Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

September 28, 2018

Ronald Freeman, Bert Lowery, John Unruh (absent), Shelly Tuttle, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Matt Christenson, Chris Tedder and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, payroll reports, account payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 09/17.

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

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for public works which included; an update on Grant street and the patching North of Mullinville. Jay told the Commissioners that he and Jason will be attending a Solid Waste Conference next Wednesday and Thursday. Jay also asked about hiring Charity Beall part-time as a seasonal mower person for Road and Bridge. After some discussion, Bert moved to hire Charity and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Chay Howard spoke with the Commissioners regarding Oak street and possibly rededicating it. Chay is going to work on the Public Notices and they discussed holding the Public Hearing on November 5, 2018 at 10:00am.

Shelly Tuttle presented tax corrections for demolition charges on the properties from the tax sale. Ron moved to approve the tax corrections as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0. Next, Shelly asked them if they were interested in attending the Client Appreciation Dinner for Kirkham Michael, and both Commissioners at the meeting are unable to attend the dinner.

Matt Christenson came to discuss a leak at the Commons Building in the Library. He told the Commissioners that he feels if we seal the 2^nd story wall like we have previously sealed at the Commons, it should fix the problem. He presented a bid from Pueblo Concrete to do the sealing, but it was tabled until Monday, when John will be back. Matt also gave an update on the email host switch. Next week he will make the purchases for the switch and is planning to start it on October 12^th.

Break until 9:36

Chris Tedder came to give reports for his departments which included presenting a payroll change for R. Martin (merit increase). After review of the change Ron moved to approve the payroll change and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0. He also told the Commissioners about purchasing 5 new portable radios as the radios we currently have keep breaking and the 10 used ones that we are to be getting has been delayed for an undermined amount of time. He then gave some staffing updates.

There was no topics for the Commissioner’s discussion and the meeting was adjourned at 10:00.

Kiowa County Commission:

Ronald Freeman, Chairman                                                    Attest:

Bert Lowery, Vice-Chairman                                      Shelly Tuttle, Deputy County Clerk

John Unruh, Commissioner

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

September 17, 2018

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Jay Schmidt, Kerri Ulrich, Tony Factor, Chris Tedder, Jeff Blackburn and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, payroll reports, account payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 09/04, 09/06.

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

Kerri Ulrich came for the Board of Health meeting (BOH). Ron adjourned the regular meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri gave updates which included August patient service totals, end of year reporting and finalizing financial reports and school nursing contract. The Health Dept. staff will be in and out of the due to flu clinics, school nursing & upcoming conferences. Ron adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting to order. Kerri presented nursing contract for Haviland Schools. Bert moved to approve the contract and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.  Kerri presented the sample declaration for the Emergency Preparedness exercise. John moved to sign the sample local declaration for October 5th and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for public works which included; fixing washouts from the rain last week, additional employee for the landfill and moving the recycling container in Haviland. He did report they used around 1000 square cubic yards of product to fix the washouts. Also he informed them that he had a report people jumping in the cardboard recycle bin at Haviland and that the property owner has concerns of liability and so Jay asked if they would like to have it moved by the shop over in Haviland and John suggested talking with the City first. Last they discussed the ditch east of Grant and Olive intersection. Chay provided the easements on the property and there were still concerns of the trees on the West side Olive St and Grant St.

Break called till 9:45

Matt Christenson came to discuss the Building Controls and Services (BCS) control software quote for the County facilities. The cost of the new control software will be $20,880.00 and an annual subscription cost of $1470.00. John moved to approve the software agreement with BCS and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. They also discussed the new building and Matt reported that Travis has been cleaning around the outside of the building and doing a few things inside as well. He did report that he is working with the department supervisors and determine the best use of the building. And gave a few ideas that he has been working with of some of the departments.

Chris Tedder came to give reports for his departments which included; leasing 8 tasers around $20,000 for 5 years, 8 radars with instant on remote for the patrol cars in the amount of $25,000 and purchasing some PBT (Preliminary Breath Test) which cost $300 each. Clerk gave payroll changes to be presented for W Renfrow (separation), C Parkin (merit increase) and J Parkin (merit increase) for approval. After review of the changes John moved to approve them and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break till 10:36

Kristi Cooper presented CIC annual support agreement for renewal in the amount of $24,040. After review John moved to approve of the agreement and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she presented tax corrections for mowing charges on the properties from the tax sale. Bert moved to approve the tax corrections as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

There was no topics for the Commissioner’s discussion and the meeting was adjourned at 11:26.

Kiowa County Commission:

Ronald Freeman, Chairman                                                    Attest:

Bert Lowery, Vice-Chairman                                      Kristi Cooper, County Clerk

John Unruh, Commissioner

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

September 6, 2018 

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh (via phone), Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Ray Stegman (via phone), Jay Schmidt and Andrea Taylor attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda.  

After the pledge of allegiance, Ron opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Bert moved to approve the consent agenda and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. 

Kristi conferenced John and Ray via phone for the meeting. Ray explained that due to the heavy rains we have received through the County and that he asked them to adopt Resolution 2018-8 for the proclamation of a State of Local disaster Emergency for Kiowa County. After a short discussion Bert moved to adopt the Resolution 2018-8 and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. 

Meeting was adjourned at 10:05

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting

Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room

September 4, 2018 

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

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 08/31.

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

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for public works. He presented a payroll change for C Erikson (resignation) L Thronesbery (promotion/range change). He informed them that he had some guys put cones up on some of the flooded roads yesterday after the rain and that he is going out to further access the roads. Next, they discussed roads N of Haviland, culverts that need to be cleaned out and mowing on weekends. Last Bert asked Jay to call Pratt County to see if they could use any assistance due to the flooding.

Kristi Cooper presented Policy 315 Volunteer Emergency Responders Leave with a provision per Chay’s request. After review of the provision, Bert moved to approve the change and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.  

Matt Christenson came to discuss the County website per John’s request. He explained some changes that he will be doing with the current website and that he will assist with the updates.

Break was called at 9:32 and John left the meeting. 

Matt came back with Travis and reported some small leaks in the Commons building and that Travis will look them and get those corrected.

Chay Howard presented the KSA 22-3612 regarding criminal appeals from district court costs and explained how those are handled. Kristi added that the statues states those cost are to be paid out of County General and not the Diversion fund. She will get with Brenda on to see if this should be handled as a transfer or special AP to correct the voucher.

There was no topics for the Commissioner’s discussion and the meeting was adjourned at 10:22

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Mitzi Hesser, Kerri Ulrich and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 08/20.

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

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for J Schmidt (job classification change) Bert moved to approve the payroll change as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Mitzi Hesser came to discuss health concerns of moving the items from the storage containers to the courthouse or new building.

Scott James called via phone to be part of the discussion with Chay on the open records suit with Great Plains Health Alliance. They discussed the outcome and how matters will proceed following the issuing of the opinion.

Matt Christenson came to present the closing documents for the closing of the SRS building. We will pay $72,849.75. Bert moved to accept the Escrow agents closing statement as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Transfer from oil and gas depletion fund to the building fund to replace the funds and so John moved to transfer $77,849.75 from the accounts per Matt’s request and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break was called at 10:15 for 5 minutes

Commissioner Discussion. John moved for an executive session for non-elected personnel for employee relations at 10:30 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:35 no action taken. Other items discussed were ditches on the south side of East Grant Ave and county website.

Meeting adjourned at 11:21

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh, Bert Lowery, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, Kerri Ulrich, Jay Schmidt, Jay Koehn, Chris Tedder and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll reports, Accounts Payable reports and Commissioner minutes of 08/06, 08/07, 08/09, 08/13.

After the pledge of Allegiance, Ron opened the meeting. John requested a 5-minute executive session to discuss employee relations at 9:00 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 9:05 with no action taken. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kerri Ulrich came for the Board of Health (BOH). Ron adjourned the meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Kerri gave updates for the health department which included, back to school physicals and immunizations, Emergency Preparedness Full scale exercise with SKCPH on October 5^th and USD #422 school nursing contract. Ron adjourned the BOH and called the regular meeting back to order. Kerri presented the nursing contract for USD #422 for approval. After review Bert moved to approve the contract and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Jay Schmidt came to give updates for the public work departments. He presented payroll changes for J Meitl, C Tedder, R Tedder, G Tuttle for resignations and L Thornesbery (merit increase) for review. After review of the changes John moved to approve them as presented and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Due to the part time mowing crew leaving to go back to school that will leave them short handed on mowing but will use other employees. They discussed the E Grant overlay project and Jay informed them that Heft and Sons will start around September 1^st and will cost around $22,000. John moved to approve the double chat seal for $22,000 on E Grant and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Heft and Sons will start the project after September 15^th. They discussed employees for the landfill due to the part time employee leaving at the beginning of September and Jay explained that the foreman would like to replace the part time position with a full-time employee and Ron wanted to know what his justification for the full-time employee since in the past they only had one for a long time and Bert agreed. Jay informed them that the budget for the landfill won’t cover the position for this year. He will talk Jason and report back at the next meeting.

Break was called for 5 minutes at 9:43.

Jay Koehn came to discuss quotes for the bed on the new fire truck. He gave a quote from Blanchat for $45,160 and from Emergency Fire for $44,495. After some further discussion Bert moved to approve Jay to spend $44,495 to Emergency Fire to equip the new rig for Mullinville department and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for P Capansky (new hire) for the Sheriff’s Office and Bert moved to approve the payroll change and John seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Matt Christenson came to discuss the annual maintenance system agreement for our phone system CPI Telecom for $2,661. Bert moved to approve the agreement with CPI Telecom for the ShoreTel phone system in the amount of $2,661 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, he informed them that they are painting the hallways in the courthouse due to not being able to match the current color.

Chris Tedder came to introduce two new deputies Garth Koehn and Preston Capansky. He asked them to change the salary grade on the office manager position from 14 to 16 due to all the duties that position does. Bert moved to change the salary grade for the office manager position to 16 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, he presented a voucher and he asked for a special account payable, so a deputy could go to class this week and it was by consensus to do a special AP. Chris requested an executive session for 7 minutes to discuss employee relations at 10:38. Ron moved for the executive session and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:45 with action taken. Chris asked for a 5-minute extension for an executive session for employee relations at 10:45 and Bert moved for the executive session and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:50 with no action taken.

Matt Christenson came back to discuss email host, new computers for departments and Microsoft office 10 licenses and purchase contract for the SRS building. He presented a voucher for $5000 for the purchase of the SRS building and the purchase contract for approval and he explained that he would need a special AP, so he can send the purchase contract off this week. After review of the contract John moved to approve the contract with Carr Auction and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0 pending county counsel approval. Chay came back in and informed them that he had approved the contract after some revisions had been made.

During Commissioner Discussion Ron requested an executive session for 15 minutes to discuss employee relations at 11:05 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 11:20 with no action taken. After some discussion regarding the public works supervisor position. Ron moved to hire Jay Schmidt for the position at $25.50 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Jay was called back to the meeting. Ron offered the position to Jay with the starting wage of where he left off at. Jay accepted the offer as public works supervisor and today will be his first official day as the supervisor.

Meeting adjourned at 11:27

Ronald Freeman, Bert Lowery, John Unruh, Lydia Meiss, Shelly Tuttle and Kristi Cooper attended the election canvas meeting.

After the pledge of Allegiance Ron opened the Special meeting to canvas the August Primary at 9:00 am with the County Clerk, Kristi Cooper reading the election reports for the Primary election that was held on August 7^th, 2018 and she read aloud each race and gave the total votes per candidate. Once the reports were read Kristi then read the totals for advance, early and write in votes per the tally sheet. Also, she presented provisional ballots that were to be counted to be opened by the board of canvassers and tallied those ballots to the other totals. After checking that all totals agreed, John moved to approve the totals and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0 to certify the results by the Kiowa County Board of Canvassers.

Meeting adjourned at 12:07

Ron Freeman, Bert Lowery, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Ron opened the special meeting at 9:00 and the meeting was continued over at the old SRS building across the street where they would meet with the realtor Rita Kurtz with Carr Auction and real estate to look at the building. After doing a walk through they went back to the Commissioner’s room to continue the discussion. Matt called the realtor and asked her to check to see if there were any claims on the roof and to ask permission for our maintenance employee to take a look at the roof and she told them to go ahead and have him check but she would have to check with the owners if there were any claims made.

Break was called from 9:48 till 10:11.

Matt informed them that there is a little cosmetic damage on the roof but didn’t think it would be a big thing with insurance. They discussed making an offer with the building as is and John moved to make an offer of $70,000 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Matt called Rita and informed her of the offer from the Commissioners. She will call the owners with the offer and will call back once she hears from them. They discussed what their next counter offer would be, and John moved to counter offer with $77,500 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. They will wait for her to call back after 11:00. 

Break was called from 10:31 to 11:00.

Rita called back with a counter offer of $80,000 from the owners and Matt informed her the Commissioners next offer was $77,500 and that they will be adjourning the meeting and that she could call him back with their offer or acceptance.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30.

Ron Freeman, Bert Lowery, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard and Chris Tedder attended the meeting.

Ron opened the special meeting at 11:00.

Chay Howard came to inform them that Pratt Wells Service made a counter offer of 40% with 4% interest and recommended them to settle with that offer. After some discussion John moved to accept the counter offer of 40% of the back taxes and 4% interest to the day of settlement and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Chris Tedder came to request permission to have a special AP run for recording fees to the County Register of Deeds for the deeds from the tax sell. John moved to approve the voucher in the amount of $336 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 11:22.

Ronald Freeman, John Unruh, Bert Lowery(absent) Kristi Cooper, Chay Howard, DJ McMurry, Pat Klecker, Jay Schmidt, Rosa Spainhour and Kerri Ulrich attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda and Commissioner minutes of 07/31.

After the pledge of Allegiance, Ron opened the meeting. Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Ron opened the 2019 County budget hearing at 9:00 for public comment for 30 minutes. Kerri Ulrich, Rosa Spainhour, DJ McMurry and Jay Schmidt attended. John moved to adopt the 2019 budget as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. (Bert absent) Kerri left the meeting.

DJ McMurry came forward to present payroll changes for K Zenger and M Moore. John moved to approve the changes as presented and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Jay Schmidt came forward to present payroll changes for C Tuttle (merit increase) C Cagle. Ron moved to approve the changes and John seconded, motion carried 2-0. They discussed illegal dumping in cardboard containers. John asked about any blind corners and a few roads with cliché that needs gravel. Jay requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss employee relations and John moved for the executive session at 9:45 and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Regular session began at 9:55 with no action taken.

Break was called at 9:55 till 10:00

Patrick Klecker came to present adult grant year end and juvenile prevention report for Santa Fe Trail Community Corrections. John moved to accept the reports that were presented, and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. John moved to approve the juvenile report and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Kristi Cooper presented a payroll change for G Koehn for approval. After review of the payroll change John moved to approve the change and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

During Commissioner discussion they discussed priority roads for grading and asked Jay his opinion and Jay expressed that it would be nice to see their priorities because there are always needs for improvements. They will discuss this at the next meeting

Meeting adjourned at 10:52