COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 27, 2025
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
8:45 –
9:00 –
9:15 –
9:30 – Tony Martin
10:00 – Glenn Kerbs – Ford County Atty – Wind/Solar Farms
10:30 – Norm Coons – Pioneer Lots
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session with all members present. County Attorney Paul Kitzke and County Clerk Amy Jo Tharp were also present. Tron called the meeting to order. Joe moved to approve minutes from the last meeting. Shannon seconded. Motion carried. Joe moved to approve the county vouchers. Shannon seconded. Motion carried. The County Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 89,015.78 |
| ARPA | $ 10,000.00 |
| Judicial District | $ 550.56 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 51,257.59 |
| Airport | $ 2,103.11 |
| Co Building | $ 1,942.38 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 116.69 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 4,509.28 |
| EMS | $ 7,257.52 |
| Fire | $ 2,190.19 |
| Community Health | $ 9,721.13 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 3,400.00 |
| ROD Tech Fund | $ 2,828.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 46,211.15 |
| TOTAL: | $ 231,103.38 |
Paul Kitzke reported that he spoke with Wyandotte County Attorney Wendy Greene about the neighborhood revitalization plan (NRP). Paul said it will need to be renewed every five (5) years and needs to have specific lots or pieces of property the NRP will be effective for. Once the commissioners agree to what lots they want to include in the NRP, the county can move forward.
Jan Leonard had sent a map wondering if the commissioners would entertain the idea of combining some of the lots in the Pioneer Addition to give the buyer a larger yard.
Rodney Kelling came in and asked about the decontamination trailer he had planned on trading to Seaboard Energy. Paul stated the commissioners may sell or dispose of property publicly or privately for anything $50,000.00 or less. The item along with the value will need to be published in the newspaper for two (2) consecutive weeks and set for a hearing in case there is another interested party. Paul suggested having a third (3rd) party give value to the trailer to make sure it is not worth more than $7,000.00 (amount of trade).
Joe made a motion to publish an article stating the disposal of the decontamination trailer will be set for a hearing on March 24th, at 9:00 AM. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Rodney told the commissioners there was a fire near Moscow in some old hay bales due to the weather. The fire department attended the fire and was aided by the property owner with bulldozers to spread the hay around. The owner requested the fire department vacate his property. Rodney then asked the owner if he would be willing to acknowledge it as a controlled burn in which the owner would be responsible for maintaining and observing the ground for twenty-four (24) hours to make sure the fire does not spread. The owner replied he would contain the burn. Rodney was called out early the next morning with the fire back in force and smoke blowing across the highway causing visibility issues for travelers. There was no one around containing the fire and the owner did not arrive at the site until two (2) hours after the fire trucks got there. The owner once again demanded the fire department leave the property. Rodney asked if it is appropriate to send a bill which would include the fine for the uncontrolled burn and fees for the hours the fire department spent putting out the fire. Paul said he did not see where it could be considered a controlled burn issue as the fire began without any plan. Paul also suggested to Rodney that the fire department needs to put the fire out completely. Rodney said he had the authority to detain someone if they interfere with his duties. Paul told Rodney to go ahead and send the bill with a letter stating the next time there is a fire on the premises, the fire department will be staying until it is fully extinguished.
Rodney said he will need to get the Moscow fire truck number 122 to Salina to get the pump repaired. The estimated cost is around $7,000.00. Tony and Rodney are going to see if any of the trucks at the road and bridge department will be able to haul the fire truck to Salina, as the fire truck might not be able to drive that distance.
Joe made a motion to bypass the bid process for the pump repair on the Moscow fire truck number 122 and take it to Salina for repairs. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Tony Martin and Stacey Wood were in attendance. Tony presented the commissioners with a supplement to an agreement for services, change of scope of services and fees from Terracon. This agreement is part of project 01247012 – Supplement to Agreement #6, stating estimated fees for these services is $65,000.00.
Joe made a motion for the annual acceptance of the agreement from Terracon for project 01247012, Supplement to Agreement #6, stating the estimated fees for these services are $65,000.00. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Tony informed commissioners that Tony Mellini is sending legal notice to the gas company regarding the pipeline running through the landfill explaining the proposed idea on protecting the gas line. He is hopeful everything will be approved and agreed upon so digging can begin as soon as possible.
Tony Martin said he hired two (2) people for the road and bridge department. One (1) new hire was hired to be a mechanic and the other a driver with the potential to move to a mechanic.
The commissioners discussed a replacement for Shannon on the planning and zoning board. The commissioners would like to see someone from Moscow on the board, and Joe is waiting to hear back from someone about the position.
Glenn Kerbs was in and requested an executive session to go over contract negotiations. Glenn requested Paul, Tony, and Stacey attend the executive session.
Joe made a motion to go into a twenty (20) minute executive session over contract negotiations with Paul, Tony and Stacey in attendance. Shannon seconded. Executive session began at 10:05 AM and concluded at 10:25 AM. No action taken.
Norm Coon came in and told the commissioners he has some ideas about some of the Pioneer Addition lots and would like to gather more information. He requested information regarding the covenants of the property and asked if the commissioners would entertain making block sixteen (16) which is comprised of six (6) lots into four (4) lots. It would be nice to have affordable housing there and be able to have a lawn. The commissioners stated they did not see an issue with the idea. Norm asked other questions about the lots which Amy will send him via email, and he will discuss the ideas and bring plans to the commissioners when he is ready. He stated employees are having a hard time finding housing and it would be nice to help the community expand.
Norm gave a small update of Flora Foods, stating they have hired seventeen (17) people so far and will continue to hire as time goes until the plant is running at full capacity. There have been many updates made to the plant for their future business.
Sheriff Ted Heaton and TJ Steers came in. Ted presented the commissioners with a proposal for the cost of a new fingerprint machine which will be accepted by the state and FBI. This machine will cost approximately $23,000.00.
Joe made a motion to bypass the bid process for the fingerprint machine at the sheriff’s office. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Amy presented the commissioners with Resolution 25-03, authorizing participation in rural opportunity zone student loan repayment program for calendar Year 2025. Commissioners discussed and agreed to sign the ROZ resolution.
Joe made a motion to approve Resolution 25-03, authorizing participation in the rural opportunity zone student loan repayment program for calendar Year 2025. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Joe made a motion to appoint Allie Anderson to replace Seth Gillespie on the Stevens County Hospital Board. Shannon seconded. Motion carried.
Amy gave the commissioners information about the wellness center budget stating the amount of funds received is less than the amount of funds spent. She also mentioned the wellness center received their new computer last Thursday and hopes it will help the situation of time sheets and accounts payable. The treasurer is out of the office today but wanted to let the commissioners know she has yet to receive any deposits and tax statements since October 2024.
Amy mentioned there is an individual who would like to use the memorial hall kitchen for selling food items out of. This individual is willing to pay for inspections to move forward. The commissioners decided they are not willing to allow the kitchen to be used for outside profit where food is sold on sight, stating that food may be prepared there, but serving out of the kitchen should only be for designated Memorial Hall events, such as benefit dinners, banquets and private parties. They suggested adding that information to the rental policy.
Rex Evans came in and discussed the lights at the EMT building and Moscow Senior Citizens building. Rex and the commissioners also discussed the water coming in the double doors on the west side of Memorial Hall when it rains. It was proposed to run water over the windows and foundation when the weather warms up to locate the issue for repair.
Abatement Orders for tax year 2024 numbered 43 through 45 were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; total valuation removed 65,5041 with a relief assessment of -$9,885.63.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman