COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
MAY 22, 2023
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
8:45 – Cammie Heaton – Trane
9:00 – Robert Terrill – Deed of property
9:30 – Tony Martin – Public Works
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Tharp, County Clerk were also present. Pat called the meeting to order. Joe moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Tron 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 | $ 98,814.68 |
| ARPA | $ 200,000.00 |
| Judicial District | $ 640.80 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 119,172.89 |
| Airport | $ 6,672.62 |
| County Building | $ 5,163.95 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 3,948.12 |
| EMS | $ 7,574.65 |
| Fire | $ 2,176.29 |
| