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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

February 19, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Richard McVey, Tony Factor and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 2/04.

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

Kerri Ulrich came to discuss purchasing 2 reclining medical chairs for footcare in the amount of $1447 each for their new location. Health fair PSA will be covered by No One Fights Alone and asks the Commissioners to pay for County employee only this year. Bert moved to pay for all County employees and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Ron moved to purchase 2 chairs and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Bert adjourned the meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri gave updates which include; service totals, training, KDHE audit, cross training on job duties, health fair preparations, and project for foster kids in Kiowa County. Regular session began at 9:27.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for Public Works departments which included; payment from Blattner Energy on damages on the road in the amount of $6,206.55, mining safety class coming up with Heft & Sons, plows and spreaders on trucks for the upcoming weather and final Mac truck quote. After some discussion on purchasing the new truck quotes from Mac ($145,733), Kenworth ($144,450) and Peterbilt ($149,622), Bert moved to purchase the Mac truck in the amount of $145,733 and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Kristi presented a payroll change for J Schmidt (6-month merit increase) for approval. Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break was called for 10 minutes at 9:43.

Kristi Cooper presented corrected payroll changes for S McCann and J Wilkerson-Rodriquez. She explained there was an error on the hourly rates for them. Bert moved to approve the changes as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. They discussed the rental fees at the Fair grounds and after some discussion it was by consensus to set the fees to $50 a day per building with a onetime deposit of $50 for all non-alcohol events and $300 deposit for events with alcohol. Also, the only events that would need the event liability insurance policy are ones with alcohol. Chay will draw up a new Resolution for the next meeting. Last she presented Resolution 2019-4 for consumption of liquor or cereal malt beverage at the fairgrounds for 11/4/19 to 11/10/19 and Ron moved to adopt Resolution 2019-4 and John seconded, 2-1(lowery opposed)

During Commissioner discussion they discussed the pay plan and possible changes to the evaluation form to simplify the form. Also, they discussed not using the evaluation form for the 3 supervisors (Matt, Jay and Kerri) due to them not observing them daily in their jobs and handle them the same as the elected officials (Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Commissioners, and County Attorney). There was no action was taken at this time but, Kristi will talk with the department supervisors on the evaluation form and report back.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:14.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

February 4, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, DJ McMurry, Jeff Blackburn, Matt Christenson and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 1/22.

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 Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, DJ McMurry, Chris Tedder, Richard McVey, Stacey Barnes, Jeff Blackburn, Matt Christenson and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 1/31.

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 Public Works departments which included; payroll change J Williams (merit increase), cliché rock and Mac truck quotes. Ron moved to approve the payroll change as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Stacey Barnes came to introduce herself as she took on a new position as the Administrator for the City of Greensburg and expressed looking forward to working with them in the future.

Chay Howard presented Resolution 2019-3 requiring event liability insurance for usage of County buildings for private events. After some discussion, John moved to adopt the resolution 2019-3 and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chris Tedder came to present a payroll change for S McCann (merit increase) for approval. After review Ron moved to approve the payroll change as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break was called for 10 minutes at 9:48.

Matt Christenson came to present quotes on the renovations to the recently purchased building. They reviewed the options that were discussed at the beginning of the purchase of the building. He did advise them that they have funds in the oil and gas depletion fund that they could transfer to help with the costs like they did on the purchase of the building. Ron moved to move the Health department to the new location at 116 S Pine St in Greensburg and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, they reviewed the quotes that Matt presented on the renovations from Brain Gumpenberger $62,750, AH Contracting $65,334, Sluss Construction $65,697.65 and Richard Hassiepen Construction $85,600. After review of the bids presented Bert moved to accept Brian Gumpenberger bid for $62,750 to be paid out of the building fund and funds will be transferred from the Oil and Gas depletion fund to cover the costs and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, they continued the discussion of the fiber connection contract for the new Health Department building from Haviland Telephone Company in the amount of $14,500 and there would be a $100 per month service fee for the new line. John moved to approve the contract with Haviland Telephone Company and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

During Commissioner discussion Kristi informed them of the appointment they made at the last meeting for the hospital board that the recipient declined due to taking a position at the hospital and gave them a few names who would like to serve on the board. After some discussion, Ron moved to appoint Mitzi Hesser to the board and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Kristi will contact Mary Sweet on the appointment and send out a letter to Mitzi to inform her of the appointment. Chay Howard and Richard McVey came to discuss possibly using the part time position coming up for his office and the Community Service officer as one person for a full-time position and it was by consensus by the Commissioners to let them work the details out and they would report back later.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:56.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

January 31, 2019

Bert Lowery, John Bertram, Ronald Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, DJ McMurry, Jeff Blackburn, Matt Christenson and Jay Schmidt attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 1/22.

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 Public Works departments which included; County Tepe study completed, dump truck quotes and payroll change S Peters (reclassification of hours). After review of the payroll change Bert moved to approve the payroll change and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Matt Christenson came to discuss the fiber connection contract for the new Health Department building from Haviland Telephone Company in the amount of $14,500 and there would be a $100 per month service fee for the new line. After some discussion they tabled the quote till next meeting after bids are opened on the renovation costs of the building. Kristi presented a quote from D.A Tech, LLC to provide the web hosting for the county website and the services which would include; daily backups, premium support and full SSL support which is required by Google and other search engines. The quote would be for $200 annually/$20 monthly and $75 hourly rate. After some discussion Bert moved to have D.A Tech host the county website and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. 

Jay Schmidt came back with the lease for the bob cat with First National Bank for signatures.

Break was called for 10 minutes at 9:48.

DJ McMurry came to discuss hiring a part-time employee for the summer to help in the Appraiser’s office that would assist in making changes to all the records with soil types from the NRCS. It was by consensus to allow him to hire someone and he reported he would come back with a payroll change before summer.

Kristi Cooper presented payroll changes for C Howard, T Butler, J Wilkerson-Rodriguez for approval. After review of the payroll changes Bert moved to approve them as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she presented a quote from Inclusion Solutions for 4 election booths and booth equipment in the amount of $4373.55. She explained she would like to buy 4 additional round booths to replace the single booths we currently use. This would be paid out of the Election Special Equipment fund. After review of the quote Ron moved to approve the quote and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Lastly, she presented tax corrections for approval. After review of the corrections Ron moved to approve them and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:50.