GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

April 3, 2017                                                                                                                    5:00 P.M.

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

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, Barb Bedore – Pool Manager, Shauna Johnson – Utility Billing Clerk, Erin Floyd – Junior Ambassador,  Mary Volk – City Clerk, and Andrew Finzen – City Manager.

Mayor Linin led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

1. 1008 Main – Mayor Linin opened public hearing at 5:02 p.m. Commission spoke with property owner, Anthony Zaghab via telephone to discuss property.  Anthony stated, I plan to make repairs to property this summer, and then open real estate business at end of summer while living upstairs.  I have not been able to address previously because of my son’s health issues.  Our residence will be upstairs.  Mayor Linin asked, when do you plan to move to Goodland?  Anthony stated, I am not sure because of my son’s health.  The children get out of school June 1 and my target is to have repairs complete by August 31.  Mayor Linin asked, what are your plans for repairs?  Anthony stated, I would start with the roof, and then work on electrical and plumbing for office.  Mayor Linin asked, where would you live while repairing property?  Anthony stated, I would drive back and forth.  I am looking for a roofing contractor.  Commissioner Garcia stated, there is external damage with windows; are you replacing them before you work inside.  Anthony stated, yes we will replace them.  I have done a little work on front of building but difficult to match tiles.  I have purchased the windows just waiting to put them in.  Mayor Linin asked, did the neighbor’s experience water damage from the roof?  Alex stated, no but they are concerned about water damage when they could hear water running.  Mayor Linin stated, my concern is if the integrity of your property is in question, it could affect neighbor’s property.  Anthony stated, my focus is roof first so it does not affect anyone else.  Mayor Linin asked, do you have an estimate for cost of repairs?  Anthony stated, not at this time.  Alex stated, this property was on unfit structure list once before and they patched roof then were going to make remaining repairs and open a business.  Anthony stated, that is correct but my son developed health issues so unable to proceed.  Commissioner Mai asked, please keep in contact with Alex, especially the first week in June to ensure working on property. Mayor Linin stated, I do not feel we can ignore property until June.  Anthony stated, the issue is the rain and that it is tough to get someone to look at property.  Mayor Linin stated, other than two recent storms it has been dry since Christmas.  Anthony stated, it has been difficult with children in school.  Mayor Linin stated, if we do not see some fast pace work this summer, I feel City will step in and repair then bill owner.  Can you get contractor bids for next meeting so we see progress?  Alex stated, I recommend Commission allow thirty days as you have done in past.  Mayor Linin closed hearing at 5:20 p.m.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to grant property owner at 1008 Main thirty days to show progress repairing property seconded by Commissioner Mai.  Mayor Linin stated, it is important for you to stay in communication with Alex to keep City updated.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
2. 104 College – Mayor Linin opened hearing at 5:21 p.m. Alex stated, property owners came to town to work on property during spring break.  They plan to keep garage and remove trailer house but were unable to with weather.  They have done a lot of work to property and been in contact with me almost daily of progress.  I would recommend a granting a thirty-day extension to property owners to remove trailer.  Mayor Linin closed hearing at 5:25 p.m.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to grant property owner at 104 College thirty days to remove trailer from property seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
3. 602 Clark – Mayor Linin opened hearing at 5:26 p.m. Andrew stated, last contact with owner was March 29.  They were removing burnt siding to replace plywood.  Photo’s today show the house has been wrapped.  Alex stated, they plan to hire a contractor to put on siding.  Mayor Linin asked, is there concern about structure where the roof has burned?  Alex stated, Brian James, Fire Chief indicated that is cosmetic damage. Mayor Linin closed hearing at 5:30 p.m.     ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to grant property owner at 602 Clark thirty days to continue repairs on property seconded by Commissioner Farris.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
4. 1619 Kansas – Mayor Linin opened hearing at 5:31 p.m. Andrew stated, it has been difficult meeting with property owner.  Thonna Thompson, interested party stated, I am trying to locate owner to get Power of Attorney.  Brian Rippe has offered a construction trailer to remove debris.  Arrangements have been made for the two vehicles to be removed by next week.  I am not the owner but have an interest in property and would like thirty days to finish debris removal and make repairs to property.  I have plans in place for repairs.  We are cleaning up adjoining property at 1623 Kansas.  Andrew stated, my concern is we have someone that wants to beautify property but we have no evidence they have permission from owner and we have had no contact with owner.  David Roeder stated, I have been friends with the owner for number of years and have been working with him to buy property.  The owner will be in contact with me soon for next payment.  Commissioner Farris asked, is there water damage since roof has been off property?  Thonna stated, we shingled roof a couple years ago and replaced damaged wood.  The original house structure is sound.  Commissioner Mai asked, since you do not own home, are you licensed contractor with City?  Thonna stated, we have a contractor from Colby that is licensed.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I feel we should grant thirty days to property owner because of progress being made, if we do not continue to see progress, liability is on these individuals for what they have put into property.  Mayor Linin closed hearing at 5:45 p.m.     ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to grant property owner at 1619 Kansas thirty days to continue repairs on property seconded by Commissioner Farris.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
5. 1529 Broadway – Mayor Linin opened hearing at 5:46 p.m. Andrew stated, we have had no contact with owner.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I believe she has been deceased for some time. Alex stated, that may be but the property is titled in her name.  Commissioner Farris stated, the property taxes are not paid.  Commissioner Garcia stated, the property is in very bad shape.  Alex stated, the property has been boarded up for some time.  The City mowed property the last three years, which are not paid either.  Mayor Linin closed hearing at 5:49 p.m.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to prepare specifications to request demolition bids for property at 1529 Broadway seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.
6. 811 E. Hwy 24 – Mayor Linin opened hearing at 5:50 p.m.  Andrew stated, this is the old motel on Highway 24.  We have had no communication from owner, property is not improved and has liens.  Alex stated, contact has been made to all interested parties; we received one call from Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio requesting only the physical address to look up property.  Commissioner Garcia stated, looking at condition of property, no one will make an investment on property.  Commissioner Mai stated, we have to consider remaining budget available to demolish property.  Andrew stated, this property would take all the budget.  Alex stated, something has to be done it is in bad shape.  All lien holders are notified of our request.  Mayor Linin asked, do we know current mortgage on property?  Commissioner Mai stated, I do not feel the entire structure needs demolished.  I have had people look at property, saying some of the structure is sound.  Rich sated, I do not want to disagree, but that structure is in terrible shape and needs to be demolished.  Mayor Linin closed hearing at 6:00 p.m.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to prepare specifications to request demolition bids for property at 811 E. Hwy 24 seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CONSENT AGENDA

1. 03/20/17 Commission Meeting Minutes
2. Appropriation Ordinances, 2017-07, 2017-07A, and 2017-P07

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

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

BOARDS & COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

1. Cemetery Board – Jackie Elliott – Andrew stated, I recommend the reappointment of Jackie Elliott for a three-year term to the Cemetery Board. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to approve the reappointment of Jackie Elliott for a three-year term to the Cemetery Board seconded by Commissioner Farris.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

FORMAL ACTIONS

1. Pool Cover – Andrew stated, in past City served as conduit for organizations that are not 501 C3 to apply for grants through the Sherman County Community Foundation. Recently the Swim Club applied for a pool cover to retain heat in pool.  The cost of cover is approximately $5,000 which is the grant amount applied for through the foundation.  The Foundation awarded $2,500, requesting the City match amount.  We have the same situation with another individual recently that applied for a grant; the Foundation just funded the project at a lower amount.  I have met with Swim Club for ideas for remaining cost.  Timing is issue at this point for swim season.  Shannon Cure, Swim Club President stated, City put energy efficient heaters in which is good, but they do not work with May weather.  The heaters kick off when temperature reaches forty degrees so you heat pool all day then heaters shut off at night.  Members have to go out of town to get practices in before first meet.  Information for cover says it will increase temperature of pool fifteen to eighteen degrees.  The idea is to put cover on immediately when pool is full.  It covers the main area of pool but not recessed area.  Last year we received a grant for the building to store cover in off-season.  Reading customer reviews on cover, it helps retain chemicals as well.  The Foundation feels it is win-win for both City and Swim Club and want to see more communities partnering with grant money.  This should allow the Club to get in pool earlier plus should help with lifeguard certification.  Barb stated, the lifeguards have to go to Burlington for certification to fit instructor schedule.  Mayor Linin asked, do you feel there will be a savings?  Andrew stated, that is hard to say at this point.  Commissioner Garcia asked, when did we put heaters in at pool?  Rich stated, about ten years ago and are in process of replacing this year because of hailstorm.  I am not in favor of cover because of liability and chance of someone being caught under the cover.  The pool was not built to have a cover.  The boiler was installed when pool was built for heat, which was not feasible so bought heaters.  There has to be sunshine for a cover to heat pool.  Shannon stated, the cover has six pieces and does not adhere to sides of pool so will not have potential of someone being trapped under it.  Andrew stated, I understand cover will come on and off until get pool heated.  Half of the expense is the reels to house covers.  Commissioner Garcia stated, where the Foundation is paying half the match is minimal.  Shannon stated, the biggest challenge was to house cover but we have building now.  My concern with cover we previously looked at was it was one piece and would be more of a liability to the City.  Mayor Linin asked Shannon to inform the Commission about Swim Club.  Shannon stated, the team has been top of league for last several years.  We do not have high numbers but get winning results with few numbers.  Our meet brings many people into town for the hotels and restaurants.  Other communities do not use energy efficient heaters so they get in their pool sooner.  We do not like taking members to another community for practice because they are spending money in their community.  We looked at other options but felt this was best option.  Commissioner Garcia asked, how soon would you get cover in?  Shannon stated, it appears that it will ship right away so we hope to have on pool when filled to start warming.  Mayor Linin asked, when will painting project be done?  Rich stated, I am anticipating mid-May.  Commissioner Mai asked, are we installing the same type of heaters.  Rich stated, yes they are the same heaters.  Commissioner Garcia stated, it is a minimal investment and they have done their research.  Commissioner Mai asked, where would you propose the City pay matching amount from?  Andrew stated, we have $50,000 for pool improvements between CIRF and MERF, of which $40,000 is allocated for painting pool but have additional repairs that need to be made.  The City’s share would be approximately $2,700.  Barb asked, how many people does it take to put covers on and remove them?  Shannon stated, I believe only a couple as it is done with reels like the ropes.  The cover is in pieces, which lay out and do not adhere to side of pool.  Andrew stated, going forward I have concerns with organizations using the City as a conduit to apply for the grant.  This puts budget constraints on the City and I feel we will have to pick grant winners and losers.  I do not feel City would want to be in that position.  We are looking at options, like having people apply through the Chamber of Commerce instead of City.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I see what you are saying but the City owns the pool.  Andrew stated, I think we need a policy going forward.  Commissioner Garcia stated, during budget we have to evaluate the process as the organizations are putting money into the community and if it improves the livelihood and aesthetics, we need to show support.  It is wonderful that the Foundation approves all these grants.  During budget, we need to evaluate the process as the Dane Hansen Foundation puts money into the community.  We need to consider budgeting $50,000 to $75,000 to match these grants.  I feel it is a minimal expense.  Andrew stated, the final cost estimate on the pool cover is $5,144.27, so if the grant is $2,500, City share will be approximately $2,700.   ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia for the City to contribute approximately $2,700 toward the purchase of the pool cover by the Swim Club seconded by Commissioner Mai.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 3-1 with Commissioner Farris casting the dissenting vote.
2. Bid Award: Riding Lawn Mower – Andrew stated, City requested bids for zero turn mower.  I recommend the John Deere mower at $15,561.77, which is only mower that meets minimum specifications.  Other mower bids were lower but did not meet specifications.  Mayor Linin asked, how much life do we get out of mowers with these specifications? Rich stated, a similar 2006 model has had minimal repairs; however, the 2007 Hustlers are being scrapped.  These mowers are more durable.  Andrew stated, some of the mowers bid are for residential use.  These mowers will get many hours.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Mai to approve the purchase the John Deere mower for $15,561.77 seconded by Commissioner Farris.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 4-0.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

CORRESPONDENCE

1. City Managers Report- 1. I am finalizing date for NRP meeting.  We are looking at April 10^th or 20^th at 8:00 a.m. but still trying to get commitments.  Mayor Linin stated, I would like to have it sooner.  It is difficult to get a quorum from all three entities.  Consensus of Commission is to schedule the meeting at 7:00 a.m. on April 10 with alternative date of April 20.  2. They are planning to start Main Street brick project April 17.    Pre-construction meeting for Phase II of water project is Thursday.  4. Kansas Department of Wildlife has scheduled an informational meeting for the purchase of the Smokey Garden Wildlife area at the Public Library April 6 at 7:00 p.m.  5.  Junior Commission is still looking for location for their project.  They are also taking applications this month to replace the seniors at the end of school.  6.  Dustin informed the Commission that Mike Abbey is retiring April 14 after thirty-one years of service.  He has requested no celebration on his last day.

MAYOR AND COMMISSION REPORTS

1. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Mai – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Farris – 1.  No Report

Vice-Mayor Fairbanks – 1.  Absent, No Report

Commissioner Garcia – 1.  Thank City crews for their work, parks look good.  2.  Andrew is doing a good job.

1. Mayors Report – No Report

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Garcia seconded by Commissioner Mai.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk