GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

May 16, 2016                                                                                                                               5:00 P.M.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian Linin with Vice-Mayor Annette Fairbanks, Commissioner Gary Farris, Commissioner Gwen Mai and Commissioner John Garcia responding to roll call. 

Also present were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works, Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Joni Showalter-Police Chief, Suzanne McClure – Economic Development Director, Alex Weis – Code Enforcement, Mary Volk – City Clerk, and Gerry Bieker – City Manager. 

Mayor Linin led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Naomi Tew stated, I would like to request the Commission consider a change in City Ordinance allowing backyard chickens in City limits.  I would like chickens allowed because the eggs are more nutritious and healthy than store bought eggs because you can monitor hormones and antibiotics given to chickens. It would give my children the responsibility of taking care of them.  Chickens provide good garden fertilizer and make good 4-H projects.  I am not suggesting roosters, only hens so there is not a big noise concern.  Odor would be a concern with the coup but there are things that can take care of that.  I live at 317 Sycamore.  Friday night I posted an online petition on Facebook for people to comment on.  The post had fifty-eight likes and about sixty-seven signatures on petition.  Mayor Linin asked, did you have negative comments on post?  Naomi stated, I have not, reason for post was to determine whether citizens were in favor of chickens.  I called St. Francis City Clerk; they allow chickens and have not had problems.  Other City’s that allow chickens are Atwood, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.  I have a copies of sample ordinances.  Mayor Linin asked, what does our ordinance state?  Gerry stated, that any foul is forbidden in City limits.  Mayor Linin asked, have you talked to your neighbor’s?  Naomi stated, I have not.  Gerry stated, I talked to an individual today that is not in favor of having chickens; they are willing to be at meeting if discuss an ordinance change.  Gwen stated, I spoke with some citizens.  Chickens have benefits but there are concerns with odor and coups getting out of control.  They also had concern of chickens getting out.  Naomi stated, there are a variety of options in sample ordinance like limiting chickens and require enclosed structure. Mayor Linin stated, I would like to review information provided and discuss at next meeting.  Gerry stated, Staff will research to see if other communities have issues.  Mayor Linin stated, I like the permitting process.  Gerry asked, does Commission want information or sample ordinance at next meeting?  Consensus of Commission is to discuss information at next meeting.

PROCLAMATION

1. Run for the Wall – Mayor Linin proclaimed May 21^st as Run for the Wall Day in City of Goodland.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 05/02/16 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. Appropriation Ordinances, 2016-10, 2016-10A, and 2016-P10

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

ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 1477: Authorizing Improvements to the City Public Water Supply – Waterline Improvements Phase II – Gerry stated, the resolution is the first step for bonds on phase II of water project.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Resolution 1477: Authorizing Improvements to the City Public Water Supply – Waterline Improvements Phase II seconded by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
2. Resolution 1478: Authorizing Sale of Bonds for Waterline Improvements Phase I & II – Gerry stated, this resolution authorizes the sale of bonds up to $3,800,000. The bond series includes Phase I temporary financing and Phase II project for a projected total amount of $3,650,000.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve Resolution 1478: Authorizing Sale of Bonds for Waterline Improvements Phase I & II seconded by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

1. Unfit Structure – 408 W. 6^th – Gerry stated, property owner is present requesting time for additional improvements.  We are seeing slow improvements and feel should document specific improvement items to be complete.  Commissioner Mai asked, what has been completed since our last meeting?  Summer Sharon, property owner stated, we finished windows and painting on east side. We need to take front porch off, finish front and back, and finish windows, then start on roof.  Mayor Linin asked, if you could clean up the appearance of debris in yard, that would help.  What can you complete by next month?  Summer stated, the porch and start painting, then finish windows.  Summer stated, I feel we do better than some people that have been required to make improvements in past few months.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks stated, I would like you to meet with Alex and document attainable goals you intend to meet by next month.  Since we are going month to month I would like to see information documented.  Mayor Linin stated, I agree that you need to meet with Alex to set realistic goals.  Summer asked, does Commission agree to allow us to finish outside work, before we address inside of house?  No one sees inside.  Alex stated, there are some wiring issues that do not meet code.  Mayor Linin stated, from a safety standpoint the code violations inside are a priority.  The outside is a priority but safety issues come first.  I recommend you meet with Alex to document goals.  Consensus of Commission is for property owner to continue addressing safety issues, windows, front porch and clean up debris in yard.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks to give property owner at 408 W. 6^th until June 20^th Commission meeting to meet with Alex, document goals and make property improvements seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
2. Unfit Structure – 515 W. 9^th – Alex stated, I spoke with Mike Yarger, contractor for property owner, who indicated he has been held up with equipment problems and property owner not getting property out of house.  He has property out and Mike should start within next two weeks.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to give property owner at 515 W. 9^th until June 20^th Commission meeting to complete demolition of property seconded by Commissioner Farris. MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
3. Approval of Contract for Engineering Services Phase II Water System Improvements (EBH) – Gerry stated, last meeting we discussed this contract for Phase II of water project. EBH has started project design.  Commissioner Garcia asked, for clarification the contract is $85,000 for design and $65,000 for construction for a total contract amount of $150,000.  Gerry stated, that is correct.    ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Contract for Engineering Services Phase II Water System Improvements with EBH seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
4. Approval of Addendum to Agreement for Administrative Consulting Services of Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) – Gerry stated, the addendum to the Administrative Contract for the CDBG project requires additional administrative consultant fees because the Environmental Assessment was added. These costs are pass through since Goodland Housing Authority is responsible for all local monies.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve Addendum to Agreement for Administrative Consulting Services of CDBG funds seconded by Commissioner Farris.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.
5. Approval of Eagle Med/Trans Med Lease – Gerry stated, this is renewal of original lease with minor changes to extend lease.  Mayor Linin stated, this is a great service to the community, they are flying all the time and employ citizens from Goodland. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve Eagle Med/Trans Med Lease seconded by Vice-Mayor Fairbanks.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

CORRESPONDENCE

1. City Managers Report- 1. The City received dividend check from Eklund’s Insurance.  This will reduce our insurance premium to approximately $304,000.  I need to point out we are having some issues with automobile policy that we will need to address.  Hopefully we will have information to bring back to Commission by next meeting.  Mayor Linin asked, what did final cost from other company end up?  Gerry stated, they never gave a solid bid.  We have had a lot of interest so next year you may have several quotes.   2. Water project is moving along good; the contractor is doing a good job keeping area cleaned up.    We need to schedule a work session to discuss unfit structures and blight so everyone is on same page.  4. We have had complaints on properties at 1602 Main and 602 Clark.  Alex spoke to the County about property on Main; it will be included on next tax sale.  We have been in contact with one owner on Clark property.  It is caught up in a legal battle.  We are waiting on attorneys before we can proceed with property.  5.  Verizon has started putting tower up on west side of building.  6.  The Junior Commission is touring City facilities June 2^nd from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. if the Commission would like to join the group.  7.  I am interested in Commission feelings on Buxton Group presentation.  The County Commission thought it was good information but were unsure they would be able to utilize service to maximum benefit.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks stated, I thought it was good information and amazed we can get that kind of information. I would like to see how other entities in community can be involved to ease pain of cost.  It is a new concept for marketing but may want more information as to how they attain information and apply it to our situation.  Commissioner Mai stated, I was intrigued how it helps the whole community, not just the City, but also businesses.  I feel it would be a good asset.  I would like information on what their references got out of information they provided.  Mayor Linin stated, I agree but it is a lot of money up front.  I would like to make sure we can do the follow through.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I know what they are talking about and agree with Commissioner Fairbanks to see how other entities are on board to help ease cost.  Commissioner Farris stated, we need outside support; cannot leave cost up to City alone.  Suzanne stated, I feel it would be valuable to talk to other communities that have used them to see what they got out of the service.  Gerry stated, when we get reference information we will share it with Commission to get information to everyone.  Hopefully we can come up with ways to utilize information and have others to buy into program. County felt should have some private dollars involved to help with project.  It was good to have other entities at meeting.  We will get information together and get it to Commission.  8.  I am out of office next week.  9.  Alex is now a Certified Residential Building Inspector. 

MAYOR AND COMMISSION REPORTS

1. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Mai – 1.  I would like to have an informational meeting with all entities in town to keep communications open.  It was one of the top items on our list from our E-Commerce meeting.

Commissioner Farris – 1.  No Report 

Vice-Mayor Fairbanks – 1.  On blight work session are you coming up with dates and let us know?  Gerry stated, yes when I return from vacation.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks stated, I think it would be good for Commission to look at addresses around town and bring them to session.

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  No Report 

1. Mayors Report – I had a citizen talk to me about a meter placement on the water project.  After the last meeting I appreciated Gerry and Rich meeting with the citizen and myself to come up with a solution. 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Vice-Mayor Fairbanks seconded by Commissioner Mai.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk