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Lincoln County Commissioners – January 3, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS
January 3, 2017

The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was held in the commission meeting room of the courthouse Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Chairman Al Joe Wallace called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Terry Finch and Member Gerald Huehl present. County Clerk Dawn Harlow was in attendance.

Others present for portions of the meeting: Alexis Pflugh, Dawson Pflugh, Theresa Richards, Nancy Walter, Debora Zachgo, Michel O’Hare, Robert Howe, Dan Heina, Mike Weigel, Dustin Florence and Kerry Jackson. Commissioner Elect, 3rd District, Alexis Pflugh observed the commission meeting.

Council on Aging Director Theresa Richards reported that following individuals had agreed to serve on the Lincoln County Council on Aging Board: Judy Ahlvers, City of Lincoln representative replacing the vacant position created by the the resignation of Sandy Adams; Liz Winckler, District 3 representative replacing Paul Winckler; Keith Yarnell, City of Sylvan Grove representative replacing the vacant position created by the resignation of John Gunzelman; Janet Dowlin, District 2 representative replacing Kay Jackson. Richards related that the Council on Aging will pay the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging administrative match for 2017 and provided information on number of clients assisted and amount of money saved while providing SHICK program services.

Gerald Huehl moved to appoint the following to the Lincoln County Council on Aging Board: Judy Ahlvers, filling an unexpired term representing the City of Lincoln, expiring December 31, 2017; Liz Winckler, representing District 3, expiring December 31, 2018; Keith Yarnell, filling an unexpired term representing the City of Sylvan Grove, expiring December 31, 2017; and Janet Dowlin, representing District 2, expiring December 31, 2018, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.

Nancy Walter, Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked the board for the donation to the Chamber and Tourism committee for 2016, requested continued support into 2017 and reported on chamber activities. Terry Finch moved to approve continued support to the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Committee in the amount of $1,000, seconded by Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

Al Joe Wallace moved to recess into executive session for fifteen minutes from 10:11 a.m. – 11:26 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel with Human Resource Officer Debora Zachgo, County Clerk Harlow and Commissioner-Elect Alexis Pflugh present, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 11:26 a.m.

The board scheduled the following additional public meeting to discuss needed nursing home repairs: Sunday, January 15, 7 p.m. at the Sylvan Grove Legion Hall.

Director of Public Works Michel O’Hare with Road and Bridge Supervisor Robert Howe
reported on highway department projects and equipment. O’Hare provided pricing to extend
the warranty on the two John Deere motor graders. After discussion, Terry Finch moved to
extend the warranty on the two 2011 John Deere 770GP motor graders in the amount of
$3,222.50 per motor grader, seconded by Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

Terry Finch moved to recess into executive session for ten minutes from 11:21 a.m. – 11:31 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel with Director of Public Works O’Hare, Road and Bridge Supervisor Howe, County Clerk Harlow and
Commissioner-Elect Pflugh present, seconded by Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 11:31 a.m.

O’Hare requested approval to employ Lewis McCoy as a full-time truck driver. Terry Finch
moved to employ Lewis McCoy as a full-time truck driver, effective upon successful completion of pre-employment testing, starting salary $12.30, which includes the 2017 cost of living
increase that will be effective for all county employees on December 26, 2016, seconded by
Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

The chairman recessed the meeting for lunch at 12:11 p.m.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 1:00 p.m.

Al Joe Wallace moved to recess into executive session for ten minutes from 1:06 p.m. – 1:16 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel with Noxious Weed Director Dan Heina and County Clerk Harlow present, seconded by Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 1:16 p.m.
The board conveyed to Sheriff Mike Weigel and Undersheriff Dustin Florence plans to adjust
officers’ salaries at the same time that annual cost of living is adjusted for a total increase of
$1.00 per hour for all law enforcement officers.

Al Joe Wallace moved to recess into executive session for ten minutes from 1:44 p.m. – 1:54 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel with
Landfill/Transfer Station Operator Kerry Jackson, County Clerk Harlow and Commissioner-elect Pflugh present, seconded by Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 1:54 p.m.

Terry Finch moved to approve and adopt the minutes of the December 26, 2016 regular
meeting as corrected and December 30, 2016 regular meeting as presented, seconded by
Gerald Huehl. Motion carried.

With no further business to come before the board the chairman adjourned the meeting at
2:16 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 in the commission meeting room of the courthouse.

Arts Cooperative’s Musical Revue Takes Stage This Weekend

By
Derek Nester
-

The song lyrics are memorized, the instruments are tuned, and the disco ball is hung – final preparations are underway for “The Replay Lounge,” the annual musical revue fundraiser for the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.

The two-act show will be Saturday, January 14, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 163 in Marysville. Advance tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce office, Marysville, and Crome’s Market, Hanover; tickets may be purchased at the door as well. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Pat Breeding, Brian Cook, Mandy Cook, Brian Fragel, Wayne Kruse, Rachel Massoth, and Julie Popejoy serve as the musical ensemble.

All of the members agree that it takes a lot of work to put on the revue, but the time spent it worth it.

“I don’t get to perform much and it’s outside of my comfort zone a little bit,” said Rachel Massoth. “But being a part of this ensemble is so much fun and fulfilling. It’s amazing being able to hang out and make great music with friends!”

Massoth’s two big moments happen in the second act of the show. She and Mandy Cook turn Aerosmith’s power ballad, “Dream On,” into a duet; Massoth also leads the cast in a moving interpretation of Coldplay’s “Fix You.”

Brian Fragel, director of Marysville Sport and Recreation, is a new member of the musical ensemble.

“Being a new member of the ensemble really made me appreciate the hard work that goes in to this show,” he said. “I have been in the audience in the past and never realized all the work that goes in to the show. The ensemble made me feel very welcomed. I enjoy being a part of this fundraiser. It has taken a lot of time but I think the audience is really going to enjoy this show.”

Fragel performs Johnny Cash’s 1963 hit, “Ring of Fire.” He feels the audience will enjoy the song list because they will know most of the songs.

“The audience is going to want to sing along on many of the songs that are in the show,” he said. “Many of the songs I find myself doing a lot of toe tapping.”

To keep the show interesting there will be solos, duets, small group numbers mixed with large group numbers. In addition to the seven members of the musical ensemble, nine special guests will perform.

“The special guests are very important; they break up the continuity of the show and give an opportunity to people who want to sing, but who might not have enough time to be a full member of the main ensemble,” said Mandy Cook.

Bryan Kracht will sing “Brown-Eyed Girl;” former Marysville High School band instructor, Tobias Wood, and former Marysville High School science teacher, Jenny Thayer-Wood, will sing “Jolene.” Bryton Stoll returns to the stage to lead a rendition of “Lean on Me,” and Shane Thoreson channels his Frankie Valli falsetto to perform “Working My Way Back to You.”

Laure Thoreson and Jerry Horton due a tribute to Elvis Presley with “Hound Dog” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” and Lynette Steele-Coon sings “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” with Wayne Kruse.

“I love having special guests sing with us,” commented Pat Breeding. “They help give the shows a unique perspective each year.”

Cindy Voet is the musical director. In addition to leading the band and playing the piano, she will perform a song that has special meaning to her family. “You’ll have to come to the show to find out what it is,” she explained, laughing.

Band members include Jerry Horton and Carter Popejoy, guitar; Mark Lattner, bass; Andrew Crownover, drums; Tobias Wood, trumpet; and John Banister, trombone.

For additional information people may contact Brad Ekiss, president of the arts cooperative, at 785-562-6825.

Glen Elder City Council – January 2016

By
Derek Nester
-

The Glen Elder City Council met for the first time in 2017 on Tuesday, January 3.

Fire Chief Garry Clark said the department would like to get two new air packs at a cost of about $1,000 each. He also said they have three carbon fiber bottles which he would like to replace at about $500 each. The air bottles were his biggest priority.

Clark said the green department truck’s transmission is slipping and needs to be addressed. It is a 1992 model. He said the red truck is a 1989 model which is in good condition outside of some leaky valves which could be replaced for about $100 each as need plus labor. The council requested Clark to have Mike Becker at American Ag and Auto inspect the transmission on the green truck and see what can be done locally.

The Community Club asked and was granted permission to have Jenny Ahlvers-Russell apply for a Dane G. Hansen grant on behalf of the city to procure the remaining funds needed to pay for the public restroom project. They have about $25,000 raised for the project and will need an estimated $25,000 more.

Chris Wagner gave the code enforcement report. He said there were two vacant homes in the city that he is keeping an eye on as they are becoming dilapidated.

Wagner also said there is an expected January 16 ship date for equipment for the Farmway dust system project to reduce grain dust in the city. Concrete is scheduled to be poured this week. The council approved a building permit for the new upgrade to the Farmway elevator facility.

The council moved to waive GAAP Requirements for 2017.

The new Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was adopted unanimously by the council. It renews the program for another 10 year period.

Discussion was then held on the contract with Wayne’s Sporting Good’s for the lease of the building the business occupies. The council has felt as though the current contract needs to be updated, amended and increased. The lease payment has been $350 per month from January through April and $600 for the other eight months of the year. The council determined to discuss the matter further with City Attorney Katie Schroeder before determining a course of action on the contract.

The sidewalk project is ongoing and is now many weeks behind schedule. There is a difference in opinion between the contractor and the city on who will be responsible for completing some of the work which Mayor Duskie said he would address and lay at the feet of the contractor. Eldon Behymer said there are other aspects of the project that still need to be addressed as well which he said the city will handle. The council has the option of asking for liquidated damages due to being significantly past deadline. Mayor Duskie expressed concern, however, that the potential fallout from taking such a step and the expense involved versus the potential return does not warrant taking the action. The council took no action on the matter during the meeting.

Behymer also said the city will have to go back through and backfill most of the areas where sidewalks were poured because they were not adequately completed by the contractor. Mayor Duskie said the contractor had a good plan, but that the execution of it has been subpar. The project was originally supposed to be completed by September, but most of the work has been completed since October and November.

Three sealed bids were then opened for the Glen Elder School Building. The first bid was an expression of interest only without a bid amount included. An offer of $6,000 was received from Doris Searles of Deleware who wants to make part of the building into apartments and another section into an auction house. Another bid was received from Mike Blass of Beloit of $6,599. It was expressed that Blass’s intention is to build apartments in the building. The council moved to approve the sale of the building unanimously.

City Clerk Jerri Senger reported that she had distributed the capital improvement plan. Mayor Duskie said the city needs to put some money away for the water tower in regard to future needs. It should be in good shape for up to 20 plus years, but he felt it was important to start putting money back proactively. He also suggested putting a rotation on skids steers. The current contract is in place for about two more years. He said another “big ticket” item was the future purchase of a tractor to replace the current one.

Senger said bushel checks from Farmway were being put into the water tower fund. Duskie expressed that the electric fund was in good shape, but the sewer and water funds were “not pulling their own weight.”

Senger also said trash cans from Dunstan Trucking will be delivered in mid to late January. There have been a few requests from people who do not want the new trash cans and they will have a discussion with Dunstans to see if accommodations can be made.

Councilman Barry McPeak asked for information on a certificate of deposit belonging to the city valued at about $100,000 which will soon mature. Senger said she is shopping rates but would like to keep all the city CD’s at the same institution.

In closing Mayor Duskie said that there are two potential suitors to replace the CNB branch in Glen Elder. An announcement from the company is expected around the 14th of January.

Jewell County Commissioners – January 3, 2016

By
Derek Nester
-

The Jewell County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. with Commissioners, Steve Greene, Dwight S. Frost and Mark Fleming present. Carla J. Waugh, County Clerk was present for the meeting. Keith Roe joined the meeting.

Travis Garst, Solid Waste Director, provided the monthly report and the yearly report.

Steve Greene moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 8:37 a.m. until 8:42 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel with Travis Garst. Mark Fleming seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Regular session resumed at 8:42 a.m. with no action taken.

Steve Greene moved and Mark Fleming seconded to approve the employment agreement with Travis Garst, Solid Waste Director. Motion passed unanimously.

Don Jacobs, Sheriff, reported on operations of his office.

Shannon Meier, Ambulance Director, provided the activity report for December. He is updating the medical protocols for his department. Shannon requested an executive session for the purpose of discussing confidential data relating to financial affairs.

Steve Greene moved to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing confidential data relating to financial affairs for 5 minutes beginning at 9:12 a.m. with Shannon Meier. Mark Fleming seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Regular session resumed at 9:17 a.m. with Steve Greene moving to write off $4432.80 for the 4th quarter of 2016 for EMS. Dwight S. Frost seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Steve Greene moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 9:20 a.m. until 9:25 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel with Shannon Meier. Mark Fleming seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Regular session resumed at 9:25 a.m. with no action taken.

Steve Greene moved and Dwight S. Frost seconded to approve the employment agreement with Shannon Meier, Ambulance Director. Motion passed unanimously.

Keith Roe left the meeting at 9:40 a.m.

Steve Greene moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 9:40 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel with Gail Bartley. Mark Fleming seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  Regular session resumed at 9:45 a.m. with no action taken.

Steve Greene moved and Mark Fleming seconded to approve the employment agreement with Gail Bartley for Noxious Weed Director, Emergency Preparedness and 9-1-1 Coordinator. Motion passed unanimously.

Steve Greene moved and Mark Fleming seconded to approve the employment agreement with Joel Elkins, General Superintendent Road & Bridge. Motion passed unanimously.

Joel Elkins, General Superintendent, reported that they installed 219 tubes in 121 locations during 2016

The minutes of the December 27, 2016 County Commissioners meeting were approved.

Steve Greene moved and Mark Fleming seconded to approve the employment agreement with Chris Petet, Custodian. Motion passed unanimously.

Steve Greene moved and Dwight S. Frost seconded to approve the employment agreement with Angela Murray, Health Department. Motion passed unanimously.

Angela Murray, Health Nurse, discussed electrical issues within her department.

The Commissioners discussed several matters with Darrell E. Miller, County Attorney. Carla Waugh, County Clerk, thanked Darrell’s Office for preparing the employment agreements.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Beloit City Council – January 3, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Beloit City Council conducted their first meeting of 2017 at on Tuesday, January 3. Councilman Matt Otte was absent. Also in attendance was Mayor Tom Naasz, City Administrator Jason Rabe, City Attorney Katie Schroeder, and City Clerk Amanda Lomax.

The council approved the consent agenda including $297,225 in accounts payable for the period. The council also approved the purchase of a 2017 Dodge Charger police package cruiser. The vehicle will be paid for in the amount of $24,805 on a three year lease-purchase through Solomon Valley Bank from Beloit Auto and Truck Plaza.

Mayor Naasz opened the meeting by commenting that the Isle of Lights was well attended once again, and that all the displays were quickly disassembled and put away. He thanked the city crews for their assistance in the process.

A public hearing was held regarding the Neighborhood Revitalization program. The consideration was for renewal of the program through October 1 of 2019. The program includes the temporary tax abatement allowances which have been utilized by many residents for new construction. Those tax abatements have had a key impact on overall capital growth in the city and the county as a whole. With no public comments being made, the hearing was adjourned. The council then approved Ordinance 2201 which renewed the Neighborhood Revitalization program by a 6-0 vote.

A bid of $71,636 was approved to purchase a Vac-Tron Hydrovac from Great Plains Vermeer. The city recently purchased a Vermeer trencher and boring machine. The diesel powered hydrovac is the second piece needed to work safely on underground electric utilities. The machine moves soil as it is dug by the trencher/borer. This machine give the city the ability to perform the vast majority of underground utility work without the need for services of an outside contractor and will provide an estimated savings to the city of approximately $57,000 annually.

In the work session, City Administrator Jason Rabe updated the council on the mobile water plant testing which continues at Waconda Lake. He said the results are very promising to this point. He believes the testing will conclude within the next two weeks.

Rabe said a meeting will be conducted with a citizen’s group on the evening of January 5 to continue the dialogue about how to move forward with improvements to the West Side Park. The project is being spearheaded by the local Rotary Club.

A detailed discussion was held regarding the pending transition of the city government from a four ward, eight member council to a two ward, six member council. One plan to combine the first and second wards into one district and wards three and four into the second district seemed most plausible.

Current voter registration indicates Ward 1 has 425 voters, and Ward 2 has 672 voters for a combined total of 1,097 voters in the new ward.

Current voter registration indicates Ward 3 has 700 voters, and Ward 4 has 536 voters for a combined total of 1236 voters in the new ward.

A number of plans were discussed regarding length of terms for the new councilors from the two wards and a way to implement the plan. City Attorney Katie Schroeder said her plans was to have all the details worked out and approved by the Council by April 1. This would allow candidates to file for election by the deadline date of June 1, 2017. In the November 2017 election, two seats on the council would be removed from the council and another two seats would be up for election.

The top vote recipients from Ward 1 and Ward 2 would win council seats if that is the plan the city moves to adopt when finalized. The elected officials would take office at the first council meeting of 2018. More details on future ramifications and procedure changes will be clarified as the process moves forward.

Rabe also presented a five year Capital Improvement Plan for Moritz Memorial Airport. The suggested improvements are based on recommendations by Benesch Engineers of Manhattan. The recommendations include plans to install a parallel taxiway to the runway. The runway currently serves as a taxiway as well. The costs associated with the improvement total approximately $665,000 with 90 percent paid by the Federal Aviation Administration and 10 percent by the city.

It was also announced that meetings will be held in the Council Meeting room on Wednesday, January 4 to discuss the Safe Routes to School Program. These routes will be along Fourth Street and Twelfth Streets. The meeting for property owners along Twelfth Street will be conducted from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Following that meeting will be a meeting for property owners along 4th Street from 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm. The meetings intended to answer any questions about the project and for concerns to be addressed. Those with questions, who are unable to attend, are encouraged to call Jason Rabe at 534-3439.
Rabe also announced that he is working with Director of Systems Operation Ron Sporleder, Mike Schmaderer of Mid-States Energy Works and others to make improvements to the city’s electrical circuits to provide more reliable and consistent power with fewer interruptions in service such as that which recently took place on Thanksgiving Day. The estimated cost associated with the purposed improvements is $500,000 over the next two to three years.

Free Legislative Hotline Available To Kansas Residents

By
Derek Nester
-

Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.

In addition to calling the hotline, residents can also text questions to 785-256-0733 (standard text message rates may apply), email, or instant message at kslib.info/ask, or visit the State Library. The State Library is located on the third floor, north wing of the Kansas Capitol Building. The library’s hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Marshall County Commission Meeting Minutes – Jan. 3, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Board of Marshall County Commissioners met in regular session with Charles R. Loiseau, Chairman, Robert S. Connell and Thomas K. Holle members and Sonya L. Stohs, County Clerk present.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.

The Board opened the meeting with the flag salute.

The minutes and agenda were approved as presented upon a motion by Robert S. Connell seconded by Thomas K. Holle. Unanimous.

Commissioners Elect David Baier and Lynn Feldhausen were present for the meeting.

The Board received notification from County Treasurer Jami Ellenbecker that $2,802.00 was received in December for the 2017 IRP and CMV renewals.

Custodian Lou Wassenberg met with the Board to discuss the flooring in the Courthouse.

Thomas K. Holle moved, seconded by Robert S. Connell to approve the following purchase orders. Unanimos.

Kevin M. Hill, Hiawatha, KS
for special prosecutor in two cases
$4,505.00-General (County Attorney) fund-P.O # 5277

Canine Tactical of Iowa, Chariton, IA
for canine ballistic vest
$725.00-Special County Attorney fund-P.O. # 5276

Public Works Administrator Mike Craig and Public Works Coordinating Supervisor Larry Polson met with the Board.

Public Works Administrator Mike Craig asked to deem a 1992 Chevy ¾ ton utility truck as surplus and take it to salvage. Robert S. Connell moved, seconded by Charles R. Loiseau to approve deeming a 1992 Chevy ¾ ton utility truck as surplus and take it to salvage. Unanimous.

The Board approved having Public Works employees bid on a couple old truck tool boxes.

Sheriff Daniel A. Hargrave met with the Board to discuss filling the vacated Communication/Corrections Officer position with Jamie Land, Blue Rapids, KS at $15.07 an hour effective January 23, 2017. Charles R. Loiseau moved, seconded by Robert S. Connell to approve the hiring of Jamie Land, Blue Rapids, KS as the Communication/Correction Officer position at $15.07 an hour effective January 23, 2017. Unanimous.

Austin and Michlynn St. John, Marysville met with the Board to discuss the property located at 900 Alston that the County did not sell on the tax sale.

County Attorney/Counselor Laura Johnson-McNish met with the Board.

Charles R. Loiseau moved, seconded by Robert S. Connell to go into executive session for fifteen minutes at 10:29 a.m. to engage into privileged discussions with the County Counselor in order to assure compliance with the laws and evaluate legal risks with County Attorney/Counselor Laura Johnson-McNish present. Charles R. Loiseau moved, seconded by Robert S. Connell to extend executive session for ten minutes at 10:44 a.m. for the same reasons with the same persons present. Unanimous. No action was taken.

Thomas K. Holle moved, seconded by Robert S. Connell to approve the following 2016 abatements with a value of 204 with a total tax of $22.16. Unanimous.

The Board went to the Health Department to look at their filing system.

Robert S. Connell moved, seconded by Thomas K. Holle to approve the following purchase orders. Unanimous.

Pfizer, Boston, MA
for private vaccine
$8,417.75-Health fund-P.O. # 5137

Merck, Carols Stream, IL
for private vaccine
$6,427.21-Health fund-P.O. # 5136

Glaxo Smith Kline, Atlanta, GA
for private vaccine
$2,096.76-Health fund-P.O. # 5135

Robert S. Connell moved, seconded by Thomas K. Holle to approve the Chairman signing the 2017 Contracts for Attorney Services with Kraushaar Law Office, Marysville, KS in the amount of $28,200.00 and Meghan Voracek, Seneca, KS in the amount of $22,800.00. Unanimous.

Robert S. Connell moved, seconded by Thomas K. Holle to adjourn at 11:59 a.m. Unanimous. The next scheduled meeting will be Monday, January 9, 2017 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Washington County Commission Meeting Minutes – Jan. 3, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Board of County Commission (BOCC) for Washington County met in regular session on January 3, 2017 in the Commission room at the Washington County Courthouse. Members present: Gary Ouellette, Chairman, 3rd District Commissioner; Roger Otott, 2nd District Commissioner; and Tim Mueller, Vice-Chairman, 1st District Commissioner. Denae Jueneman, County Clerk, was present to record meeting minutes.

The next regular meeting will be Monday, January 9th, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.

Chairman Ouellette called the meeting to order.

Commissioner elect David Willbrant was present.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, thanked Otott and Jueneman was for their service.

Commissioner Mueller made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included bills and payroll totaling $418,655.03; change orders 2016-24 through 2016-35 authorizing changes to the Treasurer’s tax roll; Resolution 01-17 waiving the requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) which are not relevant to the requirements of cash basis laws; and official Public Building Commission minutes. Commissioner Otott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Otott moved to enter into executive session for a period of 5 minutes under personnel exception. Commissioner Mueller seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken upon returning to regular session.

Justin Novak, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported on various department activities. Novak stated work on All American Road south of Barnes is set to begin tomorrow. The Commissioners are still waiting on a cost analysis from the County’s engineer and asked Novak to contact Cook Flatt & Strobel to check on the status of the analysis. The Commissioners agreed to allow Novak to take a County truck home when needed but denied Kim Knox, Assistant Supervisor, the same benefit.

The BOCC received the County Clerk’s year-end inventory report; a notice from KDHE approving a request from Livingston Enterprises Inc. to dispose of demolition waste and livestock carcasses; a notice of permit being reissued to Limestone Hills, LLC for a confined animal feeding operation for 4,800 head of swine located in section 14 of Grant Township. Comments are due January 28th and a copy of the notices are on file in the County Clerk’s office for public viewing.

Elizabeth Hiltgen, County Attorney, asked for additional time to review the airport policy prior to official adoption. Commissioner Mueller moved to rescind the motion made last week to adopt a policy. Commissioner Otott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Tiffany Hayman, County Health Administrator, presented certification and bond requirements authorizing her to become County Health Officer. Commissioner Mueller made a motion to appoint Hayman as Washington County Health Officer. Commissioner Otott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Mueller moved to enter into executive session for a period of 15 minutes under personnel exception and to include Randy Hubbard, Emergency Management Coordinator. Commissioner Otott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken upon returning to regular session.

Becky Simon, Environmental Science Secretary, presented chemical bids. Chairman Ouellette asked Simon to prepare a report on costs associated with county-wide recycling efforts.

Dan Thalmann, Washington County News, asked about reasoning behind recent transparency efforts. Under the direction of the BOCC, the Clerk’s office recently added annual audits, levy sheets, and pay scale information to the County’s website.

Justin Cordry, Sheriff, discussed various topics in law enforcement and requested executive session. Commissioner Mueller moved to enter into executive session for a period of 10 minutes under security exception to discuss information systems and to include Cordry. Commissioner Otott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken upon returning to regular session.

Commissioner Otott received a plaque recognizing 8 years of service to Washington County as District 2 Commissioner.

The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

Kansas Tops Revenue Projections For December

By
Derek Nester
-

Kansas revenue officials say the state slightly exceeded revenue estimates in December.

The Kansas Department of Revenue said Tuesday tax collections in December were nearly $531 million, exceeding revenue estimates by about $6 million, or about 1 percent. Combined with higher than expected revenues in November, the state’s budget shortfall in the current fiscal year is now about $342 million.

The new numbers come after state officials drastically reduced the revenue forecasts in November.

The biggest gains in December were in individual income taxes, which came in $2.2 million, or nearly 5 percent, above the official estimates. They were nearly 7 percent higher than in December 2015.

Acting Revenue Secretary Sam Williams says he hopes the new numbers indicate improved purchasing power in the agriculture and oil and gas sectors.

 

Smith County Addresses Year End Business

By
Derek Nester
-

The Smith County Commissioners met in regular session on December 27, 2016 in the County Commissioners’ Room. Present were Commissioners Dale Pickel, Denise Sasse and Roger Allen. Also present was Mandy Stock, Deputy Clerk; Mitch Fritz, Road Supervisor; and Arthur Befort.

Commissioners approved the agenda for the December 27, 2016 meeting.

Commissioners approved the minutes from the December 19, 2016 meeting.

The chairman reviewed and signed the Treasurer’s daily balance sheet envelopes. The clerk attested his signature.

Commissioners reviewed and discussed the applications for the courthouse custodial position.

Mitch Fritz, Road Supervisor, discussed the following:

Fritz reported work on O Road should be completed today. Fritz also reported the new CAT blades should arrive tomorrow and provided updates on machinery repairs. Fritz reported he purchased liquid ice melt for the courthouse sidewalks. Commissioners thanked Fritz for the work the bridge crew has been doing maintaining the courthouse grounds. Commissioners asked about the scheduled work on bridge #241in Lincoln Township. Fritz reported the work is approved to begin in 2018.

Fritz left the meeting.

David Tucker, Landfill Supervisor, joined the meeting. Tucker reported on a meeting he attended regarding an E-Waste Recycling Program to be based in Mitchell County. Tucker also reported the Landfill had a bi-annual inspection in November, and the status was found to be satisfactory. Tucker reported that Phillips County has picked up three of the recycle trailers so far.

Tucker left the meeting.

Commissioners reviewed applications for Solid Waste abatements. Commissioners requested Kathy Hansen, County Appraiser, join the meeting. Hansen discussed the condition of several of the properties in question. Hansen left the meeting.

Commissioner reviewed and signed the Thomson Reuters maintenance contract for a new AS400.

J.R. Rice joined the meeting.

Commissioners discussed appointing an Oak Township Treasurer. Commissioners asked Stock to contact the write-in candidates from the November 8, 2016 election.

Sasse made a motion and Pickel seconded to re-appoint Judge Michael Kirchhoff to the NWKCCC Board.

Rice discussed several quotes for a new computer for mapping, due to the failing of his current computer. Commissioners made a recommendation for a purchase and Rice agreed. Commissioners authorized the purchase of the new laptop. Rice thanked the commissioners and left the meeting.

Commissioners approved Resolution #16-19 & 16-20 to transfers funds recommended by Adams, Brown, Beran, and Ball.

Commissioners discussed an invoice submitted previously.

Commissioners again reviewed the job applications and decided to interview three candidates.

Commissioners discussed the financing and the planning of the hospital building project.

As there was no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

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