COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 27, 2023
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
9:00 – Glenn Kerbs – Kerbs Lawfirm
9:30 – Patrick Hughes – Adams Jones Law
10:00 – Trish Voth – Foulston Siefkin
10:30 – Dream First Bank
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Tharp, County Clerk were also present. Pat called the meeting to order. Tron moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Tron moved to approve the county vouchers. Joe 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 | $ 49,855.47 |
| Judicial District | $ 1,692.29 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 41,173.63 |
| Airport | $ 11,044.71 |
| ARPA | $ 270.00 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 11,198.82 |
| EMS | $ 10,103.35 |
| Fire | $ 8,218.98 |
| Community Health | $ 10,391.35 |
| LATCF | $ 601.00 |
| Sheriff | $ 44,362.91 |
| Fire Bequest | $ 13,455.00 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 116.37 |
| TOTAL: | $ 202,483.88 |
Amy Jo told the commissioners Shelby had contacted the Kansas State Revenue Department and they are working on getting everything in the state system so she can enter the Wellness Center Tax Sales. Amy also informed the commissioners a representative from the state department of revenue spoke with her and told her there should be tax on the memberships as well.
The commissioners discussed solar panels in the county, discussion was tabled for a later date.
Rodney Kelling checked in with nothing to report.
Tony Martin and Stacey Wood were in attendance. Tony presented the commissioners with the yearly Noxious Weed management plan for signatures. Tony also told the commissioners he would like to nominate Jeff Cox as the Noxious Weed Director.
Pat made a motion to name Jeff Cox as the Noxious Weed Director. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Tony said the wells at the landfill are checked twice a year by Benesch and so far, everything looks good.
The commissioners discussed with Paul Kitzke over the upcoming discussions with the attorneys on the agenda and stated they would like to know more about revamping the zoning regulations and the idea of solar panels. Pat stated he is still not happy about the windfarms in the county.
Glenn Kerbs with Kerbs Law Firm called in for a conference call with the commissioners.
Pat made a motion to go into executive session over attorney/client privilege for twenty-five (25) minutes with Glenn Kerbs, Amy Jo, Tony Martin and Stacey Wood in attendance. Joe seconded. Executive session began at 9:20 AM and concluded at 9:45 AM. No action taken.
Patrick Hughes with Adams Jones Law called in to the commissioner meeting.
Tron made a motion to enter into an executive session for twenty-five (25) minutes over attorney/client privilege with Patrick Hughes, Amy Jo, Tony Martin and Stacey Wood in attendance. Joe seconded. Executive session began at 9:50 AM and concluded at 10:10 AM. No action taken.
Trish Voth with Foulston Siefken, LLC, called in.
Tron made a motion to enter into an executive session for twenty-five (25) minutes over attorney/client privilege with Trish Voth, Amy Jo, Tony Martin and Stacey Wood in attendance. Joe seconded. Executive session began at 10:15 AM and ended at 10:40 AM. Tron made a motion to enter back into executive session for five (5) minutes with the current parties included over attorney/client privilege. Joe seconded. Executive session began at 10:45 AM and ended at 10:50 AM. No action taken.
Brandy Littel, Chris Floyd, Tyler Newell and Andrew German from Dream First Bank were in attendance to visit with the commissioners. Chris said they were in attendance to see how commissioners do business for the county and stated their interest in working with the county and community. Chris told the commissioners Dream First Bank used to be First National Bank of Syracuse and was associated with First National Bank in Hugoton. Chris said they had questions for the commissioners about current banking and wanted to know how the commissioners felt about the issue. Joe said the commissioners work to keep money local by spending at local businesses. Pat stated whichever bank has the better interest rate on CD’s the county uses and Jayme Rich keeps track of those accounts and rates. Chris stated Dream First Bank would like to help with planning to increase funds. Tyler said Dream First Bank brings ideas to the table where other banking institutions do not and have free services to check for fraud. Pat said he heard there was an intake at larger banks and people were moving away from smaller banks. Chris said Dream First Bank also helps with leases and bidding out equipment. They asked the commissioners to consider Dream First Bank to be Stevens County’s second banking institution for the 2024 year.
Ted Heaton and TJ Steers came in and handed estimates for the hot water leak at the Sheriffs department. Tatro Plumbing estimated a cost of $5,625.00 and Goode’s estimated $5,000.00.
Tron made a motion to accept the estimate from Goode’s in the amount of $5,000.00 for the hot water pipe leak at the Sheriff’s Department. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
The commissioners discussed the earlier attorneys they spoke with and Pat said he was impressed with Patrick Hughes, but Glenn has helped counties in the Southwest with seven (7) windfarms.
Joe made a motion to go into executive session over non-elected personnel for fifteen (15) minutes. Tron seconded. Executive session began at 11:23 AM and concluded at 11:38 with no action taken.
The commissioners agreed to work with Glenn Kerbs as the attorney to assist in the projected windmill farm coming to Stevens County and have assistance with Patrick Hughes to look over the planning and zoning regulations to make sure they are current and beneficial for the county. Joe instructed Paul to contact Glenn Kerbs and let him know to get started.
Abatement orders in 2022 for taxes numbered 209 were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; total valuation removed 587 with a relief assessment of $88.69.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Pat Hall, Chairman