Meeting Minutes are posed below.
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 2, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Also present were Paul Kitzke, County Attorney; Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Joe called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Tron seconded. Motion carried. Tron moved to approve the county vouchers. Pat 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 | $ 88,993.90 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 115,840.01 |
| Airport | $ 3,230.78 |
| Building | $ 2,571.58 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 7,288.58 |
| EMS | $ 11,066.83 |
| Fire | $ 9,696.13 |
| Insurance Agency Damages | $ 7,093.24 |
| Community Health | $ 27,279.33 |
| Diversion | $ 81.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 101,168.83 |
| Employee P/R Misc W/H | $ 134.20 |
| Employees Benefit Fund | $ 72,445.00 |
| Insurance Agency | $ 122,148.00 |
Phillip Willis arrived to let the commissioners know they are still digging the pit for the landfill in order to receive a permit through the State of Kansas. To receive the permit will take time.
Rodney Kelling came in to let the commissioners know that there is nothing new to report other than they had quite a few ambulance runs over the holidays.
The commissioners have requested that any department needing to encumber should have those letters to the commissioners no later than the last meeting of February which would be Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Pat moved to accept Resolution 18-01 for participating in the rural opportunity zone student loan repayment program (ROZ). Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Pat moved to accept Resolution 18-02 for the financial statements and financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2017 to be prepared in conformity with GAAP. Tron seconded, motion carried.
Tron moved to appoint the Hugoton Hermes as the official newspaper for Stevens County. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Tron moved to have Citizens State Bank as the bank depository for Stevens County. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Tron moved to have First National Bank/Equity Bank as secondary depository for Stevens County. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Pat made a motion to continue the meeting days and time on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 8:30am unless Monday is a county holiday then the meeting will be on Tuesday. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Pat moved to appoint Joe Thompson as Chairman. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Tron moved to appoint Pat Hall as Vice Chairman. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Longevity for the employees was discussed and the commissioners have agreed to discuss the matter further with Theresa from Lewis, Hooper and Dick
Susan Schulte came in to discuss the heating and air units at the courthouse and informed the commissioners that Knipp will be back to work on them. Pat said he spoke with the repair man and they informed him the whole unit will need to be down for three (3) days at least to get fixed completely. Pat said he did not want to have no heat through the whole building when the temperatures are below freezing because of the possibility of water lines freezing and causing more issues. Susan said that the only floor that is or will be affected is the basement and Knipp is doing what they can to supply heat until the final repair can be made. She added that the unit that supplies heat and air to the basement is at half capacity now and will be until repair is completed.
The commissioners requested Lori Rome from the Appraiser’s office to step in to explain the abatement situation to them. Lori gave some examples saying that some wells were not as deep as they were appraised and there was also a house that was thought to have been completed but was not. Lori further stated that Cindy with Landmark Appraisal said that most of the payments under protest were due to well depth. The commissioners asked that Cindy or Tom Fuhrmann with Landmark Appraisal appear at the next commissioner meeting scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2018. The commissioners are hoping to get a better understanding about abatements and why they are so vast this time.
Matt Rome and Erick Nordling from the Airport board appeared as per request by the commissioners. Pat mentioned that there have not been anything turned in for property taxes from the hangars at the airport. Matt said that Scott Spikes is looking into that but they believe at this time, all of the aircraft that is stored is either exempt due to age (30 years or older) or exempt due to business.
Joe told Eric and Matt that he knows they have a grant from KDOT and since the airport is under the same FEIN as the courthouse that the Treasurer and Clerk need that information to keep track of funding and other expenses. Joe suggested that the airport gets their own FEIN like the other appropriated county entities. Matt told Joe that the airport board will be having a meeting soon and will discuss that, as well as making sure the Stevens County Clerk receives monthly meeting minutes.
Lynne Webb stopped in to inform the commissioners that some of the abatements are due to the Kansas State laws that have changed and the appraiser has to look at well depth and pull reports by what is irrigated.
Tony Martin with Road and Bridge came in to inform the commissioners that the bridge detour is set and ready. He also inquired about hiring a new employee to replace the two (2) employees who have retired. He told the commissioners that the starting pay would be roughly $15-$16 per hour. The commissioners have agreed to let Tony hire one (1) employee for the Road and Bridge department.
Pat asked Tony if it would be possible to move the shaker to Satanta so the trucks would not have to drive back and forth so much. Tony said that moving the shaker to the Cullison pit near Satanta would be fine but trucks would still be hauling gravel off. Tony also informed the commissioners that if the shaker was moved near Satanta more employees would be needed every day. Breakdowns could cause a problem as well because of the distant to town. However, Tony also said he understood the positive aspects of moving the shaker to the Cullison pit because it would be in the same vicinity as the rough gravel. No decision was made on where the shaker should be stationed.
Sheriff Ted Heaton, deputies Adam Mauk and TJ Steers came in with Susan Schulte from GIS to discuss the 911 grant funds. Susan told Ted that if some of the 911 grant funds will help pay for the 911 software, mapping and a percentage of her work for 911 she would like to see that done. Ted agreed that if the 911 council will allow the grant to pay for those things, then it will be done.
Discussion arose about the Sheriff’s accrued time off being different than other courthouse employees and the handbook. Ted stated that it is no different and that he requires that his twenty-four (24) hour employees take a day off with their regular rotation days off to make it three (3) days off. The reasoning is due to the fact that his employees are on a rotation schedule and his employees work different hours.
Pat said he would like the county to check into putting caps on wages and salaries for department heads and elected officials. He feels that there needs to be a cap and requested a list of wages and salaries (not names) of the current county employees.
Paul Kitzke requested an executive session over pending lawsuits/legal issues. Pat made a motion to go into a ten (10) minute executive session over legal issues. Tron seconded. Executive session began at 10:12 am and ended at 10:16am. No action taken.
Abatement Orders for taxes numbered 35 through 60 were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; total valuation removed 226,646 with a relief assessment of $39858.73.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________
Joe Thompson, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 15, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Commissioners present were Pat Hall and Joe Thompson. Also present was Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk and Marie Austin, Hugoton Hermes. Joe called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Joe 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 | $ 143,896.02 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 13,403.27 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 88.66 |
| EMS | $ 2,557.03 |
| Fire | $ 8,598.31 |
| Airport | $ 18,341.72 |
| Diversion | $ 307.68 |
| Community Health | $ 23,756.45 |
| Sheriff | $ 7,716.46 |
| Fair | $ 44,350.00 |
| Extension Council | $ 70,000.00 |
| Services for the Elderly | $ 89,203.50 |
| Library | $ 76,688.75 |
| Emp Benefits – Library | $ 33,839.00 |
| Hospital Maintenance | $ 750,000.00 |
| Fire Bequest | $ 46.50 |
| WEKANDO | $ 4,000.00 |
| Employee P/R Misc W/H | $ 57.60 |
| TOTAL: | $ 1,286,850.95 |
First on the agenda was Rodney Kelling, who came in to report on the Cotton Gin fire at Moscow. He said he will be working on the amounts for the other counties who assisted and that Mutual Aid covers the first 24 hours of assistance. He stated that several Stevens County trucks had also aided in fighting the fire at Haskell County. Rodney informed that the pump and motor on Hugoton’s twenty five (25) year old tanker is in need of replacement and gave the cost of $3,500 plus $1,000 to plumb it in. Commissioners approved the purchase.
Phillip Willis came in and requested an executive session regarding non-elected personnel. Joe moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes from 8:55 to 9:05 am, with Commissioner, Tron Stegman conferenced in by telephone. Pat seconded. Motion carried. No action was taken.
Susan Schulte was next on the schedule to discuss the county website. She relayed to the commissioners that the State of Kansas who is currently hosting the website, will no longer host as of March of this year, so she has been looking into options for new hosts. She presented a quote from Civic Plus for $9,300 to design and host for the first year with options to either pay up front or over 3 years. She is still getting quotes and will keep the commissioners posted.
Tony Martin dropped in to report on the Road & Bridge department. He told the commissioners that the Federal Fund Exchange, based off road tax and fuel, have raised their previous charge of 10% to 25%. Apparently, it was costing them because the State will no longer allow the percentage to be banked. Tony said it computes to around $75,000 the county will be getting now instead of $88,000 –$ 90,000.
Tony said the minimum on the two tankers at auction had not yet been met and there is a week left on that. He shared some good news that Huber Sand is hauling certain types of gravel at a cheaper cost than last year. Tony handed the commissioners a sheet describing a couple new DOT requirements going in to effect this year for CDL holders. Tony requested that the $165,000 – $167,000 left over from Road and Bridge budget be transferred in to the Equipment Fund. He feels like the Special Highway fund currently has a sufficient amount.
Commissioners spoke briefly about the speed limit variances on Cemetery Road. Some of the road is under county jurisdiction and some under city so the speed limit goes from 35 mph to 20 mph then back to 35 mph. This issue will continue to be monitored and later addressed to see what can be done to ease confusion for drivers and law enforcement.
Ted Heaton came in. Joe told Ted he had been curious as to why State Highway Patrol were not the ones directing traffic during the Cotton Gin fire and Ted assured him that this was the Sheriff Department’s responsibility and they had no problem with doing that.
Jean Lamatsch was asked to come down and elaborate regarding the Cimarron Basin Interlocal Agreement. Jean had phoned in a question to the County Clerk in the prior week before the meeting and the commissioners were seeking some clarification on the matter. She said she is appointed as the court representative and there was a commissioner who had been appointed as a county rep in previous years so she was wondering if there is a need to re-appoint a new county rep. She stated that after the Cimarron Basin board meeting in March, the actual agreement and any changes to the agreement would be communicated further to the commissioners.
Tron was again conferenced in by phone, as Landmark’s Tom Fuhrmann, Terry Lawhon and Cindy Wellbrock arrived to go over County Appraiser business. Tom requested an executive session regarding non-elected personnel.
Joe moved to go in to executive session for 20 minutes from 10:04 to 10:24 am. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Pat made a motion to appoint Cindy Wellbrock as Interim County Appraiser for Stevens County for six months and asked Amy to notify County Attorney, Paul Kitzke to draw up a resolution for this. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Joe asked if a brief explanation of a taxpayer’s protest could be attached to the front of the protest form. Discussion was exchanged about the issue with well depth being a common reason for protest. Tom said dry land values continue to go down and irrigated ground is going up and that in general, the Mid-West does not seem to be highly effected by trends. He noted they have not noticed any downward trend in real estate value and that Western Kansas has been fortunate regarding real estate values. The appraisers anticipate the oil and gas guide soon, which will help determine property values for this coming year.
Trista Nordyke was next on the agenda to provide information on the Emergency Preparedness survey she conducted as part of her Master’s program, in which she interns with EMS Director, Rodney Kelling. Nearly 200 Stevens County residents participated in a survey to test a countywide emergency notification system. Forty three percent of respondents were 51 and older.
Both landlines and mobile smart phones with texting capabilities can be used to receive notifications. Messages can be left with customizable options like varying languages, etc. Some of the participants indicated they would be interested in multiple notifications.
The cost for a year’s subscription may seem pricey to some, but Trista noted how crucial emergency notifications are, especially in the event of a catastrophic occurrence. She relayed statistics from the Greensburg Tornado, that due to alerts to the community, several were able to seek safety and the total fatality count was only seven. Trista is seeking funding from the Stevens County Foundation, in the hopes that with this funding, the idea of further testing of this system may be considered. Don Beesley arrived during this discussion and he mentioned that maybe the schools would be interested in obtaining some information on this as well, and that it may be cost effective for the county and the schools to both share one system. Trista stated that the City of Moscow has shown an interest in contributing to this system. Trista is still looking in to other options such as CodeRed.
Pat brought up the request the Community Health dept. had put in regarding storing vaccines in the Memorial Hall kitchen, making sure they realize the Courthouse does not have a generator in the event of a power outage. Trista explained that it is mainly if the refrigerator at the health deptartment goes out. Commissioners agreed that this would be okay with them as long as the Memorial Hall refrigerator is locked up or monitored by a health dept. employee to ensure the vaccines cannot be tampered with. Trista said that should not be a problem.
Don Beesley and Nancy Honig were in with Ron Honig to announce Ron as the new Stevens County Extension Agent and invited the commissioners to attend Ron’s open house that afternoon. Clarification was given by the commissioners about their recent request that all the boards keep the commissioners informed of action items like bids, hiring, etc., at least once a month and that meeting minutes would be an adequate way to keep them in the loop.
Nancy spoke to the commissioners about an upcoming board leadership series offered through K-State. The Board Leadership Series provides an opportunity to give community-based boards – elected, appointed, or recognized by local units of government – affordable training necessary to be most effective and efficient with their responsibilities. Nancy said the registration fee is $30 a seat that can be rotated by participants. Joe and Pat thought it would be good to provide some funds for board members interested in participating.
Amy gave the commissioners a letter from Tom Hicks regarding dispatchers’ expenses. At the January 8, 2018 Hugoton City Council meeting, council voted to pay $75,000.00 for calendar year 2018 in 12 equal installments. That rate will increase each year by the amount the State of Kansas will allow for the cost-of-living adjustment for that year’s budget.
Pat and Joe spoke briefly about the Economic Development Director position and appropriations from the county for Eco Devo.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk __________________________
Joe D. Thompson, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Also present were Paul Kitzke, County Attorney; Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Joe called the meeting to order. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Tron 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 | $ 101,059.95 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 181,083.55 |
| Airport | $ 3,230.78 |
| Building | $ 1,834.26 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 7,072.38 |
| EMS | $ 12,375.77 |
| Fire | $ 5,968.23 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 47,241.97 |
| Wekando | $ 4,400.00 |
| Reg of Deeds Tech Fund | $ 466.50 |
| Community Health | $ 23,807.33 |
| Employee Benefit | $ 802.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 70,594.08 |
| Employee P/R Misc W/H | $ 57.60 |
| $ 459,994.40 |
Rodney with Emergency Management came in to inform the commissioners that he will be having a rebuilt transmission put into the Ford mini-tanker for $3000.
Joe inquired with Rodney to see if there is a bill put together for the recent big fires and asked if Rodney had a figure for mutual aid. Rodney said that insurance pays the company and then the company should be paying the mutual aid. Rodney said that the fire department still has money coming in from older fires. Rodney has received bills from Bryne Sullins for the tractor and blade that was used and from Antler’s for food they provided the fire fighters with during the cotton gin fire.
Rodney stated he would have some funds left over from 2017 and would like to roll it into his equipment fund. He also said he is running an ad in the paper to thank the employers for allowing their employees off work to help fight the fires.
Rodney told the commissioners that the Foundation Board will fund the “Code Red” for three (3) years at $4800 per year. It should be in place by March, 2018.
Phillip Willis with Noxious Weed came in and told the commissioners that he needs their signatures for the annual state report for the weed department.
The commissioners discussed that the Foundation Board has three (3) seats to fill on the board. Tron made a motion for Gary Gold to be on the Foundation Board, Pat seconded. Motion carried. An advertisement will be put into the Hugoton Hermes for the two (2) remaining positions open and ask those who are interested to attend the meeting on February 20th for interviews. Call the County Clerks office for a time to meet with the commissioners.
Paula Rowden with Community Health Department informed the commissioners that she is working on applying for a $5000 grant that will allow the department to have a one (1) day women’s health exam for underinsured or uninsured women or those that have to travel out of town to receive these services at a discounted cost. She is wanting to collaborate with the hospital on this for physician services.
Paula said that in March she will be working on state grant funding.
Vanessa Willis gave Paul Kitzke a legal summons between The Plains State Bank vs. Nancy Lewis et. al., including Stevens County Treasurer. Paul said he would take care of the matter. Vanessa then shared a letter she received from Sansanee Horton whose husband recently passed in which they own royalties in Stevens County and she wanted to donate the royalties to the county as she is going to be moving out of the country. Paul said he will look at the legalities of such a procedure and the commissioners said if at all possible they would like to have those royalties donated to Pheasant Heaven.
Vanessa also introduced the abatements on personal property that are twenty (20) years old that Stevens County can not collect. Tron made a motion to accept resolution 18-03 to clear out the abatements that are twenty (20) years old and older to clear out. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
The commissioners told Vanessa to see if these unpaid personal property taxes from less than twenty (20) years can be collected through the Kansas State income tax offset program
Vanessa presented the commissioners with a list of real estate taxes collected and others that haven’t paid in order to start the tax sale. At this time six (6) properties have not been paid on and are scheduled for the tax sale.
Vanessa then brought to the commissioners’ attention that if a person moved to Stevens County or has a business here they can get a tag from Stevens County. However due to KSA statute 8-129, a person must reside or have a business within a county to be able to get a vehicle tagged in such county.
Tony Martin with Road and Bridge came in to get the commissioners thoughts on the speed limit out on Cemetery Road, because from the Highway all the way north until 6th street, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour then goes up to 35 miles per hour. The commissioners see no need to make a change.
Tony told the commissioners that on www.gavel.com one of the trailers sold for $1075, but the 2nd trailer is still available.
Crack sealing on 2nd street has begun about a week ago and they are still working on it, weather permitting. Tony hired Jessie Eckert to start at the Road and Bridge department beginning February 12, 2018.
Tony will be attending the Kansas Highway Association in Salina May 7-9, 2018.
Tony told the commissioners he would like to move money that was left from 2017 into the Special Equipment Fund.
Sheriff Ted Heaton and Deputy TJ Steers appeared and requested an executive session for ten (10) minutes over non-elected personnel. Pat made a motion to go into executive session for ten (10) minutes beginning at 9:48 am with Sheriff Ted Heaton, Deputy TJ Steers and Attorney Paul Kitzke in session. Tron seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:58 am. No action taken.
Members of the airport board appeared, Matt Rome, Dax Gaskill and Erick Nordling. The City of Hugoton deeded its share to Stevens County several years ago so the airport is county owned. There are issues about grants, employment, taxes and other such issues that put the county on the spot of timeliness and bookkeeping. The county along with the airport board looked into allowing the airport to have their own FEIN so the airport can operate by the airport board alone without county involvement. The auditor for Stevens County advised that the airport be managed by the county commissioners and the airport board for advice. Paul Kitzke will discuss with the county auditor on what would be the best action to take.
Jan Leonard with Eco Devo, Alisha Owens, Curtis Crawford and Jonathan Pearcy came in to discuss with the commissioners about receiving $25,000 more in funds from the county to help pay wages and monthly costs.
Joe Thompson said he understood that the City of Hugoton was going to help fund Eco Devo. Jan elaborated on that and said they city will give them money as needed up to but not more than $20,000. The City of Hugoton implied that if there are funds left it will carry over to the following year.
Jan inquired with the commissioners to see if they would be willing to purchase or assist in purchasing a vehicle that Eco Devo could use and share with the courthouse employees for work related purposes. Joe said that cost should be up to the Eco Devo and Chamber board to see if they have the funds for such a purchase. Pat informed Jan that the courthouse employees are not traveling as much, just on as needed or mandatory meetings.
Curtis Crawford spoke with the commissioners about being its own entity and getting an FEIN. The commissioners agreed and said that the county auditor suggested that Eco Devo be its own entity with their own FEIN or be under the Chamber of Commerce.
Jonathan said the cost to set up as own entity keeps adding up expenses because of bookkeeping and payroll.
The commissioners informed the Eco Devo members that most counties in Kansas only appropriate some funds to Eco Devo as they are their own entity. Very few counties run Eco Devo by means of contract and as a department within the county along with votes by citizens stating it should receive a percentage of sales. Some counties don’t even have an Eco Devo.
Jan ran a project by the commissioners for a Civic Center needing funds to purchase the building and upgrading of the facility. The building and estimated renovation could cost about $275,000. Joe said that it sounds like a great idea but the county does not have the funds to help purchase or for renovation.
Jonathan said the foundation board would have to help fund a majority of the project or there would be no way to act on a Civic Center. He also stated they have been talking to some representatives about possible wind farm deals in Stevens County.
Pat made a motion for a ten (15) minute executive session on a non-elected official. Tron seconded. The meeting began at 11:32 am with Pat, Tron, Joe and county attorney Paul Kitzke and county clerk, Amy Jo Tharp present. Meeting ended at 11:47am. Tron made a motion to put an ad in the Hugoton Hermes for Courthouse Facilities Supervisor with a starting wage of $18 per hour with possibility for more depending on experience. Pat seconded, motion carried.
Commissioners agreed to have a phone conference as requested by Morton County commissioners on February 12, 2018 at 1:30pm.
Commissioner meeting was adjourned to the Memorial Hall to be in attendance for a presentation by Spart with Greg Northrup, President and Verbio Biofuel & Technologies with Dr. Oliver Ludtke, Operations Manager. Verbio is an industrial-scale producer of biodiesel and other bio-fuels. Also present at this portion of the meeting was Alisha Owens, Jan Leonard, Steve Rome, Mark Faulkner, Wendell Nicholas, Paul Nordyke, Kirk Spikes, Commissioners Joe D Thompson, Pat Hall, Tron Stegman, County Attorney Paul Kitzke, County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp and Hugoton Hermes RoGlenda Coulter.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________
Joe Thompson, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 12, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in special session with Joe D Thompson and Pat Hall present. Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Also present via conference call on the phone were Morton County Commissioners Jim Tucker, J.W. Finn and Randy Bane; Morton County Attorney Eric Witcher and Morton County Clerk Gina Castillo. Joe called the meeting to order.
Pat Hall made a motion for executive session of non-elected personnel for fifteen (15) minutes with all parties in attendance. Joe seconded. Gina Castillo left before the executive session began. The meeting started at 1:42pm and ended at 1:57pm. No action taken
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________
Joe Thompson, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with Pat Hall and Chairman Joe D Thompson present. Also present were Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Joe called the meeting to order. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last two (2) meetings. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Joe moved to approve the county vouchers. Pat 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 | $ 69,294.71 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 3,538.98 |
| Building | $ 1,857.28 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 289.04 |
| EMS | $ 2,017.44 |
| Fire | $ 10,562.42 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 398.08 |
| Insurance Agency | $ 1,031.00 |
| Alcoholic Treatment Fund | $ 475.00 |
| Community Health | $ 8,420.69 |
| Sheriff | $ 9,752.47 |
| Employee P/R Misc W/H | $ 38.40 |
| $ 107,675.51 |
Rodney Kelling came in to ask the commissioners to sign the “Instant Management Team” renewal form as well as handing in his encumbrance letter. He informed the commissioners that he billed the Cotton Gin $61,000 and instructed the County Clerk office to pay the bills to the residents that helped with the Cotton Gin fire.
Rodney requested a five (5) minute executive session over a non-elected personnel. Pat made a motion to go into a five (5) minute executive session over a non-elected personnel. Joe seconded. The executive session began at 8:38am and concluded at 9:42am. No action taken.
