May 18, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

May 18, 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.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Regina Barnes, citizen with concerns at the cemetery – Regina stated, I want to address the cemetery and items being stolen from graves.  My son’s grave has had stuff stolen from it.  I talked to Joni and we know it is a problem.  I was instructed I cannot put up a trail-cam and the camera that is out there does not cover my son’s grave.  I am not the only person having items stolen so it is a problem and there is only one camera.  There are other things that go on in cemetery that are disrespectful so I am coming to you.  Mayor Showalter asked, have you talked to Cemetery Board?  Regina stated, their meeting was when I was at work.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, if we need to discuss further, we need to add as discussion item.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, when is next meeting of Cemetery Board?  Kent stated, the second Wednesday of the month.  Staff has been looking into options, but there will never be a case where you can expect total coverage for all graves in cemetery.  It is cost prohibitive.  We are trying to have additional video out there and discussing steps to take.  The Police Department has brought up same frustration because it is not enough to identify people.  It has a large continual cost and problems with geographical locations.  Mayor Showalter stated, we will discuss later in meeting to see if a happy medium is possible. 

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 05/04/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-10, 2026-10A and 2026-P10

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

PRESENTATIONS

  1. National Public Works Proclamation – Kent stated, there are multiple departments under the umbrella of public works that include Street and Alley, Parks, Water and Sewer.  Mayor Showalter stated, we have a good crew that responds all hours and do a good job.  Mayor Showalter proclaimed the week of May 17 through 23 as National Public Works Week. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2026-10: A Resolution Determining the Advisability of Issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the Purpose of Financing the Acquisition, Construction and Equipping of a Flour Mill, Bakery and Wheat Delivery System Facility to be located in the City of Goodland – Kent stated, this step initiates that we want to move forward with process.  They still have to pay for a cost benefit analysis survey and hold a public hearing in June.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we are only the avenue they go through for the IRB.  Kent stated, that is correct; the city has approved process in past being conduit for the business.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 2026-10: A Resolution Determining the Advisability of Issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the Purpose of Financing the Acquisition, Construction and Equipping of a Flour Mill, Bakery and Wheat Delivery System Facility to be located in the City of Goodland seconded by Mayor Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Library Board Appointment – Kent stated, David Branda has applied for an appointment on the Library Board to replace Riley Ohara who moved out of town.  Karen Gillihan, Library Director has recommended applicant for approval.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the appointment of David Branda to the Library Board seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Construction Advisory Board of Trades and Appeals (CABTA) Appointment – Zach stated, Colton Cooper has turned in an application to serve on the CABTA Board.  He is a licensed general contractor in the city and will fill at-large member on the board.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the appointment of Colton Cooper to the at-large member on the CABTA Board seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Letter of Support: Kyle Railroad Application – Kent stated, in addition to BUILD grant, Kyle Railroad is seeking support for application to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program: Unleashing the American Heartland Rail Upgrade Project.  Commissioner Artzer stated, there is no fiscal impact to city, just showing support.  Kent stated, that is correct.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Cloyd to approve the letter of support for the Genesee & Wyoming application for the CRISI grant seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. Consider Approval of a Resolution (or Ordinance) Allowing Extended Hours for Alcohol and CMB Sales during the World Cup – Kent stated, Geremy Cloyd from Garrett’s Liquor requested the city to consider proposal.  The 2026 Kansas Legislature amended certain sections of the Liquor Control Act, the Club and Drinking Establishment Act and the Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Act to allow cities to opt in to extended hours for the sale of alcohol and cereal malt beverages.  The extended hours apply to restaurants, liquor stores, CMB in package and consumption on premise and private clubs to allow sales and consumption for 23 consecutive hours per day during the event.  The legislature left it up to each community as to whether they want to approve the special event.  Mayor Showalter asked, what are the approximate dates of event?  Geremy stated, June 11th through July 19th for hours from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.  With America hosting the event I do not feel additional hours are needed with the exception of events past 11:00 p.m. or on Sunday.  I am asking to allow us to stay open until midnight and open earlier on Sunday.  There are a lot of people that like the event.  The law applies to all liquor licenses so I do not know what commission wants to approve.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, the bill includes all groups selling alcohol and CMB.  Geremy stated, I plan to have normal hours then post a card to call if need anything.  Commissioner Artzer asked, do the businesses have any nervous feelings about the law change.  I do not have issues with us following the bill.  Kent stated, the issue for most businesses is having the employees.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I believe this gives businesses the ability to stay open but they can make their own decision.  Geremy stated, the way events are scheduled the only time I see a change needed is on Sundays.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we can let the business decide what they want to do.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, bars stay open to 2:00 a.m., let the businesses stay open same time.  Mayor Showalter asked, do we need an ordinance or just follow legislature?  I feel we allow for all businesses outlined in the bill to give them the option.  We would like to have ordinance next meeting to address it. 
  2. Finalize Date for Joint City/County/School Meeting June 8th: Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Project – Kent stated, the developer can present June 8th if all entities are available.  I know there are a couple members that cannot attend.  We need to have them give a presentation for the group in Goodland.  We would also like to discuss the Wolak Building with the County so we continue to maintain a good relationship.  Consensus of commission is to schedule joint meeting for June 8th at 5:00 p.m.
  3. Water Conservation: Review City Code and Drought Monitor – Kent stated, the May 12th drought monitor was included in packet.  We have received moisture which will have some impact but not eliminate it.  I feel we need to continue encouraging conservation.  Danny and I talked about different habits we are going to change for the parks.  A good reminder is you do not need to water lawns daily.  We water parks twice a week.  Ground Water Management District is having a meeting on changes they are recommending for LEMA.  Cities have been excluded from limitations recommended in the past.  They are now recommending cities be included, which is reason we are going to continue to bring information to the public.  We will eventually have limitations on water, just uncertain what they may be at this time.  Staff posts the daily water usage for public awareness.  We are currently five to six times our winter average at this time.  I am hoping with moisture usage will be lower.  We have not even hit the 100-degree temperature yet.  Danny stated, when numbers started coming in, we set a plan for the city.  We are cutting back 30-50% and turning sprinklers off when predicting rain or it rains.  We will raise mower decks to help maintain moisture.  If you see some dry areas, we are trying to do our part for now.  Every park is different on amount of moisture it requires.  Commissioner Artzer stated, thank you for cutting back.  It is better to think about it now before we have too.  Mayor Showalter stated, we are starting to accomplish the first part of our goal for awareness. 
  4. Cemetery Issues – Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I would like to know what is allowed in cemetery and timeline before required to be picked up.  With Memorial Day coming we will have a lot of flowers blown around.  Joni, Cemetery Caretaker stated, the board rule is if they are sun faded or missing flowers, they are removed.  They do not want a lot of stuff around graves because it is difficult to mow.  No glass or ceramic are allowed in cemetery.  I have had stuff taken from our family graves but it is better than it has been in years past.  I am generally out there every day so I do monitor activities in the cemetery.  I have had discussions with the individual moving flowers to other graves, they are in beginning stages of dementia.  Regina stated, I secure everything I place in cemetery.  Joni stated, what they took was intentional, as it was secured.  It is disrespectful.  People ask about closing the gates, but they have not been up for a number of years.  The current rules are good but they are not perfect.  After Memorial Day I allow two weeks before I clean up flowers.  We do not water the cemetery because water ruins the headstones and graves without vaults will sink.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, Joni do you get reports of stolen items and how often?  Joni stated, about every other week.  I have asked kids or out of state vehicles to leave if they are there during the day and do not have a need to be there.  I want to thank Jason for work of his department after the storm with the tree down.  Commissioner Artzer asked, what ideas are you considering?  Kent stated, adding cameras in couple places but with cameras it is after the fact, not immediate.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is there much lighting in the cemetery?  Kent stated, there is limited lighting.  Joni stated, there is a light on the chapel if the chapel lights are on then a light by shop.  Jason stated, we used to close the gates but it was difficult to get them closed and open on time with other calls.  Mayor Showalter stated, it is a large area with so many entrances and it is difficult to cover the area.  I feel staff is on the right track.  Kent asked, how many cameras are out there now?  Josh stated, there are seven cameras now and looking to add six more.  Jason stated, tree coverage makes it difficult to see with cameras.  The ideal option would be an AI license plate reader.    We now have access to the cameras so can be more proactive when we get a call.  Commissioner Redlin asked, what is cost for the system?  Josh stated, $500 for each camera but does not include recording, power source, and other cabling necessary to run system.  Limitations are line of site and power availability in the cemetery. 

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo, budget calendar, April Month End Fund Balance and Police Activity Reports are in the packet. We will begin budget discussions next meeting.  Last day to notify County Clerk of our intention with RNR is July 20th by 5:00 p.m. which is same date as our second meeting in July.  We will have to have decisions on budget before then.  2. Daughters of American Revolution would like to invite commission to the dedication for Unknown Veterans Memorial following Memorial Day service at 10:00 am.  3.  Kenton will have the bids for chip rock for street sealing at next meeting.  4.  We are in need of repairs at City Hall.  The first is sealing and caulking the windows.  We received an estimate from Goodland Glass in the amount of $2,494 which is reasonable.  Staff wants to proceed with work and there is not another vendor for the work.  Consensus of commission is to proceed with the window repairs.  The second is replacement of the gas line to the old fire bays.  There are 3 entrances for gas to the building.  The meter is tagged because it does not meet code.  Contractors have looked at the line and are going to extend a line from existing lines.  5.  The hood fan motor at the airport restaurant is not the correct size and is not working right.  We are in process of getting the motor replaced and hope this is the last repair at the airport.  6.  We had an issue last week regarding charges on electronic transactions.  After talking with our software people and legal we confirmed the convenience fee is allowed.  It was implied we could not charge for debit cards, which does not apply in this case as we are charged the convenience fee from our third-party vendor and passing that charge to the customer.  In addition, municipalities are exempt from the law and can pass the charge assessed to the customer.  We do not think it is fair, but we are charged the fee.  Commissioner Redlin asked, this is until we make our software change?  Kent stated, not completely.  Mary stated, with new software we will have capability to build an ACH file to send to the bank at no charge, but it requires the customer providing their bank account for us to submit file.  Any other electronic payment will still be assessed the convenience fee.  7.  Pool fees will remain the same this summer.  8.  Dustin stated, on Sunday we received a call from Brad Davis at the City of Colby to assist with power outages.  Lukas Wolak and Tyler Jones assisted Colby for 4 hours.  Colby has publicly thanked us for the work.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  We appreciate their assistance in the past.  9.  For cleanup we hauled 57.69 tons to the landfill.  Several tons were regular household trash.  Next year emphasis will be to pick up larger items that people have trouble hauling.  Kenton stated, this year we hauled 18 loads that could have gone straight to the dumpster.  Kent stated, it was a success as we hauled 6.5 tons more than last year.

Mayor Showalter asked, do we have an update on the congressional directed spending request?  Kent stated, we made it through the first round.  Senator Moran has submitted our request for consideration and it has made it out of committee.  We have a couple more levels to go.  Mayor Showalter asked, the Eagle Med lease terminates the end of the month have they started negotiations to continue lease?  Kent stated, we had meeting with them but are waiting on communication after they review information.  I will reach out to them. 

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Storm brought many people to town.  People need to do their research to check their background and see if they are licensed.  Often if there is a problem, they will not come back for repairs.  Jake stated. they need to call the city to ensure it is a licensed contractor.  Zach stated, out of contractors so far, only Ready Roofer and Ozone are licensed.  Some others may be getting licensed or have not started yet. 

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Last week was Police appreciation last week, appreciate you all. 

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Would like to thank city employees that helped with clean up.  There was a lot hauled to landfill.  2. I had someone question how complaints are handled with the police department when they see someone breaking law?  When do you issue a ticket and does the department have to investigate?  Jason stated, if someone calls in a complaint and will give a sworn statement for court, or it is a habitual violation, we can issue a citation.  When we investigate to ensure information is correct and find it likely occurred, we issue a citation.

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Mayor Showalter.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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