July 20, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

July 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, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Showalter led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 07/06/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 07/13/26 Special Commission Meeting Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-14, 2026-14A and 2026-P14

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

PRESENTATIONS

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2026-12: Stop Sign 16th Street and Wyoming Avenue East and West Bound – Kent stated, this was discussed last meeting at the request of Jason.  Kenton agrees with signs so we are asking for commission recommendation.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2026-12: Stop Sign 16th Street and Wyoming Avenue East and West Bound seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  2. Ordinance 1823: 2026 Standard Traffic Ordinance – Jason stated, I submitted a memo of updates and amendments.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve Ordinance 1823: 2026 Standard Traffic Ordinance seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
  3. Ordinance 1824: 2026 Uniform Public Offense Code – Mayor Showalter asked, can you explain changes in domestic violence?  Jason stated, there was a small amendment to domestic violence.  The major change was unlawful approach to first responders.  You cannot be within 25-foot of first responder.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve Ordinance 1824: 2026 Uniform Public Offense Code seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Professional Services Agreement between City of Goodland and Safebuilt, LLC for as requested plan review services – Kent stated, proposal from Safebuilt, LLC is to provide services to review building plans on large projects.  The service is on an as needed basis to backup review by Zach and myself.  This is namely for projects like the grain mill bakery as they indicated their application will be between 500 to 600 pages.  We would like to have their review for expertise on this type of project.  They assist Zach providing the service.  Commissioner Artzer asked, what is the cost of service?  Kent stated, it is outlined in the agreement.  Mayor Showalter asked, do we pay then customer reimburses city?  Kent stated, the business will pay us and we will forward payment to Safebuilt.  Commissioner Artzer asked, so the city is a pass through as customer pays for service?  Kent stated, yes, not sure of order but we will work it out with applicant.  Mayor Showalter stated, using someone with expertise is a good way to keep our liability in order.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Artzer to approve the Professional Services Agreement between City of Goodland and Safebuilt, LLC for as requested plan review services seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. Sherman County Community Development (SCCD) – plans for upcoming year and review of key performance indicators – Mayor Showalter stated, a little background, Commissioner Redlin asked SCCD to come to the commission and answer a couple questions and make a presentation to the commission.  Matt McKenzie, Chairman of SCCD Board stated, tonight, I would like to discuss successes in 2025 and some already in 2026, but the year is only half over.  This is same information I presented the last time I was here.  I gave everyone copies of the 2025 annual report at last presentation.  SCCD is like a three-legged stool.  The first being Economic Development that helped ten companies in 2025 either expand or establish a new business in the county. Much of the help came from partnering with Network Kansas for low-interest-rate loans through the State.  We help facilitate the application process and get them connected with a local lender.  The Network Kansas loans require local bank participation.  We have been fortunate that all local banks have participated in some way.  Those ten businesses brought $1,079,000 in capital to Goodland to help the businesses grow or get established.  The money came from Network Kansas.  Next piece is business enrichment which was previously referred to as the Chamber of Commerce to support established businesses.  Bert Mosier, Economic Development Director visited with 132 businesses in 2025.  Some of those were multiple visits but he was in the community listening to what established businesses need and established a relationship.  We revitalized the quarterly business mixer, and even reached out to home-based businesses for information.  The final piece is travel and tourism which are events that draw people into our community to spend money, like Flatlanders and the races.  The Welcome Center keeps a record of people who visit and sign our book.  Keep in mind, not everyone comes inside or signs the book, but we had 4,987 signatures in the book last year of people that stopped inside and signed the book.  This does not include those visitors that do not come in the Welcome Center.  The mural project is in travel and tourism, but it also fits with community enrichment.  The mural project started in 2025 and I believe we funded four and will fund three or four more in 2026.  We have developed a map at the center for visitors to enjoy looking at the murals.  It pulls tourists off interstate and Highway 24 and get them to drive through the community.  I have two buildings that have murals on them and I have caught people at both murals taking pictures and discussing the map.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, of the businesses visited in 2025 was there a theme or feedback for you to apply to 2026?  Bert stated, not a theme but business-based conversation as to what they are looking for, but no community or county wide theme.  When I visited, I talked to the first person I met to get in the door or get call backs.  Most people want lower taxes and at the end of last year some have started to struggle.  It was good networking and helped me with community information.  Commissioner Redlin asked, yes or no, in 2025 did non-tourism business, business development activities like expansions and new non-retail businesses served result in more than 20 full time jobs?  Matt stated, we do not have those specific numbers tonight, but I think 20 full time would be a stretch.  Commissioner Redlin asked, again yes or no, does SCCD currently track and report specific key performance indicators for new jobs, tax-based growth and economic diversification outside tourism events?  Bert stated, we use State information.  Commissioner Redlin asked, do you have the 2025 figures for each?  Bert stated, we do not have figures tonight, but we can get them. Commissioner Redlin stated, I would be happy to send my questions to someone.  Matt stated, it would help if you could email the questions, then we could follow up.  Commissioner Redlin asked, yes or no, was the return on investment on the city public funding positive for 2025, when comparing total public contributions against verifiable non-tourism economic gains?  Matt stated, the city investment was $90,000, and $1,079,000 in capital was brought back into the community that was not travel and tourism dollars.  Bert stated, we had the State Department of Commerce Representative in Goodland to do a return on the money based on the funds from the City and Sherman County.  It was a 791% return on your money.  Matt stated, that information was in the packet last time we presented to the city meeting.  Commissioner Arter stated, if you could email us that information I would appreciate it.  Matt stated, we are happy to provide information but it was in your packet last time we were here.  We do not have all information for 2026 because we have a long way to go.  One major project we can discuss is my project at 11th and Center that I am happy to share.   I worked with SCCD and Network Kansas to secure a low-interest Network Kansas loan partnered with Western State Bank.  Project was initially slated to be a $250,000 project and we are on track to be over budget.  We are putting a lot more money back into the business but it will enable three business expansions, two new businesses as well as an office for my construction and real estate business.  We are taking property that has been in bad shape for a number of years and make it useful for the community.  It will be an entertainment space with a restaurant, arcade for children, one retail business, a massage therapist and concert venue in business moving to location.  If you commit the city’s $90,000 to my project alone and we do nothing else, I put $300,000 back in community with the project.  There are other projects going on with Network Kansas assistance that will get funded the first of August.  One will allow another business expansion and allow the business to move to Main Street to improve an existing building and create space for another business.  Bert stated, I am also working with attorney of OYO building for an expansion or revamp of building.  The project cannot be discussed yet, but it will not be a hotel but a combination of a couple things.   There are a lot of items that are confidential and cannot be discussed with public. We are moving forward with the state on information to see how to proceed.  Matt stated, we have other businesses that are looking at Goodland that would create larger job opportunities that you are talking about.  With confidentiality agreements, we cannot discuss their project.  Most projects in recent past have been very small businesses, many times owner operated but they have created a few part time jobs.  One business in my property created two new jobs for the community and they came from Colby.  The arcade/sweet shop has created two to three part time jobs.  I am guessing the bar expansion with music venue will need more help than they have today.  The massage therapist is a one for one and the small retail business will probably create one full time and one part time job.  They are not massive but two to three at a time for seven to eight businesses, we start getting momentum.  Mayor Showalter asked, with these meetings you cannot disclose details because of confidentiality, but can you discuss general terms the work that goes into these meetings.  The business may not even come to Goodland.  Bert stated, it is different with every business and is based on the business needs and wants.  It takes time to get the business here, some want more help than others.  We worked with a business on Main Street that took six to seven months because of questions from Network Kansas or problems with their equipment or the building.  A lot of work goes into getting the business approved, many times it is dealing with money.  Mayor Showalter stated, so there are circumstances where you put in work behind the scene.  It may be years yet that does not translate into key performance indicators.  You put in the work but the business did not come to fruition.  Bert stated, yes, I had a project last week that I worked hard on for two months, but they backed out when it came to the funding information.  Matt stated, some of these businesses may be five-year projects, look at the grain mill bakery.  The tire plant is still in process and it has been four years.  Many times, it looks like nothing is happening but you have items that set you back and you have to work through.  It takes time.  It is usually the funding aspect that breaks most of the deals.  Big projects take many years.  We do not have a lot of information from 2026 but we wanted to discuss our successes so far.  We continue with our business enrichment continuing with business mixers with new faces in the crowd.  Travel and tourism are moving ahead on Flatlanders, which is the biggest event of the year.  There is a lot going on that does not translate to statistics but we are busy.  Commissioner Artzer stated, as you indicated there are three pillars to SCCD.  Travel and tourism and business retention are fine.  I want to discuss economic development.  You have given your success stories of good things that have occurred.  Over the last week I had a couple businesses approach me to give their experience.  With that, I spoke to three other businesses in town, so five in total, about their experience with SCCD.  Of the five, two did not work with SCCD to start their business.  One had a positive experience with SCCD and everything went smoothly.  The two that came to me, it was overall a negative experience.  I want to share those so you hear both sides.  First business owner started late 2025, early 2026.  They were new to town and wanted to start a new business.  In the moving truck on the way to town they called SCCD.  They described the business they wanted to start and asked if there was help, they could get.  The answer they were given is there is not funding and nothing we can do to help.  She met with Bert a number more times and it was the same thing, nothing we can do to help.  They started their business on their own but they felt like there was no help offered from our local economic development in that situation.  The other started process in mid-2025 and began working with Bert immediately to start application with Network Kansas for loan on building.  They were under the impression they wanted to get loan and start business immediately.  Their experience is they would call Bert and they not get a call back.  Finally got the applications from Network Kansas and had to redo loan application three times.  After a number of months going through this, they were told Network Kansas is not giving out any money at this time.  They stopped with Network Kansas and got a private loan with higher interest rate.  In this same process they needed help to get equipment for their business so they got some GAP financing for the equipment.  They were told Network Kansas would reimburse them.  He called Bert a number of times before purchased equipment and was assured he would be reimbursed.  The day after they bought the equipment, Bert called and told them not to do it because Network Kansas would not pay them back because they did not have any money.  In mid-2026, the business finally starts.  They indicated the last time they wanted to talk to Bert to share their frustration, an attitude was given and hung ups were done.  You say you are not telling people you have no money but I have two businesses that told me that is what you told them.  Bert stated, I feel people get confused with the timing.  At beginning of 2025 Patterson Foundation funds gifts money for loans at Network Kansas.  It gets late in 2025, Network Kansas calls to say they have run out of money and unsure how many more loans will be funded, but want us to continue to push loans through.  Then they call back three weeks later indicating they are out of grant money and cannot fund the loans.  If they are out of money, I cannot come up with the grant.  The Patterson Family Foundation runs the program as a gift to the State to use the funds as long as they are available.  People can always apply for the loans.  Commissioner Artzer asked, then why was a business owner told they could not apply?  Bert stated, he was told there was not a grant anymore.  Matt stated, I think there may have been some misunderstanding about which dollars were available and ones that were not.  Commissioner Artzer stated, taking all this into consideration I called Network Kansas to confirm this information so I am aware of information you just stated.  The person I spoke with at Network Kansas said this has been an issue and that they have had issues with this office and applications going out.  This Network Kansas representative even told me to start telling people to bypass our local economic development and go to Kansas Grows to use state economic development because they have been having issues with ours.  To me it seems Network Kansas is working well for people that the board knows but not working as well for the people that do not know the board, which is frustrating.  Bert stated, I had a call from the same individual you spoke with, they informed me you called and they did not mention any of that to me.  As a matter of fact, we have had more loans this year through Network Kansas than any previous time since we became an E-Community eligible for the loans.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I am not attacking anyone, I am giving you the information I was given.  Bert stated, I am providing you the information I know.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I believe there is a disconnect somewhere.  If I have a business owner so frustrated that they are almost in tears over the situation they went through, that is an issue with our economic development. Bert stated, I understand that people get frustrated with the financing, but I have to do what Network Kansas tells me to do.  I do not get to make those decisions.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I believe that might be a copout and will leave it at that.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, if Network Kansas says there are no funds, how can he tell people there is grant money when there is none?  Commissioner Artzer asked, when did you get the call there would be no more grant money?  Bert stated, I got the call around the first of December from Network Kansas to tell people there were no more loans.  I did not get an official mailing, just a phone call.  Commissioner Artzer stated, this is not going to resolve anything, I am giving the information I was provided.  Matt stated, I feel there is probably some misunderstanding between everyone.  I encourage people to come to an SCCD board meeting.  They are the second Wednesday of every month at our building on Main Street.  We have a board of directors and as board chairman, the information Commissioner Artzer just communicated is news to me standing here tonight.  If Network Kansas is not giving the board this information, I am a little concerned.  I feel that should have come to the board.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I am also concerned it was told to me because I just called for clarification and I was told this has been an ongoing issue.  Matt stated, what is concerning on my end is that it is news to us.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, with a new business coming to town, it sounds like you gave them the information because they were aware of the program, whether they are responding or not.  Would they be able to get the same information going to your website?  They were aware of Network Kansas; can they go there?  Bert stated, they can go to Network Kansas but the way the program is lined out is we are designated as an E-Community and not all communities have designation.  You have to be an E-community to make these loans.  Vice-Mayor Howard asked, hypothetically me as a business owner, wants to build a building.  Tell me the process I need to go through to get funds for a low-interest rate loan.  Bert stated, you have to be working with a local bank because this is designed to be gap financing not to pay for the entire project.  Then you complete an application and meet with your banker to determine total cost and total amount of money you need.  With that information, we know whether you apply for an E-community loan, a Network Kansas loan or a Kansas 50 loan which is up to $500,000.  The business information dictates your process.  Once your application and information are complete, the application goes to the State of Kansas to be reviewed thoroughly by their banker.  This process sometimes takes a long time.  Then if you have an E-community loan for $50,000 or less, we have a local review board where they can approve to just fund the loan.  All other loans have to go through Network Kansas review board. Vice-Mayor Howard stated, and that is not saying whether or not it will get funded.  Bert stated, there is no guarantee it will get funded.  They have to like project and believe it will cash flow which is completely out of my hands.  I have no say on E-community loans, I am not on the review board.  It is a five-member community board.  Matt stated, having just gone through the process, I will say it is not easy.  Their application process is very thorough and ask a lot of questions that normal bankers do not ask.  I believe if you do not have the fortitude to go through the thorough process and answer the same question numerous times people tend to give up.  It is a tough process.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it should be tough to make sure business will work.  Matt stated, they are making sure there is no default.  They are not in business to repossess property or file a lien.  You have to have ducks in a row to show business is successful.  It is much more strenuous than any local bank I have worked with.    Mayor Showalter stated, it appears if there is an issue the state has and this is first you have heard of it; it would behoove the board to reach out to get more information.  Bert asked, I will invite the program representative to visit the commission if you would like.  Mayor Showalter stated, it is about how the structure is set up.  In my opinion it is up to SCCD to run your organization.  It is not our job to be involved with program details.  If there is an issue take care of it.  I believe SCCD was set up in this manner to keep the local government from pushing their wills on the process for economic development or tourism.  You have to serve the best interests of the city and county.  If we believe there is some misuse of public funds, then we should get involved.  But if there is a disagreement the program, to me the board needs to address the issue.  It is not up to the city commission to regulate.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, that is why the city and county setup the board.  The board needs to handle these decisions, we have enough to do.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, it seems there are businesses in community that have challenges and SCCD meetings are the appropriate place to make sure you are getting full support.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I would like you to post information online so it is more available to the public.   I feel it needs to be more than on your website.  I did not know until tonight when your meetings are held.  Matt stated, we can post them in other places but Facebook is not the only place for information.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I am not saying just Facebook, it could go in the paper.  Matt stated, we do not use the newspaper because it costs.  Commissioner Artzer stated, we give you $90,000 that could be a cost you pay.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, there are still people who do not know City Commission meetings are first and third Mondays of the month.   Matt stated, our meeting dates for the year are set at our January meeting and made available to everyone.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I just want to make it available to everyone.  We are saying people need to come to the meetings if they have issues, how are they going to know when the meetings are?  We need to make it more available to the public.  We need to do the same for city meetings, it is usually an empty room.  It would be good to have more people here, but we post it on our website, Facebook and newspaper.  Mayor Showalter asked, do we post our meetings in the paper?  Commissioner Redlin stated, the newspaper writes an article about our meeting and indicate when our next meeting will be.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, once approved we post our minutes and it says when next meeting will be held.  Kent stated, we do not post an agenda in the paper. Mayor Showalter asked, if a member of the general public had a question about expenses or meeting minutes, where can they find information?   Matt stated, all that information is posted on our website but if they know the freedom of information act, they can make a request for information, but everything is posted.  Commissioner Artzer asked, how quick are the minutes posted?  Matt stated, our meetings are once a month, once they are approved, they get posted.  I cannot tell you how long it takes.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I know in the past I have not always been able to find them.  Matt stated, if they do not see them, you can always reach out and ask.   Commissioner Cloyd stated, so everyone knows, looking at the website the next meeting is July 22nd at 1:30.  Matt stated, that is correct, it is normally the second Wednesday but we had a conflict getting a quorum so meeting was moved to July 22nd.  Bert stated, another place for us to communicate with people is the Good Neighbor Hour, I am on every Thursday to discuss programs, events and meetings.  Mayor Showalter stated, you have taken some hard questions tonight.  I would like to add that economic development is not just the job of you.  It is the job of everyone on city and county commission and everyone in the audience.  We all represent our community.  I appreciate the work you do and know we can all find ways to improve.  None of us are infallible, we all make mistakes.  Patty Eckert, SCCD Board member stated, as a new board member it has been fascinating to be part of the process.  Also, as a retired federal lender, the comments you are all making are true in a loan process.  It might be challenging, but it is always worth it.  That money matters when it comes into our community because it turns several times.  We as a community cannot keep the challenges of an application keep us from doing it.  One thing I struggled with as a lender is people never called anyone up to tell them they had bad credit and that is why I never made the loan.  They never called up to let them know what the challenges were because there is a lot information required and there is a lot of misunderstanding.  With federal monies, the word grant would be used but we did not have grant funds.  We may not have been funded because it was a certain point in the fiscal year and the budget had not been appropriated.  There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to loan processing but I hope anyone pursuing these loans proceed.  Bert has helped several get through the process and lets them know it could be a challenge.  But as a community, I hope we do not let that ever be something that stands in our way.  There are those of us who are used to that federal process, even though this is State, we can work together.  We are all there to help the process.  In this meeting and in the community, there has been a lot brought up this week and I have learned a lot.  There are a lot of comments and you are talking about our board meeting.  I encouraged some community members who had comments to come to our board meeting.  I thought that was a great welcome and invitation but they were offended by that offer.  I did not expect that reaction but we need to consider the sensitivity of people.  They did not feel that was a good venue to have the conversation.  I did not realize that was not a good gesture on my part.  I encourage all of us to be sensitive because we are each going to learn.  Took me a while to realize that was not the best offer.  For those that do not want to go to that meeting because it is not their preferred venue, I offer face to face, phone conversation or whatever makes them comfortable.  There are people with concerns and we want to address them.  I believe every board member would offer the same.  I appreciated the board appointing me to serve on this nine-member board that has fantastic talent.  Your $90,000 gets a nine-member board, three entities, two full time employees as well as part-time employees.  I am very proud in the short time I have served to be a part of the organization. 
  2. Electronic Assisted Vehicle:  Community Survey and Follow Up – Kent stated, Jason set up a survey for the community on electronic vehicles and included results in packet.  Jason stated, we received 433 responses, which I feel is good.  Jason reviewed the survey questions and citizen responses.  I have a flag that I feel this is an option for people.  We can mandate a flag on bikes and scooters so they can be more visible.  This suggestion came from a citizen who almost hit someone on a scooter.  In my opinion electronic dirt bikes need to be banned from the city.  The Police Department purchased two electronic bikes with VIN and Law Enforcement Trust Fund monies for us to be out to discuss the rules with people out on electronic vehicles.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I like this idea and simple to implement.  This will make sure they stand out.  Commissioner Artzer asked, would the rider be responsible for the flags?  Jason stated, yes it would have to be their responsibility.  I am going to put one on our bike to see what it looks like.  We need someone with a scooter to see how it will work with the height and line of sight.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I like the flags and helmets for individuals under a certain age.  Jason stated, I would think 12 years of age, but difficult to know how old some of them are.  They still have to follow the rules of the road.  The only true way to fine their age is when they disobey the law, unless we know the child.  We are enforcing stricter regulations.  The first time will be a warning for the parents but the second is a citation for parents.  Taking the electronic vehicle away is not the answer.  I feel there are better options. Vice-Mayor Howard asked, what is the cost of a flag?  Jason stated, this one cost me $8.00 from Walmart.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it is not that we do not want them out getting exercise but we want them safe.  Kent stated, Jason and I discussed prohibiting the items on Main Street between 8th and 17th Street with parking the way it is.  Jason stated, I would even be in favor to limit them during business hours if you disagree with all the time.  Mayor Showalter stated, I agree it is a good idea to prohibit on Main Street with parking.  If we are going to weigh options between helmet and flag, I would start with helmet for compliance.  Commissioner Cloyed asked, do stores have the helmets?  Jason stated, yes at Walmart.  I can see if we can get a donation and distribute on first come first serve basis, but do not feel we are at that point.  Mayor Showalter stated, I feel it is going to be difficult connecting the flags to scooters.  Commissioner Redlin asked, are we going to require safety glasses?  Jason stated, that is a good idea with the speed of some of them.  We will draft an ordinance for commission.  Commissioner Redlin asked, what if they do not ride on Main Street but have to cross it?  Jason stated, it will be treated like a crossing a highway as long as you do not travel on it.  Commissioner Artzer asked, what about dirt bikes?  Mayor Showalter stated, I would like to restrict dirt bikes from the city if everyone is in agreement. 
  3. 2027 Budget: Direction as staff prepares for Hearing Date at September 8th Meeting – Kent stated, the commission passed information for RNR and Budget hearing on September 8th.  Does commission have any further recommendations for the hearing?  What mill rate is the commission wanting to meet for the budget?  Staff would like to have information prepared for hearing.  Commissioner Artzer asked, how much are we short?  Kent stated, to get to last year rate it is about $30,000, but to meet RNR it is about $50,000.  If owner’s property value increases, their taxes will increase.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I would like you to provide options to see if it is even possible.  I feel property taxes are high across the State.  Mayor Showalter asked, are you referencing last year’s rate or RNR?  Commissioner Redlin stated, I would like to see both to show what we have to cut to get to those rates.  I fear we will be losing services.  Commissioner Artzer stated, normally I would not feel this is an issue because I do not want to lose services but I feel there are places to cut the $30,000.  Mayor Showalter stated, we need to see City Manager recommendations to get to last year’s mill.  I know people are looking at SCCD as a place to cut money but I have heard nothing tonight to cut SCCD funding.  I would like to see options and see where we can be.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I feel you can give us options to review next meeting to get to last year’s rate.  I do not feel we can go to RNR.  Kent stated, we can provide both options.  I would like to point out that net expenditures in this budget are less than actual expenditures for 2025.  There are not too many things that have not increased in price.  Eventually it will cut services.  Expecting to operate on same dollar as previous year is impossible.  Commissioner Artzer stated, I do not want to take money from department heads or employee benefits but I feel we can take it from SCCD.  Kent stated, your current staff works hard to meet expectations. 
  4. Water Conservation: Drought Monitor – Shauna stated, in last five days, three of them exceeded 2,000,000 gallons a day.  Kent stated, Ground Water Management is going to start enforcing limits on municipalities in near future to reduce our water rights and enforce limits.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is there anything other communities in Kansas have done that may help?  Kent stated, Hays is most widely known and their water is valuable.  They reduced consumption on annual basis per residence with programs put in place. Other communities have programs they have enforced.  Counties on west end of Kansas will have most consumption per day.  We are way above communities on east side of the state per day.  Commissioner Artzer asked, have we had any follow-up with Playas?  Kent stated, I get information on a monthly basis.  She is having successes and challenges, but limited number of responses.    

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo, 1st and 2nd Quarter building permits, June month end fund balance, 2nd Quarter financial and police monthly activity reports are in the packet.  2. Zach stated, property at 408 W. 6th Street is making slow progress.  The city has been dealing with the property for a long time.  I have been working with the individual at 806 W. 15th Street and given him multiple chances.  The property will be brought to commission second meeting in August.   3.  Park and play concert is August 14th, we have started planning BBQ.  In past we have started cooking at 5:00 p.m.  4.  Staff is working with animal control situation.  Commissioner Artzer asked, are we ready to build a pound?  Mayor Showalter stated, we just started reserve last year, we do not have funding.  Kent stated, we do not have an answer for options at this point. 
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  No Report 

Commissioner Artzer – 1.  Do we have a sign for the library?  Kent stated, they are working on it.  I will speak to her in person. 

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Thank you to Police Department for taking animal control calls until we have options. 

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  No Report 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Artzer.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for August 3, 2026. 

_____________________________

ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

_______________________

Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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