December 15, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

December 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, Shauna Johnson – Deputy City Clerk, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

  1. Unfit Structure: 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 – Mayor Showalter opened public hearing for the unfit structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 at 5:01 p.m.  Zach stated, we discussed property previously and there has been no attempt to clean up property.  The property is not fit for anyone to live and tenant has not given time line to clean up property.  There was np public comment.  Mayor Showalter closed the public hearing for the unfit structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 at 5:02 p.m. 
  2. Unfit Structure: 520 W. 16th Street – Mayor Showalter opened the public hearing for the unfit structure at 520 W. 16th Street at 5:02 p.m.  Zach stated, property first brought to commission in 2010 and owner only repaired windows and door. Property has changed hands five time.  Omar Alvarez is current owner and has put roof on structure.  It will need more improvements.  Value of house is $1,500.  Omar stated, we come from Denver and are trying to move to Goodland.  I contacted Zach when we purchased property a year ago.  Title search did not show any problems with property.  I know he stated value of property, but that is not what I paid.  My long-time savings went into purchase. We started working on weekends to improve property.  We replaced roof, now in debt because we purchased material for further improvements.  Zach informed me we cannot move forward because of structural damage.  We have materials to make improvements and are disappointed because of all money and work we put into improving property.  We want to add to Goodland.  We see there are a lot of similar properties in neighborhood.  The main thing is the foundation issue.  We can fix it by jacking up the property and properly repairing.  This is only way to make it work and property livable.  We want to do what we can to live in it.  We stopped when instructed by Zach, but that is our savings and we want to improve property.  There are certain things you can do to make the house strong enough to be lived in.  Mayor Showalter asked, if we declare structure as unfit it starts timeline.  Would you be able to work with a timeline to address large issues on structure.  Omar stated, yes, we did not know about issues when purchased but I have talked to people who say it is fixable.  Our problem now is winter weather.  We purchased in August and were working until Zach contacted us in September.  We do not want to tear it down but improve property.  If commission will work with us, we will do what we need to do.  Mayor Showalter stated, declaring structure as unfit sets timeline so it does not remain in this condition.  We will take it under advisement.  Mayor Showalter closed the public hearing for the unfit structure at 520 W. 16th Street at 5:11 p.m.
  3. Unfit Structure: 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 – Mayor Showalter reopened public hearing for the unfit structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 at 5:11 p.m.  Bobbie McKnight, property manager stated, I understand it is the trailer you are condemning.  I am working to evict tenant to get in and clean trailer to make it livable.  I have done several eviction notices and he does not abide by them.  His dad said he was doing some cleanup but I do not see it being done.  I want to clean up trailer as it has potential.  Commissioner Artzer asked, does declaring structure unfit move along eviction?  Jake stated, no that is a civil matter.  Mayor Showalter stated, we will take it under advisement.  Mayor Showalter closed the second public hearing for the unfit structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 at 5:14 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Cynthia Bohl – Cynthia stated, I have been a barber since 1999 and am a hometown girl.  I owned a barbershop until I was injured by a horse.  I would like to open a barbershop at airport.  I only need water and the carpet replaced with tile and I am willing to pay for the improvement.  I will move in my own equipment into shop.  I would like to be in space by January 1st if commission approves.  Kent stated, I asked Cythia to discuss idea with commission tonight to see if any objections, if not we can have an agreement for next meeting.  Commissioner Artzer asked, will this cause issues with it being an airport?  Kent stated, no because we are not operating a commercial airline and FAA does not access that area.  Mayor Showalter asked, do we have idea of cost for sewer and water?  Kent stated, not at this time but it will be at tenant’s expense.  Consensus of commission is no objection and continue working with Kent. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 12/01/25 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2025-24, 2025-24A and 2025-P24

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1808: Electric Rates – Kent stated, staff has been working with Waterworth on utility rates.  The water rates were approved last meeting, this ordinance is electric.  We wanted to have our base rate include OCA charges currently in code.  The OCA is becoming more prevalent as costs have increased significantly last several years and is becoming more difficult.  With assistance of Waterworth, we presented this ordinance to spread costs on evenly monthly basis.  Last week we also received price increase notice from Sunflower and Prairieland Electric that we will receive in 2026.  That was not included in rate information previously discussed with commission, but included in ordinance presented.  We have provided examples of bills by categories for each quarter and notice the increase compared to same bill last year is fairly close, not much of an increase.  Hopefully this provides information commission was requesting.  Staff s recommends approving ordinance and suspend OCA charge.  We will evaluate next few months and bring back to commission.  The city has not increased electric rates in a number of years, while other companies have raised rates.   This establishes a rate where we do not have a variable cost added to bills every month based on operating costs.  Commissioner Myers asked, why is rate for small commercial higher again?  Kent stated, they do not have demand charge like large commercial.  There are 67 large commercial customers who are bigger users with more demand.  We have about 450 commercial customers in total.  Commissioner Artzer stated, in the information, there are some cases where bills are less which will be nice to those it happens to.  As a utility business we have to be able to maintain operations.  Commissioner Redlin stated, this also promotes a sense of conservation for both water and electric use.  Kent stated, yes, this ordinance adds a tier for higher users.  Commissioner Artzer stated, you said they will not have an OCA with rate.  Kent stated, correct, we want to suspend OCA for now and evaluate a charge based on increased power costs only, if that occurs.  That occurred with February 2021 event.  However, that cost was so large we had to assess charge over time not just for one month.  The OCA charge includes all electric operating expenses each month, we would like it for power costs only.  We also want to make sure this rate does what we need.  Mary stated, to clarify, we recommend suspending OCA charge when rate goes into effect ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Ordinance 1808: Electric Rates seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Ordinance 1810: Amending Text of the Management of Uses of Right of Way (ROW) – Zach stated, this ordinance protects the city and allows contractors to work in a specific area and time.  That way we are not doing locates when they are not able to complete work timely.  This also sets working hours for contractors and requires inspections to protect from damage to property.  Kent stated, this is only for ROW work, not work on personal property.  The city can respond and observe work if needed, which is reason to keep working hours Monday through Friday.  Most utilities are in the ROW.  Commissioner Artzer asked, would this allow for emergency work required after hours?  Zach stated, yes, they get 48 hours to contact city for follow up work completed in emergency.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Myers to approve Ordinance 1810: Amending Text of the Management of Uses of Right of Way seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Ordinance 1811: Amend Section 19-705, Off Street Parking Required Spaces – Kent stated, this ordinance is result of work with Planning Commission, City Commission and Community Matters.  Off street parking was one of the recommendations Barb Cole made to our code.  This ordinance amends text in Chapter 19 Section 705 of the code for off street parking at new or repurposed property.  One of issues discussed was to reduce number spaces for residential districts and redoing number of spaces for certain commercial uses.  For commercial property, it used to be based on number of employees or chairs.  This is much easier to read and for the public to understand.  Planning Commission had a hearing and recommend approval of ordinance.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are current lots grandfathered in?  Zach stated, this does not change existing structures, only new or those where property is repurposed.