Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

March 16, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram (absent), Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Chris Tedder, Andrea Taylor, Ray Stegman, Richard McVey, Jeff Blackburn and Hank Halley attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 03/02/20.

Prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn. Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the Board of Health (BOH) meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for the Health department which included; COVID-19 information, State formula grant increase, VFC audit totals, healthy habit preventions for March, Emergency Preparedness State wide drill canceled, health fair still scheduled for March 28th, payroll change C Stokes (probation merit) and grant applications for approval. Ron adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting to order. Kerri presented a payroll change C Stokes (probation merit) for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the payroll change and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Last she presented a grant signature page for approval. Bert moved to accept the grant applications and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; road maintenance on G St and 43rd, payroll change D Liggett (department change), chemical bids from Van Diest for $36,435.66 and Nutrien for $37,591.90, KDOT sign agreement for RR crossings, Kansas One Calls for several locations for culvers and ditch work. Ron moved to approve the payroll change for D Liggett to move him from R&B to Noxious Weed and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0. Next, Bert moved to approve the chemical bid from Van Diest Supply Company in the amount of $36,435.66 and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Lastly, Ron moved to approve the agreement with KDOT for signal at RR crossing at 59th Ave and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Break called till 9:45.

Hank Halley came to request an easement for water and sewer lines on the property of the Belvidere School house before they sell the property. Chay explained how an easement works and after much discussion they tabled the discussion till after they could speak with Jay Schmidt and Cody Sherer on the R&B & Fire shop.

Matt Christenson came to present mowing bids for 2020-2021 season. He informed them that he received 3 bids this year. He presented the bids for Jason’s Lawn Service for $4,230, Dave Moyer for $11,500 and Nace Lawn Care for $16,220. Matt explained they submitted bid for per mowing and that he went off last year totals to get the figures he presented. After some discussion, Bert moved to approve Dave Moyer mowing bid and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Chris Tedder came to present merit payroll changes for J Rugg and K Amaro for approval. After review of the changes Bert moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Next, he gave updates which included; cleaning storage pods out for the upcoming consignment auction, vehicle updates, precautions they are taking for the Sheriff’s facility for the COVID-19.

Kristi Cooper, County Clerk presented tax corrections for approval. After review of the corrections, Bert moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

During Commissioner discussion they discussed the Belvidere school with no action taken.

Meeting adjourned at 11:52.