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Goodland City Commission approves 60‑day repair window for 404 Harrison, hires federal grant consultant and OKs event‑permit ordinance
Summary
At its regular meeting, the Goodland City Commission approved a 60‑day compliance period for an unfit property at 404 Harrison, approved a 90‑day contract with Merchant McIntyre Associates for federal funding work, signed off on industrial‑park construction payments and moved to allow temporary street alcohol permits with a later change to the application deadline.
The Goodland City Commission on July 21 approved a series of measures including a 60‑day compliance period for an identified unfit structure, a short‑term contract for outside federal‑funding assistance and a temporary community‑event permit that would allow licensed holders to sell alcohol in defined street areas.
The actions matter because they combine immediate property‑maintenance enforcement, a new spending decision to pursue large federal grants and a change in how the city will manage downtown events. The Merchant McIntyre contract, in particular, authorizes $10,000 per month for an initial 90‑day period to develop competitive federal grant applications and pursue congressional and EDA funding opportunities that staff said could cover a substantial share of a proposed electrical‑infrastructure project.
At a public hearing on 404 Harrison, Deborah Bennett described difficulty finding rental housing and told the commission she and her husband are waiting for Social Security paperwork; Bennett said she was previously scammed for $91,000 while attempting a home purchase. Building official Zach Hildebrand told commissioners the property had been sold to a resident who intends to remediate it and recommended extending the normal 30‑day compliance period to 60 days to allow the new owner time to act. Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 2025‑20 granting 60 days for remediation.
On the federal funding proposal, staff said Merchant McIntyre Associates has documented experience securing congressionally directed spending and other federal awards and that initial contacts with an Economic Development Administration (EDA) representative were encouraging. The contract covers three months at $10,000 per month; commissioners approved the 90‑day authorization and reserved the option to terminate if deliverables or return on investment are insufficient.
The commission also approved Change Order No. 1 (roughly $18,000) and the final pay estimate for the Industrial Park Southwest Drainage Basin after staff reported work finished smoothly. During discussion of a charter ordinance to exempt a specific H Street project from the statutory 30% debt limit, staff explained the exemption would be narrowly applied to the project and subject to a 10% protest‑petition threshold that would trigger a public vote.
The meeting included extended debate over Ordinance 18‑O‑2, a temporary community‑event permit drafted by Police Chief Jason Harrod (listed in the packet) to allow confined “beer‑garden” operations along streets, alleys and sidewalks (parks are excluded). Staff outlined requirements: a detailed map, a security plan to control entry/exit points, distinct cups or wristbands, signage marking the alcohol boundary and insurance minimums. Commissioners agreed to approve the ordinance at this meeting but instructed staff to return with an amendment changing the application submission deadline from 30 days to 60 days prior to events.
The commission heard routine reports about public‑works projects, including recent chip‑and‑seal work and plans for a fog seal, and staff previewed an award ceremony planned for Aug. 23 honoring first responders who assisted in a major March pile‑up. The meeting adjourned after the commissioners’ reports.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025‑20 (404 Harrison unfit structure) — approved (motion by Mayor/Chair; roll‑call yes votes recorded). Charter Ordinance 24 (debt‑limit exemption for H Street project) — adopted on motion and roll call. Merchant McIntyre Associates 90‑day contract ($10,000/month) — approved (motion by Commissioner Redland; second by Commissioner Myers; roll call yes). Industrial Park Change Order No. 1 (~$18,000) — approved. Industrial Park Pay Estimate No. 1 (final) — approved. Ordinance 18‑O‑2 (temporary community event permit) — approved with instruction to amend the application deadline to 60 days prior.
The commission expects to consider the proposed amendment to the temporary event ordinance and additional implementation details at a subsequent meeting.