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Ordinance 1811: Amend Section 19-705, Off Street Parking Required Spaces seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  4. Ordinance 1812: Authorizing the levy of a General One-Quarter Percent (.25%) City Wide Retailer’s Sales Tax – Kent stated, this ordinance authorizes and directs that the New Educational Sales Tax be levied and the revenue received therefrom be applied first for the authorized purposes of the Existing Educational Sales Tax, and then to (a) assist the District in the repayment of the principal of and interest on District Bonds issued to pay a portion of the estimated costs to construct, equip and furnish a new Career and Technical Education Building; (b) provide for the payment of certain City infrastructure improvements to facilitate the use of District educational facilities; and (c) alleviate the property tax burden to the patrons of District.  Staff recommends approval.  Ordinance was provided by Kevin Cowan.  The documents are required by the Department of Revenue for the sales tax.  This ties to the Sales Tax Agreement later in meeting.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Ordinance 1812: Authorizing the levy of a General One-Quarter Percent (.25%) City Wide Retailer’s Sales Tax seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  5. Resolution 2025-33: Abatement of Unfit Structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 – Commissioner Artzer stated, my concern is I do not want to force if tenant can get it clean.  Zach stated, the house is covered with feces and needs addressed before anyone can live in trailer.  If we deem as unfit structure, we can control who can be in structure to abate nuisance.  Bobbie stated, I have pictures of inside of trailer.  I need him out to get it cleaned.  By condemning trailer, it gives me the opportunity to clean and make trailer livable.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I want to make sure we do it right.  Do we have legal ground to tell tenant to get out?  Jake stated, tenant eviction is landlord issue.  The commission can deem it a nuisance to set timetable to abate the structure.  There are tenant and landlord rights which has nothing to do with commission.  Owner has to abide by the code which is why we deal with property owner.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, this ordinance allows clean up inside trailer.  Zach stated, that is correct, clean inside and fix plumbing.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2025-33: Abatement of Unfit Structure at 216 E. Hwy 24 Lot D5 seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.  Jason what is posted on outside.  Zach I will get notice from Jake to post on property. 
  6. Resolution 2025-34: Abatement of Unfit Structure at 520 W. 16th Street – Mayor Showalter stated, this falls into same category.  We want to declare structure as unfit but have you work with Zach on a timeline so we know when work will be done.  I would ask Zach to allow additional time since owners are coming from Denver.  Zach stated, I would set a timeline then if it appears to go beyond timeframe, I will bring back to commission.  Commissioner Redlin stated, my concern is we need to take into consideration the winter conditions and running concrete.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I am not in favor of declaring structure unfit, they just purchased property and situation is different.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I do not like to see property torn down, or that our code compares value of repairs to value of improvement to be declare property a nuisance.  That structure is a lot if you had to go out and buy all new materials.  If they are willing to improve property and spend money, it is their money.  It increases property values in Goodland.  I feel we push people away.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel it can be done, I did it to my property.  Kent stated, if commission agrees I feel it is important for property owner and Zach to work out issue.  It will not be a simple thing, but having them attend hearing is important and they understand what needs to be done.  The hardest thing will be to set a schedule with winter.  One option is table ordinance to have them come back with a timeline staff feels comfortable with.  That gives the city an idea the property owner understands what needs to be done.  Omar understands it will take time.  Commissioner Artzer asked, if we table resolution, can they continue working on property.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to table Resolution 2025-34: Abatement of Unfit Structure at 520 W. 16th Street seconded by Commissioner Myers.  Kent stated, Zach can discuss timeline with Omar and bring back to commission.  Jake stated, if you do nothing with resolution, it remains on books and you can bring back up to commission to declare as unfit.  If you want to table resolution, it stays on agenda.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel we can discuss time line next meeting and then proceed.   MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

