August 10, 2020 Special Meeting

Kiowa County Community Center

August 10, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Shelly Tuttle and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda

Ron opened the special meeting at 8:30. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Matt Christenson came to present an updated plan for the SPARK program through the funds of the Cares Act with a few changes. Matt went over new expenses and changes with them. Bert moved to approve the plan as presented and give authorization for Matt and Kristi to sign documents to be sent to the state and John seconded, motion carried 2-0 (Ron sustained from motion)

Meeting adjourned at 8:58

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Kiowa County Community Center

August 3, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Stacy Derstein, Mark Clodfelter, Stacey Barnes, Chris Tedder, Richard McVey, DJ McMurry, Matt Christenson, David White and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and commissioner minutes of 07/17.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda with the correction to the minutes as stated and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; chip seal on Belvidere blacktop completed, replaced a culvert o J St. between 13th and 15th Ave, waiting on quotes on a ½ ton 4×4 pickup, disposing the alma hydraulic driven pull behind mower on purple wave, due to weather the roads needs attention. John informed him of a complaint he had received

Matt Christenson came to present the overview plan for the Spark Committee for the Cares Act funds in the amount of $493,894 and gave the breakdown of expenses for the County, Schools, Cities and outside entities. He informed them that he would like to request to have a special meeting on August 10th at 8:30 am to approve the plan so it can be submitted to the State for approval before the funds are disbursed since the deadline for the submission to the state is August 15th.

DJ McMurry came to present a payroll change for M Moore(merit) for approval. After review of the change, Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard presented resolution 2020-16 for public health order of the board of county commissioners of Kiowa county providing for less stringent requirements regarding covid-19 mitigation procedures for schools than the provision for the governor’s executive order 20-59. After some discussion, John moved to adopt the resolution 2020-16 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break called till 10:00

Ron opened the public hearing for the 2021 County Budget at 10 am for 15 minutes. He will open it up for discussion with those that are present. No public comment was made. Bert moved to adopt the 2021 budget as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chris Tedder came to request to use funds out of the Special Equipment fund to purchase $10,700 upfitting 3 vehicles. Bert moved to take it out of Special Equipment and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

During Commissioner discussion Ron wanted to discuss resolution 2012-5 which is in regarding to recording meetings and wanted clarification on the policy and who is supposed to enforce resolutions or if they are in violation. Chay informed him the Board of County Commissioners are responsible for enforcing them and that they can change the resolution as needed or not. After some discussion on the topic, Ron moved to only record the meetings when they are in session but to turn them off on breaks and executive sessions and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.  Chay will revise Resolution 2012-5 and present it at the next meeting with the changes that county employees will operate the equipment during commissioner meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 10:42

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Kiowa County Community Center

July 31, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich and Matt Christenson and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and commissioner minutes of 07/17.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Ron asked about an invoice on a laptop and questioned the purchase procurement policy. Matt explained the purchase of the iPad Kristi and Matt explained the purchase policy. Next Ron asked about a purchase of an iPad that labeled for streaming meetings from the media center. Matt explained the purchase and use of the iPad, but Ron had concerns on that tax dollars were used to purchase the item. Matt explained that the purchase is will be reimbursed through the Spark funds. After some further discussion Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Matt Christenson came to discuss the roof at the library located in Mullinville. He presented a quote from Bryan Gumpenberger $5325.39 and AH Contracting $9250 and after review of the bids, Ron moved to accept Bryan Gumpenberger bid and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented an annual agreement with Computer Information Concepts (CIC) in the amount of $23,870 for our computer software. After review of the contract, Bert moved to renew the agreement with CIC and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay reported the tax sale is still moving forward and the NRP program is official. Next, he gave updates with the new executive order 20-59 regarding school’s guidance of opening back up particularly regarding masks being worn. He explained that the Commissioners will need adopt a resolution for the schools to opt out of wearing masks so they can move forward with their individual plans. By consensus they agreed to opt out of the executive order and Chay will draw the resolution and present it at the next meeting.

During Commissioner discussion Kristi read Resolution 2007-15 for purchase procurement policy. She read the section regarding purchase limits and requirements and explained that anything over $4000 would require approval from the board of commissioners. She explained she followed the policy on the purchase of the laptop. Ron wanted it on the record that tax dollars will be spent on equipment for live streaming the meetings. Next, Bert mentioned that he wanted it on the record that he supports the Kiowa County Memorial Hospital board on the changes the board is looking at and the other both agreed to support the board.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40

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Kiowa County Community Center

July 17, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, David White, Matt Christenson, Patrick Klecker and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 07/06.

After the pledge of allegiance, Ron opened the special meeting at 3:30. There was no questions or concerns on the payroll and accounts payable reports. Bert moved to approve the payroll reports, accounts payable reports and the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for Board of Health (BOH). Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri’s updates included; foot clinic’s restarted, back to school immunizations, school contracts for 2020-2121, school delayed opening, travel quarantine states, 2 positive cases in Kiowa County, Pratt Co now requiring masks now due to increase of cases in Pratt Co and to discuss options for Kiowa County regarding masks. Bert stated “He recommends that residents wear their masks but not mandatory and that people need to be responsible when they are out.” Ron adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting to order. Kerri presented the school contracts for approval for Kiowa County School and Bucklin School. After review of the contract, Bert moved to approve the school nursing contracts as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Pat Klecker with Santa Fe Trails came to present year end reports and an inner local agreement with Kiowa County. After review of the agreement, John moved to accept the interlocal agreement and adult outcomes with Santa Fe Trails and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper gave updates for Jay Schmidt in his absence for the public works department which included; payroll change C Pyatt(merit) and R Young(merit), Belvidere blacktop started by Heft and Sons, finished patching on blacktops will chip seal the patches at a later date and removed a cottonwood that had fallen down and was blocking the road. After review of the payroll changes John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she presented payroll changes for C Erikson (status change), R Tedder (status change), B Parkin(merit) and J Swart (new hire) for approval. After review of the payroll changes, Bert moved to approve the changes as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Last she read a board appointment letter from the South West Kansas Area Agency on Aging. She informed them that Kari Kyle would like to be reappointed to the board and asked them to approve the appointment. Bert moved to appoint Kari Kyle to the SW KS Area Agency on Aging board for another 3-year term and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 4:18

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Kiowa County Community Center

July 6, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, David White, Rosa Spainhour, Chris Tedder and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and commissioner minutes of 06/30.

After the pledge of allegiance, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works department which included; inspection on a small bridge on P St between 21st and 23rd Ave and patching on blacktops this week.

Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for Board of Health (BOH). Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri presented information regarding the current cases statewide. Next, she explained her recommendation to leave the order as it is and not enforce wearing masks for County residents or businesses but to encourage them to wear them. Chay Howard was available by phone and called in to give his legal advice for legalities from civil liabilities. He explained if they would like to opt out of forcing masks being worn and they need to adopt a resolution to protect the County from lability. Also, they discussed if County employees should be required and after some discussion it was by consensus that they would not require masks to be worn while employees work or for the public to wear them in County buildings. Ron adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order.

Rosa Spainhour came to discuss increasing the ambulance rates for services since they haven’t increased since 2014 and presented a new rate sheet for their review.

Break called for 10 minutes till 10:00.

Kristi Cooper presented Resolution 2020-15 providing for less stringent requirements for Kiowa County, Kansas than the provisions of Governors Executive order 20-52. After review John moved to adopt Resolution 2020-15 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chris Tedder came to discuss Senate Bill 22 requirements and explained that they will have to enforce the public to wear masks while in court hearings. Since they are going to have to enforce this, he would like to make his 2 part-time jail employees to full-time so he can use them to help in the court and that he would look at changing them back after the first of the year. He explained to them that they currently work on 999 hours a year and by August they would be out of hours. So, he could hire a temporarily full-time position or move their status. After some discussion John moved to allow him to change them from part-time to full-time temporarily and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented signature cards for the new account that was set up for Spark grant for signatures.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15

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Kiowa County Community Center

June 30, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Jeff Blackburn, Kerri Ulrich, Matt Christenson, David White, Kim Gamble and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 06/15 & 6/29 Special Meeting.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kim Gamble came to discuss the event they will be having at the Community Center in September. She explained with the recommendations to allow for 6-food distancing they will need to open the south overhead door and put up a tent to allow space for the guests. She explained that the tent would not need to be staked down so there wouldn’t be any concerns of hitting any telephone or water lines. After some discussion John moved to approve them to do set up a tent to connect the venue for the event and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard presented Resolution 2020-14 for Kiowa County Coronavirus Relief Fund. Chay explained the Spark grant and what we are doing to apply for this grant such as creating an advisory board to get involvement from the municipalities such as the cities and schools. The advisory board would meet and come up with a plan of disbursements and then would come back with the plan before August 15th. Kristi presented Resolution 2020-13 for COVID 19 Public Health Emergency for approval. After some discussion Bert moved to adopt resolution 2020-13 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next Bert moved to adopt resolution 2020-14 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the Public Works departments which included; job description for a part-time equipment operator, payroll change C Beal(job reclassification), patch work on blacktops being done, purchase one truck to replace a 2001 model and City of Mullinville request regarding speed bumps. After review of the payroll change for C Beall, Bert moved to approve the pay change and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next John moved to approve the changes to the light equipment operator to Equipment operator and the part-time Equipment Operator and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Other items discussed by the Commissioners were culverts, south Mullinville blacktop and Noxious spraying weeds.

Kristi Cooper asked to remove the island in the driveway at the fairgrounds to make more parking in front of the Community Center. Jay Schmidt informed them that they would provide the material and they would spray for the area. Next she presented bids for a replacement of a water heater for the Community center. Oscar Handy Services for $986 and Inter Green Services for $950. After review of the bids Bert moved to accept Oscars Handy Services and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Additionally, she presented a payroll change for J Finch(merit) and (severed mineral clerk) and S Butler (resignation) for approval. After review of the changes Ron moved to approve the pay changes as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Last she asked about opening all the doors at the Courthouse and after some discussion John moved to open the all the doors at the courthouse and allow parking in the East parking lot and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Also updated them on schedule changes to one meeting in July due to the fair being at the fairgrounds on July 20th and would let them know once the change is confirmed on location and dates.

Break called till 10:01

Kerri Ulrich came to inform the Commissioners of the new Executive Governors order that will be in effect on July 3rd at 12:01 a.m. She explained there is an increase of 900 cases through the state and that the new governors order offers no guidance that leaves the public health to utilize their best judgement. The new order is meant to help slow the spread of the virus while keeping businesses open and gave her recommendations regarding wearing masks.

Meeting adjourned at 10:08

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Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

June 29, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ron Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Matt Christenson, Theresa Dasenbrock, Tiffany O’Rouke, Dave White, Brenda Osborne, Karen Butler, Kerri Ulrich, Chay Howard and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Ron called the special meeting to order at 9:00 to go over the 2021 County budget with our auditors, Theresa Dasenbrock and Tiffany O’Rouke from Lewis, Hooper & Dick and LLC.

Theresa reviewed the landfill agreed upon procedures and the audit report. Tiffany then went into the audit process and explained some observations and recommendations. Next, Theresa shared comparison graphs for population, totals milled levied last year, assessed tangible valuations, total levies that was compared to surrounding counties and cities.

Ron called for a 10-minute break at 9:47.

Ron called the meeting back to order at 9:57 and they moved into the budget process and went through each request and adjusted budget requests. They invited Kerri to come discuss her request for the Health department and reduce some of the cash balance so they can continue to maintain the maintenance of effort to allow them to receive state grants. Theresa informed them that with the budget adjustments that were made they would be looking at an increase of 0.015 mills making it a total of 75.456 mills to fund the 2021 budget requests. Bert moved to set the 2021 mill levy as 75.456 mills for publication and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. The budget hearing will be held on August 3rd at 10:00 am during the regular Commissioner’s meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:41

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Courthouse District Courtroom

June 15, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Jeff Blackburn, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Cassie Gamble, Terry Butler, Mary Racette, Carmen Renfrow, Leanna Holtz, Victoria Yohn, JL Surgeon, Chris Tedder, Dave White, Scott McCann and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 06/01.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. John moved to approve the consent agenda and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Ron adjourned the Commissioner meeting and called the Board of Health (BOH) meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates which included; footcare clinics starting this week, Covid-19 updates, looking at re-scheduling the Health Fair for lab work only at the end of July or first of August. Ron adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes and sand seal on Mullinville blacktop starting soon. Jay presented payroll changes for B Foster (merit) J McClain (seasonal mowing) and T Odle (seasonal mowing) for approval. After review of the changes, Bert moved to approve the payroll changes as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Cassie Gamble came to discuss the 2021 Library budget request in the amount of $110,000 and give updates which included; continuing to provide public services and rescheduling countywide summer activities.

Chay Howard informed them they are looking at rescheduling the tax sale and will keep them informed of a date.

Break called for 10 minutes at 9:41

Victoria Yohn and JL Spurgeon came to request $15,000 for the 2021 Soil Conservation District.

Terry Butler came to introduce Mary Racette as the Museum director. Mary came to give them some financial information from comparing 2019 to 2020. Activities scheduled to help get the community involved. Mary requested $35,000 for the 2021 budget request. Extended hours for soda fountain.

During Commissioner discussion Ron had a question on the voucher from the KCMH regrading an autopsy. Chay explained that the Sheriff office ordered an autopsy for the unattended death and that the County is responsible. Kristi verified the charges from Rosa that there was a charge for the initial run and then a charge for the transport to dodge.

Break called for 10 minutes 10:12

Chris Tedder came to discuss purchasing a mower for the shooting range. Once he finds one, he will come back to get approval for the amount to be paid out of the Special Equipment fund. Next, he requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel to discuss employee relations to include the County Attorney. Bert moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes at 10:21 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Regular session began at 10:31 with no action taken.

Meeting adjourned at 10:32

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Courthouse District Courtroom

June 1, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Jeff Blackburn, Kerri Ulrich, Matt Christenson and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 05/18 & 5/18 Special Meeting.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. John moved to approve the consent agenda and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes, tree trimming on B St, cleaned cattle guard off Belvidere blacktop and S St, mowing, Jay presented payroll changes for J Ahrens (merit), C Erikson (merit), D Liggett (merit) and C Beal (pay increase) for approval. After review of the changes, Ron moved to approve the payroll changes as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard came to express his concerns about moving back down to the commissioners meeting room due to restrictions to comply with the 6-foot distancing and Kerri was present for the discussion. Matt Christenson came to report the new doors and sneeze guards have been installed and that the Courthouse is ready to be opened. There was discussion regarding continuing to record the meetings that included Grant Neuhold, Kerri Ulrich and Jeff Blackburn. Bert moved to move back upstairs and continue to live stream the meetings moving forward, and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, they discussed opening the county facilities for pubic use. After some discussion, John moved to open the courthouse with limited access to the east door only, to open the Commons building to public use and open the fairgrounds effective July 1st and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Motion carried 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50

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Courthouse District Courtroom

May 29, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jeff Blackburn, Kerri Ulrich, Rosa Spainhour, Ric Dalke and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 05/18 & 5/18 Special Meeting.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Ric Dalke came to discuss Iroquois Center Human Development (ICHD) 2021 budget request in the amount of $25,000 and gave updates for their programs.

Rosa Spainhour came to request their permission to list their old EMS 2002 Chevy Blazer on purple wave. John moved to sell the blazer on Purple wave and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the Board of Health (BOH) meeting to order. Kerri explained the new guidelines and her recommendations moving forward for Kiowa County as a whole. Leanne Holtz came to give her concerns and asks for clarification on the new plan that Kerri presented. Next, a payroll change was presented for P Fuller (merit) for approval. Lastly, they discussed when the courthouse and fairgrounds buildings would open up to the public. Jeff Blackburn informed them that they are looking to be out of the Community building by July 1st after they have their last distribution of food for the Kiowa County Food Bank. Ron adjourned the BOH and opened the regular meeting. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented tax corrections for approval. After review of the changes, Bert moved to approve them and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

During Commissioner discussion John asked to discuss the hazard pay. After some discussion on the pay, John moved to end the hazard pay effective May 30, 2020 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Ron asked when they would move back down stairs and Kristi explained her concerns on the size of the room and that the 6-foot distancing would be hard to do since they needed to be able to have room for guests to attend the meeting. After some discussion, Ron moved to move back to the Commissioner room for Monday meeting and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Ron asked about the bids on the doors and asked to have Matt come up to be part of the discussion.

Break called for 5 minutes. 10:48

Matt Christenson came to discuss to bids on the doors being installed. He came to inform them he did get 5 bids but only 2 presented them. He informed them he went ahead and accepted the bid from Goossen Woodwork in the amount of $3200.

Meeting adjourned at 10:55

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