Rodney asked the commissioners their opinions on starting a Disaster Fund to help cushion expenses from fires and other disasters. He inquired if remaining funds from the previous year could go into such a fund. Joe tabled the decision until the budget hearing.
Susan Schulte with GIS came in to discuss the County website and stated that Thomson Reuters is asking $5995 for basic setup and hosting, with $1100 per year after the initial setup. Curtis Crawford with Alert Alarm was in attendance for other issues but stated he could come up with a better price. After Curtis consulted with Susan, he offered a price of $750 for hosting, maintenance and website development with a $200 per year of hosting and software update maintenance. Joe made a motion to accept the quote from Alert Alarm to do the County website hosting and initial development. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Curtis Crawford came in to discuss his interest in serving on the Foundation Board. He informed the commissioners that his involvement in the Moscow Community as well as his intention to stay involved in the Hugoton Community would show him to qualify for the Foundation Board position. He is currently an appointee on the Eco Devo Board.
The commissioners agreed that the Foundation Board needs to find ways to increase their funds to better serve the communities.
Robb Heger came in to discuss with the commissioners about the possibility of having the county’s help in building a one (1) mile stretch of road that has been blown shut because it was just a two (2) track. Tony Martin was in appearance and told the Commissioners that the road in question would benefit farmers with their crops as well as Robb in getting to his cattle without going through other farmers’ land to reach his livestock. Tony informed the commissioners that it would cost about $7,000 to $8,000 to do a one (1) mile stretch of road from scratch. Robb informed the commissioners that Steve Davis has a caliche pit and is willing to let the county use it for the building of the road. Pat instructed the County Attorney to send letters to the surrounding owners to get their permission to build a road.
JoLynn Harrison came in to show her interest in serving on the Foundation Board. She stated that she worked for Southwest Medical for twenty-nine (29) years, a Vice President for fourteen (14) years and retired from the Vice President position in October of 2017. She would like to do something that would help the community and feels that the Foundation Board could be very beneficial if the funds were used in an appropriate manner.
Tony with the Road and Bridge department was in attendance to bring in a letter to transfer left over funds to the Highway Machinery Fund.
Tony also informed the commissioners that today, February 20, 2018, was Koy Watkins last date and that he had given a two (2) week notice.
Tony requested a ten (10) minute executive session over non-elected personnel. Joe made a motion to enter into an executive session at 9:28 over non-elected personnel. Pat seconded. Motion carried. The executive session ended at 9:38am. No action taken.
Amy Jo Tharp with the County Clerks office told the commissioners she was purchasing a printer with her Clerk Tech Funds to replace two (2) other printers that are no longer in working order. The amount would not exceed $2500.
Jonathan Pearcy came in to discuss his interest of being on the Foundation Board. He stated that the Foundation Board was originally started with the idea that the gas prices would drop and the county could benefit from these funds. He said that people need to be fiscally aware and sensitive to the amount that the county and communities have to function with the decline in gas and oil. He told the commissioners that he would like to donate only the interest amount of the Foundation Board funds and keep the principal that way the interest will continue to accrue and could be used in a time of dire need.
Jonathan Pearcy also asked the commissioners if they would be willing to appoint him to be on the Eco Devo board as he had replaced Ray Hoggatt’s position and that term has expired.
Pat made a motion to accept Jonathan Pearcy as a board member for Eco Devo. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Alisha Owens with the Chamber of Commerce came in to let the commissioners know that the Chamber board agreed to take over the Eco Devo including the director and payroll. Alisha also inquired about receiving the appropriations as per the budget. Amy Jo informed Alisha she will receive the Chamber’s appropriations at the next commissioner meeting on March 5, 2018, when checks will be written and signed.
Alisha then inquired to see if the County would be able to help fund an additional $25,000 to help out with Eco Devo. Pat instructed the County Clerk to see what funds were left from 2017 to see if the County has $25,000 to help Eco Devo.
Joe made a motion to appoint Walt Beesley to a position on the Eco Devo board. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
The commissioners instructed the County Treasurer to find out how much money of the CD that was cashed in was used to keep the county funds in good standing.
Sheriff Ted Heaton came in to inform the commissioners that the Sheriff’s department is doing good. The commissioners asked Ted how many people he currently has on his staff. Ted informed the commissioners that there are seven (7) deputies, four (4) jailers and five (five) dispatchers. Ted informed the commissioners there is to be two (2) jailers on duty at all times. He is running a skeleton crew and they are getting along fine.
Ted then did discuss with the commissioners about the jail showers are having issues and are unrepairable due to the age and type. The seal that is on the shower floor and goes up the wall a portion of the way is also crumbling and needs to be repaired.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________
Joe Thompson, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 05, 2018
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with Pat Hall and Tron Stegman present. Also present were Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Pat called the meeting to order. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last several meetings. Tron seconded. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Tron 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 | $ 33,429.27 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 86,940.01 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 2,109.86 |
| EMS | $ 1,620.07 |
| Fire | $ 4,810.68 |
| Insurance Agency | $ 10,181.00 |
| Community Health | $ 4,179.01 |
| Sheriff | $ 9,362.54 |
| Employee P/R Misc W/H | $ 38.40 |
| $ 152,670.84 |
Elaine Rowden with the Wellness Center came in and discussed with the commissioners about the buildings behind the Wellness Center and it was agreed that they should be sold. Pat said he would go get measurements and have Elaine post them in the newspaper for sale. Elaine also brought up her encumbrance letter and said she would like to use that money to fund LED lights to replace the mercury lights currently at the Wellness Center. She also stated that there will possibly be some rather large bills coming from the Wellness Center for work on the computer due to it having issues and having to get a new monitor. The women’s bathroom also needed repairs.
Dean Simmons came in with concerns about the road that Robb Heger had inquired with the county about at the previous meeting. Dean said it’s very sandy and needs to be checked into before building to help keep the blowing down. He stated he has no problem with the road as long as somebody helps keep the dirt/sand from blowing. Pat said the right-of-way should not cause damage to the land.
Paul advised Dean not to sign any easements until Dean had heard from Tony Martin at the road and bridge department that the road can be built satisfactorily.
Pat made a motion to approve the Disaster Resolution 18-04, that was signed and in effect due to the emergency Sunday, March 4, 2018. Tron seconded, motion carried.
Paula Rowden with the Community Health Department came in to discuss with the commissioners about evacuations caused by emergency situations. She informed the commissioners that the health department is to have a place set up for people that must be evacuated. She had spent Sunday night into Monday morning in a makeshift room at the health department with a family of seven (7) that were evacuated from the Moscow area due to the fire. She said the Red Cross was at the site offering meals but not any rooms at that time. She reiterated that the Code Red System would have been helpful in that event. Pat said he felt that people needing to be evacuated could have been put up into one of the many hotel rooms in Hugoton for the night but the question arose as to whose expense would that be.
Paula then told the commissioners that the generator that runs the health department is old, outdated and has broken down. She had received bids from two (2) separate entities for the generator. Cummins gave an estimate for 36kw generator in the amount of $17,490.00 and Hancock Electric gave an estimate for a 25kw generator for $15,821.35. If a problem with the Cummins generator should arise, a repairman will have to come from Wichita whereas Hancock informed Paula that if there is an issue with the Caterpillar generator then someone from Cimarron will come in to make repairs if needed. Pat inquired with Paula if the generator has to run the whole health department or just the refrigerators for the vaccines. Paula said it would need to run emergency lighting as well as the refrigeration for the vaccines.
Tron made a motion to accept the Hancock Electric bid for the generator at a cost of $15,821.35. Pat seconded, motion carried.
Pat approved Paula’s encumbrance except the salary bonus and pay for Trista’s furthering education. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Mario Hernandez and Jorge Camacho were in the commissioners meeting as per request by commissioners. Pat informed them that their positions will be combined and will be one (1) job instead of two (2) separate positions due to county funding. Pat informed Mario and Jorge to fill out an application but informed them that the new position will require the applicant to take care of the grounds as well as clean and maintain the courthouse. He stated the cleaning of the other buildings will be stopped as well.
Jorge asked the commissioners how long he will be able to be at the current position before they make a decision on the applicants. Pat said the position will hopefully be filled in a month and reiterated that Mario and Jorge should apply for the position.
Tony Martin with road and bridge came in to have five (5) crossing permits signed and filed. He also informed the commissioners that he had two (2) guys hauling water to the fire from Sunday at 1:00 PM through today at 8:00 AM. Several other guys are working today hauling water so the other two could go home for rest. He feels that the landowners with these old hay bales need to mow between and around the hay bales to cut down the risk of fires spreading if one gets started.
Tony inquired about an executive session and Pat told him he would rather wait until Joe could attend the meeting.
Tony let the commissioners know that the road and bridge department is trying to stay off the dirt roads as much as possible due to the extreme dry and windy weather. He also informed the commissioners that when the road for Robb Heger gets underway the ditches do not need to be deep and they can make it to specifications.
Sheriff Ted Heaton came in and discussed with the commissioners the protocol he has for his sheriff’s deputies. If any shooter is around in any building, the deputies are to go in and head straight to the sound of the shots. He also explained why he does not want to see conceal carry allowed in the schools. If there is an incident in a school, the sheriff’s department/deputies could view the wrong person as a threat and could get shot.
Ted also informed the commissioners that Stevens County residents that reside in Stevens County but have out of state tags will start being issued tickets. The tags need to be tagged within thirty (30) days of moving and becoming a resident in Stevens County.
Tron made a motion for Elaine to encumber enough money to replace the wellness center lights with LED lights, Rodney to transfer his remaining budget from 2017 into EMS and Fire Equipment Fund, Tony to transfer 2017 remaining funds into the Road Machinery Fund, Amy with the County Clerks office to transfer remaining funds from Election into the Election Equipment fund and Kelsee with the District Court to encumber funds for a new server and the remaining attorney’s fees that will be billed for services performed in 2017. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Paul requested a five (5) minute executive session over non-elected personnel. Pat made a motion to go into a five (5) minute executive session over non-elected personnel beginning at 9:55am and concluding at 10:00am. Tron seconded. No action taken.
Tron and Pat said that the handbook states an employee or department head needs to go in front of the commissioners to request a raise. Kansas State Statutes 19-302(c), 19-503(c), 19-805(d), 19-1202(c) and 75-3203 state: “Personnel policies and procedures established by the board of county commissioner for all county employees other than elected officials.” Paul stated that the handbook needs to be set without conflict to the laws. Pat agreed that the handbook needs to have clarification and some revisions need to be made.
Pat made a motion to only allow service animals in the courthouse to aid those with a disability. Tron seconded, motion carried.
Commissioner Joe Thompson joined in on the meeting via phone conference.
Terry Lawhon, Tom Fuhrman and Cynthia Wellbrock with Landmark Appraisal, LLC, came in to discuss the county appraisal issues. The informed the board that the real estate appraisals are now due on June 1, and the oil and gas appraisals are due the end of the year in December. They have noticed heavy billing and that is due to special use which would include hog farms, feed lots, dairy and grain sites. Discussions on the water wells and how they play into appraisals were discussed. More costs involved lifting water from different depths and being equated back to landlord costs. The appraisers said that well owners used to give a verbal information on how deep the well is and now they have to have reports so it can be figured correctly. Pat informed the appraisers that all the abatements have hurt the county.
Tron asked if the “use value” has anything to do with “market value” and the appraisers assured the commissioners that “use value” and “market value” are two (2) separate values. Tron also said he noticed that most states are going along with Kansas to “use value” as compared to “market value” due to the agricultural values declining and inclining so frequently.
Terry informed the commissioners that the state froze the cap rate in the late 90’s and haven’t changed it for a while and it is hurting because the expense requisites aren’t clear.
PVD established the oil prices and the appraisers feel it will be brought through in the 2018 oil and gas for the market adjustment factor. The first of April has to be certified on the gas prices and oil has went up a little so gas is expected to be down.
There was a fifty percent (50%) decline due to the production of oil. There is an injection well and it has enhanced recovery which changed the decline to twenty percent (20%), the appraisers will send the rendition by May 1 to the operator not the business. The operator did a payment under protest because the disposal well value is equipment only and is an approximate $12,000 refund.
Tom Fuhrman and Terry Lawhon would like to visit with the commissioners before June of 2018 to discuss a three (3) year comprehensive plan in case anything were to happen to keep Stevens County on appraisals.
Terry Lawhon would like a resolution placing Cynthia Wellbrock as the appraiser for Stevens County for the remainder of Gregg Wellbrock’s three (3) year term.
Tron requested an executive session over non-elected personnel for fifteen (15) minutes. Pat seconded. Executive session began at 10:39am with Phillip Willis in attendance and commenced at 10:48am. No action taken.
Joe expressed his concerns as well as several citizens of Moscow about the hay bales stating they are a danger for the city and the county fire personnel. Pat feels it would cost roughly $200,000 to $300,000 to get rid of all the bales that Abengoa was storing. Paul said he could put up ordinances that would set up perimeters around the cities, he would just need to find out who all the responsible parties would be. He said he will look into the matter further to see if there is a way for it to be resolved or to find a solution.
Vanessa Willis was in appearance and Pat informed her that service animals will be the only animal allowed in the courthouse.
Joe brought up the issue with the coroner stating that transferring people to Topeka for autopsies is not working too well due to costs. Paul said he would contact Liberal and see if there are any other facilities available or rulings stating Stevens County has to follow Seward County in this matter.
Tron said that Jan Leonard asked him about using the Memorial Hall for a 2018 Tour and Roadshow with no charge for use of the facilities since it is to promote our county. Tron and Pat agreed that the Memorial Hall can be used with no cost for the 2018 Tour and Roadshow if it is to come to our county.
Joe allowed his stamped signature on the 18-03 resolution for the appraiser interim since he is not physically at the meeting.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________ Joe Thompson, Chairman