A   Sales Tax Agreement – Kent stated, the previous one-quarter percent (.25%) school sales tax was issued by an interlocal agreement with the school to use the sales tax funds to pay off bond issue.  This agreement allows the continuance of the sales tax by the school district to pay off old bond issue first, then new bond.  Action is required by Commission and School Board then sent to Department of Revenue.  Agreement will not be signed until bond closes in February as a formality.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the Sales Tax Agreement seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

B.  2026 CMB Licenses- Kent stated, you have a list of CMB’s for renewal for both consumption on premises and for sale in original and unopened container.  The Rec Room is pending inspection approval.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the 2026 CMB License for Goodland KOA for consumption on the premises, The Rec Room for Consumption on Premises pending inspection approval and 2026 CMB Licenses for Corner Market, Casey’s General Store, 24/7 Travel Store, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, Dollar General, Cowboy Corner Xpress, LLC and Goodland Travel Center for sale in original and unopened containers, not for Consumption on the premises, seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

C.  2026 Library Contract – Kent stated, this is annual agreement for library services.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve 2026 Library Contract seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

D.  Bid Award IFB 2025-1201: 1319 Cherry Ave Unfit Structure – Zach stated, property was brought to your attention in 2024 to consider for landbank.  The owner has since passed away.  We received two bids for demolition of property at 1319 Cherry Avenue.  The bids are Goody’s in the amount of $6,900 and S & M Repair for $4,000.  S & M has completion date of 10 days.  Staff recommends the low bid from S & M Repair.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the bid from S & M Repair in the amount of $4,000 for the demolition of 1319 Cherry Avenue seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

E.  Reappoint Jackie Elliott, Marlene Whiteker and Terry Leonhart to Cemetery Board – Kent stated, Jackie, Marlene and Terry have submitted applications for reappointment to the cemetery board and are recommended for approval by the Cemetery Board.  All three members are active on board.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the reappointment of Jackie Elliott, Marlene Whiteker rand Terry Leonhart to the Cemetery Board seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

F.   8th Street Engineering Contract: EBH – Andrew stated, this contract is for engineering of 8th Street project funded by the bonds recently approved.  The bond will be reimbursed by sales tax monies collected over the next 20 years.  This project will take a substantial amount of time to design and construct.  It includes lighting the commission previously discussed.  Kent stated, there is a significant amount of surveying work for project.  This contract with EBH is for developing plans & specifications, completing bid specifications and oversight of the bid process, as well as a not to exceed amount for construction engineering and observation services.  The cost of the contract is $200,000 for the surveying services and engineering plans for design and specifications and a maximum not to exceed $275,000 for the construction engineering and observation and additional parameters for any changes in service.  Andrew stated, we will get started with surveying within next six to eight weeks and keep Kent informed to ensure Commission approves project that goes out for bid.  Commissioner Redlin asked, so the timeline to begin is February?  Andrew stated, we hope to get a portion of construction started fall 2026 then next phase fall of 2027.  We have to watch how we phase project when modifying street and make sure information gets to the public.  Commissioner Artzer asked, will we reach out to property owners on 8th Street?  Andrew stated, we will to avoid sprinklers and get information need from the owners.  Commissioner Artzer asked, when we bid project is there a way to split project to use Goodland based companies?  Andrew stated, it is interesting what is considered a local company.  There is company that owns property in Goodland but is not located here.  Mary stated, when considering local company, we also need to consider 10% of $100,000 is a lot less than 10% of $6,000,000.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the 8th Street Engineering Contract with EBH seconded by Commissioner Myers.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. November month end financial report and police activity report are in the packet.  3.  Museum is working on Veteran’s banner project.  They have had over 80 veterans respond to project.  They will work with electric department to install banners once made.  4.  We are working with Apptegy to update the city website.  This is same provider school works with on their website.  5.  Merchant McIntyre, consultant for our grant in Industrial Park, has requested a lot of information that will require an electrical engineer.  We are reaching out to KMEA Mid-states Engineering for assistance to get information for grant application.  There will be some work required to complete, but uncertain of cost amount. 5.  The transportation van broke down today with a transmission issue.  We completed route today using another vehicle, but cannot continue in future as not ADA compliant.  The state is trying to find us another vehicle to use.  The rest of this week we will not be operating the van until we get another option.  We have to have a vehicle that is ADA compliant.  We know people depend on service and are working to resolve issue.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Commissioner Artzer – 1. Completed another successful Topside Tipoff basketball tournament.  I appreciate everyone supporting the event.  2.  Merry Christmas.

Commissioner Myers – 1.  Enjoy your holidays.

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Thank you to everyone in the city for the work you do.  2.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Under the Authority of KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) for personnel matters of non-elected personnel – Mayor Showalter made a motion at 6:17 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel not to exceed ten minutes.   I request the City Commission and City Manager be present.  Vice-Mayor Howard seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5-0.  Meeting resumed at 6:27 p.m.  Mayor Showalter made a second motion at 6:27 p.m. to recess into executive session under authority of K.S.A.75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel not to exceed five minutes.   I request the City Commission and City Manager be present.  Vice-Mayor Howard seconded the motion.  MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5-0.  Meeting resumed at 6:32 p.m.
  2. Action from Executive Session – ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve a $5,000 year end bonus for City Manager Kent Brown seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Myers seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2026.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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