Commission approves cemetery caretaker renewal, authorizes abatement at 517 Sherman and renews insurance; Goodland Store CMB license approved

The Goodland City Commission voted on a package of routine matters and directed staff to begin enforcement steps at a property found in violation of the city’s environmental code.

The commission renewed the contract for cemetery caretaker Joni Geyer with a resolution to continue her duties maintaining the cemetery’s appearance and seasonal tasks. Chair (speaker 1) moved the renewal and the commission approved it by roll call.

Earlier in the meeting, following a public hearing on a code violation at 517 Sherman, staff sought authority to begin abatement actions. Code-enforcement staff Zach told the commission he had worked with the property owner for about a year, said progress had stalled and that recent complaints documented trash blowing onto neighboring properties and tenants preparing to move out. Zach said the owner had received certified mail but had not engaged with staff. The commission approved a resolution authorizing abatement steps, which staff described as towing inoperable vehicles at the owner’s expense and removing debris and deteriorated accessory structures.

The commission also voted to renew the city’s property insurance under the quoted terms from EMC. An insurance representative, Jackie, told commissioners the overall premium rose about 1.1%, property limits increased roughly 4.3% to account for inflation and certain lines of liability have risen more substantially (she cited law-enforcement liability increases). Jackie said the city’s cyber liability premium in the quote was $15,839. After questions about loss-mitigation and prior claims, the commission approved renewal by roll call.

The commission approved a change-of-ownership malt-beverage license (CMB) for Goodland Store LLC for the location at 17th and Main (the former Cowboy Corner Express). Staff said inspections and background checks had been completed and confirmed the license covers off-premises malt beverages.

Separately, commissioners discussed a proposed airport terminal restaurant lease set at $400 per month with utilities included. Several commissioners asked staff to provide average historic utility bills so the commission can compare terms; Commissioner Howard moved to table the lease until the next meeting and the motion passed.

The meeting’s votes were conducted by roll call; motions and formal outcomes were recorded on the agenda as approved or tabled. No formal vote tallies by individual commissioner are reported beyond the roll-call confirmations recorded at the meeting.