Commissioner Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

June 15, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Break called for 10 minutes at 9:41

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

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

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

Break called for 10 minutes 10:12

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

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:32

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

June 1, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:50

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

May 29, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Break called for 5 minutes. 10:48

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:55

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

May 29, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Kerri Ulrich came to discuss Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri explained the new guidelines and her recommendations moving forward for Kiowa County as a whole. Leanne Holtz came to give her concerns and asks for clarification. Payroll change was presented for P Fuller (merit) for approval. Next, they discussed when the courthouse and fairgrounds building would open up to the public. adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting opened. Bert moved to approve the payroll change and john seconded, motion carried 3-0.

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

During Commissioner discussion John asked to discuss the hazard pay. After some discussion on the pay, John moved to end the hazard pay effective May 30, 2020 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Ron moved to move the Commissioner room for Monday meeting and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Ron asked about the bids on the doors and asked to have Matt come up to be part of the discussion.

Break called for 5 minutes. 10:48

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:55

Download Mintues

Courthouse District Courtroom

May 18, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jamie Brown, Cody Sherer, Aaron Webb, Chris Tedder, Scott McCann, and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda.

After the pledge of allegiance. Ron opened the special meeting at 7:30. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard gave a quick review of the changes for the Governor’s order phase 1.5 regarding rodeos. With the changes to the new phase they can hold a rodeo effective Friday May 22, 2020. So, they are needing permission to use the restrooms and allow parking at the fairgrounds. Bert moved to allow them use of the restrooms and parking at the fairgrounds and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay asked for clarification for other county buildings openings that wasn’t discussed at the meeting earlier today such as Fairgrounds buildings and R&B. After some discussion Bert moved to open R&B office by appointment only and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

May 14, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Mike Greenleaf, Jamie Brown, Aaron Webb, Amber Stegman, Patrick Greenleaf, Barrett Smith, and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda.

After the pledge of allegiance. Ron opened the special meeting at 8:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kerri Ulrich came to discuss the scheduled event of the Triangle Rodeo Club hosting the annual rodeo that will be on May 22 and May 23. In attendance for the discussion was Mike Greenleaf (Medicine River Rodeo), Amber Craft (Triangle Rodeo Club) Jamie Brown (Medicine Rodeo Club), Aaron Webb (Greensburg City Police Chief). Mike and Jamie informed them of their plan with holding the event and what precautions they are taking per the guidelines of the Governor plan for phase 2. John moved to allow them to host the rodeo as scheduled and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

May 18, 2020

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

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and commissioner minutes of 05/4 & 5/14.

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

Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the Board of Health meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates regarding COVID-19 which included; updates to the new Governor executive order 1.5 phase, re-opening Courthouse and operations for the Commons building. After some discussion the Commissioners decided to stay closed to the public and will revisit this at the next meeting. Ron adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the Public Works departments which included; drive entrance culverts, working on control of gopher mounds on all blacktop roads, mowing, asphalt projects staring in the next 2 weeks, split shift schedule and hours of landfill operation.

Kristi Cooper

During Commissioner discussion Chay informed them that they will move forward with the sell of the school house.

Meeting adjourned at 10:02

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

April 30, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Chris Tedder, Stacy Barnes, Aaron Webb and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/20.

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

Jeff Blackburn called to give updates on the County food bank which included; served 52 families,

Kristi cooper presented payroll changes for D Maas (merit) and T Libby (probation). After review of the changes Bert moved to accept the changes and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard mentioned that he spoke with Browns Auction regarding fees to do an online auction. The minimum fee is $500 and with a minimum of $500 for commission fees. And if the property sales over $10,000 it would be a 5 percentage of the final sale of the property. After some discussion they decided to move forward with the date of the auction as May 7th to be done as they originally planned. He also gave a few updates regarding his office and the courts.

Break called for 5 minutes till 9:30.

Donna McDonald and Jackie Robertson called to give renewal quotes from EMC. She explained there was an increase of valuation and property and work comp claims which gave a slight increase in the renewal premium of $26,623. After some discussion Ron moved to accept the renewal for EMC for $288,424 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chris Tedder came to discuss an electronic ticketing system called digiTicket with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the City of Greensburg and City of Greensburg Police department. He explained that the agreement stated that the City would cover the costs in full of all monthly fees and will maintain the contract with Salus Technologies and that they would provide 3 handheld tablets and 5 mobile thermal printers. In return the Sheriff office will enforce traffic infractions for the city. Next, he discussed selling a 2016 white Charger to the City of Greensburg for their law enforcement vehicle in the amount of $7000 which would not include the radios, radar and camera system. Stacy Barnes and Aaron Webb came to present the MOU agreement. After review of the MOU Bert moved to approve the agreement with the City of Greensburg and Greensburg Police department and John seconded, motion 3-0. Bert moved to offer to allow the sale of the 2016 Charger for $7000 minus the equipment mentioned and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next they discussed the details on the property auction for May 7th.

Meeting adjourned at 10:17

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

April 20, 2020

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

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/06.

After the pledge of allegiance. Ron opened the meeting at 9:00. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.
Kerri Ulrich came forward for the Board of Health (BOH). Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri gave updates which included; COVID-19 updates, medical supplies shortages, working on grants to fund to aid in COVID-19 expenses, Vaccines for Children (VFC) audit working on QI improvements, school nursing bills, stay at home ordered extended until May 3rd per Governor Kelly and county plan moving forward. Ron adorned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order. John moved to permit supervisors at their discretion to bring back employees on a rotated schedule, but to keep supervisors with deputies to work separate schedule and if they need to work together that they use PPE as needed and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; culvert replaces South of Belvidere, rotated work schedule for his crew, preparing bids for asphalt, chip seals and sand sealing work this year and utility easement. After some discussion it was by consensus to move forward with accepting bids for road projects for this year.

Matt Christenson came to present a contract from Electronic Contracting Company for a Telguard cellular dialer and EST SIGA-CT1 monitor module for fire alarms at the Commons building in the amount of $966. Ron moved to accept the contract and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented an appointment letter from the library board for June Mcfadden to fill the term of 2020-2024. John moved to approve the appointment and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

During Commissioner discussion Chay informed them that he would need to know if they would like to move the sale of the Belvidere school house or keep it on schedule. After some discussion it was by consensus to keep moving forward with the sale on May 7th and look into the cost of having Browns Auction do a live bid sale during our sale.

Meeting adjourned at 9:53

Download Minutes

Courthouse District Courtroom

April 20, 2020

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Chris Tedder and Grant Neuhold attended the meeting.
Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 04/06.

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

Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the Board of Health (BOH) meeting to order. Kerri Ulrich came to give updates for the Health department which included; COVID-19 updates, 12 tested in Kiowa County with no positive cases, medical supply shortages, grant funding to aid in COVID-19 expenses, Vaccine for children (VFC) audit-working on QI improvements and school nursing bills. Ron adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular meeting to order, John moved to allow supervisors to bring back employees on a less exposure schedule and that Supervisors with Deputies not to be exposed to each other and they will review this after May 4th and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public works departments which included; road maintenance, culvert work, update on crew schedule, bids on asphalt work and chip sealing and utility easement.

Matt Christenson came to discuss changes to the alarm to the Commons building. He presented a contract from Electronic Contracting Company in the amount of $966 for Cellular dialer system. After review of the contract, Ron moved to accept and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented a letter from Cassie Gamble for an appointment for the library board. John moved to appoint June McFadden to the board for the term of 2020-2024 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chay Howard asked to move the sale of the Belvidere school and they discussed what they should do and it tabled till the next meeting. Chay will find out cost of having online auction fees from Browns Auction.

Meeting adjourned at 9:53

Download Minutes