March 2, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

March 2, 2026                                                                                                                       5:00 P.M.

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

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.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

  1. 517 Sherman Avenue: Environmental Code Violation – Mayor Showalter opened the public hearing for 517 Sherman Avenue: Environmental Code Violation at 5:01 p.m.  Zach stated, I started working with property owner last year.  Progress was being made, but I started getting complaints from neighbors.  I have not heard from the property owners recently.  Commissioner Artzer asked, was property previously before the commission?  Zach stated, yes, we discussed that property has inoperable vehicles in yard, accessory structures, a pool and other items.  Mayor Showalter asked, what do we need to abate the nuisance?  Zach stated, tow the vehicles, which is at owner expense, clean up stuff in yard like the pool, and demolish accessory structures.  Mayor Showalter asked, have they contacted you?  Zach stated, I sent them a certified letter, which I know they received.  Mayor Showalter closed the public hearing for 517 Sherman Avenue: Environmental Code Violation at 5:03 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 02/17/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-05, 2026-05A and 2026-P05

ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Bernadette Mills: Restoring Playas and Goodland’s Water – Bernadette Mills Playa and Water Conservation Outreach Specialist stated, I work on an initiative called Tomorrow’s Water.  Playas fill up when it rains.  U. S. Geological Surveys have revealed that playas are a primary source for aquifer recharge with the Ogallala Aquifer.  More important, the water that filtrates through the playas stays relatively where it infiltrates.  There is not a lot of lateral movement in the aquifer.  For us this means if we can capture the water in the playas closest to the municipal wells, we can potentially have future water supply.  This initiative is a collaborative effort between communities, agriculture producers and conservation organizations to create action plans to stabilize community water supply.  I am asking commission support when I start educating the public and land owners.  I can work with staff in getting playa restoration in your plan for water conservation.  I work with land owners to determine how to restore their playas and find both funding resources and contractors to do the work.  I have supplied a map of all playas within 10 miles of Goodland municipal wells.  Some are healthy, some are farmed and some need restoration in order to infiltrate because sediment plugs the playa’s ability to infiltrate the water.  I wanted to inform commission before I am working in the public on initiative.  I want to work with city personnel to provide more information.  Mayor Showalter asked, how much grant money is available for local landowners to restore playas?  Bernadette stated we have access to many Federal, State and Tomorrow’s Water funds.  I will work with anyone in county, but my attention is focused to those within two miles of municipal wells.  Mayor Showalter asked, what work goes into restoration?  Bernadette stated, restoration has three basic components.  If playa is sedimented in, you dig out sediment to clay land which is about six inches.  It is not always the case because wind may blow out the sediment.  This is an expensive process.  In every playa you will plant cover crop in a buffer area around playa.  When crop is ten to twelve inches you will spray it and plant a native species which take three to five years to come in strong.  Program tries to pay landowner a loss of income on farmland for five years.  Our objective is to use Kansas Water Office or other monies available to get a five-year plan and potentially work into a long term or permanent easement in a federal program.  Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate you informing commission and am in favor of improving the aquifer. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2025-05: Cemetery Caretaker Contract – Kent stated, this resolution renews the contract with Joni Guyer as Cemetery Caretaker.  Cemetery Board approves renewing her contract.  Joni is responsible for all her equipment and tools needed to maintain the cemetery.  The city provides material to maintain streets, waterlines, flowers and weed control chemicals.  Contract renewal is in the amount for $50,836 per year for two years.  Mayor Showalter asked, what work is done during the winter at the cemetery?  Joni stated, I keep trash cans empty, patrol for issues like holes, headstone problems, snow removal, trim trees and getting ready to build flower bed in Veteran section.  I mark graves and make sure there are no issues with tent company for burials.  Commissioner Artzer asked, how long you been contracted at cemetery?  Joni stated, I believe I am starting seventh year.   ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve Resolution 2025-05: Cemetery Caretaker Contract seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 
  2. Resolution 2025-06: Abatement of Environmental Code Violation at 517 Sherman – Mayor Showalter asked if there were any concerns from public hearing?  Commissioner Artzer asked, is this is to start process on property?  Kent stated, yes, it gives us authority to begin.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve Resolution 2025-06: Abatement of Environmental Code Violation at 517 Sherman seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Property Insurance Renewal – Kent stated, city’s property and liability insurance renew April 1st.  Jacque Livengood from Eklund’s Insurance stated, we have serviced the city for a number of years. Premium only went up 1.1% overall.  Liability is most of the rate.  Law Enforcement liability is 20% which is driven by what is happening in the news.  Property limits increased 4.3% because of inflation, but premium down 10%.  Your deductible remains the same.  Power Plant Output policy went up about 8%.  EMC hits power plants hard and your crew maintains the plant very well.  I just received Cyber Liability policy Friday; premium increased a little to $15,839.  It is a good policy to have as one bad email could cost a lot of money.  The carrier will do all the work for the city on this policy if there is a claim.  I also provided information on KMU dividend check, which I expect again this year.  They have averaged about $30,000 each year.  I contacted Traveler’s for a quote but they would not quote insurance.  They reminded me if they have plan, wind and hail deductible is 5% of property value.  EMC has not gone to a percent deductible.  However, they added roofing limitations that any roof over fifteen years old is insured at actual cash value.  They have a cosmetic exclusion so damage has to compromise the integrity of the roof for replacement.  Mayor Showalter asked, are there other things we can do to mitigate costs further?  Jacque stated, you are doing everything you can and the city utilizes additional ideas they provide.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is our increase the same you see in other communities?  Jacque stated, most renewals right now are 4-5% increase.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve renewal of property and liability insurance with Eklund’s Insurance in the amount of $523,434, with the addition of cyber liability insurance in the amount of $15,839 seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 
  2. CMB License: Goodland Store, LLC – Kent stated, Cowboy Corner Express has new owners and require a new CMB license for Goodland Store, LLC.  They have a representative present if commission has questions.  When ownership changes a new license is required.  The inspections have been approved by the Fire Chief and Building Inspector.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the CMB License for Goodland Store, LLC seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  3. Airport Terminal Restaurant Lease – Kent stated, Francisco Martinez, L & T Restaurant is proposing to relocate and start operations at the airport terminal building April 1.  This is the lease for the restaurant at the airport for $400 per month, same as other tenants that have used property for a restaurant.  Commissioner Artzer asked, does the rent cover everything, including utilities?  Kent stated, no, it is same agreement as previous tenants.  Commissioner Artzer asked, who pays remaining costs?  Kent stated, the city pays utilities.  We also have another tenant so there is additional revenue.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we would be paying utilities anyway if not leased.  Is this a one-year lease?  Kent stated, one-year with auto renewal and city can request different terms at that time.  We want people to frequent the business.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we may want to review in a year to ensure our basis are covered.  Mayor Showalter stated, I agree because if utilities increase, the city pays for them.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is there anything in lease to increase rate if utilities increase?  Kent stated, not in this agreement.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, having someone in building is better than no one and the building deteriorating.  Kent stated, we did some maintenance on the building to prepare for leases.  The building is starting to show its age.  City street crews did a good job completing some maintenance work on building and the electric crews replaced some GFI sockets.  What is visible at this time, we cleaned up.  The breaker box in kitchen was not up to code so we also replaced it.  There is an opportunity for increased costs, but are we going to have a successful business.  We have to find a balance.  We can provide utility information at next meeting.  Mayor Showalter stated, I do not have an issue with the rent, but I do with free utilities.  I feel it is an unfair advantage to other businesses.  I feel if it is over a certain amount we need to have language in contract to get reimbursed.  I would like to table to discussion for everyone to discuss.  Commissioner Artzer stated, in fairness I did not bring up this issue in contract discussion for barber shop and do not want to be unfair to either business.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I believe they are moving in this month.  Kent stated, yes, they are working towards opening April 1st.  We have another meeting to address contract.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I would like to know what the average utilities are for building.  Kent stated, the contract was drawn up the same as past several leases for the restaurant.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to table approval of lease agreement with L&T Restaurant, c/o Francisco Martinez until March 16th meeting seconded by Mayor Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  4. Progress Update on 621 W. 17th St. – Zach stated, in December I reported the property owner was making progress according to plan.  February 17th was the next 30-day mark and goals were not met.  Bertha Aguilar property owner stated, with weather being cold and high winds we did not get to work on roof so I would like to request an extension.  If you do not approve, do I just tear down porch since this is where roof replacement is needed?  Mayor Showalter asked, how much time do you need?  Bertha stated, not certain as it depends on weather and I may have to get help.  Mayor Showalter stated, I would like to get issue wrapped up and put behind us.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is roof last item to complete?  Zach stated, it was one item on the timeline for February 17th mark, but not complete.  Floor joists need replaced and remainder of roof on porch needs to be completed properly.  There is still quite a bit to be done to porch.  I would be in favor of removing porch.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, the porch is in bad shape and I feel should be removed so it is not a problem.  We do not want to drag this out but get it resolved.  You need to discuss what needs to be completed and how to meet code with Zach.  Mayor Showalter stated, it is hard to admit for anyone, but at some point, you have to admit the project scope is beyond your ability and hire someone.  Bertha stated, I can take the porch off.  Zach stated, the rest of structure is structurally safe, I am just concerned with porch.  Mayor Showalter asked, can you complete the porch in the next two weeks if good weather?  Bertha stated, I can if weather permits.  Consensus of the commission is to discuss further progress on property at March 16th meeting.

DISCUSSION

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo and police monthly activity reports are in the packet.  2. Received notice the police drone grant application was unsuccessful.  Looking for alternative resources to purchase a drone.  3.  Zach stated, the property at 408 W. 6th Street was discussed last meeting.  It has been addressed by previous commission.  I have notified them and provided 30-day notice with timeline to get property cleaned up.  Once 30 days have passed, they will have another 30 days to complete or it will be addressed by the commission again.  4.  I have discussed financing for the electrical project in the Industrial Park with the bond attorney.  We are working hard with Merchant McIntyre and KMEA Mid-States for an engineering report to submit EDA grant application.  This is the type of project that meets EDA requirements so hopefully we have a good chance to receive grant.  Project developers of Grain Mill and Bakery facility are looking to begin operations January 2028.   However, there is a timing issue on grant award and funding award.  The award will not be 100% of the project and the city will have significant share in costs because of size of project.  We have to purchase some electrical items for substation and wire to connect with 115 KVA line on east side of town because of delivery time for equipment.  I discussed how to work financing with bond attorney until grant funding is provided.  We may have to start process with temporary financing for two to four years until project construction is complete.  Then we will utilize the grant and permanent financing to retire temporary financing.  He feels documents can be presented in the next couple months for temporary financing, which will have a protest period.  We want to have power ready when they are ready to begin operating.  Mayor Showalter asked, if we proceed with temporary financing, will it hurt our chance to receive grant?  Kent stated, it will not.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have we made plans if we do not get grant?  We do not want to purchase equipment then try to figure out what to do with it.  Kent stated, there are a couple ways to go through process.  I do not feel we will be in a negative situation.  We have indications we will receive grant award, just uncertain of amount of award.  5.  I was contacted byproperty owner at 1526 Caldwell who bought property at Sheriff Sale last year.  They were advised the city had demolition costs assessed to property which were their responsibility.  It was not included in public notice, but bidders were instructed to look into additional costs for property.  The owner had been notified assessment was $8,000.  He is not interested in owning property if responsible for assessment.  He wants to work with city to purchase property for the cost he purchased property.  Commissioner Artzer asked, were we considering to bid on property at sale?  Kent stated, only because we knew costs were on property.  Mayor Showalter asked, what did he pay for property?  Kent stated, $2,600 and property could go into land bank.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I do not want property to sit for three years.  Kent stated, if it did it would go to sheriff sale again.  Mayor Showalter stated I concur we negotiate on property and do not let it go to sheriff sale.  Kent stated, I will have conversation with property owner. 
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Absent, No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Absent, No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Vice-Mayor Howard seconded by Mayor Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2026. 

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ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk