Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

May 31, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Matt Christenson, Jay Schmidt, Chris Tedder and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll/AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 05//20.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes J Meitl (separation), S Peters (merit), B Schmidt (merit), C Erickson (merit) D Liggett (merit), grading, mowing issues due to all the rain, washouts, working ditches and storm shelter installed at the landfill. Bert moved to approve the payroll changes as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break called till 9:28.

Matt Christenson came to present 2019 budget request for Emergency Management, Commons building and Courthouse General. Next, he discussed replacing doors on the West and East side. Health department building updates, flooring, generator, gas service line.

Chris Tedder came to discuss creating a website for the County Sheriff office which would be a tool for the public and for his operations. It was by consensus to use the Equipment reserve to purchase the website for operations. Chris will get some quotes and report back.

Break till 10:28.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for C Cantrall (merit) for review. Bert requested to go into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss employee relations at 10:30 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:35 with no action taken. Payroll change was tabled till Monday meeting. Kristi informed them that she would like to purchase 3 baby changing stations for the concession stands restroom and the men’s room in the community building. Also, she asked if she would be allowed to place signs around the at the red barn to prohibit glass containers being taken in the barn due to some glass was found and it was by consensus to allow her to install the baby changing stations and the signs on the outside and inside the barn. Next, she asked about placing a storm shelter at the fairgrounds and it was by consensus not to do anything at this time. Last she talked about Policy 506 regarding travel expenses and reported that since we follow the State guidelines that the daily meal rate is $55 for over night stays which include; meals, taxes, and all fees and tips to waiters, hotel porters, bellhops, doormen, maids and dining room stewards. She also added when figuring mileage, she would like to change the existing policy to calculate mileage from where they are currently at and not the Courthouse address when figuring to and from. It was by consensus to make those changes to the existing policy. She will make these changes and talk with the other supervisors before reporting back.

There was no discussion for Commissioner discussion.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:18

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

May 20, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Steve Heft, Aaron Heft, Ric Dalke, Carolyn Irvin, Rosa Spainhour, Megan Gwin, Jay Schmidt and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll/AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 05/20.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Bert adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri came to give updates which included; upcoming conferences, 4-H Day camp, health fair feedback, corrected invoice from AMS, reduction in grants from KDHE, updates on new building. Kerri presented a thank you poster to Jeff Blackburn for the “No One fights alone” organization for their contribution at the health fair. She also presented a sample of the items for the Foster Kid program. Bert adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order.

At 9:15 the Clerk presented the sealed bids for the Asphalt paving on 10^th Ave, Sand Seal on Mullinville blacktop and Chip seal on various locations. The Clerk presented bids from Heft and Sons and APAC-Kansas. APAC only presented a bid on the asphalt overlay on 10^th Ave and Heft and Sons presented bids on all three projects. Bert read the bids aloud for the 10^th Ave overlay bid was presented from APAC for $785,978.25 and Heft and Sons for $595,950.00. Bert moved to award the bid to Heft and Sons and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, they read the bid for a chip seal from Heft and Sons for $126,256.80.  John moved to approve the bid as presented for the chip seal and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Lastly, he read the bid from Heft and Sons for the sand seal on the Mullinville blacktop for $86,592. Ron moved to accept the bid as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes (seasonal) G Tuttle and (seasonal) J Meitl, D Liggett (department change), washouts, spraying weeds on the open roads in Keller’s subdivision and 12H Grader motor updates. He also reported he had received $48,022.40 for the storm damages from last year from the State and received another check for the Federal portion of the storm disaster aid last week in the amount of $36,016.80 and that they should receive another check in the amount of $12,005.60 from the State. Next payroll changes were presented for approval. After review of the payroll changes Bert moved to approve them and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Ric Dalke and Carolyn Irvin came to present their annual report and the ICHD 2020 budget request.

Rosa came forward to give updates on the TransCanada grant they had received and presented the 2020 EMS budget request.

Break called 10:25 till 10:30.

Kristi Cooper presented tax corrections for approval. After review of the corrections, Bert moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. The Library board appointment letter was read to appoint Katie-Lee Harrison to the board. John moved to approve the suggested appointment and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she presented payroll change C hacker (separation) for approval. After review of the payroll change, Bert moved to approve the change and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard wanted to discuss gratuities being charged on the County credit cards when employees go out of town for work. He explained this was discussed at the last department head meeting and wanted to run it by them. He did add that the policy 506 doesn’t specify this and that they the department heads would like clarification. Also, the Clerk reported that the County follows the travel expense reimbursement summary from the State of Kansas in their policy while setting the mileage reimbursement and holidays each year. After some discussion it was by consensus to follow all guidelines from the State in our Policy 506. Kristi will work on updating the policy and take it to the next department head meeting.

Commissioner discussion, Bert wanted to ask the Commissioners to approve to purchase to extension panels for the gates at the fairgrounds. John moved to approve to purchase 2 extension panels on the gates in the amount of approximately $200 and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:00

Mindy Heinson, Wade Reh, Nadine Lampe, Chris Tedder and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 04/30/19.
After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes (merit) J Ahrens and (merit) C Beall, summer temporary help, mowers and quote on engine rebuild on 12H Grader from Foley. After review of the payroll changes as presented Bert moved to approve them and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break called at 9:21

Mindy Heinson and Wade Reh came to present updates for the Extension office, quarterly reports and 2020 budget request.

Nadine Lampe came to present the Arrowhead West 2020 budget request and to give updates on the program.

Bert wanted to discuss concerns regarding the absence of County Council at the Commissioner meetings with Chay Howard. Chay also discussed with them on possible changes to his office operations once he gets the new person hired after the budget workshop. Kristi added to the discussion about reviewing how her office processes the final steps of AP with the Commissioners and County Councilor. She discussed with them a few changes she would to make to the final process but added she would talk with Theresa first and report back.

Chay Howard requested a 5-minute executive for non-elected personal to discuss employee relations at 10:15. Bert moved to go into an executive session and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:20 with action taken.

Chris Tedder came in to talk with them and to see if they had any concerns or questions about his department. The Commissioners commented that they didn’t have any but told him that he is doing a great job.

Jay Schmidt came back to discuss cold mix quotes from Heft & Sons. He informed them that he could get the mix for $70 per ton and that he is looking to get 900 to 1000 tons for upcoming projects. After some discussion, Bert moved to approve to purchase 1000 tons for $70 per ton and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:15

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

May 6, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Mindy Heinson, Wade Reh, Nadine Lampe, Chris Tedder and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 04/30/19.
After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes (merit) J Ahrens and (merit) C Beall, summer temporary help, mowers and quote on engine rebuild on 12H Grader from Foley. After review of the payroll changes as presented Bert moved to approve them and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break called at 9:21

Mindy Heinson and Wade Reh came to present updates for the Extension office, quarterly reports and 2020 budget request.

Nadine Lampe came to present the Arrowhead West 2020 budget request and to give updates on the program.

Bert wanted to discuss concerns regarding the absence of County Council at the Commissioner meetings with Chay Howard. Chay also discussed with them on possible changes to his office operations once he gets the new person hired after the budget workshop. Kristi added to the discussion about reviewing how her office processes the final steps of AP with the Commissioners and County Councilor. She discussed with them a few changes she would to make to the final process but added she would talk with Theresa first and report back.

Chay Howard requested a 5-minute executive for non-elected personal to discuss employee relations at 10:15. Bert moved to go into an executive session and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:20 with action taken.

Chris Tedder came in to talk with them and to see if they had any concerns or questions about his department. The Commissioners commented that they didn’t have any but told him that he is doing a great job.

Jay Schmidt came back to discuss cold mix quotes from Heft & Sons. He informed them that he could get the mix for $70 per ton and that he is looking to get 900 to 1000 tons for upcoming projects. After some discussion, Bert moved to approve to purchase 1000 tons for $70 per ton and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:15

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

April 30, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Jeff Blackburn, Rhonda Fernandez, Matt Christenson and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/15/19.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; payroll changes (merit) D Maas, S Kost and J West, incident with solid waste vehicle, new R&B trucks received, bridge inspections completed, tree saw quotes, 12H Grader repairs, rebuild grader purchase and overlay bids north of Mullinville. After review of the payroll changes Bert moved to approve them and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Quotes provided on the tree saw were from Whitestar, MM2 model $11,870, Whitestar, Harleman model $13,300 and Carrico Implement $17,000. Bert moved to trade in the old tree saw and approve the $11,870 from Whitestar and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break called at 9:30

Matt Christenson came to discuss the backup server for the Courthouse that needs to be replaced and informed them he purchased one for $2000 due to the warranty on ours could be over 2 months before we get that fixed. So, the one he purchased will be used now and once we get the other one back it will be used as a backup. He also reported that he is looking to purchase a new server for the Sheriff Office and replace network switches for the Courthouse. Last he presented a payroll change for (merit) T Libby for approval. After review of the payroll change Bert moved to approve and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Rhonda Fernandez came to discuss renewing the Short-Term Disability (STD) plan through Assurant annually for $13,440 and offer a employer paid Life & ADD plan through Reliance Standard annually for $8,012. Rhonda explained the benefits for both plans and after some discussion on the plans, Ron moved to stop the STD plan and add the Life Insurance through Reliance Standard which will be paid by the Commissioners and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Rhonda did state that the employees will continue to have Sun Life insurance and that we could look at other options for STD next year if they choose too. She will go over the new information with the employees at the open enrollment.

Kristi Cooper presented payroll changes for (separation) N Hacker and (merit) T Finch for approval. After review of the changes Bert moved to approve the payroll changes and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Resolution 2019-6 for the ROZ program was presented, and Bert moved to approve the resolution and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she spoke to them about the Resolutions that have been done in the past regarding consumption of liquor at the fairground and it was by consensus to stop that due to the individuals that rent any facilities will be providing liability insurance that has events with alcohol. Last she reported that she is having Travis install doors at the restrooms in the concession stands at the fairgrounds and that they had to purchase a new coffee pot for the kitchen at the Community Center.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:38

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

April 15, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Jeff Blackburn, Kerri Ulrich, Kristen Hines, Matt Christenson, Tina Thronesbery, Kaylan Jones and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, payroll reports, ap reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/01/19.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kerri Ulrich came for Board of Health. Bert adjourned the regular session and called the BOH meeting got order. She gave updates which included; up coming conferences they will be attending, health fair, new building updates and Julie Keeton will be our new pharmacist when they move over to the new building. Bert adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order. No action was taken.

Bruce Foster came to present the annual Noxious Weed report. After review of the report, Bert moved to approve the report as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; USDA putting in a few waterways over at 55th Ave on minimum maintenance road and wanted to know if they would want to put in culverts, tree saw purchase, overlay bids north of Mullinville, sand seal bids on last year overlay.

Donna Greenleaf and David Allen came to present the 2020 Soil conservation district in the amount of $15,000 with other board members.
Jay Schmidt came back to continue with updates. Which included; gopher baiting, road work updates, State Highway project for this year will be 183 north.

Matt Christenson came to discuss switching over to fiber lines from Haviland Telephone Company. He presented the agreement for approval for a monthly charge of $599 and the $6000 for the connection fee and this will be taken out of the building fund. Ron moved to approve the fiber line agreement as presented and John seconded, motion carried.
Break called till 10:15.

Chay Howard (via phone conference) called to talk about funding the new position for his office and wanted guidance when he turns in his 2020 County Attorney budget. He will speak with our auditors for guidance.

Donna McDonald and Jackie Robertson came to give quotes from EMC and Berkshire Hathaway for business property insurance. She explained that the County has been with EMC since 1991 and the quote will be $261,801 and Berkshire Hathaway will be for $261,229. After review of the different policy coverages and quotes, Bert moved to renew the insurance business policy with EMC and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break till 10:45.

Rhonda Fernandez came to present the 2020 health insurance quote from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and reported there was no increase for the policy and that the renewal will be the same as last year $1,126,270, Delta Dental went down a little and Vision care direct stayed the same. After some discussion on the polices, Ron moved to approve the BCBS insurance quote and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner discussion, they discussed truck traffic on center view blacktop. John will talk with the Sheriff.

Patrick Klecker from Santa Fe Trails came to get their yearly reviews. And presented grant applications for approval. After the review of the comprehensive plans for are area and the services they are provided Bert moved and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Brenda Osborne came to discuss closing the Treasurer office for their district meeting that will be held on April 26 and request to be closed till 1. Bert moved to approve this and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:02

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

April 1, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Ellen Peters, Kerri Ulrich, Kristen Hines, Matt Christenson, Tina Thronesbery, Kaylan Jones and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 3/29.
After the prayer was given by Ellen Peters, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works departments which included; 2019 Federal Funds Exchange, bridge expectations done from Kirkham and Michael, tree trimming and gopher baiting. Ron moved to approve the request to exchange federal funds in the amount of $61,356.66 and they will receive $55,220.99 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.
Kristin Hines with CASA came to give updates and submit their 2020 funding request.

Matt Christenson came to present bids for mowing from Dave Moyer and Jason Irvin. After some discussion they asked Matt to talk to Dave and Jason about splitting up the mowing bids and if they approved with that then, Matt could make the decision of who mows what pending the insurance is provided that is required by Jason and he would report back at the next meeting.

Bert called for a break, so they could go over to the new health department building and look at the progress with Kerri and Matt. Regular session began at 10:30 and they discussed parking, generator and placement of a new carport.

During Commissioner discussion they discussed the use of first responder vehicles for out of town training. Tina Thronesbery and Kaylan Jones came to be part of the discussion. Chay informed them that only control the County has over the Ambulance service is the budget and that they provide the vehicles. He explained that with the contract the County has with Great Plains for the operations of the Ambulance that Great Plains controls the operations not the County.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:05.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

March 29, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Shelly Tuttle, Jeff Blackburn and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 3/18.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works departments which included; KDHE was here and inspected the Landfill, they found no issues. Jay also let the Commissioners know that they have been working on the Fellsburg Road.

Shelly Tuttle presented 2 tax corrections for approval. After review of the tax correction Bert moved to approve the correction as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

During Commissioner discussion they talked about mowing at the Belvidere school and that Ed Koger does the mowing each year, John spoke with Ed Koger and he would like to continue doing the mowing, it was by consensus to leave the agreement as it is now.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:48.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

March 18, 2019

Bert Lowery(absent), John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Matt Christenson, Kerri Ulrich, Chris Tedder, Jeff Blackburn and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 3/04.

After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, John opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 2-0.

John Bertram adjourned the meeting and called the Board of Health (BOH) meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates which included; monthly service totals, health fair preparations, foster bags for foster children for the communities in Kiowa County, new building updates and looking to get a new pharmacist contract. John adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order. Kerri also asked if when they moved to the new building if she could get volunteers to help and Kristi suggested to use employees from other departments if they are available. It was by consensus to use employees who are available to help them move.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works departments which included; payroll changes (dept change), CDL renewal testing and purchasing a new mower. Jay presented a payroll change for D Liggett to move from noxious weed to R&B. Ron moved to approve the payroll change and John seconded, motion carried 2-0. Kristi requested an executive session for 10 minutes for employee relations to include Jay. Ron moved to go into executive session at 9:39 for employee relations and John seconded, motion carried 2-0. Regular session began at 9:49 with no action taken.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for J Rugg(merit) for approval. After review Ron moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion carried 2-0. Next, she presented a tax correction for approval. After review of the tax correction Ron moved to approve the correction as presented and John seconded, motion carried 2-0.
Rich Hassiepen came in behalf of the County Fair Board to discuss ventilation on the roof at the fairgrounds and they asked him to get more information and report back.

Matt Christenson and Chris Tedder came to discuss the building and Matt informed them that per the K.S.A 79-2925c regarding tax lid. The Commissioners request Chay to get an Attorney General opinion on the K.S.A and report back. Currently the project is on hold until they hear back from Chay and Chris.

During Commissioner discussion they John asked about mowing at the Belvidere school and Kristi explained that Ed Koger does the mowing each year and they just renew that agreement with him each year. Also, John informed them that a window needs to be replaced at the School house and Kristi will let Matt know so he can have Travis go down there to replace the glass.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:15.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Chris Tedder, Jeff Blackburn and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 2/28.
After the prayer was given by Jeff Blackburn, Bert opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works departments which included; payroll changes (merit increases), several guys worked the past weekend due to weather they had got over the weekend and grader lease warranty. Jay presented payroll changes for L Thronesbery (probation merit increase) and K Koehn (merit increase). After review of the payroll changes Bert moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break was called for 5 minutes at 9:19.

Kerri Ulrich came to present the yearly grants for signatures for the Health department.

Kristi Cooper read a letter from the Senior Citizen director, Kari Kyle regarding appointment for their board. Kari requests them to appoint Duane Larsh to the board. John moved to appoint Duane Larsh to the senior board and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Kristi will send a letter to Kari and Duane informing them of the appointment.

Chay Howard wanted to inform them that the information that was provided from Great Plains per their open records request was sufficient to their request. He also informed them that he is still working on hiring a part time employee for his office and that will be shared for the Correctional officer.

Chris Tedder came to give updates on the purchase of the land and building.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:30

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

February 28, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Scott McCann, Matt Christenson, Tony Factor and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 2/19.

After the prayer was given by Tony Factor, Bert opened the meeting. John moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the Public Works departments which included; mine safety refresher course for CDL drivers held yesterday, monthly webinar regarding local road safety plans held by Trans System and heavy metal pile at landfill.

Kristi Cooper presented tax correction for approval. Ron moved to approve the tax correction as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.
Matt Christenson came to give updates on the new Health department building and presented a quote from Foley for a generator and transfer switch in the amount of $28,180. Ron moved to approve the quote from Foley and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Scott McCann came in to discuss the purchase of the lots south of the Sheriff office located on Wisconsin Ave. He informed them they would like to purchase 3 lots in the amount of $1000 per lot for the new building that they are planning on building. After some discussion on the purchase, Bert moved to approve the purchase for 3 lots in the amount of $1000 each and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. They also asked for them to check into the other lots and if they are willing to sell them for the same price that they give Chris permission to purchase those as well. Scott will talk with Chris and have him report back if needed.

During Commissioner discussion Kristi presented Resolution 2019-5 requiring event liability insurance for usage of County buildings for events involving alcohol for approval. She explained that this would replace the last resolution they approved that was for any events that would have been required to provide the liability insurance. Bert moved to adopt Resolution 2019-5 as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:38