COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 9, 2020
Agenda: 8:30 – Canvass – General Election 2020
9:30 – Vernon Anderson & Josh Grubbs – Zoning
10:00 – Tony Martin/Phillip Willis
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney; Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes, was also present. 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 | $ 65,527.71 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 51,974.74 |
| Airport | $ 3,598.16 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 5,799.44 |
| EMS | $ 10,742.80 |
| Fire | $ 2,815.91 |
| COVID – Grant | $ 1,117.20 |
| Community Health | $ 11,623.01 |
| Comm Health Grant | $ 3,255.42 |
| Sheriff | $ 35,671.45 |
| County Building | $ 559.70 |
| Employee Benefits | $ 2,411.50 |
| EMS Equipment | $ 133,946.00 |
| General Equipment | $ 83,633.00 |
| Alcohol Treatment | $ 250.00 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 22.50 |
| TOTAL: | $ 412,948.54 |
Canvass began for the General Election on November 3, 2020. The board of canvassers reviewed the unofficial abstract along with write-in information. There were forty-one (41) provisional ballots which were discussed. The board rejected eight (8) provisional ballots due to the voter not being registered. One (1) had an expired photo ID and did not present an updated ID by canvass.
Vernon Anderson came in and requested permission for Tony Martin to move the planning and zoning files to the road and bridge office. Vernon said he will move to the road and bridge offices and work from there beginning on November 15th.
Tony Martin and Phillip Willis discussed the landfill pits so digging can begin in 2021. Pat suggested selling the forty (40) acres near the landfill and give the City of Hugoton a few of the smaller acres. Joe said he thought those acres were part of a plan for the landfill down the road and didn’t know about selling them off. Tony told the commissioners he would like to use ten to twenty (10-20) acres as a dirt pit for use by the road and bridge department. Phil said he would have to check on the plan because selling those acres could change the plan and it would cost to get a new plan. Tron said he is open to selling but is not in a hurry.
Tony informed the commissioners there are three (3) people off work due to COVID and his department is trying to scale back and work on more social distancing.
Tony took out two (2) entrances and put in one (1) along Optima Road just southwest of Hugoton. He will consult with the City of Hugoton on their water well road. He heard Mid America is selling off three to eight (3-8) acre lots on the north end of town by the Eagle RV Park and the Landfill. Vernon said the City of Hugoton should be discussing the zoning of that area because the county rule back in 1995 states no septic tanks on any acreage unless it is five (5) or more acres. Pat said if the city has three (3) miles they need to get the maps updated.
Discussion continued on the lots north of Hugoton and how the city will take control of the three (3) miles, how many culverts and entrances are allowed, or if an access road will be needed. Pat said the purchasers should pay for the culverts not the county. Tony said the state requests a deposit from the landowner to get approval and once the culvert has been inspected and approved the owner gets the deposit back. Joe said alleys for services will need to be put in as well.
Pat said Colton Ghumm wants to purchase a Pioneer Lot. Tron stated he was under the impression the lots were all sold to Christian Brothers Construction. Pat said he thought it was one (1) block at a time until all the blocks were purchased.
Amy Tharp asked the commissioners if a $3,350.00 power cot unit transfer to the new ambulance could be taken out of the general equipment fund. The commissioners agreed to pay that fee out of the general equipment fund.
Rodney Kelling arrived.
Pat Hall made a motion to go into executive session over non-elected personnel with Rodney Kelling for ten (10) minutes. Joe seconded. Executive session began at 10:52 AM and ended at 11:02 AM. No action Taken. Joe made a motion to extend the above executive session for five (5) minutes. Pat seconded. Executive session began at 11:02 AM and ended at 11:07 AM. No action taken.
Amy Tharp discussed the Christmas gift for employees stating it would be too much of an audit issue to give Chamber Bucks. The commissioners decided to purchase hams again for the Christmas gift using Carters grocery store in Hugoton.
The meeting ended outside inspecting the new ambulance for Stevens County. Rodney stated it is mainly for transfer purposes and has a much smoother ride than the previous ambulance.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman