August 17, 2026 Commission Minutes

Mayor Jason Showalter called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call.  Commissioner Angie Cloyd was 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. 08/03/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-16, 2026-16A and 2026-P16

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

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION VACANCY

  1. Applicants to request consideration to fill vacancy on City Commission – Mayor Showalter opened floor to anyone willing to speak on behalf of becoming a candidate for the vacancy on commission.  1.   Rachelle Standley stated, I am interested in the position for city commission.  Some things that are important to me are employee retention, being fiscally responsible, water conservation and building and maintaining relationships with legislatures.  We have to continue to let legislatures know we are out here and that what they do matters to us.  Mayor Showalter asked, can you provide information on your experience in government and what you can offer?  Rachelle stated, I have worked in county and state government in nine different counties in the county appraiser’s office.  I started at entry level then moved to the appraiser, so I have seen all phases of it.  I worked for Kansas Department of Revenue for seven years.  I helped about seven counties implement the software used in the appraiser’s office.  In most of the counties I worked with the register of deeds, treasurer and clerk who wanted the same software.  I have been on several boards over the years like economic development, helped with election audits and been on the executive board for our appraiser’s association.  I do a lot of work with legislators, focusing on those on tax committees because they are the ones I deal with most.  I reach out mostly to eastern Kansas legislatures.  I was recently contacted by Senator Karen Tyson to be on her brainstorming committee made up mostly of taxpayers, but also a few government officials.  I feel it is important to get a voice to support western Kansas.    Mayor Showalter asked, what do you like best about Goodland and what can the city improve?  Rachelle stated, I have lived in western Kansas most of my life.  I like the small-town atmosphere and like how everyone gets involved with things.  I like the community get togethers, going to school events and recreation sports for my grandchildren.  What the city can improve on?  I think for all city, county and state governments there is always a way in your personal and business that you can sharpen your pencil and do what is best for your budget.  I look at tax dollars like it is my own money.  2.  Jill Thomas stated, I am here on behalf of Sandra Dumler, who is interested in the position but had a prior commitment she needed to honor so is unable to be here.  Sandra provided a letter of interest for me to read the commission.  Goodland has been my home since age 1.  I am an enrolled agent with more than 38 years of experience in accounting entity, estate planning and business consulting.  I opened my own accounting firm in 2003.  As business grew, I welcomed a partner in 2019.  As a lifelong resident I have always been committed to the strength and growth of our community.  I have served on numerous boards and worked closely with youth organizations, believing strongly in the importance of investing in future generations.  The role of city commissioner requires dedication, integrity, and a clear understanding of local government.  It also requires the ability to listen to the people of Goodland while upholding the guidelines and statutes that govern our city.  I believe a commissioner must be willing to learn from the past while keeping a steady focus on the future.  Making decisions that preserve, strengthen and benefit our community for years to come.  I believe I possess the character, life experience and determination to fulfill this role.  I also recognize commissioners will not always agree.  Differences in perspective are natural, but respectful listening and collaboration are essential.  It is important to me that all commissioners work together for the best solution to represent our community.  While consensus may not always be possible, I will always strive for positive, constructive and non-confrontational resolutions.  As a municipality, we must acknowledge funds are tight.  Strong budgeting practices and transparent communication are vital for Goodland to thrive.  A reliable police force and a dedicated municipal workforce are the backbone for our city.  I would work hard to support employee retention and encourage open, respectful communication among staff, department heads, city manager and the commission.  The people who live in Goodland and call it home in the future deserve leadership they can trust to protect our safety, infrastructure and long-term stability. 

Mayor Showalter thanked both individuals for interest and stated, at next meeting commission we will take formal action to appoint an individual to fill vacancy.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Ordinance 1825: Code Additions for Electric Scooters – Kent stated, Jason put together ordinance with changes discussed the last two meetings.  Are there any questions with the ordinance?  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Ordinance 1825: Code Additions for Electric Scooters seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.
  2. Resolution 2026-16: Resolution Authorizing Submission of an EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Application – Kent stated, the city submitted an EDA grant application under the Disaster Supplemental grants for 2025.  Sherman County was not included in the list as a disaster area but felt with producers who are part of project it could fit category.  However, after first review, it will not fit this category.  EDA asked to move application into Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance grant application.  This category is funded 60% federal funds and 40% local match.  Our application passed first review.  As part of curing letter, they indicated that the prior resolution on file for grant application does not match the category or requirements for the category that the grant application is being reviewed.  EDA has stated the grant application will be considered for approval in the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance category.  This is still for electrical project to expand electricity to Industrial Park for the Grain Mill and Bakery and build a sub-station.  Estimated cost of project is $6.5M to $6.8M.  The city has additional work on our end, but it cannot occur until EDA makes a decision.  Mayor Showalter stated, we have discussed this project many times and staff has put in a lot of time.  It is a necessary project and we want to decrease the burden on tax payers.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 2026-16: Resolution Authorizing Submission of an EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Application seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. FTA Drug and Alcohol Policy – Kent stated, van operations are regulated by the Federal Transit Administration requirements for drug and alcohol.  We work with Compliance One to ensure compliance with the program and policies.  They updated the policy, customized for Goodland, outlining when we accept negative dilute results and on which type of test, and if a split specimen is requested, who will pay for it.  ON A MOTION by Mayor Showalter to approve the FTA Drug and Alcohol Policy seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-0. 

DISCUSSION

  1. 621 W. 17th St.: Final Steps and Timeline for Completion of Unfit Structure – Zach stated, this will set final timeline on next process.  This will require property owner to clean-up yard and fix windows by October 2nd.  Bertha Aguilar, property owner was present and agreed to timeline.
  2. 8th Street Project Review –Andrew Brunner EBH Engineer stated, we will be completing project in phases.  We will start with access at K27 to Cattletrail then go over to D’Lao Apartments to Main Street, without touching brick intersection.  We will then proceed from Main Street to Caldwell Avenue, again not touching intersection, then Caldwell Avenue to Cherry.  In past discussions we discussed reducing everything down to 42’ toe to toe, curb and gutter outside of that.  The only places that will not be 42’ will be to widen street to tie into Main Street and match brick or pavement to tie into Caldwell Avenue.  On the one block from Caldwell to Cherry Avenue, it does not make sense to come back out.  I have been in conversation with city staff for phasing of the project.  This project is a mile long and will take seven to nine months to complete.  Phase I is access at K27 to Cattletrail and one of the accesses to D’Lao.  We scheduled it like this because if we included all of D’Lao, everyone would have to figure out a way to drive two-way traffic through the alley between county shop and behind the houses.  Then we will move to phase 2, which will open it up to east side Syracuse.  We have same situation with Wheatridge to ensure we do not close both accesses off at same time.  Phase 3 will go from Syracuse to Kansas.  We want to make sure we always have an access for the ambulance on or off Kansas Avenue.  The plan is to split Kansas two-thirds in one phase and one-third in a different phase.  For the one-third they can still come north and have people heading south detour one block east and north one block back to 8th Street.  When done with phase 3 we will go to phase 4.  With the ambulance, we would still have two-way traffic.  It just would not be the full intersection at that point.  Phase 4 is a longer stretch to Main Street.  Phase 5 is Main Street to Caldwell Avenue and final phase being Caldwell to Cherry Avenue.  For phase 4 and 5, Main Street and Caldwell Avenue were good stopping points and everyone has access.  Mayor Showalter asked, for those who have driveway that exits on 8th Street, during the construction process, how do they access property?  Andrew stated, all but a couple properties have alley or side access.  We will need to provide access if they do not have it.  We are aware there are a couple properties we need to address.  Mayor Showalter asked, when is earliest you will communicate with the public that the project is starting?  Andrew stated, we have already started for access points.  Our plan is bid project in late fall, then be ready to complete phase 1 this winter if possible.  On the bigger stretches of the project, contractors cannot cover the concrete on those stretches during winter.  Mayor Showalter stated, I am thinking if they have land scaping planned, we want to make sure they are aware of project.  Andrew stated, we can put something together to distribute to property owners.  On K27 access, KDOT will allow us to widen 10’ on each side similar to 12th Street.  I just need to complete an access permit.  On the concrete we will start about 10’ in to get a good tie in.  Everywhere we tie into a side street we are going back to radius point of street, which is where the curve of the curb stops.  Some places will go back a little further so we will be able to taper and have a nice cross section.  We are redoing all curb and gutter.  We will for sure do first 5’ of everyone’s drive, then additional 5’ to tie into existing driveway or accesses.  We will end up redoing some of parking by GAC and Library to help address some of the drainage as best we can.  There is an ADA ramp at Clark Street onto the sidewalk at the park.  We are not planning on putting it back because we are not sure what it was for and it does not comply with regulations.  With new ADA standards will have to bring curb into park.  There are a couple other ADA ramps on 9th Street we have also discussed.  Everywhere we put in ADA ramps we are required to put in pavement markings for crossing.  For the sidewalk at Caldwell, it will be difficult to fit an ADA ramp on southwest corner with the two inlet pipes and box that brings everything together.   There is not enough room and elevation cannot work.  If you want an ADA ramp there, the only option is to shift it west, which will push stop sign back additional 20’.  Not sure that is something you want to do.  If you do not, it would require people to go up and around when crossing 8th Street, instead of having a straight crossing.  Kent stated, that is reason we considered the ramp at Clark Street.  Mayor Showalter asked, are we required to have one there?  Andrew stated, not when one does not currently exist.  On Cherry Street we are planning on redoing the hump and flattening out.  We are still going to play with center line to get crown to come down where need it.  Flow lines on each side match elevation.  I am working with Dustin on a photo metric plan for lighting.  Are you looking at industrial lighting like on Highway 24 for more decorative lighting, which is more costly?  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I would like to have bid options to look at cost and places we may need to scale back.  I would like options with sidewalks also.  Andrew asked, do you want sidewalks on both sides of 8th Street?  We have it planned that if there is no sidewalk or sidewalk up against the back of the curb, we will put sidewalk back six feet wide.  For a stretch to Cherry Street there is no sidewalk and we will put in 6’wide.  If the sidewalk currently is off the roadway we are going back with 5’sidewalk.  Between Clark and Broadway there is existing stretch of sidewalk that is broken up that we will put back at 5’.  Still need to determine if want sidewalks on one or both sides.  Based on what you do, Kent brought up that you may want a pedestrian light on the back side of light poles to direct light away from houses.  How far west do you want sidewalk to go?  There are not a lot of sidewalks on south side of 8th Street.  The only place we do not currently show sidewalk is in front of county shop.  Mayor Showalter asked, curious what sidewalks will cost.  If it is a significant savings, we need to look at that.  Andrew stated, we will have to come back with cost for both sides then cost for just one side.  Mayor Showalter stated, if have options for sidewalk on one or both sides and need to save money, we need to know difference.  Andrew stated, would the commission review information and let me know any concerns or thoughts you have on plans.  Neal has water line in front of county shop complete.   
  3. 2027 Budget: Staff Direction – Kent stated, the commission previously approved to publish a budget at 55.740 mills.  The commission asked for options to reduce the rate to get close to 2026 budget or 54.996 mills.  Staff put together three different options.  It is important to note that in order to get to published rate of 55.740, staff had to cut budget $198,000.  To meet 2026 mill it requires an additional $32,000 in cuts.  We had a commissioner present some suggestions for items to cut from budget; however, some items were from utility funds and do not affect the mill rate.  Additional items cut from budget with all three options are outlined in packet.  Option 1 is a rate of 54.966 mills decreasing Ad Valorem Tax $34,000.  Remember final valuation is set later this year.  Option 2 is 54.915 mills decreasing $36,225.  This one included multiple reserve transfers.  As I indicated, there were additional recommendations to reduce reserve transfers for items in utility funds, which can occur, but does not affect property tax.  I know Library made a good presentation, but they were asking for a total increase of $27,000 so option one and two reduce Library $4,000 to keep increase closer to $20,000 level.  Option 3 is 54.966 mills for $34,000.  You can also recommend a combination of the options.  I have shown the mill levy formula for residential property and the effect with each option and RNR, based on the appraised value of your property.  Keep in mind this is information pertaining only to city portion of taxes compared to the 2026 budget.  We have discussed the revenue neutral rate for overall city valuation to express mills and receive same dollar amount.  It is based on your property valuation.  RNR information is included only for comparison.   The same information is provided for commercial property which is more because it is assessed at higher rate than residential property.  We need direction from commission to prepare information for hearing and to approve budget on September 8th.  Mayor Showalter stated, I appreciate the work of staff to reduce the tax burden.  I am more comfortable with option 1 and my next option would be 3.  Consensus of commission is in agreement with Mayor Showalter with option 1.  Kent stated, remember the published rate is the maximum amount allowed for commission approval, but can approve anything less than published rate.  There will be two hearings required with two actions.  You need to approve to levy a property tax rate exceeding the RNR, then approve the budget.  Mayor Showalter stated, it is hard for some to understand we are still cutting taxes when do not meet RNR.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo and Police Monthly Activity Report are in the packet.  2. Kenton stated, the chip seal project will be August 19th and 20th, weather permitting.  We sent information to the paper but information was not in paper.  It has been advertised on the radio.  We will be handing out pamphlet to inform citizens along routes Tuesday and Wednesday.  Kenton went over the map of streets scheduled for each day.  Chip seal does not require street closure for extended period of time, but fog seal requires drying.  It will be completed in September.  3.  Zach stated, property at 806 W. 15th had roof collapse on the garage.  Owner is working with Mike Yarger to fix at this time.  On West 16th Street there is another garage leaning which will be on agenda next meeting.  Property at 1710 Syracuse has a building that was an original house in Goodland and has become a nuisance that will be on agenda next meeting.    4.  Dustin stated, last week we had a couple outages.  The first was on Main Street where we had to shut off the entire block to change two transformers out on a three-phase bank.  Later that day the fifth street sub-station center phase went out.  We had to refuse it on the load side of the transformer.   This is also a sub-station that we have had some gaskets replaced on the transformer.  Several years ago, we started a reserve to replace the six sub-station transformers around town.  This is one of the six.  The cost is about $15,000 to replace three gaskets.  The new sub that we bought earlier this year was $110,000.  We have replaced gaskets in two of those sub-stations in last year.  They are costly to replace, with labor the majority of the cost.  We have six remote subs we are going to change out.  As soon as this one is delivered, we will change out the worst DGA oil sampled tested transformer, send that carcass back in to have it rebuilt and keep cycle going.  Hopefully the cost for next transformer will be less since we have the carcass.  With cooler weather we are hoping outages decrease.  We reached 12.6 megawatts last week which is big load.  I hope with cooler weather it will decrease.  Mayor Showalter asked, how does that compare to some of our higher days in history?  Dustin stated, for commercial our numbers are down with some businesses being down but residential use is up.  We have fewer numbers but our peak stays steady.  People are plugging a lot more stuff in.  Mayor Showalter stated, we appreciate your work out in the heat.   5.  We continue addressing items on curing letter with EDA grant.  They requested 22 items.  One item will require work at a small cost for the National Historic Preservation Act required for all federal funds dispersed in this manner.  I reached out and estimate is $3,000 to $4,000 additional cost for review. Once award is complete, one item in letter requires an RFQ or RFB process for design and build engineering on project. We have been using KMEA Mid States who has done a number of these jobs across the state but grant will require them to go through the process like all engineers.  6.  SCCD is working with Cameron Cross to inspect big easel.  A crane will be required for inspection so it will be on the property.  He plans to be here August 31st through September 1st.  Cameron is the original artist.  He was here in 2012 to repaint easel and is coming back to inspect repairs need to complete next year.  He will provide a report and estimate of repairs needed done.  7. Transmission in van used for transportation services went out again.  We are working with Hays for a temporary vehicle to use while our van is being repaired.  We are hoping to be operating Wednesday but services will not be provided until get temporary vehicle.  8.   The League was planning to host a Summit Wednesday in Colby, but with attendance it will now be by zoom.  After the League conference in October, they will host a summit for western third of the state to find ways to boost numbers from western part of state.  9.  Neal stated, we put a new meter in well 12 and hooked it up to system to read gallons pumped.  We noticed gallons fell off pretty quickly.  I had Western Sprinkler from Colby look at it and it was pumping itself dry.  We slowed it down to almost in half.  Then I increased it a little and will try to keep increasing to get as many gallons out of it as I can.  Western Sprinkler indicated there have been a number of wells in western Kansas that have done same thing because of water usage.  He indicated in fall we should be able to go back to volume we started at.  It was caused by us pumping it so hard through the summer.  On well 9 we are within 10 million gallons from exceeding well rights.  I reduced usage, but continue with minimal use to give Well 11 a break since it is about 30 million gallons from its well rights.  As much as well 11 pumps we could get close to over pumping it also.  We are watching conditions for all three of these wells.  Kent stated, we have rights to pump 700 million gallons for the year.  We usually end up around 400 million gallons pumped.  We are also limited by rights assigned each well and required to stay within those limits.  Our system gets tasked, especially when a well goes down.  Neal stated, we start monitoring usage in August to get to end of year.   10.  Next meeting is September 8th due to Labor Day Holiday.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  We had a decent turnout for BBQ and concert in the park.

Commissioner Cloyd – 1. Absent, No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  School is starting up, watch out for children as they go back. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026. 

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ATTEST:                                                                               Jason Showalter, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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