September 21, 2026 Commission Minutes

GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

September 21, 2026                                                                                                                   5:00 P.M.

Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard called the meeting to order with Commissioner Angie Cloyd, Commissioner Sandra Dumler and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call.  Mayor Jason Showalter was reported absent.

Also present were Jason Erhart –Chief of Police, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, 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.

Vice-Mayor Howard led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 09/08/26 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. Appropriation Ordinances: 2026-18, 2026-18A and 2026-P18

ON A MOTION by Commissioner Cloyd to approve Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Dumler.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. Bernadette Mills: Restoring Playas and Goodland’s Water – Bernadette stated, it has been six months since I presented information to commission so I want to provide an update with education on Tomorrow’s Water in community.  We are informing land owners how playas function, how to restore playas on their land, how they benefit their wells and how it recharges the aquifer.  It has been interesting to visit with land owners.  Some are trying to determine how much land to give up for a playa.  I have a meet and greet at book store from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. tomorrow for public.  I also will have a booth at Flatlander Festival.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it is good to see there is interest.  Bernadette stated, once information gets out to public, they understand what is involved.  Commission Cloyd stated, Flatlanders will be a great place to get information out.
  2. Jake Kling, City Attorney: Review of KOMA – Jake stated, I update commissioners annually or with a new commissioner on information for KOMA.  State Statute applies to the city commission as a municipality.  To constitute a meeting there is a three-prong test: any gathering or assembly in person or use of any other median for communication, a majority of the members of the public body and purpose is to discuss affairs of the city.  A meeting can include emails, texts, etc. with a majority of governing body, you do not have to be in the same location.   A majority of your commission is three.  In communication, if one hits reply all, it triggers a meeting.  Then if someone gives their thoughts on an issue, it is a meeting because discussing affairs of the city.  The business of the city has to take place in the public.  A majority of a quorum does not create a meeting unless one of the two discuss opinions with a third member.  One place to be aware is after a meeting is closed and a majority of the commission stands around discussing information from meeting.  You can talk to each other, just be cautious what you are discussing.  It does not have to be a binding issue.  KOMA does not require notice of meetings, but notice must be within a reasonable amount of time.  Statute does not allow you to have a “runaway” meeting where the meeting is moved shortly before scheduled to have vote done before public is aware meeting has been moved.  Another issue that raises a red flag, is if a vote is taken quickly without discussion.  Meeting agendas are not required but if you have one, it can be amended even during the meeting.  If you have an agenda, you must make sure it is available to the public.  You are not required to have minutes and only require to document if you go into executive session, reason for session and for how long.  The idea is you have a meeting and are speaking to the public.  Executive sessions are topics when it is not in best interest of the group to have discussion in public. There are specific exceptions that allow executive sessions; a popular one being personnel matters.  Commission is the managing body so candidly go into executive session.  You must have justification, subject discussed and time to reconvene meeting.  If go over time stated, have to reset time clock.  When in executive session, that is private information that cannot to be discussed outside session.  If the discussion requires the commission to take action, you must come out of session to take action.  If you do not follow the rules, any member of the public or someone in the know can and should file a KOMA complaint with Attorney General or County Attorney.  The city will get an inquiry and required to submit information requested by complaint.  I caution you to keep your city email separate from private emails.  If a complaint is filed then everything is in the city email.  If determined a violation, you get a ding.  You are protected if acting as commissioner, but if you know the rules and violate them, you can be fined for each violation.  If you need to discuss an issue, bring information to Kent or Mary as a liaison. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 2026-20: KDOT Cost Share Grant Application for 8th Street – Kent stated, KDOT opened program on eligible transportation projects.  Andrew discussed filing an application, even though the local sales tax is available.  The city was awarded the grant on Caldwell project in 2022 and 2nd and 17th Street projects in 2020.  Staff is asking commission to consider submitting a cost share grant application to assist with portion of project costs for potential increases with economic adjustments.  Small amounts are being awarded and there will be many applications.  Commissioner Dumler stated, I feel we need to follow-up with application for assistance.  Consensus of commission is in agreement.  Kent stated, costs continue to increase, for example concrete increased $5.00 per yard last week.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 2026-20: KDOT Cost Share Grant Application for 8th Street seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Reappointment of John Topliff, Airport Board – Kent stated, John Topliff has served on the board since 2017 and is an active member.  He submitted an application for reappointment. Vice-Mayor Howard stated, I appreciate volunteers for our boards.  Commissioner Dumler asked, how many members are on board?  Kent stated, five-member board.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is there any other interest?  Kent stated, we have another reappointment but have not received application.  Both members understand the airport and are active members.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the reappointment of John Topliff to the Airport Board seconded by Commissioner Dumler.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0. 
  2. Amendment regarding automobile use: City Manager Employment Agreement – Kent stated, an amendment to my employment agreement was requested regarding automobile use.  The request is to include business and personal uses as allowed in agreement.  Jake proposed the amendment as requested in a formal document.  This includes what is stated in existing contract and additional line for employee to be responsible for gas for personal use.  Commissioner Redlin stated I feel it is important to supplement him for his work.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the amendment to the Employment Agreement with the City Manager on business and personal use of city vehicle seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION

  1. 8th Street Project follow-up – Andrew Brunner, EBH Engineer stated, there were a couple items requested by commission.  I placed the notice to residents on 8th Street that will be mailed out in near future at your seat.  Next you requested sidewalk costs in total and for one side.  Keep in mind, these are estimates since project has not been bid.  Between Kansas and Cherry Avenue, or east of Kansas Avenue, there are six blocks that contain some form of sidewalk on both sides.  West of Kansas Avenue there are none.  So almost all blocks on that side have sidewalk that needs to go back.  There are three block that only have that on one side.  The estimate between Cattletrail and Kansas Avenue for sidewalk on south side is $151,714.43.  The north side estimated cost is $102,349.13 from D’Lao Drive to Kansas Avenue.  The south side has additional sidewalk and entrances that will need to be constructed.  You asked which side to recommend.  If I had to recommend one side over the other, I would recommend the north side because it is more isolated. Total cost for both sides would be around $250,000 west of Kansas Avenue.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, I appreciate you sharing information that went into decision.   Commissioner Redlin stated, I feel we need sidewalk and it should be on north side.  Commissioner Dumler stated, I agree we need sidewalk and should be on north side.  Andrew stated, West School is in area and will need to be addressed in the future.  One of the new development areas is up there and there is a platted sub division which will cause a future need.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, is there concern there is not a crossing.  Andrew stated, something to consider in future as there is nowhere for pedestrian traffic to cross 8th Street in that area.  Those lots are a little more isolated.  Commissioner Redlin asked, is there something else we can do?  Andrew stated, there is a crossing at Gulick Park by Clark that is not a true pedestrian crossing.  You can activate it by a push button crossing with signage and I can recommend it is a crossing.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I am in favor to implement a crossing with project.  Andrew stated, we can implement it, but will need to determine where people will consider crossing 8th Street with future development.  Consensus of commission it to plan sidewalk in project on north side of 8th Street from Kansas Avenue and west both sides of 8th Street east of Kansas Avenue.  Andrew stated, there will only be one sidewalk on a side so people know.  Commissioner Dumler asked, we are only talking sidewalks, not light poles, right?  Andrew stated, my understanding is to bid industrial lights for project, similar to lights by VanGogh and have a bid alternate for decorative lighting if bids for project are reasonable.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, when will letters be sent?  Andrew stated, next week.  Kent stated, this is first communication on project, there will be more as construction progresses.
  2. Bicycles on Main Avenue – Kent stated, this came up last meeting with discussion that addressed all electric assisted modes of transportation.  Section 16-409 was brought up concerning restriction of such items on Main Avenue.  Item b was most at issue operating during business hours.  When Jason discussed ordinance, it was to address the electric bicycles.  Main Avenue has an ordinance restricting bicycles on sidewalks that has been in place since the 1990’s because business owners do not want people to ride on sidewalks for fear of hitting someone.  This ordinance was a topic of discussion for many months.  Jason stated, I have been thanked by business owners for restricting items because of close calls of people getting hit.  I am not hard pressed about the restriction on the street because it was an afterthought when the ordinance was being discussed.  The sidewalk restriction needs to stay in place.  Kent stated, ADA is a federal law so the city cannot alter it.  If there is a charge with ADA type devices it would come under ADA regulations, not city code.  Original ADA law was written in 1992 and has been modified numerous times since.  If it was written into our code, it would require code modification every time.  City code does not trump federal law.  The reason the restriction on Main Avenue was written in the ordinance was to help people seeing the electric bicycles.  Commissioner Cloyd stated, when this was first discussed, I understood it was hard to see them.  After hearing from the public, I understand they need to be careful and alert.  It is difficult to enforce with people out of town not knowing the laws.  My perspective is to remove that section.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, we just implemented ordinance a month ago.  I feel we need to see what happens or if it causes problems with law in place.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, if we keep ordinance, are there signs up?  Jason stated, it was just passed.  Kenton and I discussed putting them up, but not in place yet.  Commissioner Redlin stated, in hind sight, I feel the ordinance is overreach.  Commissioner Dumler stated, I agree with Vice-Mayor Howard and need to watch what happens through town.  We are looking out for the safety of our public.  We do not need to change it right now; the law was just put in place.  Jason stated, I spoke with Jake regarding reference to Main Street versus Avenue and it is not an issue.  Throughout the code and web sites, it is referenced as Main Street.  Jake stated, it is also clearly set out in definition sections of our code for streets.  Kent stated, it would be best to revisit ordinance in few months when weather turns to see what happens.  Jason stated, I agree with Curtis Penrod that it is confusing because you are allowed to cross Main Street during business hours, you just cannot ride down the street.  It is similar to golf carts with highways.  Consensus of commission is to revisit issue in November time frame.  Kent stated we should put up signs at both ends of Main Street. 
  3. Additional Renderings for Water Tower – Kent stated, there are a couple renderings for logo on water tower.  Logos for high school are the “G” and the Cowboy or just spell out Goodland.  For consideration, we need to keep in mind we could possibly the high school or college logo on power plant tower.  What is painted on tower will be there for 30 to 50 years.  If information changes, it remains on tower for a long time.  The city is more than just the high school or college and we need to consider what we portray to people travelling through.  City seal was $25,000 on one side.  The one tone Goodland is $5,000 and two tone is $8,000.  The “G” is $5,000, Goodland with dark bottom on tower is $8,000.  The Cowboy is $19,000- and two-tone Cowboy is $22,000.  Money is set aside for the tower project, but want logo to be pleasing to public.  Neal stated, current logo is 27 years old.  Tower should be painted every 25-30 years.  Commissioner Redlin asked, should we ask for public opinion?  Commissioner Dumler asked, the word Goodland is around $8,000, what if we have it two town and larger?  Kent stated, they are painting interior then the exterior to white at this time.  They will be back in spring to paint logo so we have time.  Jason stated, if you want public input, we can put together a survey with options available.

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is in the packet.  2. Commissioner Dumler requested a tour of city facilities.  I would like to invite everyone to join tour.  It is helpful information.  Commissioner Redlin stated, I will try to make whatever work.  I am available October 20th for tour.  3.  League of Kansas Municipalities Conference is October 8th through 10th.  It is available to commission if want signed up.  4.  At my last KMIT board meeting I visited with Conner Hampton.  They are still interested in moving ahead with project in Goodland.  They are working on agreements or entitlements with PEC to move forward. 
  2. City Commissioners

Commissioner Dumler – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Cloyd – 1.  Thank you to employees for night golf tournament for police drone.  It was very well organized and a lot of fun.

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  In our discussions bike racks were brought up for side streets, should we pursue this?  Commissioner Cloyd asked, can they be put anywhere?  Kent stated, we would be working with business owner.  Commissioner Cloyd asked, does the city or business owner take responsibility for them in front of their business?  Kent stated, many times other communities install and maintain them.  Biggest concern is whether anyone wants to give up parking space in front of their business for a bike rack.   

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Echo Commissioner Cloyd on the night golf, it was fun.  May be such an event we can do annually.   2.  Car show is this weekend everyone be safe and have fun.

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Commissioner Redlin seconded by Commissioner Cloyd.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE; meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2026.

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ATTEST:                                                                                J J Howard, Vice-Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk

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