COMMISSIONER’S PROCEEDINGS
JULY 26, 2021
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
9:00 –
9:30 – Tony Martin – Public Works
10:00 –
10:30 –
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk were also present. Tron called the meeting to order. Joe moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Pat seconded. Motion carried. Joe moved to approve the county vouchers. Pat seconded. Motion carried. The deputy clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 56,322.03 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 49,751.59 |
| Airport | $ 20,725.12 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 9,030.74 |
| EMS | $ 5,683.66 |
| Fire | $ 2,441.30 |
| Building | $ 2,523.62 |
| Community Health | $ 17,655.64 |
| Community Health Grants | $ 809.04 |
| County Equipment Fund | $ 3,187.50 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 238.64 |
| Reg of Deeds Tech Fund | $ 150.03 |
| Sheriff | $ 31,997.60 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 16.75 |
| Diversion | $ 50.84 |
| TOTAL: | $ 200,584.10 |
Willie Newton and Bill Patrick arrived at the start of the meeting to give the commissioners updates on the Seaboard plant’s progress. They provided some details on current and future employee count, estimated completion dates of certain phases of the plant, and how the railroad is coming along. Rob Schladetzky with Fagen, Inc. also stopped in to see if there had been any concerns expressed regarding Fagen employees who are working at the Seaboard plant. He assured the commissioners the company wants their employees to make a good impression on the community and he would like to be informed if any issues arise.
Tony Martin was up next to give updates on his departments. He reported a blade had hit a water riser so there will be a bill coming soon for that. He was happy to share some iron from the landfill has been sold and he is confident more will sell. He said the landfill’s dozer engine repair is almost done. The oil distributor is still down, so the road department is a little behind on chip sealing. The computer chip in the distributor had to be sent in to determine the problem. Tony wrapped up with a reminder it is fair week an encouraged the commissioners to take in some of the fair activities.
Rodney came in to inform the commissioners he is waiting to hear back from Code Red about the cancelation of the service. They said a 30-day notice was required before the end of the 3-year contract, so they are charging for another year. Paul is going to look over the contract for some clarity on the renewal terms and cancelation requirements.
Ted popped in to express his discontent of continually having to cover costs for inmates whose felony case(s) the city is working. He strongly feels if the city chooses to work felony cases, the city should be responsible for costs those inmates incur. He relayed to the commissioners several bills will be coming in for medical treatment on an inmate. He said it will consist of emergency flight evacuation to an E.R. in Wichita and several follow up treatments. He said he and one of his deputies spent the whole week in Wichita because they are required to accompany the inmate. Including the costs of all the medical expenses involved, it also becomes very costly considering the overtime compensation to a sheriff department employee who is working those kinds of hours. Ted feels, in this particular incident, he should also be compensated either for a set amount that equates to the number of hours spent with the inmate outside the county (in addition to his salary) or be given a raise in his salary. He expressed his concern that it leaves his staff short-handed when he must travel with an inmate. Paul said the law states any case filed in district court, whether it is worked by the county or the city, is the county’s financial responsibility. Ted said he realized he has voiced his issue with this several times, but this case is going to cost the county a lot of money and should be taken into more serious consideration as to who is paying for it. Paul said it is up to the city council whether the police department works felony cases or not. The commissioners suggested maybe Ted should speak with the city council regarding his concerns. Ted finished with a request for the Sparks fund to cover a blood pressure machine for the sheriff department.
Last in was Ross Sullivan. He informed the commissioners the sound system is out in Memorial Hall and asked if he should purchase a new one. He said it would be more expensive to fix the current one and it is a very outdated system anyway. He had received some information on the one from the school and even borrowed it to use at a recent event in Memorial Hall. The one the school has was purchased for about $1,300. Pat doesn’t feel it is used enough to justify purchasing another one. Tron and Joe both agreed if Memorial Hall is being offered as a venue for the community to use for various events, it should provide certain amenities such as the projector and the microphone / sound system. Tron told Ross to get estimates on three different types and bring them in for review.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman