July 6, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

July 6, 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 COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 06/15/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-13, 2026-13A, 2026-13B, 2026-P13 and 2026-P13A

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. MOU with Prime Craftsman Homes – Kent stated, this MOU is based on previous presentation to commission, presented by Prime Craftsman Homes for a preliminary feasibility study.  The study provides a better idea of costs required to get utilities to homes.  Their recommendation is 50/50 split on costs, which is presented in MOU.  Mayor Showalter stated, my concern is there is no way to recoup money for study; however, this is the only option we have had come forward for new homes.  With proposed new businesses coming to town, we need homes for the employees.  I feel it is a risk we need to take.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is our share still $37,500?  Kent stated, yes, that is half of proposed cost for the study.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, is this for preliminary utility information and to complete the plat.  Kent stated, it is the feasibility study for all the property, not just the two lots, but it will not complete the plat on all properties.  Mayor Showalter asked, will there be an additional request for funding down the road?  Kent stated, down the road they will put together the finance package for construction and their engineering costs for platting process.  This will be paid by property owners.  Commissioner Artzer asked, did you get a chance to look at their existing project in Wichita?  Kent stated, no I did not make it to the project.  They have other communities they are talking to for similar projects.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I feel we need to take this step to invest in our community, it is a gamble but could pay off.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, the study needs to be done to build in the area either way.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the MOU with Prime Craftsman Homes seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  Commissioner Artzer asked, where will our share of the study be paid from?  Kent stated, we budgeted money for demolition of commercial property and situations have changed for the properties so funds are available.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 
  2. Quotes on Painting South Water Tower – Kent stated, we have been working on needed repairs to our water towers the last few years.  The original presentation was from Viking Industrial Painting over a number of years, but there was no contract for repairs.  We received two quotes to paint the interior and exterior of the south water tower at the ball fields.  The exterior has not been painted since it was constructed.  The towers need maintained and painted to ensure you will not have deteriorating conditions and ensure clean water.  For the exterior of the structure, you do not want anything diminishing the structure.  Painting needs completed on a regular basis to keep infrastructure updated.  Bids received were from Maguire Iron and Viking Industrial Painting.  Neal stated, we reviewed both quotes.  Maguire Iron has a more abrasive process to prep tower for painting so coatings adhere, while Viking Industrial Painting is pressure washed which is not adequate to ensure paint will adhere.  Maguire Iron will put in new flapper valve also.  Commissioner Artzer asked, do you feel Maguire Iron is worth the extra money in the bid?  Neal stated, yes to ensure the paint adheres to the tank.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, what is warranty from Maguire Iron?  Neal stated, Maguire Iron is two-year warranty and Viking Industrial Painting is one-year.  Commissioner Artzer asked, we have funds in the budget for $262,900.  Kent stated, yes, we set aside funds annually for these projects.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, when can they start?  Neal stated, probably fall when we can afford to have the 500,000-gallon tank down for three to four weeks.  Kent stated, we have to work with the seasonal temperatures.  Mayor Showalter stated, I know that is a large cost, but when the company discussed repairs needed for our water towers, I asked why we did not just scrap a tower and build new.   The cost quoted to build a new tower versus maintaining what we have is eye opening.  We need to maintain our towers and I feel Maguire Iron is the better process.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve the proposal from Maguire Iron for interior and exterior painting of the south water tower in the amount of $262,900 seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  3. Building Official Report: possibly set hearing date for property at 516 W. Hwy 24, Lot 408 by Resolution – Zach stated, I was contacted last week to inspect trailer at 516 W. Hwy 24, Lot 408 which meets criteria for nuisance property.  The occupants moved out of trailer and trailer has been moved out of the park; no further action needed on property.

DISCUSSION

  1. Library Board – Kent stated, Library Board requested to be on the agenda to present 2027 budget requests for the Library and Library Employee Benefits.  Karen Gillihan, Director and Board members Joy Hayden, Katherine Franklin, Jacque Schields, David Branda, Paige Snethen and Brad Schick are present at meeting.  Karen stated, the library is an important resource for everyone.  We do a lot for the community.  We have a lot of digital resources so some people do not even step foot into the library.  We average 75-100 patrons per day.  We are looking for a keypad security for back door because it is unlocked for currier.  We also have no smoke alarms but are looking for an alarm system to go to the communication center.  We have finished most of our projects from our 2024 wish list.  We are not on new signs but Bert Mosier said they are fixing it.  Everything is increasing in price and digital content is increasing in use and price.  Our mobile hot spots are in high demand.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I want to thank you and the Board.  Some forget the library is there but it is a haven for all ages.  Mayor Showalter stated, I want to thank the board for volunteering your time.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have you heard from the County on your request?  Karen stated no, we did ask for more money from the county because they have not increased contributions since 2010.    
  2. Electronic Assisted Vehicles: Code Section – Kent stated, Jason summarized city code and state statutes that apply to various modes of electronic assisted mobile devices and vehicles.  We continue to get complaints, and categories for different devices is expanding.  Jason stated, there are several types of devices and we get numerous calls, mainly regardingsmaller children operating the devices.  They now have electric scooters that can go up to 100 MPH.  There are many ways to enforce, we just need clarification from commission.  We can ban any or all devices, restrict age requiring a driver license, require registration of device with the department, require helmets for certain ages, etc.  We do not want to ban the devices.  Mayor Showalter asked, what are the main complaints?  Jason stated, small children operating the device and behavior with disobeying laws.  Commissioner Artzer asked, what is code for sitting on electric devices.  Jason stated, we do not have any restrictions with license or age, except for E-bikes which have separate classes.  Today they go much faster than what law states.  I feel it will eventually be discussed by the legislature because larger cities are experiencing problems.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we want them to ride the device safely and obey the law.  We do not want to take them away from the public.  They are motorized vehicles regardless of the number of wheels they have, even though they are not defined as such in code/statute.  We need to keep someone from getting hurt.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I feel it is a thin line because kids need to be kids, but I do not want anyone to lose their life.  Kent stated, if a complaint is reported, the individual is gone by the time an officer gets to scene.  You need to change the behavior of operators.  Jason stated, if they have tags on device, it may be easier to enforce.  I do not feel dirt bikes have a place on city streets.  They are becoming more prominent and go too fast.  Kent stated, another issue is more than one person on a device that is not meant to have multiple riders.  Jason stated, a lot of incidents are not even called in, it is the general public seeing it.  It will only take one major catastrophe which I want to avoid.  Mayor Showalter asked, how many citations have we issued?  Jason, stated, none because unclear regulations.  We posted information on steps we would take to enforce local ordinance.  The dirt bikes are not even in code.  Jake stated, you still have Standard Traffic code.  We are talking about whether to allow them on the streets or not, and who can be on them.  Jason stated, all we have in statute is KSA 8-1587 and our local ordinance that refers to every person riding a bicycle, electric scooter or electric bicycles shall be granted all the rights and subject to the duties to the driver of a vehicle, but it does not list all devices in our code. I feel many pedal vehicles should be banned or restricted from Main Street as it is busy and difficult to see.    Our code states parents are responsible for their children and that we cannot site the child so it goes back on parents.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, if we require a tag, what is the cost of the tag?  Jason stated, it is $25 for the MUV, but where will you put the tag on a scooter.  We are in the process of purchasing two electric bicycles to assist enforcing violations on electric devices.  We have to get a handle on this problem.  Commissioner Artzer asked, is there a way we can have speed and age requirements?  Jake stated, you can but you need to think about the process.  Being practical, how are you going to clock speed or know the age?  Jason stated, this is a difficult conversation.  Mayor Showalter stated, a tag or registration will not change it, we need to start with age restrictions unless it is on private property.  Jason stated, I would like to put out a survey to get public opinion on the issue.  Commissioner Artzer stated, that would be doing our due diligence.  Jake stated, how will you know how old the child is, it sounds good but difficult to enforce.  I would put your rules out there for people to know the rules and see if there is compliance.  Consensus of commission is next step would be to get community feedback.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, are electric devices allowed on highways?  Jason stated, no but you have to look at who is riding bike too.     
  3. Stop Sign Request: 16th and Wyoming – Jason stated, vehicles coming off Highway 27 and heading east continue going too fast.  Every accident I have worked someone ends up in ER and usually in the residence yard.  We are proposing a stop sign on 16th Street from the east and west.  There is a possibility trees may be in way of signs so will have to take care of that.  Kent asked, does commission have objection of the additional stop signs on 16th Street?  Consensus of commission is in favor if signs are on 16th Street.  Kent stated, will have resolution for next meeting.   
  4. Fireworks: Dates, Sales and Detonations – Kent stated, city code allows sale of fireworks June 27th through July 5th but detonation July 2nd through July 5th.  We thought it was strange to allow sales with expectation they cannot detonate until July 2nd.  Police Department published a reminder that firework sales are allowed June 27th, but city code only allows detonation of fireworks from July 2nd to July 5th and defined penalties.  For future years do you want staff to amend code to have sales in line with detonation?  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, after the friendly reminder people calmed down a lot.  Jason stated, we had numerous complaints but they decreased after our post.  Mayor Showalter stated, we need to have information out to public so they know the law.  We can ask them to post regulation at stands to make people aware.  Jason stated, I am not sure why we allow the sale when cannot detonate.  Mayor Showalter stated, I think about the small businesses trying to make money.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we can have a sign available when they obtain their permit.  Commissioner Artzer stated, the State allows them all year, but our code is more restrictive.  Jason stated, the sign is a good idea.  Actually, they can detonate them in county. 
  5. Water Conservation: Drought Monitor – Kent stated, updated drought map is in your packet.  We have had rain so usage decreased late June.  We were on target for June to be largest month but with rains we did not.  Since July 1st, we have pumped over a million gallons a day.  We continue to ask people to monitor usage and ensure to water when it is most effective. 
  6. 2027 Budget Review – Kent stated, estimated assessed valuation is $43,910,610 so a mill is $43,910 which is the smallest valuation increase since 2011.  The Notice of RNR and Budget Hearing is in packet.  It has a lot of information.  Total expenditures in 2026 were $16,676,838 and 2027 proposed budget is just over $17,000,000 in expenditures.  Net expenditures are the expenditures reduced by transfer of funds between city funds.  Net expenditure budgeted amount in 2027 is less than 2025, even with slight increase in Advalorem.  Total estimated property tax is $2,447,590.  Staff has reviewed budget and made cuts from department heads requests.  The NRP amounts are added back, which is a reimbursement of qualified taxes and increases our expenditures.  NRP is split between different levied funds and you can see the result for each fund.  The General Fund Advalorem decreased $38,402, Bond & Interest cannot have much revision because of debt payments required and Library increased about $20,000 based on their request, City Employee Benefits increased about $60,000.  This is health insurance, KPERS, employment taxes and unemployment insurance.  Library Employee Benefits had a small increase and we budgeted no Advalorem for Airport Fund.  Draft Notice for the RNR and Budget hearing is $2,447,590 to fund budget.  To generate the property tax, this is 55.740 mills.  Staff worked hard to get it close to mill levy last year.  The difference is about $30,000.  It will require more to get to RNR which is operating on same dollar amount with increased costs.  State Legislature came close to having a cap on property tax increases this year, and they will work hard to meet goal next year.  We will work with it, but it makes it difficult to assume inflation is always the 3%, cap they were presenting.  Our proposed increase is less than 3%.  The cuts provided in packet were difficult.  Does commission have any issues with cuts?  We were $180,000 away and cut to within $30,000.  Mayor Showalter stated, I have no issues with the budget.  Kent stated, we could increase transfers from utility funds for the remaining $30,000 but that makes it difficult for utility funds because we do have to address utility rates.  We did budget a $1.00 increase per customer per month for sewer in 2027, instead of the $.20.  Staff has done a good job setting aside money for projects.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I have an opinion where money can come from.  You have seen the information on SCCD from my husband.  I would propose matching what the county pays to SCCD and decreasing amount city pays SCCD.  Mary stated, I caution the commission making a decision like that with our agreement with county to setup SCCD.  Mayor Showalter stated, making a decision like that without hearing SCCD presentation or a meeting with the city and county together might not be the best course of action.  I am satisfied with that number.  It is a small number with what our neighbors are facing.  We are still being good stewards of tax payer money.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, ¾ of a mill is minimal and if we want departments to do their job well, we cannot keep cutting.  Prices keep going up so in that respect I feel comfortable where we are.  Kent stated, another option is do you want us to cut services?  Commissioner Artzer stated, I agree this is a small amount.  I am not interested in taking money from our department heads but I feel we provide too much money to SCCD.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, look at the library; the city funds it more than the county.  On SCCD I agree we should pay similar amounts.  Commissioner Artzer stated, the library is an amenity and SCCD it to bring people to our community.  We need to have a serious conversation for 2028 budget.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, tonight we need to decide where we want to be to publish budget and hold hearing.  Kent stated, the hard part is this is an estimated valuation and we will not know final valuation until end of year.  These are important questions.  There are restrictions for what TGT money can be spent on.  There is a request to have them come and present to commission.  As a reminder, it was created to combine three entities and try to have consistency from both boards so there would not be a lot of discussion on what individuals feel is important.  A community needs consistency to be successful.  This is a good conversation to have with both boards and restate the intentions.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I am fine with budget as long as we have the conversations.  The commission can have a special meeting for more discussion or if you want to stay at this level and keep budget as presented, you can approve the resolution stating the City Commission’s intent with the revenue neutral rate to present to the county.  Publication sets maximum amount for budget.  You still can authorize a budget less than published amount.  This information will set hearing for August 17th.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 2026-13 Regarding the Governing Body’s Intent to Levy a Property Tax Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate with a proposed Mill Levy Rate of 55.740 and publishing the RNR and Budget Hearing Notice for August 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. seconded by Mayor Showalter.  Kent stated, we are required to let the County Clerk know of our intention prior to the next commission meeting.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. Last Park ‘n Play concert is August 14th.  Past few years the city coordinated with college and pool a BBQ in Steever Park.  Does commission want to have the feed?  Consensus of commission is community appreciates event, even if it is small.    
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  On the stop sign at 16th and Syracuse, can we trim the tree back so people see the stop sign.  2.  City crews are doing a good job.  The new curb and gutter by park look good. 

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Do we have an update on sign for library?  Kent stated, they have identified locations to add them to a sign.  The library has been contacted. 

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Absent, No Report 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Absent, No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Vice-Mayor Howard seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2026.

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                                Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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