April 30, 2018

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh, Bert Lowery, Chay Howard, Kristi Cooper, Terry Mayhew, Travis Payne, Rosa Spainhour, Bob Wetmore, Donna McDonald, Jackie Robinson, Mindy Heinson, and Wade Reh attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/02.

After the prayer by Terry Mayhew, Ron opened the meeting. Bert moved to approve the consent with additions to the agenda and minutes as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Travis Payne came forward to give a few updates for R&B. He informed that he will be gone at a conference at the beginning of the next week and that he will not be at the next meeting. He also reported that the new mower is ready. Next, he informed them that some signs were vandalized this weekend around Haviland area, so he has filed report with S.O. and will be taking them down and put new ones up as needed. Payroll changes for S Kost (merit increase) and D Maas (merit increase) were presented for approval. John moved to approve the changes and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Noxious weed department was discussed next and he asked them to allow Bruce to go back to 45 hours a week for the season and after some discussion John moved to allow Bruce to go back to 45 hours a week and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Last he presented a payroll change for J West as the new foreman at the Solid Waste. After review of the payroll change John moved to approve the change and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Travis left the meeting.

John requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel to discuss employee relations to include Kristi and the County Commissioners at 9:20 and Bert seconded motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 9:30 with no action taken.

Bob Wetmore came with Great Plains Development to give an overview of program and presented information for the 2018 service updates for Kiowa county.

Break at 9:54

Bert left the meeting at 9:54.

Donna and Jackie from Banco came forward to discuss EMC renewal quotes for 2018-2019. Donna went over the changes and explained the increase due to multiple claims. The renewal premium will be $254,568 with a 2% increase. She also informed that the underwriter added an additional quote and explained that some of the properties are under insured and there would be an increase of $6100 to our premium which would get all the property where it needs to be insured for and the total premium would be $260,668. After some discussion Ron suggested to stay with the original quote due to potential budget restraints. John moved to approve EMC renewal quote for $254,568 and Ron seconded motion carried 2-0.

Travis Payne returned.

Travis Payne came forward to ask permission to allow the road foreman to take work vehicle home. Which would allow him to check the roads as needed. Ron is not against it, but John asks to table the discussion till next meeting and get Bert’s input.  Last he informed there was some Federal exchange funds left over from last year that he is applying for to go towards the cost of the Haviland blacktop project.

Kristi Cooper presented resolution 2018-7 for approval of the Rural Opportunity Zone program for 2018. She explained that this allows the applicants to receive employer matches. Ron moved to pass Resolution 2018-7 and John seconded, motion carries 2-0.

Wade and Mindy came forward to give quarterly reports for Extension Research. Explained current and upcoming extension activities. Ron asked if they have an idea of what there funding from the K-state will be this year and Wade explained that he doesn’t know exact figures, but they have been told there is a 5% cut in budget and could look at more cuts in the future.

Kristi Cooper presented Payroll changes for S Freeman (separation) and T Libby (new hire) for approval. After review of the payroll changes John moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

During Commissioner Discussion Kristi presented one bid for the sealing project at the Commons building from Pueblo Concrete for $4450. John moved to accept the only bid submitted and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Meeting adjourned at 11:26