Goodland commission approves two rezones, okays $97,000 sewer rehab and sets hearing on unfit house

The Goodland City Commission voted to approve two rezoning requests, authorized a $97,000 sewer-main rehabilitation contract and scheduled a public hearing on an unfit structure at 520 West 16th.

The commission approved ordinance 18-04 to rezone 603 and 605 Clark Avenue from commercial (C1) to multi-family (R2), a change the planning commission recommended to allow construction of two duplexes and to provide a buffer between commercial and single-family zones. Commissioner Howard moved for approval and Commissioner Redland seconded; roll-call votes recorded affirmative responses from Commissioners Myers, Redland, Howard, Artzer and Showalter, and the ordinance carried.

The commission also approved ordinance 18-05 to rezone 1612 Montana Avenue from single-family (R1) to commercial (C1). Commissioner Howard excused himself from the discussion and recused from the vote because he identified himself as the property owner; Commissioner Redland moved and Commissioner Myers seconded approval. Mary (the clerk) called the roll; the vote passed with the remaining commissioners voting in favor.

On infrastructure, the commission approved a prioritized contract for sewer-main rehabilitation work totaling $97,000. Staff said roughly nine or ten priority locations were identified from recent camera inspections and that fixes include point repairs (PRP), replacement of old-style flush pits, and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. Staff reported $80,000 is currently in the capital improvement reserve and they plan to budget an additional $40,000 next year, bringing the available balance to about $120,000 by 2026. Commissioners debated whether to remove a $20,000 CIPP item between 8th and 10th Streets but ultimately approved the full package to secure the vendor’s schedule; payment will be made when work is completed next year.

The commission set a public hearing under resolution 25-30 for the property at 520 West 16th after staff presented photos and a condition report showing extensive structural damage. Staff identified the owner of record as Benjamin Welch and noted a contact person, Omar Alvarez, has expressed intent to pull permits for repairs. Staff described failing porch supports, foundation settlement with a 15-foot section of wall partially collapsed, rotten framing on the north side, and that the building has been gutted to the studs in places. Staff said the property is valued at roughly $1,500 and that local demolition policy requires demolition when repairs would exceed 50% of the property’s value; staff estimated necessary repairs would likely exceed that threshold. The commission set the hearing and Mary called roll; affirmative votes carried.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes and appropriation ordinances 2025-21, 2025-21A, 2025-P21): approved (roll call recorded Yes by Howard, Myers, Redland, Artzer, Showalter). - Ordinance 18-04 (603 & 605 Clark Ave rezoning C1→R2): approved. - Ordinance 18-05 (1612 Montana Ave rezoning R1→C1): approved; Commissioner Howard recused himself from participation and the vote. - Resolution 25-30 (set public hearing for unfit structure at 520 West 16th): approved. - Sewer-main rehabilitation contract/proposal: approved, $97,000.

Next steps: the sewer work is scheduled for next fall; payment will be processed upon completion. A public hearing date for 520 West 16th was set as part of resolution 25-30; staff told the commission the owner has 180 days under a staged compliance schedule to complete agreed repairs or the matter will return to the commission for further action, including potential demolition under local code.

(Reporting based on the City Commission meeting transcript; vote tallies and roll-call names are quoted as recorded by the clerk.)