COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 23, 2020
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
9:00 – Ron Honig / 4-H Building roof and other repairs
9:30 – Tony Martin / Road & Bridge
10:00 – Jan Leonard / Christian Bros. Construction Housing Development
10:30 – Jim Johnson / Industrial East Lots
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Also present was Paul Kitzke, County Attorney; Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes. Tron 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 | $ 125,739.52 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 81,450.46 |
| Airport | $ 2,208.77 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 3,598.44 |
| EMS | $ 6,456.86 |
| Fire | $ 1,959.00 |
| COVID – Grant | $ 100.00 |
| Community Health | $ 16,089.88 |
| Comm Health Grant | $ 5,800.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 30,413.48 |
| County Building | $ 1,800.00 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 111.07 |
| EOC Grant | $ 17,537.70 |
| COVID – SPARKS | $ 37,126.59 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 33.75 |
| TOTAL: | $ 330,425.52 |
The meeting began with discussion regarding Governor Kelly’s executive order on mask wearing due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Paul read the executive order and explained the alternatives if the commissioners were to decide not to opt out of the executive order. The commissioners agreed that no matter which way they go, there is no law in place that will be enforced.
Rodney Kelling arrived so Joe asked what his procedure is for the EMT’s and fire fighters regarding masks. Joe suggested tabling the discussion and coming back together the following day to make a decision, after finding out what decision Seward and some of the other surrounding counties make. Pat said he would be leaving town the next morning and did not see the necessity of putting the decision off any further. After extensive deliberation off and on throughout the remainder of the meeting, it was decided Stevens County would not have its own mandate.
Rodney gave the commissioners an estimate for a new fire truck, explaining that he had been informed the transfer case is not rebuildable. The commissioners agreed to accept bids for a new fire truck.
Next on the agenda was Ron Honig, who was accompanied by 4-H leader, Michelle Heger; 4-H members, Grace Dillinger, Tobias, Clayton and Alivia Grubbs and their mom, Holly Grubbs.
Ron provided a list of repairs for the 4-H building. Michelle elaborated on the extensive damage to the roof in the front 1/3 of the building and the concern that the ceiling looks like it could cave in. She explained they have solicited help from all the 4-H clubs, but only Heartland 4-H club has responded. Members of that club have made improvements to the dining room like painting and replacing the curtains, but they need financial help with the other repairs. Michelle said they are in hopes the commissioners would be willing to provide funds to at least repair the roof. A public campaign may be considered in the future as well as possible grants. Their plan is to have older members of the Heartland club remove tiles and insulation. She said AK Roofing had advised application of a spray foam insulation and she presented an estimate for costs. Joe agreed if there is a roof leak, it needs to be tended to as soon as possible in order to prevent further issues, but he explained the process of obtaining bids from at least two local roofing companies. He said they cannot look at the estimate from AK Roofing, as a spec sheet is first required to be submitted, followed by the bids. They asked if they could be put on the schedule for the next meeting and the commissioners said yes, they can bring the spec sheet and the bids to the same meeting since there was detailed discussion of the issues and expectations. Two of the 4-H members had prepared a presentation for the commissioners. First up was Grace. Grace’s key points touched on how long it had been since any major maintenance had been done. Tobias then presented examples of all the activities held at the fairgrounds and how these necessary repairs would ensure the future of their 4-H clubs being able to continue meeting in the 4-H building. The commissioners thanked them for their time and presentations and made assurance they would move forward with paying for the roof repair. Joe asked them to be patient, as the roof repair would be dependent on the weather so it may take some time to be completed.
Ted Heaton came in and addressed the commissioners about the city working felonies. He said a police department detective has begun working felony cases, so he feels the city needs to pay for the housing and medical costs for those inmates. It was noted that Paul & Ted have had this discussion previously, and Paul reiterated if a case is filed through district court it is the responsibility of the county and if it is filed through city court it is the responsibility of the city. Pat expressed that the commissioner’s hands are tied, and he really didn’t know what was expected of them. He said they can’t tell the sheriff department or the police department what to do. Joe followed up about it not being ideal in the past regarding the outcome of requests the commissioners have had for the city, so he is not hopeful this would be an arrangement they could agree upon either. Ted received a call, taking him away from the meeting so the matter was tabled.
Next in was Tony Martin with Arlet Estrada. Arlet and some of her family members have purchased land in the north part of town by the Eagle RV park. They were given permission by the city to put a house, barn and whatever else they would like to do with the land, but entrance to the property was overlooked between seller and buyer, so she came in to request an access road to the property. There were some concerns expressed by the commissioners about the location, the speed limit, etc. After quite a bit of input from Paul, Tony and the commissioners, and studying the map with Arlet, they agreed to a north entrance with an easement on both sides for an access road, should one be needed in the future. It was a little upsetting to Arlet to find out part of her property would be cut in to with the road, but she understood their decision was based on the best scenario for the potential development in the future. She was thankful to the commissioners for their willingness to grant her request.
Paul Lehmkuhler and Zack Carlton with Christian Bros. Construction came in with Jan Leonard to discuss the housing development on the south side of town. They reported to the commissioners they are ready to break ground and wanted to confirm it is okay to split the lot sizes in half. Their opinion is buyers would not want to maintain the size currently in place. The commissioners said it is up to them to do with the lots as they wish, as they are familiar with the market demand and all the ins and outs. They went over the different floor plan options and explained how they are trying to maximize the space as much as possible. They asked if there are any pre-existing agreements they need to go over. Paul said he would make modifications on the covenants as needed. Pat told them they are welcome to use dirt from the landfill if they would like, but they will be responsible for transporting it. Paul and Zack stated their goal is to utilize as many local businesses as possible in an effort to support and promote the community.
Last on the agenda was Jim Johnson, representing a perspective buyer of one of the industrial lots east of town. He was seeking the price of the property and pointed out a concern with a potential water issue with an adjacent property. The suggestion was to put in a drainage ditch and the commissioners agreed. Again, Pat offered access to dirt from the landfill if needed. The commissioners settled on $9,400 per acre and Jim said he was confident the buyer would accept that price.
Tony had left but popped back in with Phillip Willis. They informed the commissioners both loaders at the landfill are down. The plan is to try and fix them at the Road and Bridge department and for the time being, one of the loaders from R & B is being used at the landfill. They reported they have 5 employees scheduled to take the test for the Noxious Weed license on December 16 in Dodge City. Phillip said there are no changes, but the annual SW Management Plan resolution needs to be sent to the state. Paul said he would get it drawn up. Joe made the motion for the resolution. Pat seconded. Motion carried. Phillip asked if he could haul an old copier to the dump rather than try and sell it and the commissioners said that would be fine. Tony mentioned the Road Safety plan would be coming up soon. Lastly, Phillip informed the estimated date to start digging the new trash pit will be July 2021.
Pat brought up the speed limit on Cemetery Road. It had been discussed in the past whether to make the speed limit consistent through there, rather than have two different speed limits. Some discussion was had, but no decision was made to have it changed.
Pat made a motion to appoint Lillian White to the library board to replace Jana Harris.
Joe Seconded. Motion carried.
Amy presented the prospective 2021 county employee holiday schedule for approval. Pat made a motion to accept the holiday schedule. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Sheriff Heaton checked back in after having excused himself previously for a phone call. He restated his previous request to have the city pay for costs incurred for the felony cases they work on. The commissioners had been deliberating over the governor’s executive order, so Joe asked Ted what his policy is with his employees regarding masks. Pat mentioned he had never seen the jail cells, so Ted took the commissioners, Amy and RoGlenda on a tour of the Sheriff building.
Added and Abated Orders were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; for tax year 2018 number 161 total valuation removed 500 and tax assessed -$81.63; for tax year 2019 number 260, total valuation removed 500 and tax assessed -$75.40; for tax year 2020 number 1-7, total valuation removed 2,333 and tax assessed -$464.23, with valuation added of 1758 and a relief assessment of $369.12. Total valuation of 1,575 and total tax assessed -$252.14.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Rich, Deputy County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman