information together in ordinance as guided by commission. 

REPORTS

1. City Manager – 1. Police monthly report is in the packet.  2. 24/7 has informed us the trash compactor is in place.  We will have an amendment to In the Can contract next meeting.   
2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Thank everyone for showing up and providing information.  Good to see community is interested.  We are here to make Goodland grow.

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Thank you to Parks Department for removing tree that fell in Chambers Park.  2. Do we have follow-up on potential recording for SCCD meetings?  Kent stated, it is difficult to achieve and we do not have the ability with SCCD.  It would be a decision for their board.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

• Mayor Showalter– 1.  Praise to Marty Lehman being selected Sports in Kansas Athletic Director of the week.  He and his family are a blessing to our community. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2025. 

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ATTEST:                                                                                Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk