COMMISSIONER’S PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 23, 2021
Agenda: 8:30 – RNR Hearing
8:45 – Budget Hearing
9:00 – Bills
9:30 – Tony Martin
10:00 – Cornelius Wiebe – Lots
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session with Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson present. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk were also present. Tron Stegman was absent. Pat called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. 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 | $ 45,205.81 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 62,739.49 |
| Airport | $ 25,476.92 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 7,261.52 |
| EMS | $ 5,178.08 |
| Fire | $ 1,738.68 |
| Road Machinery | $ 37,266.00 |
| Community Health | $ 16,352.72 |
| Wellness Center Bequest | $ 649.90 |
| 911 E Wireless | $ 112.31 |
| Sheriff | $ 53,438.93 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 31.14 |
| ARPA | $ 2,757.90 |
| R of D Tech | $ 94.77 |
| TOTAL: | $ 258,304.17 |
Tony Martin had a few things to go over with the commissioners. He presented for signature, a covenant from KDHE, allowing access to the landfill so they can assess things and approve the digging of the new pit. The covenant will need to be filed in the Register of Deed’s office. He also presented an agreement to sign from Kirkham Michael and Associates for inspections of the box culvert on Washington street. Tony reported the oil distributor is still down, so he will be checking on the progress of the pump repair. The landfill tracker is being worked on and the dozer that received a new engine is back in for oil leaks. He said that should be covered by warranty.
Bryan Duer stopped in to ask the commissioners to allow him to put a 21-year-old trailer house on the property he purchased. He relayed his plan of eventually building a house on the property. As the head of Planning and Zoning, Tony had told Bryan the federal rule is 20 years or newer and if the commissioners make an exception, he needs to understand if the trailer is moved, it will have to be relocated outside of Stevens County. Discussion was had about the condition of the trailer house. Bryan assured them it is in good condition but understands if they choose to have a professional confirm this. He said the only reason he settled on this trailer is because it is in good shape, and it has been very difficult finding other housing in Hugoton. Tony stressed he prefers not to bend the rules and he will not be inspecting the trailer, or any trailer older than 20 years. Paul was asked what his opinion is on the matter. He said he totally understands Tony’s position but also feels it is very important to try and support people who are moving into the community. If Bryan is building a house, that is contributing tax dollars to the county. Paul suggested after Tony informs a resident of the federal rule on the allowed age, if that resident would still like to see if an exception can be made for an older model, refer them to the commissioners to make the decision. Ted Heaton had arrived at the meeting so he was asked if he would be willing to inspect the trailer house upon its arrival. Ted said he would be happy to.
Joe moved to allow the trailer house on the property, contingent upon verification of the VIN number. Pat seconded. Motion carried. Paul said he would draw up an agreement, once the VIN number has been verified and inspection is complete.
Next on the agenda was Cornelius Wiebe and Jacob Neufeld. They purchased two 5-acre lots and would like to change the property line, transferring a small amount of acreage from one to the other. Tony said the recommendation for Stevens County is one water well, one septic system and one house per 5 acres. Cornelius said they will not be adding anything additional; each property will only have one each of the above mentioned, so the commissioners said they do not have a problem with that.
Paul said he will have Jeremiah Johnson email him the exact amount of acreage that is being transferred and any additional information required.
Tony and the commissioners held further discussion about access roads and some of the other planning and zoning rules, wondering if some things need to be re-evaluated / updated.
Ted inquired about a bill he received from Emergency Management for a transport of an inmate from the jail to the airport. He said he had not received a bill for transports in the past. Pat said one county department should not bill another county department.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk
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Pat Hall