February 6, 2023 Commission Minutes

February 6, 2023 Commission Minutes

February 6, 2023 Commission Minutes

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GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

February 6, 2023                                                                                                                   5:00 P.M.

Mayor Aaron Thompson called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor J. J. Howard, Commissioner Jason Showalter, Commissioner Ann Myers and Commissioner Brook Redlin responding to roll call. 

Also present were Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Frank Hayes – 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, Jeff Dinkel – Code Enforcement/Building Official, Mary Volk – City Clerk and Kent Brown – City Manager.

Mayor Thompson led Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENT

  1. Craig Lovelace: GRMC Update – Craig provided an update of year end revenues and expenses, with final numbers later in month.  2022 was another good year for the hospital.  COVID money was available for hospitals in 2021 and 2022 but there will not be any in 2023.  Craig stated, the national trend for turnover in healthcare is about 25%, GRMC is about 22% so we need to continue to work on turnover.  Salaries are a large expense for the hospital but have worked to maintain our employees.  We are rolling out the next step of our strategic plan.  As a reminder our emphasis is to invest in our core services, investing in our employees and taking care of our customers.

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. 01/17/23 Commission Meeting Minutes
  2. 01/23/23 Special Commission Work Session Minutes
  3. Appropriation Ordinances: 2023-03, 2023-03A, 2023-03B, 2023-P03 and 2023-P03A

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

PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

  1. SCCD Update: Executive Director Oharah & SCCD Board – Julica stated, we are excited for events this year.  Upcoming events are posted on our web site.  People were excited about events last year.  We moved Shindig on the Smokey to Saturday night, planning runway revelry at the airport, again along with a back to school bash in conjunction with one of our three concerts in the park.  Information for vendors is posted on our website.  In December 2022 we were awarded a rural prosperity grant in the amount of $49,200.  Funds will be used to improve a teen room at the library, project at Central School and the Main Street sound system.  Projects must be complete in 2023.  For the sound system we have parts, just waiting on wire.  Our plan is to have system in place by summer.  We worked with the City on the BASE Grant application and had Brenna Henry from the college assist in the application.  We are submitting MIH application again.  There are three rounds awarded in this grant, with focus on communities of 10,000 and less.  The State advised us with improvements to our application and we are also working on that with Brenna.  The project is to build a house on vacant lots.  Goodland received an award from the HEAL Grant, which is for the downtown district/ Main Street buildings.  Only one award is allowed in each county.  We are looking at other entities to partner with grants for the Welcome Center to get outside restrooms.  As far as SCCD, our first year was a learning year; this year focus is a baseline for available incentives.  We request the commission have a representative on the board to discuss incentives.  We also have representatives from the county and SCCD board to ensure incentives are fair across the board.  Commissioner Showalter asked, what Main Street building received the grant?  Julica stated, one of the old Caldwell buildings.  Mayor Thompson stated, I am excited about activities this year, it was fun last year.  You have a lot going on with the grants.  Julica stated, there is interest in doing a community BBQ again this year if City is interested in assisting.  I have provided Kent dates for concerts the Commission can review. 

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

  1. Resolution 1610: GAAP Waiver 2023 – Commissioner Redlin stated, I understand we are on cash basis, is there a reason we do not do accrual?  Mary stated, there are many associated costs where the costs do not benefit the City.  There is information in packet from audits of many cities our size that approve the waiver.  Kent stated, GASB 34 issued standards for municipalities to follow and it does not provide the benefit to the city.  We follow regulatory accounting; we simply work on cash basis not accrual.  Many cities our size follow this plan.  Commissioner Showalter asked, how long has the City been using waiver?  Mary stated, many years before I started at the City.  Commissioner Redlin stated, accrual basis tracks long term monies better.  Mayor Thompson stated, using accrual gives you a better estimate of accounting.  I do not feel it is a bad thing, but at same time it is costly to switch accounting basis.  I always consider it when this comes around.  It is a complicated concept but tough to get a good reason to approve waiver.  Kent stated, how do you depreciate city assets?  When depreciate to zero, we do not replace the street or equipment.  I do not understand the end result you are trying to communicate.  When we have a bond, attorneys look at our audits for anything that raises a red flag.  There have not been questions over the last number of years because our bond rating is good.  I hope this provides Commission a little more information.  Commissioner Showalter asked, does auditor make a recommendation.  Kent stated, they do not but will say it is more costly for the City.  ON A MOTION by Vice-Mayor Howard to approve Resolution 1610: 2023 GAAP Waiverseconded by Commissioner Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Resolution 1611: Designating Depositories – Mary stated, the City is required to designate depositories annually.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve Resolution 1611: Designating Depositories seconded by Commissioner Garcia.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  3. Resolution 1612: MIH Grant Application 2023 – Kent stated, Julica mentioned there will be multiple grant cycles for MIH grant.  Application is due by February 17th and as part of the application they requested a new resolution from the commission.  There are three vacant lots in application.  Julica stated, the State is working with every application to ensure a strong application to increase likelihood will receive funding or apply for funds again.  Kent stated, Julica received feedback that the State likes the focus of our application for lots where utilities are close to complete project, rather than a new development.  Mayor Thompson asked what will funds be used for with the grant?  Julica stated, the application isfor new construction on the vacant lots.  Hoping to use same process and build houses on vacant lots in future.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve Resolution 1612: MIH Grant Application 2023seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 

FORMAL ACTIONS

  1. Airport Hangar: Assignment of Lease Agreement – Kent stated, we received a request from Dave Faust d/b/a Hawkeye Spraying to assign hangar lease to Midwest Custom Ag Aviation, Inc. as they are taking over business.  As part of process, they need to assign hangar lease to them.  Airport board approved the assignment at board meeting and city attorney has been involved in process and reviewed assignment.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Redlin to approve the Assignment of Lease Agreement to Midwest Custom Ag Aviation, Inc. seconded by Commissioner Showalter.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Pipe Inspection Camera Purchase: Wastewater Department – Kent stated, wastewater department requested push camera system to insert in mains to determine problems.  Neal stated, we also use the camera in the water department to locate leaks.  Our current camera does not work and we need with upcoming project.  We recommend the camera from Key Equipment and Supply because of settings available to locate problems.  Kent stated, according to the purchase policy I can authorize the purchase but we want to inform commission of purchase.  Vice-Mayor Howard stated, it is good we can purchase equipment to make work easier for our crews.   

DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. Jonathon Collett: Reappointment to Airport Board – Kent stated, Jonathon Collett is the FBO at the airport and has submitted application for reappointment to the Airport Board.  It is important to have him on the board.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve reappointment of Jonathon Collett to the Airport Board seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  2. Marlene Whiteker: Reappointment to Cemetery Board – Kent stated, Marlene has served well on cemetery board and submitted application for reappointment.  The board recommends approval of her reappointment.  ON A MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve reappointment of Marlene Whiteker to the Cemetery Board seconded by Vice-Mayor Howard.  MOTION carried on a VOTE of 5-0. 
  3. Update on 106 N. Caldwell: Unfit Structure – Jeff stated, commission designated structure as unfit in January.  Paperwork for new owners has been filed and back taxes paid.  Kendal Cooper has purchased property and started improvements.  Mayor Thompson stated, I am glad to get someone improving property.
  4. Joint Meeting Request: County Commission – Kent stated, a tentative joint meeting date is March 23rd.  I would like to invite a member of the housing board to the meeting.  Does this date work for commission or do we need another date?  Mayor Thompson stated, I assume evening meeting?  Kent stated, yes it will be evening.  Consensus of commission to hold joint meeting March 23rd.  

REPORTS

  1. City Manager – 1.  Manager memo is included in your packet.  2. Fourth quarter financial statement and January month end fund balances are in your packet.  3.  Museum end of year numbers are in your packet.  Less visitors but more in donations and sales than previous years.  4. Commission is required to appoint voting delegates at the Kansas Rural Water Conference in March.  Don Henderson and Brandon Kenny are attending conference, staff recommend appoint Don as voting delegate for meeting.  Consensus of commission is to appoint Don as the voting delegate for the City at water conference.  5.  Dustin stated, KMEA 101 is offered to communities to get to know services of KMEA.  Russell, Garden City and Goodland would like to invite employees and commission to understand KMEA.  I feel it is a good idea to have commission attend with upcoming power negotiations.  Mayor Thompson asked, do we know the location?  Dustin stated, location is not finalized.  This is a chance to get someone out here, which is closer than Kansas City.  Mayor Thompson stated, it will be good for everyone to go and get an understanding of process.  Dustin stated, I will talk to KMEA and let them know we have considerable interest and set a date.  6.  Offices are closed February 20, 2023 in observance of Presidents holiday.  Next Commission meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2023.
  2. City Commissioners

Vice-Mayor Howard – 1.  Thank City crews for all they do, moving snow, keeping things from freezing, sidewalks cleared, electricity on and information to our citizens. 

Commissioner Showalter – 1.  Thank Neal for work to get bids together for camera. 

Commissioner Myers – 1.  No Report

Commissioner Redlin – 1.  Feel should circle back with cash and accrual accounting basis in future.  Mayor Thompson stated, maybe we need to get someone well versed to get a better understanding.     

  • Mayor Thompson– 1.  No Report

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION BY Vice-Mayor Howard seconded by Commissioner Redlin.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2023.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Aaron Thompson, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk