Commissioner Minutes

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Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
September 29, 2017

Bert Lowery, Ron Freeman, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper, Travis Payne, Chay Howard and Wade Reh, Matt Christenson and Debbie Price attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll and AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 9/18:

After the prayer was given by Nick Sterner, Bert opened the meeting and Ron moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and John seconded motion carried 3-0.
Travis came forward to give updates for R&B, Solid Waste and Noxious Weed. He reported they had their inspection for Solid Waste and there were some issues on disposal for chemicals. He explained that he will be going to class to get educated on the process. He also reported that he is waiting for Kirkham and Michael to come out to inspect a bridge on 55th Ave and G St due to some of the deck cracking out and that it isn’t safe for the current weight rate of 68,000 pounds and explained that he needs to change to weight limit but needs to be done through a resolution. John moved to approve Resolution 2017-17 to change the limit to 11,000 pounds and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.  A payroll change for T Ahrens was presented for a department change from Solid Waste to Road & Bridge. Ron moved to approve the payroll change and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, he talked about leasing or purchasing a 10-foot mowing deck to help with the mowing out. He presented some lease figures from John Deere. After some discussion, they tabled it till the next meeting so Travis can get some figures on purchasing it. They also talked about the continued discussion on paving Scott and Grant street. It was tabled till the Clerk could find the minutes on them and report back. Ron addressed some concerns he had received regarding crushed concrete and minimum maintenance roads.
Break at 9:46 for 5 minutes.
Matt Christenson came forward with figures on replacing the solar panels on the Commons roof from $15,426 has been approved from EMC on the insurance claim. John moved to approve King Solar bid and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Roof repair numbers from PEC’s engineer was presented. They are in agreeance to ask for the full repair cost of $104,090 and the engineer expenses from Compton if not then they will proceed with taking legal actions.
Break at 10:21 for 10 minutes.
Debbie Price came forward to introduce Wade Reh as the new extension agent. She came to ask if she could waive the rental fee for Farm Bureau for their meeting and after some discussion it was by consensus that no rental fee be waived without prior approval from the Commissioner’s. They discussed the current rental fees and after some discussion John moved to make all nonalcoholic events $100 and $300 for all alcoholic events and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.
Break at 10:38 for 5 minutes
Kristi Cooper presented payroll changes for W. Tripoli (separation), P. Capansky (resignation) & S. Fisher (merit increase) for approval. After some discussion John moved to approve the payroll changes and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she addressed the employer share rate changes for KPERS in 2018.
Travis came back to request a 5-minute executive session for employee relations for non-elected personnel. Ron moved for the executive session at 11:04 and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 11:09 with no action taken.

No topics discussed during commissioner discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 11:27.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
October 4, 2017

Bert Lowery, Ron Freeman, Kristi Cooper, Ray Stegman, Andrea Taylor and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda

Bert called to the meeting to order at 4:00.

Ray Stegman came to inform the Commissioners that the lighting on the weather tower needs to be replaced due to the lighting is impossible to replace due to no longer being made for that model. Ray presented quote from Randy’s Tower Service for $33,934.60 which will include the removal of the existing lights, materials and labor. After the Commissioner’s reviewed the quote. Matt added to the discussion that he would suggest taking it out of equipment fund, building fund and E911 funds. After some discussion they tabled it till he could get another bid and report back and will act on it then.

Meeting adjourned at 4:46

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
October 2, 2017

Bert Lowery, Ron Freeman, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper, Travis Payne, Chay Howard, Richard McVey, Dalton Glasscock and Matt Christenson attended the meeting.
Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll and AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 9/18:

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

Travis came forward to give updates for R&B, Solid Waste and Noxious Weed. Travis presented figures on a chip seal on E Scott St from Heft and Sons for $8,120.00, After some discussion John moved to surface Scott St and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Additionally, they continued the discussion on the mowing deck and it was decided to table this till next spring. John asked about grading on minimum maintenance roads and it was asked to not grade them on a regular schedule since it causes more issues. Travis will talk with his crew and remind them not to do grade them regularly. Bert also added he went and looked at the bridge and Travis added he hasn’t gotten any word from Kirkham and Michael but will try again. John moved to look at the end of 37th Ave at the low crossing and to bring in some product in and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Dalton Glasscock with congressman Estes of the 4th district came to talk to the Commissioners. And explained that they are going to all 17 Counties in his district and to see if they have any questions or concerns that he could pass on.

Kristi presented payroll changes A Davis (merit increase), M Adolph (resignation), M Brown (new hire). Ron moved to approve the changes Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break till 9:35

John moved for an executive session for non-elected personnel to discuss employee relations for 10 minutes at 9:35 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 9:45 with no action taken.

Richard McVey came to inform them that they are getting a new lease on a copier from Bolen and that they will be saving a little money with the new machine. And added that he is working on getting the community service officer job description ready for the pay plan.

Travis came back for an executive session for non-elected personnel to discuss employee relations per the Commissioner’s request. John moved for 15 minutes for the executive session at 10:17 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:32 with no action taken.

No topics discussed during Commissioner discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 10:51.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
September 18, 2017

Bert Lowery, Ron Freeman, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper, Travis Payne, Chay Howard and Matt Christenson and Nick Sterner attended the meeting.
Consent agenda included: Agenda, Payroll and AP reports and Commissioner minutes of 9/5:

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

Mitzi came forward for the Board of Health (B.O.H) meeting. Bert adjourned the meeting and called the BOH meeting to order. Mitzi gave reports which included adult services, child assessments, immunizations, WIC, school screenings, billing training for Ange in Hays this week and reports for grants and emergency preparedness. Mitzi explained that the BCBS insurance should cover most or the whole cost and so she asks if they would cover any flu shots. Bert adjourned the BOH meeting and called regular session back to order. Mitzi presented a payroll change for Kerri John moved and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. John moved to cover any unpaid balances on employee and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Travis came forward to give updates for R&B, Solid Waste and Noxious Weed. Travis asked to get a quote from Dave to mow some of the areas at the landfill for $60. John moved to approve Dave to mow at the landfill and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Tire disposal prices were discussed next. Travis suggests changing the rates since it hasn’t been changed for 4 years and that we are losing money with the current rates. After review of the new price list Ron moved to approve the new tire disposable price list and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Bids on the shop door on the firehouse at Belvidere were presented next from Overhead Doors for $4001and Hardinger Construction for $3872. John moved to approve Overhead Doors and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, they talked about the truck leases once more and went over the warranties and lease options. After viewing quotes John moved to approve the purchase of the Peterbilt for $112,490 outright and to take it out of the Special Equipment fund and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Additionally, they discussed buy tires and Bert moved to buy 6 tires at $825 for a total of $4950 from Central Tire out of Denver and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Matt Christenson came for an executive session for non-elected personnel to discuss employee relations. John moved to go into the session for 10 minutes at 9:53 and Bert seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:03 with no action taken. Regular session began at 10:03. Joh moved to run an advertisement in the paper for the maintenance position and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Break at 10:04 for 5 minutes and reconvene at the Sheriff office. Bert called to meeting back to order. Chris presented 2 bids for pipe replacements from Steward plumbing for $52,500and Peterson not to exceed $6000. After some discussion John moved to approve the bid from Peterson Mechanical and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. John left the meeting.

Break at 10:21 for 10 minutes.

Chris came back over to present 3 Payroll changes for W Renfrow, S Freeman and C Parkin. Bert moved to approve the payroll changes and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Chris asked for an executive session for non-elected personnel at 10:33 to discuss employee relations for 10 minutes. Bert moved for the executive session and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Regular session began at 10:43 with no action taken.

Travis came back to discuss the figures on the patch work in the city of Mullinville for $3248.40. Ron moved to approve the quote and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Kristi presented Resolution 2017-16 for consumption of liquor at fairgrounds for Alliance Ag & Grain Company for their Christmas party for 12/9/17. After review Bert moved to approve to the resolution and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0. Next, she asked to close the Courthouse on the 28th for a fire drill and close at 4:30. Bert moved to approve to close early and Ron seconded, motion carried 2-0.

