January 20, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

January 20, 2026                                                                                                                  5:00 P.M.

Mayor Jason Showalter called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard, Commissioner Angie Cloyd, Commissioner Sarah Artzer 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.  Matt McKenzie from was present representing the Planning Commission.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 01/205/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-02, 2026-02A and 2026-P02

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1814: Text Amendment Section 19-501 Use Table – RV Parks in Residential Zoning Districts – Conditional Use – Kent stated, this ordinance was given to Planning Commission for consideration.  Last fall we had a citizen come to meeting asking issue be considered.  Owners of two RV parks also came to meeting to discuss concerns.  There are three ordinances regarding this topic.  Planning Commission reviewed and had concerns over different criteria.  There have been variance requests for RV parks in commercial lots that do not meet two-acre requirement, but those properties were not that much smaller than the two acres and were commercial lots.  They held public hearing on this issue January 13th.  After the hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the recommendation to NOT approve the ordinances.  RV park standards are in Section19-502, Sub-section (T).   The City Commission asked Planning Commission to review consideration of conditional use permit, with same requirements in residential zone as in commercial zone.  When Planning Commission considered sixteen criteria in Sub-section (T) eight of them were significant issues for residential areas and/or would be difficult to meet in order to qualify for a conditional use permit.  The criteria and concern are as follows:    
  2. Criteria #2 Minimum tract size shall a minimum of two (2) acres and shall be in one (1) ownership.  There are not many residential lots that are 2 acres or more. Anything less would require a variance.
  3. Criteria #4 All yards landscaped. Could become an issue on vacant lots in town that do not have sod or landscaped. 
  4. Criteria #5 Minimum width of a recreational vehicle space shall be 25 feet. The space shall be so designed to provide space for parking both the recreational vehicle and towing vehicle off the roadway. No recreational vehicle unit shall be closer than 10 feet to any other adjacent unit, structure or roadway, and all spaces shall have direct access to the roadway. No unit shall be placed closer than 30 feet to any of the development property lines, and the 10 feet nearest the property line shall be permanently maintained as a sodded and/or landscaped area. RV parks shall contain a minimum of 1,000 square feet for each trailer and provide an area for the vehicle used to move it to park when unhooked. Camping space must be no less than 500 square feet.  Setback is 30 feet from any of the property lines. The 30-foot requirement is tough for a lot of residential properties per the Commission.
  5. Criteria #7 Lighting. All RV Park roadways shall be lighted from dusk to dawn in a proper and sufficient manner, as provided by the plat for construction and with approval of the planning commission and governing body of the city. All RV parks shall be provided with general outdoor lighting with a minimum of 0.3-foot candles of general illumination.  All roadways on a residential lot lighted – could be an issue for neighbors.
  6. Criteria #9 Water supply. Provisions relating to the water supply in RV parks in the city shall be as follows:
  7. Required. An accessible, safe and potable supply of water as approved by the health officer shall be provided in each park. If city water is available to the park, it shall be used;
  8. (b) Layout. The size and location of water mains and fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the fire code of the city, and with approval of the city building official;
  9. (c) Service connections. Individual water service connections shall be provided at each RV space. Such connections shall be located at least four inches above ground surface, at least three-quarters inch in diameter and equipped with a three-quarters inch valve outlet. The outlet shall be protected from surface water flooding and all pipes shall be protected against freezing. Below ground shutoff valves may be used but stop and waste valves shall not be used. When service connections are provided for recreational vehicle spaces they shall comply with the above requirements. 

Service connections to install.  Capacity if a number of connections are added in a short space were the main concerns. 

Individual sewer connections – proved to be a key issue in the variance at the fairgrounds. Possibility of sewer dumping on a residential lot was seen as a major health hazard that could occur even with sewer connection or disposal station available. 

Sufficient capacity to provide power in certain residential areas was a concern. In addition, cost to install underground as well as protect the service connection were raised as issues. 

In addition, there are four other issues which could become issues with residential zoning for the neighbors or individual.  With twelve of the sixteen criteria causing issues the Planning Commission voted unanimously that the city commission not approve changes to the ordinance pertaining to RV parks.  We have added three parks in commercial districts for RV parking.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have we weathered the storm of people coming in needing places?  Kent stated, there is no pressure now.  It does not mean there will not be another wave of people coming in.  Jeremy Cloyd has been a conduit for people finding places to live and he indicated he has had to find eleven places.  There are still places to rent.  Mayor Showalter stated, Matt we appreciate the Planning Commission and the review we asked of you.  It is not always timely but it needs to be done.  Thank you for the efforts you and the Planning Commission put in on this issue.  You have put in additional hours and it is a volunteer service.  Commissioner Artzer asked, if we do not approve the ordinances and move on, nothing will change?  Kent stated, correct.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, what about RV’s currently parked in residential areas?  Kent stated, they will have to follow code.  We have not been enforcing code at the direction of commission until the review was complete.  When the Planning Commission submits a recommendation to the Commission, by code commission may adopt such recommendation; overrider the recommendation by a 2/3 vote of the City Commission membership, which would require four to vote in favor; or return recommendation to Planning Commission with statement specifying the basis for the City Commission’s failure to approve or disapprove.  Mayor Showalter stated, we have asked them to review and received their recommendation.  I feel there is no need to send issue back.  Appointments to the Planning Commission are citizens educated in area and we trust them to research decisions being made.  We do not want or have time to do the job.  I feel we need to support the recommendation of the Planning Commission.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, can we allow RVs in residential areas remain until they leave town?  Jake stated, no they have to follow code like other citizens.  Kent stated, we have to give them a timeline or they can request a variance but we have to follow code.  Mayor Showalter stated, the good thing about living in a small community is I feel we can work with people, but every day we do not enforce a law on the books we put staff in a bad spot.  If we choose not to approve, staff will get it taken care of in timely manner.  Commissioner Artzer asked, can a residential lot request a variance?  Jake stated, you seek a variance when you do not meet requirements of code and want to remain non-compliant.    Commissioner Artzer stated, I agree we follow recommendation of Planning Commission to not change code.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Ordinance 1814: Text Amendment Section 19-501 Use Table – RV Parks in Residential Zoning Districts – Conditional Use.  Motion died for lack of second.   

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Annual Airport CIP Planning Documents – Darin Neufeld, EBH Engineering stated, we have two action items that need approved under this item.  First item is the 5-year CIP the commission approves annually.  Airport board reviewed thE plan and recommends commission approval.  First project in plan is replace underground storage tanks.  The Board feels projects two through four are higher priority; however, project two and three have to be done by Tech Op’s.  They are very understaffed and will not review our project for five years.  We do not want to lose our annual allocation so need to include on project list.  Item one and five will be addressed first.  The tanks are going to be replaced with above ground tanks so fuel is always available and do not need to transport fuel by tank everywhere.  The annual plan has to include $1.5M in projects to get our $150,000 annual allocation.  If you do not use the annual allocation, you can bank money for four years.  If you have a project that exceeds $600,000, then have to see if you can get discretionary money from FAA.  With current project list, you are not in jeopardy of losing annual allocation.  The City received approval to proceed to design and construct SRE building at airport.  When the City bought SRE, you had allocations of BIL money so no need to get discretionary funding.  Allocation of BIL money is terminated, so the city only receives $150,000 annual allocation.  We would like to go ahead and apply for KDOT aviation grant for the underground fuel tank project which is also a 90/10 split.  This would allow us to complete tanks a year sooner and bank money in our account with FAA.  The Commission needs to approve annual CIP, then we are requesting permission to apply for KDOT grant for tanks which is due by January 30th.  Mayor Showalter asked, why is ILS such an issue, we have had numerous problems with it?  Darin stated, Goodland was fortunate to get ILS, but over time GPS came along which many pilots can utilize.  There is discussion how long ILS will be out there without a commercially operated airport.  They will either decide to take it out or abandon.  We found out with PAPI project equipment is antiquated.  If the extension project is done, we have to move ILS.  However, if we move it, we are unsure they will put it back.  They will have a design for it.  It has been a discussion for the last four to five years for non-commercial airports.  Mayor Showalter asked, can project get kicked far enough down road that we may not have to deal with it?  Darin stated, it is a possibility.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is there a cost with KDOT grant?  Darin stated, no, it is an online application at no charge.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the 5-Year Annual Airport CIP Document seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve application to KDOT Aviationfor underground fuel tank grant seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. EBH Engineering Contract: SRE Building AIP Grant- Darin stated, we are looking at 60’ x 40’ building to house all equipment.  We have been working with staff and have started design on project.  It will have minimal heat and water, but no restroom.  Location of building is next to fire department.  Commissioner Redlin asked, is floor concrete?  Darin stated, yes and we are considering an add alternate to bid floor heat and see where price comes in.  Deadline for application is May 1st.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the engineering contract with EBH for the AIP SRE Building Grant seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Cooperative Agreement with KYLE Railroad to submit BUILD grant Application – Kent stated, this is follow-up from discussion at last meeting for the KYLE Railroad to seek BUILD grant application.  If agreement is approved, the city commits to submitting the BUILD grant application on behalf of the KYLE Railroad.  If the grant is awarded, the city will execute the agreement with USDOT and pass through all grant reimbursement requests for the benefit of the KYLE Railroad, as well as other information requested by USDOT.  Agreement was reviewed by Jake, with no additional recommendations.  Commissioner Artzer asked, why did they pick Goodland?  Kent stated, we are on railroad but I did not ask what other communities were asked.  Genifer House, Citizen stated, as a point of interest John Golden was original President of KYLE Railroad and all originating information on it is housed in telephone building.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the Cooperative Agreement with KYLE Railroad to submit BUILD Grant application seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  4. Master Service Agreement: KMEA Mid-States – Kent stated, to complete requirements of the EDA grant application, a preliminary engineering plan to extend appropriate amount of power to the Industrial Park for the proposed grain/mill commercial bakery by Golden Waves of Grain is needed.  KMEA Mid-States will complete the preliminary engineering plan according to charges in task order to be developed as set out in the Master Service Plan.  Dustin reviewed the plan and no additions.  This is agreement to move forward.  They already provided initial information we needed for grant.  Mayor Showalter stated, this is another step in direction needed for economic development in industrial park.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the Master Service Agreement: KMEA Mid-States seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  5. Municipal Judge Contract – Kent stated, LeAnn Taylor served as Municipal Judge and Municipal Court Clerk since 1990.  She retired end of 2025 and we have split her duties with staff.  We need to contract Municipal Judge services.  LeAnn is willing to provide services under a contractual basis.  She has reviewed the contract.  Commissioner Artzer asked, this is just for municipal judge services?  Kent stated, that is correct.  Commissioner Artzer asked, who is doing clerical duties?  Kent stated, a current employee on staff.  Mayor Showalter stated, we need to recognize LeAnn for her service to the community.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the Municipal Judge Contract with LeAnn Taylor seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  6. Industrial Park Lots 1, 2, 7 and 8 in Block 3: Purchase Agreement – Kent stated, the development group that has announced the grain mill and commercial bakery plant to be built in the industrial park is requesting that all four lots owned by the city in block 3 be included in the agreement to transfer to Golden Waves of Grain.  All streets have been improved to concrete.  They currently own lots on east side.  Initially looked at lots 2 and 7 because needed to build actual plant but would like additional warehousing so also requesting lots 1 and 8.  They would have all 8 lots.  Mayor Showalter asked, you are seeking approval to complete paperwork at this time, right?  Is there something in contract that if nothing is done or project falls through that land reverts to city?  Kent stated, that was part of discussion.  However, in original plat there is a 20’ railroad right of way which is no longer applicable we are asking them remove.  Also, in building the plant they are going to merge all lots into one lot so not dealing with setbacks.  There will be a plat amendment or replat for Planning Commission then City Commission.  Once lots are merged there will be no returning lots to the city.  If they go ahead and merge lots, that is another indication they are able to build plant and move forward.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to proceed with paperwork for purchase agreement to transfer Lots 1, 2, 7 and 8 in Block 3 of Industrial Park to Golden Waves of Grain seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. USD352 – Bill Biermann, USD 352 Superintendent stated, the school is gearing up for new Technical Education building.  We own a house across from high school that we use for recruitment and would like to move to new location.  If we can move house to an available property we can continue to use it for recruitment.  I approached Kent about property city has available that we can use to move house.  He indicated 321 Broadway that was purchased from Sheriff Sale.  You had costs to get quiet title and we will incur costs to deed in our name.  School Board discussed briefly and I indicated to them we are also looking at other lots for best efficiency.  Commissioner Artzer asked, the quiet claim process is complete?  Kent stated, yes in December.  Mayor Showalter asked, are there any other lots available for them?  Kent stated, this is only lot we have in residential zone.  Mayor Showalter stated, I am in favor we work with them.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, it makes sense that we do not tear down a good house.  Bill stated, we believe it will cost about $50,000 to move house and if demolish it will cost about $15,000.  We believe it will be a benefit to move the house; we do not want to fill up landfill.  Consensus of commission is to partner with school on project.  Kent stated, we discussed the purchase price of lot was $500 and cost for quiet title was $3,150.  Mayor Showalter asked, where will funds go back?  Mary stated, my recommendation is in the reserve for nuisance properties. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. December month end financial report, Police Monthly Activity report and the Fourth Quarter Financial Statement are in the packet.    3.  Conner Hampton called State for update on MIH application.  They are making announcements in two weeks so we will know at that time.  This if for the five duplexes by Topside Manor.    4.  Zach stated, 404 Harrison and 1319 Cherry demolitions are complete.  On 621 W 17th Street, we agreed to a 60-day extension.  Commissioner Redlin asked, is there progress on property?  Zach stated, yes, even more progress since last meeting.  5.  In last packet you were informed of a couple incidents with fire hydrants.  We had another incident by Troy and water is off from church because of damage.  Neal’s crew is putting fire hydrant back together and hope to have service back on in morning.  We also had vandalism at baseball property.  Danny stated, three weeks ago someone vandalized concession stand, this weekend someone kicked in four of five doors.  Nothing was taken but they destroyed the doors.  We have been working to get it shut it up.  We also had some wind damage we are trying to address.  6.  Two officers graduated from law enforcement academy Friday and will continue FTO training.     
  2. City Attorney: Open Meetings Act Information – Jake Kling gave annual presentation for Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA).  Jake provided guidelines the commission need to follow as an elected official.  Jake stated, my job is to define boundaries for commission.  Commission is governed by KOMA from a meeting standpoint.  KOMA applies when a meeting is held.  A meeting is defined as a gathering by a majority of governing body, with interactive communication discussing affairs of public entity.  A meeting can also occur by responding to group emails or text messages, or creating a serial meeting which is when there is a discussion between two commissioners who then relay the information to other commissioners.  Intent is to be as open and transparent as possible.  Many times, there is no intention but affairs of the entity are discussed.  Be aware of communication that takes place and how you communicate to fellow commissioners.  There are additional points commission needs to keep in mind.  You need to keep city stuff in your city email.  If you are found in violation of law, we have to submit all information.  If you use private email for city information, that information also has to be submitted.  The city is not required to put out notice of meetings, but if someone requests notice, we are required to provide information.   You are not required to have an agenda or packet but if you do, and it is available at open meeting, it is subject to open meetings law.  If you are looking at information in a public meeting, it is subject to open meeting law.  When you have executive sessions, there are statutory requirements that allow discussion of certain items for certain period of time behind closed doors.  Intent of session is to keep topic behind closed doors.  If you go into executive session, you only discuss item for statutory exception; you cannot discuss other matters.  If not following law, a citizen can report situation to Attorney General’s office for investigation.  They will ask for information for which we have to comply to determine if violation.  At end of day, follow the rules and you will be fine.  There will be times when something comes up that needs to be discussed later or in executive session, if fits criteria.  I do not want you to ask me in an open meeting how we would get sued if we did a certain thing.  If you have question, communication needs to go through Kent, Mary or myself.  Anything discuss in executive session is not to be discussed outside of that session.  You can take action on the item, but do not discuss or violate discussion.    
  3. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Thank you for nice Christmas party, good job.  2. Member of community reached out about ICE and what our plans are if they come into community to do their job.  It is a citizen concern.  Jason stated, I am not notified prior to them coming into the community.  Media is portraying extreme measures.  Jake stated, City Police are guided by local and State laws.  The Federal government enforces federal laws.  We enforce our laws and cannot control what federal government does.  The citizens need to understand constitutional rights and who has authority to enforce rights.  We have laws for a reason.  Kent stated, when it comes to immigration, it is not local authority to enforce.  It has come up in past and we contact governing authority responsible for it.  Jason stated, nothing has changed.  We have no authority to detain someone for a federal detainer.  If someone commits a crime and are in our custody, we are obligated to contact the federal agency if it comes up. 

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Thanks for the Christmas party. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Mayor Showalter seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2026. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

Leave a Reply