April 18, 2022

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
April 18, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, Jes Pfannenstiel, Harvey Felzke, Kendal Lothman, Victoria Yohn, J.L Spurgeon, Clayton Fischer, Kelly Askew, Staci Derstein, Tracey Barton(via phone), Julie Lyons, Jennifer Kooken, Curtis Zerr and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 4/4/2022.

Prior to the meeting, the pledge of allegiance was recited. David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kerri Ulrich came to request a session for Board of Health. David adjourned the Commissioner meeting at 9:02 and called the Board of Health meeting to order. She reported they attended the annual conference in Topeka last week, Health Fair April 23rd, kindergarten round up beginning and a grant was received to help purchase bikes for the Safe Kids program. David adjourned the Board of health and called the regular meeting to order at 9:09.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works which included, approval to purchase a batwing mower at a local auction today and he has received bids up to $24,000 so he will see how much it goes and go from there. It It was by consensus to allow him to purchase if the price is fair. David asked about the recycling container for glass and plastic and Jay informed it would be $40 a month per container and it was by consensus to allow the recycle dumpster to be placed at the landfill with the cardboard container. Next Chay discussed the track loader lease briefly. Jay then requested an executive session for 5 minutes for non-elected personal regarding employee relations. David moved to go into executive session at 9:16 and Bert seconded, motion carried unanimously. Regular session began at 9:21 and Jay Schmidt presented demotion payroll change for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jes Pfannenstiel with Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties (K-WORCC) came to present a prorated quote for 8 months in the amount of $26,626 and $39,939 for a yearly premium. Harvey Felzke with KCAMP presented a prorated quote for 8 months in the amount of $128,576 and $191,558 for a yearly premium and explained the breakdown of coverage comparable to EMC.

Kendal Lothman came to present a separation payroll change for C McElroy for approval. After review John moved to approve the change as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Break called till 9:55

Victoria Yohn came with Clayton Fischer and J.L Spurgeon to present the 2023 Conservation District budget request in the amount of $15,000that they have requested for several years and gave some updates on their programs.

Kristi Cooper presented minutes of April 4th, payroll reports and accounts payroll reports for signatures. Also, she informed them per Theron McKinney that they had appointed Evan Jacks as the new captain for Haviland.

Kelly Askew and Staci Derstein came to discuss the projected library budget request which would include an insurance stipend for their employees. They explained the increase of $9600 which would allow $400 monthly stipend for the 2 full-time employees. They will look at this during the budget workshop in June.

Tracy Barton called to continue the discussion regarding to the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) Rails to Trails program. She requests them to adopt Resolution 2022-11 for the Rails to Trails program for local government by the KNRC and this gives a 3-year commitment to them as they moved forward with the project. After some discussion and clarification, it was tabled.

Julie Lyon came to give updates with Economic Development which included, cheese factory being built in Ford County, dairy farms growth, daycare updates.

Jennifer Kooken with Homestead Insurance and Curtis Zerr came to give an insurance quote from Homestead Insurance and explained that their carrier EMC only allows one quote per year so they would be the same as Banco Insurance quote from the previous meeting. Curtis explained how they could assist in reducing the premium in the next few years. Bert informed they would make a decision hopefully during Commissioner discussion if they would like to wait around.

Matt Christenson came to give some updates for the ARPA funds report.

Break called for 10 minutes at 11:55

During Commissioner discussion they continued the discussion regarding the three insurance quotes from EMC with Banco, KCAMP, KWORCC and EMC with Homestead Insurance. After comparing the quotes with the significance of $116,000 between them. John moved to adopt resolution 2022-11 and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 12:09

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
April 4, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Kendal Lothman, Jackie Robertson, Theron McKinney and Stacy Weaver attended the meeting.
Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 3/31/2022.

Prior to the meeting, prayer was given by Stacy Weaver and the pledge of allegiance. David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt presented a department change payroll change for D Liggett. After review Bert moved to approve the change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he reported he is waiting on Nisly for a quote for a recycle container. He also informed them that he would like to sell the 2013 Cat tractor truck due to ongoing repairs. He would like to get a quote for a new or used truck to replace it and place the current truck on purple wave.

Jackie Robertson with Banco Insurance came to present a renewal quote for 2022-2023 from EMC. She gave a break down for the premiums and gave them options on deductibles.

Kendal Lothman came to present a merit payroll change for V Gwin. After review of the payroll change Bert moved to approve the change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he presented a quote from Decker Electric to move their current Polycom video system for court in the amount of $3500. He requested that it come out of the Sheriff’s Office special equipment fund. Bert moved to approve the purchase and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Break called for 5 minutes at 9:48.

Theron McKinney came to inform the Commissioners he received the resignation from the captain of the Haviland fire department and that they will hold a meeting tonight to appoint a new captain and they are adding 5 new volunteers to the Haviland/Belvidere fire department.

Kristi Cooper presented 2 quotes for mowing for this year from Dave Moyer and Nace Lawn Care. Their quotes came in at the same price as they had previously bid per location. After review of the bids Bert moved to accept the bid from Dave Moyer and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, she presented the minutes of March 31st for signatures and informed them that the courthouse will be closed on April 15th for Good Friday and that their next meeting will be held on April 18th.

During Commissioner discussion they discussed shift differential pay for the Sheriff office per Berts conversation with Kendal they had and that they will continue the discussion once he comes to them about that and David adjourned the meeting at 10:09

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
March 31, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Clay Parkin, Brittanie Farris, Matt Christenson and Stacy Weaver attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 2/21/2022.

After prayer given by Stacy Weaver and the pledge of allegiance, David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Clay Parkin came to present a merit payroll change for J Rugg for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Brittanie Farris with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)came to request them to declare the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness month and read aloud the proclamation and it was by consensus to sign the proclamation in support.

Kristi Cooper reported the quote to fix the overhead door at the fairgrounds on the red barn in the amount of $1011.56 from Overhead Doors out of Dodge City which was due to a damaged panel. Also reported that she sent budget letters out and that budget preparations begin.

Chay Howard wanted to discuss the KNRC regarding the Rails for trails resolution that was presented prior. After some discussion John requests that they come back for further discussion.

Matt Christenson came to continue the discussion regarding the funds that Julie Lyon with Economic Development had requested at the last meeting that will go to assist the daycares starting up with lease fees, equipment, and property insurance premiums. He informed them the funds could come from a few funds, but his suggestion was to use the contingency line under the general fund and Bert asked about the funds allocated under the ARPA funds they have set aside. Matt explained they could use those funds if they choose too. After some discussion Bert moved to transfer the funds out of Courthouse General in the amount of $21,000 into the Economic development fund that will be used towards childcare and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

During Commissioner discussion minutes of 3/21/22, payroll reports and accounts payroll reports were presented for signatures.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
March 21, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, Jes Pfannenstiel, Harvey Felzke, Michael Rainger, Kendal Lothman, Julie Lyon and Stacy Weaver attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 2/28/2022.

Prior to the meeting, prayer was received by Stacy Weaver. David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kerri Ulrich came to request a Board of Health meeting session. David adjourned the Commissioner meeting at 9:00 and called the Board of Health meeting to order. She reported she has turned in 8 grants and they have been submitted, office will be closed March 28th through the 31st for training in Topeka, preparations of the health fair are ongoing, generator issues, reminded them that the community center is a temporary shelter for residents when power outages occur and actual administered vaccine totals reported. David adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order at 9:12.

Jay Schmidt came to give update for public works which included the following. He reported they received the new track loader at the landfill last week. They revisited the discussion of salvaging and reuse at the landfill and they informed they would have to make several changes for this to be allowed and after some discussion it was by consensus, they will leave the plan as it is at the landfill and not allow any salvaging. They continued the discussion on the resolution that were presented at the last meeting from Chay. After some discussion John moved to adopt resolution 2022-9 regarding enacting regulations for the excavation of section corner monuments within the county’s right of way and 2022-10 regarding enacting regulations for the use of the county’s right of ways and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. David asked about recycling containers for county residents and Jay explained why they choose to go away from them several years ago, but he will look into the prices and suggests it could be placed at the landfill and report back.

Jes Pfannenstiel with Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties (K-WORCC) came to give a presentation for workers compensation insurance and Harvey Felzke with KCAMP also came to give a presentation regarding business and personal property insurance coverages that they offer and informed them other services they offer as in training for our employees that could result in less claims in the future. They will get with Kristi and start compiling the information for a quote to be presented next month.

Kendal Lothman came to present a separation payroll change for K White for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next Kendal reported that he has signed the contracts with Verizon and X911 last week and they are running a test phase right now before they go live.

Break called till 10:36

Michael Rainger came to talk to them more regarding his services in energy savings and how he is working with companies on conserving energy for overall savings.

Kristi Cooper wanted to revisit the discussion that was tabled at the last meeting regarding budget requests. She explained that yearly they allow the departments to figure a 3% merit raise in their budget request for the pay plan we have for merit raises but asked if they would consider allowing them to figure a cost of living increase this year since they gave one at the beginning of the year and that wasn’t budgeted in their requests for 2022. After some discussion it was by consensus to allow departments to figure in a 5% COLA increase in their 2023 budget requests. Next, she presented a personal property tax correction for their approval. After review Bert moved to approve the correction as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Last she presented payroll and accounts payable reports and minutes from February 28th for signatures.

Julie Lyon came to inform them that she is working on multiple project grants such as a $21,000 grant for the round barn for painting and looking into a new sign as well. She also reported she has been helping the City of Haviland with a BASE grant for wastewater treatment plant improvements and grants to be used on housing needs within the county as well. Last she requested $21,000 for the startup daycares she is helping with in Haviland and Mullinville and reported her goal is to have 5 new daycares countywide. They requested Matt to look into where the funds could be paid out of and report back at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 11:54

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
March 7, 2022

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, George Jennings, Michael Rainger, Kendal Lothman, Julie Lyon, Jessica Soto-Botello and Stacy Weaver attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 2/28/2022.

Prior to the meeting, prayer was received by Stacy Weaver. Bert Lowery opened the meeting at 9:00. John moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt invited John Riggins with Kirkham and Michael to come forward and present the agreement for the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program for the KDOT project number 049 C-5177-01 for the fiscal year of 2024 for approval. After review from the County counselor, Bert moved to approve the agreement as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Jay then presented a merit payroll change for K Koehn for review. John moved to approve the payroll change as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he informed them that they have been working on M St. from 25th Ave through 27th Ave and that it is almost complete. Chay then presented 2 resolution drafts regarding enacting regulations for the excavation of section corner monuments within the County’s right of ways and enacting regulations for the use of the County’s right of ways for them to review and gave a quick review of the changes he made. He informed them that he would follow up at the next meeting to see if there are any changes they suggest. Lastly, George Jennings came forward for the discussion on the reusing of items in the landfill and Chay requested to table the discussion so he can look into the topic further.

Kendal Lothman came to present a payroll change for C McElroy for his 6-month probational period. After review of the payroll change John moved to approve as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he presented a proposal from ATCI (Allied Technical Consultants Inc) for X911 mapping program and Verizon Connect Live Tracking for 36 GPS devices for the emergency service vehicles which included City PD, EMS, Fire and Sheriff departments. He explained Allied Technical Consultants INC (ATCI) how it is established and how it interfaces with the system ENTERPOL and their current CAD operating system. The cost of this would include X911 mapping program, 36 GPS devices, installation of equipment and integration subscription fees in the amount of $11,370.40 and then it would be $10,470.40 annually. He did want to inform them that he would cover the annual mapping fee of $2,500 since the Sheriff office will renew the service annually and that he would bill the individual departments for their share of the fees starting next year. After some discussion John moved to take the cost of $11,370.40 out of the Sheriff’s Special Equipment fund and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kerri Ulrich came to request a Board of Health meeting session. Bert adjourned the Commissioner meeting at 9:46 and called the Board of Health meeting to order. She presented the application signature pages for the Family planning grant, COVID-19 IAP Supplemental 3 Vaccine access grant, COVID-19 IAP Supplement 4 Vaccine Equity, ELC grant, Immunization Action Plan(IAP), Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and State Formula (SF) grant requests for approval in the amount of $132,552.70. Bert adjourned the BOH at 9:53 and called the Commissioner meeting to order. Bert moved to approve the grant application as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, she wanted to see if they would cover the expense for employees and members located in County owned facilities again this year for their health fair bloodwork. John moved to cover the costs mentioned for the health fair and Bert seconded motion passed unanimously.

Break called till 10:00

Julie Lyon, Economic Development Director, gave a brief update on how the 2 daycares are coming along and introduced Jessica Soto-Botello from Childcare Aware who came to discuss childcare needs and what services a health consultation for childcare in the county could do and how they can benefit local daycare providers.

Michael Rainger came to talk to them more regarding his services in energy savings and handed out some information for them to review.

Kristi Cooper presented a personal property tax correction for their approval. After review of the correction, John moved to approve the correction and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Also, she informed them that the County Budget workshop with Lewis Hoper and Dick LLC will be held on June 27th starting at 9:00 am in the Commissioners meeting room. Last she presented payroll and accounts payable reports and minutes from February 28th for signatures.

During Commissioner discussion, Chay Howard wanted to briefly review the resolution he presented earlier for them to consider for Road and Bridge. He also informed them that he is still needing to talk with Ms. Barton with KNRC on some of the language of the resolution she presented at the last meeting and discussed his understanding of the Rails to Trails program and how it affects the County and what they need to do. Lastly, he gave a quick update on the tax sale.

Meeting adjourned at 10:46

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
February 28, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kelly Askew, George Jennings, Michael Rainger, Tracy Barton and Tracy Weaver attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 2/22/2022.

Prior to meeting prayer was received by Stacy Weaver and the pledge of allegiance was recited. David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the minutes with corrections as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, Bert moved to accept the consent agenda and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kelly Askew came as the County Library director to visit about the commons building and to follow up on when the building would be sealed since it was approved in April last year. David asked Bert to if he could give more information on the project since he is contractor. Bert informed them that the temperature needs to be a minimum of 70 degrees and no wind gusts. He informed them that he is hoping to start the project once the weather permits. Lastly, she wanted to inform them there would be an increase in the County Library budget for 2023 which would allow them to offer a health insurance stipend to their 2 full time and 2 part time employees and explained that they would not qualify for a group insurance plan since they don’t have enough employees. She just wanted them to be aware of the increase in their request.

George Jennings came as a private citizen to open a conversation regarding recycling goods such as household furniture to construction materials and metal and tools, from lumber and wood, to fence posts and firewood that are thrown out to the landfill and how this could conserve on reusable waste and how this would benefit both county residents and the environment. He asks them to consider creating a reuse policy for the County landfill. The commissioners agree if they are allowed to make those changes to the policy that they would be in favor of such changes, but they would need to visit with Jay first to see how the policies are set and they could go from there. George will reach out to Jay as well informed.

Michael Rainger with Rainger Associates came to give a quick review on lowering residential inflation thru energy cost reductions and provided some information on how he could help. He did inform them that over the next couple of months he would come to give updates on his progress at each meeting as he progresses forward.

Tracy Barton with Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) came to discuss the Rails to Trails program that they are assisting other county members. She presented the plan document for their review as she informed them of the program and how they are moving forward assisting other counties removing the Rails to Trails due to inactive line of railroads trails within several counites. She explained if they would like to move forward that they would need to adopt a resolution allowing KNRC to proceed on with the process. Next, she presented the resolution for the counselor to review. Chay will review all documents provided and they can discuss this at the next meeting.

Break called till 9:51.

Kristi Cooper wanted to have a discussion on mowing services for the county facilities and see if they wanted to contract those out again or have the maintenance department provide that service since it was handled by her department, but that they would need to purchase some of the equipment needed, since they disposed of some of the major equipment needed. After some conversation it was by consensus to move forward with receiving bids for those services and they would review the quotes and compare the costs for the county overall and go from there. Next, she presented the completed questionnaire for KCAMP that she has submitted for an insurance quote and explained that she had also submitted the information that included our seven-year loss run detailing claims which included dates of losses, claim descriptions and a copy of the machinery and equipment we currently insure. She did inform them that the renewal would need to move to a calendar year and that they don’t offer workers compensation, so she is looking into additional coverage quotes for that as well but that their representatives would explain all that to them when they come out with their proposal. Lastly, she presented the February 22 commissioner minutes and accounts payable reports for signatures.

During Commissioner discussion, David wanted to inform them that he won’t be present at the next meeting but wanted them to know that he is in full support of moving forward on the 911 mapping for the county that Kendall will be presenting at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 10:18

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
February 22, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Kari Kyle, Stacy Barnes, Kendal Lothman, Gene Yohn, Michael Granger and Stacy Weaver attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 2/7/2022.

After prayer given by Stacy Weaver and the pledge of allegiance, David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

David adjourned the regular meeting at 9:02 and called the Board of Health(BOH) meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for public health which included the office will be closed from March 29th -31st for state conference in Topeka, lot purchase is on hold at this time, drive up window project still is pending, health fair preparations beginning, continuing to work on family planning grants that are coming due soon, will be receiving reimbursement of testing supplies from the state, received home testing kits for the public and vaccines still being dispersed. David adjourned the BOH at 9:15 and called the regular meeting to order. Next, she presented a merit payroll change for J Steyn. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Chay Howard presented resolution 2022-6 for approval with changes as presented and he explained after resolution 2022-5 was adopted at the last meeting he was informed that there were some changes that need to be addressed and changed. After reviewing the changes, John moved to adopt resolution 2022-6 and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he asked to continue the discussion regarding fees assessed to use of county right aways and included Jay in the discussion. Chay will make the changes as directed by Jay and the commissioners and will present a new resolution. Jay also wanted to discuss the application to excavate for section corner monuments within road right of ways because he felt the fee under section 6, regarding the fee assessed for the hourly rate for the use of county backhoe was below the FEMA rate and suggested that it needed to be raised. After some discussion John moved to change the fee from $34 to $80 per hour for use of county backhoe, motion died due to no second. Jay did mention that he has received an application from MKEC with the current fees and just wanted to get those fees updated. Chay suggested they would need to look into how the fees were set He informed them that he would like to create a resolution to set the fees for the application of excavation for section corner monuments with road right of ways.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included CDL drivers, attended the miner safety refresher course hosted by Heft and Sons, major tree trimming and tree removal on the Sun City Road, Wilmore Road, Soldier Creek Cemetery Road, Thompson Creek Road and around Belvidere, starting to build up M St. west of 183 this week, some excavation work for MKEC engineering on 29th Ave through 25th Ave for locating survey markers this week.

Break called till 10:01

Kari Kyle came to request them to reappoint Jane Case and Farrel Allison as board members to the Kiowa County Council on Aging board. Bert moved to reappoint the members and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next Kristi presented a funding letter from SWKAAA (Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging) in the amount of $1200 and explained that since 2012 they have funded them $700 and asks them to increase the funding and then she asked Kari to explain what the program is for and how our funding helps our local center. After some discussion Bert moved to approve the full funding requested by SWKAAA in the amount of $1200 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kendal Lothman presented a termination payroll change for C Vergis. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, he asked if they would be open to getting a quote from KCAMP for our business and personal property insurance and explain the benefits they can provide for the Sheriff’s office. Lothman explained how his experience from a previous employer. After some discussion it was by consensus to move forward with receiving a quote from KCAMP as our renewal is coming up in May.

Stacy Barnes presented a letter of support for the City of Greensburg for BASE grant application for development at the Greensburg business park. Bert moved to sign the letter of support and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kristi Cooper presented resolution 2022-7 for appointing a voting member of the South-Central region homeland security council for Kiowa County in Rays absence. After review, John moved to adopt resolution 2022-7 as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next presented were tax roll corrections for gas and real estate. John moved to approve the corrections as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Also, she presented the February 7th minutes, payroll reports and accounts payable reports for signatures.

Gene Yohn came as a private citizen came to talk to them regarding an old and ongoing criminal investigation and Michael Granger also came to let them know that he was back in the community and that he will be coming back at a later date with some information to share with them regarding energy conservation.

Meeting adjourned at 10:53.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
February 7, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Shelly Tuttle, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Matt Christenson, Theron McKinney, and Julie Lyon attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 2/7/2022.

After the prayer and the pledge of allegiance, David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included a payroll change for R Lothman for a merit increase. After review of the payroll change Bert moved to accept it as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. He also presented the track loader lease agreement from Foley, after some discussion, John moved to purchase the track loader for $297,537.21 David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Last Jay brought up resolution 2012-13 regarding permitting use of County right of way by utilities and how he feels it needs to be updated. After some discussion they decided to review the resolution and discuss the changes that they would like to see at the next meeting.

Bert called for a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege to discuss legal issue regarding use of the right of way, David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Regular session began at 9:30 with no action session taken.

Chay informed the Commissioners that Diane Thompson with Haviland Broadband emailed him and Kristi this morning to inform them that she would not be able to make it to the meeting but would like the Commissioners sign a letter of support. Diane included a couple of sample letters in her email. Chay left to print the letters.

Matt Christenson came and discussed a grant program that was announced last week called BASE, Building A Stronger Economy, after some discussion the Commissioners decided that this grant did not benefit the County at this time. Matt also updated the guys about a critical hardware failure in one of our servers that happened last week, he has ordered the part and hopefully will have it in a few days.

Chay came back with the sample letters that Diane emailed, after some review and discussion the Commissioners decided to call Diane to verify that they needed the letter before the next Commissioner meeting that will be held on February 22, 2022. John moved to sign a letter of support for the ReConnect Grant Program, David seconded, the motion passed unanimously.

Theron McKinney and Chay Howard came to discuss the proposed resolution for open burning in the county. After some discussion John moved to pass resolution 2022-5 for enacting regulations for opening burning in the county and setting penalties for violations of the regulations regarding open burning and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next Theron informed the Commissioners that the Haviland fire department is going to need to replace the 1972 AMC 6X6 tanker. It was agreed by consensus that Theron can start looking at tankers and let the Commissioners know what he can find.

David called for a 5-minute break.

Regular session began at 10:26.

During Commissioner discussion Chay informed the commissioners that he is waiting on a little more information on purchasing the lot for the health department and will get the contract to the Commissioners when he can. Chay is also going to look at the road and bridge resolution and let them know his thoughts as well.

Meeting adjourned at 10:31.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
January 31, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt and Theron McKinney attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 1/18/2022.

After the pledge of allegiance, David White opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kristi Cooper presented tax corrections for approval. After reviewing the corrections presented, Bert moved to accept the corrections as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, she presented payroll reports, account payable reports and minutes of January 18 for signatures.

Kerri Ulrich presented a payroll change for S Richmond for the contact tracer position that is no longer needed for her department for separation. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, she asked them on how they wanted to purchase the property adjacent to the Health Department which would expand for more parking but wasn’t sure if they would like to purchase title insurance or buy the property out right from the buyer. After some discussion it was by consensus to purchase the title insurance for the purchase of the property.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included payroll changes for R Hohl and J Williams for merit raises. After review of the payroll changes David moved to accept them as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. He also reported they began removing and trimming trees on Sun City Road around Belvidere, presented a quote for a self-propelled paint striper and is waiting on track loader lease agreement from Foley and will bring that to the next meeting when he receives it. No action taken on the paint striper purchase.

David brought up the topic regarding paying COVID-19 pay and wanted to revisit the conversation due to an employee requesting them to revisit the pay. After some discussion they choose to not reinstate the COVID-19 pay at this time and that the employees will need to follow the current Paid Time off (PTO) policy moving forward.

Theron McKinney came to inform them that Pueblo concrete has started the concrete pad they had approved and to discuss a countywide fire ban. Chay informed them that he would create a resolution on how county fire bans will be handled and gave a few suggestions as in time duration of the burn bans, penalties, fines and who is authorized to call for the ban as in the Fire Chief and/or Emergency Management Manager. Chay will work with him and get one ready for the next meeting. Last, he just gave a short update on personnel.