No topics discussed during commissioner discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 11:33.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
August 21, 2017

Bert Lowery, Ron Freeman, John Unruh, Kristi Cooper, Scott James, Travis Payne, Mitzi Hesser and Jeff Blackburn attended the meeting.

Consent agenda included: Agenda, PR & AP reports, Commissioner minutes of 8/7, 8/14 Special Meeting and 8/14 Budget hearing:

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

Mitzi Hesser came forward for the Board of Health meeting. Mitzi presented the contract with Valley Center School for school nursing. John moved to approve a contract with Valley Center School and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Bert adjourned the meeting and called the BOH meeting to order Mitzi gave updates which included; Adult services, Child assessments, immunizations, WIC participants, school nursing starting and flu vaccines paid for by county health insurance. Bert adjourned the BOH meeting and called the regular session to begin. Mitzi explained the changes to the job descriptions and they were approved.

Travis came forward to give quote prices on replacing the MACK truck from Kenworth, MACK & Freightliner. John commented that he wasn’t in favor of getting a new truck but after some discussion, they asked Travis to get a quote from Peterbilt and report back at the next meeting. Next, he gave back hoe tire quotes if they decide to use the loader at the landfill to be used at landfill on hold until they decide about the compactor. The compactor at the landfill was next for discussion and it was by consensus to get a quote on having it fixed instead of selling it. Travis will get Keith Brown from Caterpillar at the next meeting to discuss the compactor. Next, he informed them that he has been having some of the guys work at the Belvidere shop and prepping it for new insulation and that he is getting new bids on the door and insulation. Kristi presented payroll changes for J. Schmidt and T. Odle (resignation), C. Tuttle, L. Thronesbery & C. Cagle (merit increases). Bert moved to approve them and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. John moved for an executive session for non-elected personnel for 5 minutes to discuss employee relations to include Travis at 9:44 and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 9:49 with no action taken. Other topics discussed were CDL testing and mowing.

Break at 9:53 till 10:00.

Kristi presented payroll changes for K. Zenger & M. Moore (merit increases) for the appraiser’s office. Bert moved to approve the payroll changes and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Next, she presented the renewal contract for our software agreement with CIC for $23,840. John moved to renew the agreement with CIC and Ron seconded, motion carried 3-0. Kristi requests a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel for employee relations. At 10:48 Ron moved for the executive session and John seconded, motion carried 3-0. Regular session began at 10:58 with no action taken. She asked if Scott would draw up a policy regarding employee benefits while on unpaid leave and Scott agreed to draw something up and get it approved at the next meeting.

During Commissioner Discussion, they discussed the article in the paper regarding the hospital.

Meeting adjourned at 11:29.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
August 14, 2017

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

Consent agenda included: Agenda

John moved to approve the consent agenda and Bert seconded motion carried 2-0.

At 1:00 Bert called the meeting to order. Matt Christenson came to be part of the discussion on EMC claims. Matt presented the correspondence from EMC regarding a letter to decline our claim since we are not fixing all the damage structures that had minimal damage It was by consensus to go ahead and file the claim with EMC. John moved to go ahead and file the claim for $102,799.28 with EMC and Bert seconded, motion carried 2-0.

Kiowa County Commissioners Meeting
Courthouse Lower Level Conference Room
August 14, 2017

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

Consent agenda included: Agenda

Ron suggested to have a set time on the agenda for the hearing. After some discussion Bert suggested to allow 30 minutes. John moved to approve the consent agenda and Ron seconded motion carried 3-0.

At 9:00 Bert opened the public hearing for the 2018 County Budget for 30 minutes.

After time allowed with no public comment Ron moved to approve the 2018 budget as published with an increase of 3.937 mills making a total of 76.941 mills for the County budget and John seconded, motion carried 3-0

econded, motion carried 3-0