Commissioner Minutes

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
November 30, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper and Kendal Lothman attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 11/15/2021.

After prayer given by Tony Factor, John Bertram opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kendal Lothman came to present a payroll change for K Long (new hire) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Gave a quick update on operations in the jail regarding housing prisoners for surrounding counties. He is also looking into a correctional medical service proposal and gave the advantages of the service but will report back with a quote once he receives one.

Kristi Cooper presented tax corrections for approval. After review of the corrections Bert moved to approve them as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next, she informed the commissioners that Ray asked for her to present a quote from Pratt County Emergency Management regarding the shared weather tower in Belvidere for the updating the lighting on the tower and that our share would be $1714.37. Bert moved to approve the shared cost for the lighting on the weather tower and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Last she presented payroll changes for the elected officials for a pay adjustment. After review of the changes David moved to approve them as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

During Commissioner discussion they revisited the commercial traffic on county roads, overtime impacts on budgets.

Meeting adjourned at 10:14.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
November 15, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Chay Howard, Kristi Cooper, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, Rhonda Fernandez, Kendal Lothman, Karen Butler and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 12/6/21.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, John Bertram opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

John 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 training exercises, discussion jail nursing agreement with Sheriff office, health fair preparation starting in January, COVID-19 case totals and vaccine totals and working on a document regarding school quarantines guidelines with the school and medical director . John adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting back to order. David requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personal to discuss personal matters regarding the health department at 9:27 and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously. Regular session began at 9:37 with no action taken.

Norval Ralstin came to talk with the Commissioner’s regarding the roof at the round barn south of Mullinville. He is requesting them to help with the expense to replace the roof. They have gotten a bid in the amount of $54,000 to put a tin roof on the building and that they did get approval to change the type of roof with the historical society. David informed him that they would discuss this and see if they could help them.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included; concrete projects on 5th Ave is completed, engineers will be out to inspect the intersections north of Haviland regarding the signs, local safety plan discussed regard paining edge lines on the blacktops, install cattle guards on Belvidere road next week, received 2 JD tractors last week, track loader at the landfill final drive needs repairs and a rebuild on a 953C.

Matt Christenson came to request to transfer $7476.91 for IT equipment support agreement building control software into a Special Equipment fund and additional $5000 for workstations. Bert moved to allow $12,476.91 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next he presented a quote from BCS for support agreement for control $ Bert moved to approve the expense of 4010 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

He requested to revisit the COLA discussion from last meeting. After much discussion David moved to approve a 4% COLA increase for 2022 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Chay Howard presented a resolution 2021-10 which elects Kiowa County to participate in the National Opioid Settlement. After some discussion it was by consensus for us to register as a subdivision to receive settlement paperwork and to have him be the authorized person for Kiowa County. John moved to adopt the resolution presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Break called till 11:52

Rhonda Fernandez came to give claim updates on how claims are sitting for BCBS.

Kristi Cooper presented tax corrections for approval, After review of the corrections Bert moved to approve them as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. She asked if they would allow the courthouse and facilities could close on December 23 at noon and it was by consensus to close at noon.

During Commissioner discussion they discussed the round barn assistance, on call pay with the sheriff office,

Meeting adjourned at 11:41

Kiowa County Commissioners Special Meeting
November 8, 2021

John Bertram, Dave White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Shelly Tuttle and Andy Kimble attended the election canvas meeting.

John called the special meeting to order to canvas the November 2nd General Election results at 10:00 a.m. with the County Election officer, Kristi Cooper and Deputy County Election officer, Shelly Tuttle. She presented blank Talley sheets to each of them and explained she would read aloud each tabulator receipt for each ballot styles from election day totals, early voting totals and then they would process the provisional ballots. After reading the tabulator receipts, she informed them that she has a total of 5 provisional and explained the reasons they were provisional on the spreadsheet. Next, she opened the 5 provisional and read them aloud. Next she informed them that they had a 3-way tie on Mullinville City Council race and explained the procedure on how to break the tie. The 3 names were placed in a hat and chairman, John Bertram drew 2 names and declared the winners. After totals were verified, Bert moved to certify the approved election abstract totals as presented and John second, motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 11:07.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
November 1, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt and Tony Factor attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 10/29/21.

After the prayer given by Tony Factor, John opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included payroll changes for J Price(merit) and W Williams(merit) Heft & Sons started overlay on city service road, received the 2 trucks and going to go get sand spreader soon. After review of the changes David moved to approve them as presented and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for L Gwin(merit) for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:09

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
October 29, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Shelly Tuttle, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Matt Christenson, Krista Amaro and Karen Butler attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 10/18/2021.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, John Bertram opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kerri Ulrich presented a payroll change for T Hatton (new hire) after some discussion John moved to accept the payroll change as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next she presented an additional payroll change for S Richmond (new hire) after review Bert moved to accept the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Kerri then gave the Commissioners Covid-19 case number updates.

Matt Christenson came to discuss the firewall security services agreement that we have and is set to expire next week. Matt presented two quotes for new security service agreements and software, one from NMGI for $5363.00 and one from SHI for $4899.80. After some discussion Bert moved to purchase a new firewall and security services agreement out of the capital outlay fund from SHI for 3 years in the amount of $4,899.80 and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Krista Amaro came to present a payroll change for J Bruckner (merit increase) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Break called until 9:30

Karen Butler came to present a payroll change for T Butler (merit increase) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed 2-0, David was absent.

During Commissioner discussion Chay Howard gave updates on the finalization of the tax sale. They discussed the individual meetings that they each had with the representatives from the Windfarm and the benefits it could bring to the County.

Meeting adjourned at 9:36

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
October 18, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, Theron McKinney, Jeff Blackburn and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 10/04/2021 & 10/5/21.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, John Bertram opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

John moved to adjourn the regular meeting and call the Board of health(BOH) meeting to session. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for Public Health which included; working on quarterly grant work that is due, nursing applications received, flu clinics continue, 292 flu shots given, covid-19 cases continue to climb, contract tracer position. John adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order at 928. Bert moved to approve the temporary and part-time position that will be funded through a ELC grant for $9000 until the funds are used up or until the position is no longer needed whichever comes first and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included; purchased 2 freightliner trucks on purple wave in the amount of $164,000, purchased 2 sand spreaders and rock shoulder spreader in the amount of $1350 plus commission, short discussion on the new stop sign placed north or Haviland and look possibly into a new TEAP study if Kirkham and Michael requires it, F St. and City Service road asphalt overlay completed, working with Northern Natural with disposing asbestos through KDHE, chip sealing and patch work started last week, blading updates, pipeline repair north of Mullinville completed and discussion enforcing roads with no commercial trucks allowed signs.

Jim Daily with KNRC came back to continue the discussion of Kiowa County joining the organization as they were members previously. After some discussion John moved to join the KRNC in the amount of $5000 and Bert seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Theron McKinney came to discuss the salaries again for the officers and after some discussion Bert moved to approve the pay salaries to be for the Fire Chief in the amount of $4000, Deputy Chief for $2500 and Captains for $2000 and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Julie Lyon came to give Economic Development updates which included; dairy farm, housing and child care facilities. And gave brief summaries on how she is working with each city on those topics.

Kendal Lothman came to present a payroll change for V Gwin(probation period merit) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change and David seconded, motion passed unanimously. They also discussed commercial vehicles using our blacktops with signs restricting them and Kendal explained it is just too hard to enforce due to multiple reasons.

Break called till 10:45.

Kristi Cooper presented a list of the 2022 County Holidays for approval. After review John moved to approve the 2022 holidays as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

During Commissioner discussion they spoke continued the dairy farms discussion briefly.

Meeting adjourned at 10:58

Kiowa County Commissioners Special Meeting
October 5, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Julie Lyon, Mark Clodfelter, Scott Brown, Stacey Barnes, Paul Unruh, Casey Gamble, Jay Schmidt, Diane Thompson, Don DeVries, Casey DeVries, Andy Kimble, Richard McVey, Roger Stotts and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda

John Bertram called the Special meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Scott Brown introduced Don and Casey DeVries from Morning Stars dairy farm and gave a quick introduction as they are looking in the area to start a dairy farm which would work with the Hilmar cheese factory coming into Ford County. Multiple individuals spoke on half of their entities and gave a quick introduction on what they have to offer if they choose Kiowa County for the future site of a dairy farm.

Meeting adjourned at 7:59.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
October 4, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Eric Buck and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 09/30/21.

After the prayer given by Jeff Blackburn, John opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came and presented updates for the Public Works Department which included payroll changes for C Erickson(separation) and B Brown(separation), City of Mullinville needing assistance on road grading, County Solid Waste Management Committee meeting updates were presented, Resolution 2021-9 presented for adopting the annual review, concrete bid on Cottonwood St in Haviland, cattle guard install by Belvidere cemetery, road work on D5 St. and F St. will be closed till work is completed, looking into purchasing 2 freightliner M2 dump trucks listed on Purple Wave. After review of the payroll changes, Bert moved to approve them as presented and David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Bert moved to adopt resolution 2021-9 adopting the solid waste plan and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. John read the bid from Pueblo concrete for the cottonwood St in the amount of $15,680. David moved to accept the bid as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Bert abstained from the vote. Bert moved to install a standard cattle guard into the entrance of the ranch by Belvidere cemetery and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Eric Buck, County ambulance director came to inform them of some personnel and how he can provide ALS coverage 24 hours and working with the nursing department for more coverage for them as well.

During Commissioner discussion they continued the discussion regarding joining the Kansas Natural Resources Coalition, tabled till next meeting so David could review the information thoroughly.

Meeting adjourned at 10:09.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
September 30, 2021

John Bertram, David White(absent), Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jim Daily, Tracey Barton, Brenda Osborne and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 09/20/21.

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

Jim Daily and Tracey Barton with Kansas Natural Resource Coalition to give updates on the lesser prairie chicken and rails for trails and came to ask the Commissioners to consider being part of the organization again. It was tabled till David is present before making any decisions.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the Public Works department which included payroll change C Beall(yearly merit), patched blacktops, M20 updates on parts and labor from CAT, bridge repairs and new signs posted, posted additional stop signs North of Haviland between 49th Ave, B St. and C St. and 25th Ave and B St North of Greensburg and open range continued discussion. After review Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Matt Christenson came to present quotes for the test server platform. And explained that only one supplier can provide all supplies for the project, so he asks them to consider SHI per his recommendation so that away he can order everything through one vender. Bert moved to approve the bid from Shi $4312.18 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Updated that he has received half the equipment for updating the network.

Brenda Osborne presented a payroll change for M Brown(yearly merit) for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Kristi Cooper presented payroll changes for M Tuttle(yearly merit & election pay increase)for approval. After review Bert moved to accept the payroll changes as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

No topics during Commissioner discussion

Meeting adjourned at 9:37

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

September 20, 2021

John Bertram, David White, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Morgan Allison, Eric Buck, Rosa Hettinger, Kendal Lothman, Theron McKinney and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 08/07/21.

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

John 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 back to school vision and hearing screenings has begun, health fair billing contract corrected and paid, flu clinic schedule, parking lot discussion purchase of property 50’x140’, new medical director, hired a new registered dietician for the coalition, COVID-19 total cases increasing, grants approved for the position of the RN, USD 474 school nursing contract, payroll change N Zadina. John adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting to order. They discussed purchasing of the property with County Council. Bert moved to approve the nursing contract with USD 474 and David seconded, motion passed unanimously. Payroll change presented for N Zadina (wage adjustment) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the Public Works department which included M20 returned, discuss options on applications for State funding projects for bridges and road with John Riggins with Kirkham and Michael, road maintenance on Mullinville blacktop north between D5 and E St and continued the discussion regarding the open range from the prior meeting with Chay.

Morgan Allison came to introduce the new ambulance director Eric Buck to the Commissioners.

Rosa Hettinger came to give updates on the new purchase of the 2021 Osage Ambulance Transit van and included a breakdown of the funds being used to purchase the vehicle and also informed them of her last day being October 4 as well she informed them of some personnel updates regarding other resignations.

Break called till 9:49

Kristi Cooper presented 1 bid from Pueblo Concrete for approval which includes 45 sidewalk sections, 25 sections of curb and guttering and the west steps. After review of the bid John moved to approve the bid in the amount of $72,780 and David seconded, motion passed unanimously(Bert sustained).

Kendal Lothman requested a 5-minute executive session to discuss personal matters. Bert moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes at 10:05 for personal relations for non-elected personal and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Regular session began at 10:11 with no action taken.

Theron McKinney and Chay Howard presented Resolution 2021-7 for organization structure for the County Fire department. Bert moved to adopt resolution as presented and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Bert moved to approve the appointments as Bill Langley as the captain for Haviland home station, Luke McFadden as the captain for Mullinville home station and Jeremy Butler as the captain for Greensburg home station and Jeremey butler as the county deputy fire chief and John seconded, motion passed unanimously.

During Commissioner Discussion they revisited the discussion regarding quarantine with the County health officer. After some discussion they asked Chay to draw up a resolution with the changes as discussed. Chay presented the resolution for approval. After review Bert moved to adopt the resolution 2021-8 and John seconded, motion passed unanimously. Next Bert moved to approve any employee who is currently quarantined prior to today meeting will receive Covid pay for their quarantine and that it will not go against the total of 90 hours that was approved in the resolution and David seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 11:42

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