Chay asked for clarification on the purchase of the property for the health department and it was by consensus to go ahead and purchase the title insurance. The cost for the title company to prepare the documents will depend on the purchase price if they share the costs with the buyer or just have the county pay for that expense. He will work with a title company to prepare these documents and come back when they are completed for the purchase of the property. David requested a 15-executive session for advice with attorney-client privileges discussing the legal matters regarding wavier of fees on the use of right of ways and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Regular session began at 11:25. David requested an additional 15 minutes for advice for attorney-client privileges discussing the legal matters regarding wavier of fees on the use of right of ways and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Regular session began at 10:41 with no action taken.

Meeting adjourned at 10:42.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
January 18, 2022

David White, Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Theron McKinney, Diane Thompson, Julie Lyon, Terri Butler, Norval Ralstin and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll report, Accounts Payable reports, and Commissioner minutes of 1/3/2022.

After the pledge of allegiance, David White opened the meeting at 9:00. John moved to approve the consent agenda as presented Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included cattle guard foundation installed at the Belvidere cemetery and pad for the fuel tank and containment at the shop in Belvidere, hauling sand and blading this week, trimming trees new week, build up on M St. from 183 to 25th Ave and R St. from 183 to 25th Ave, looking into purchasing a Snorkel ATB46N Boom lift or a Genie S-60 to be used at the shop and could be used for multiple reasons, 2 quotes from Foley for a new 952-12 track loader in the amount of $251,604.87 with a construction package and $290,106.63 with a waste package. He would be leasing the new loader. And informed them the old loader would cost around $60k to get it back running but could be looking to see if they would trade in as well. He will work on getting lease agreements together and come back.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for S McVey(merit) for approval in Chay’s absence. After review of the change Bert moved to approve the merit increase and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Theron McKinney came to discuss a countywide fire ban and explained how they have done it in the past and suggested to revise the process which would allow him to call for the ban and not to have to go through the approval of the commissioners and they agreed. Chay will look into creating a resolution and report back at the next meeting. Next, he presented the revised application for emergency vehicle lighting and explained how that process worked. After some discussion they decided to only allow officers to be able to have emergency lighting on their personal vehicles at their own expense and Chay presented resolution 2022-4 regarding emergency lights on vehicles for volunteer firefighters. Bert moved to adopt the resolution presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Last they discussed the appointment as Fire Chief. After some discussion and acceptance of the appointment by Theron, Bert moved to appoint Theron and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Diane Thompson with Haviland Broadband came to give some updates on the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) through Kansas Office of Broadband Development and Kansas Department of Transportation and ReConnect federal grant through USDA. She informed them how Haviland Broadband has been active in improving broadband in their serving area which includes completing fiber connection in the City of Haviland, adding small fiber extension in southeast Greensburg and they have high level and explained how the grants work and how they will provide service for residents and asks for county assistance in a in-kind match by waiving fees collected by Public Works. The discussion was tabled till the next meeting.

Kiowa County Historical Society came to discuss the replacement of the round barn roof with the assistance from the County. Terry Butler and Norval Ralstin informed them that they had been working with a historical restoration company on what they should do to replace the roof and that they have received three bids for the project and the lowest bid is in the amount of $53,000 and explained that they also go quotes for more repairs that needs to be done as well. After some discussion it was by consensus to spend up to $45,000 and asks them to include increases in their next budget requests to allow for future expenses needed for the barn. They will work on getting a formal bid and report back.

Matt Christenson came to give updates on the APRA funding and renewal of backup software from SHI in the amount of $1443.20 and it was by consensus to allow him to purchase the software needed.

David adjourned the regular meeting and called the Board of Health(BOH) meeting to session. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for Public Health which included WIC and Family planning training tomorrow, low testing supplies, quarantine requirement changes. David closed the BOH and called the regular meeting to order.

Julie Lyon came to give some updates regarding economic development and to inform them how the daycare project is going.

Break till 11:16

Meeting adjourned at 11:21.