COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 23, 2020
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
8:45 – Tony Martin – Road & Bridge
9:00 – Jan Leonard – Business
9:30 – Paula Rowden – COVID-19 Update
10:00 – County business
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Also present were Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk. Tron called the meeting to order. Joe moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Pat seconded. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Joe seconded. Motion carried. The Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 68,862.52 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 61,394.49 |
| Airport | $ 1,707.71 |
| County Building | $ 9,103.50 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 3,796.41 |
| EMS | $ 5,334.93 |
| Fire | $ 2,089.24 |
| Employee Benefits | $ 1,918.00 |
| Alcohol Treatment | $ 250.00 |
| Community Health | $ 10,380.20 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 114.40 |
| Sheriff | $ 31,661.56 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 46.88 |
| Reg Deeds Tech Fund | $ 10.06 |
| TOTAL: | $ 196,669.90 |
Also present in the meeting via conference were: Jenna Martin, Annie Stegman, Rodney Kelling and Teren Stegman.
Amy Jo informed the commissioners the budget workshop is scheduled for July 9, 2020 at 9:00 AM. The auditors advised the commissioners to receive and review all budgets no later than June 15, 2020.
Due to the changes in the CDL Clearinghouse regulations, Tony discussed with the commissioners about having his name added to the approved list to receive drug test results from county employees. The commissioners agreed. Rodney Kelling has no issues with allowing Tony to be one of the supervisors.
Jan Leonard came in and asked the commissioners if they are still able to pay $7,500.00 to help purchase the theater. He stated the City has already given their share of $7,500.00. Jan said there is a tax credit grant he will be applying for when the building is purchased. This will help with the renovating and getting the supplies needed.
J.R. Robl attended the meeting via phone and stated he will be working diligently on a $350,000.00 grant to help with whatever purchases the theater needs to run efficiently. The commissioners agreed to give Jan the already promised funds when he is ready. The Friends of the Theatre board members are: Debbie Nordling, Diane Crawford, Sue Smith, Davonna Daharsh, Leslee Hoggatt, Jan Leonard, Bill Losey and Alisha Owens. The commissioners will wait to see if they will be able to help fund the project next year.
Sheriff Ted Heaton and Adam Mauk were in attendance. Ted said they have everything on lock-down and being sanitized as much as possible with the inmates and staff. He said he has masks, but would need to get more goggles or face shields to have extra protection. Ted inquired about a non-invasive thermometer to use out in the field and in the building. After asking several people, Ted was able to locate a thermometer.
Tron asked Amy Jo Tharp why and how she consolidated the election precincts within the City of Hugoton. Amy said she requested them to be consolidated because there were ten (10) precincts within the city limits and a total of eighteen (18) different precincts within Stevens County. It caused the election office to have thirty-six (36) different ballot styles for a Primary election and each ballot style costs along with the total number of ballots needed. She felt it was necessary to help cut costs at election time. The City of Hugoton is now down to four (4) different precincts in time for this year’s election. Amy stated she worked with the Secretary of State’s office for two (2) years to get this completed and is happy it was done by the presidential election coming up. Pat asked if there was a way to consolidate more of Stevens County instead of just the City of Hugoton. Amy said she would look into it.
Amy Jo Tharp asked the commissioners if they were still willing to come in to sign checks. If the pandemic gets to where the courthouse is closed to all, would it be wise to have stamped signatures on checks besides either herself or the county treasurer’s signature. At this time, the commissioners said they will still be present to sign county vouchers.
Pat made a motion to designate Tron Stegman as the single commissioner for county health officials to contact and give updated information. Tron will bring this information to commissioner meetings to update the other commissioners. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Tron inquired about a countywide shutdown and asked if the Foundation funds could help the local businesses in case the economy gets hit hard. Joe said at this time, the state is offering the $20,000.00 loan for small businesses. The loan is to be repaid in three years with no interest. Pat said depleting the foundation funds would not be wise, but something to look into if all else.
There was discussion concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and how the state is sending people home and businesses are closing. Tron said the county is getting criticized for overreacting, yet the commissioners agree it’s better to err in the side of caution instead of catastrophe.
Paula Rowden came in and stated she has some real health concerns she just learned of. There is an investigation under way concerning an individual that was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. At this time, she is investigating who the person was around and in what capacity, to determine if it is the first possible case in Stevens County.
Paula discussed people not taking this seriously. They are not complying with requests to self-quarantine for two weeks (14 days), after traveling into severely affected areas, “hot spots”, then coming back into the community. Paula said there is not much that can be done other than people need to really understand the severity of this virus and take caution. She said the community needs to advise those who have been in certain areas to stay home until they are sure they are not infected.
Paula is beginning a task force to help with the pandemic. She said the task force is to make certain every aspect is covered in the community, involving groups of people for vulnerabilities The commissioners told Paula they would lend the help and resources as she needs to get things done. Right now, she is contacting people and providing them with information and requesting some do mandatory quarantine. She has seven test kits and the KDHE has a very structured restriction for testing. The tests have to be tested in Topeka at the KDHE and there is a 72 hour window to get the tests there. Living out here, there are no couriers. She is checking with Seward County to see if they can help aid in this.
Paula received a quote to make the necessary repairs to the air system at the community health building. The commissioners feel it will be the most beneficial and the cost is quite a bit lower than anticipated.
Pat made a motion to close the courthouse except by screening and appointments until April 27th, 2020. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Paul said the courthouse needs to be stringent on who comes in because self-policing does not seem to be working well at this time. He suggests looking over the screening tools and see if there need to be changes.
Joe said most things can be done via e-mail, phone or post office. He did state communication this way isn’t as good as being in person but at this time, it has to be this way.
Amy Jo requested an executive session over non-elected personnel for absences.
Pat made a motion to go into executive session for five minutes over non-elected personnel for absences. Tron seconded. Executive session began at 10:43 AM and ended at 10:48 AM. No action taken.
Abatement Orders for tax year 2019, number 203-210, was reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; total valuation abated -40,333 and tax assessed -$4,485.76.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman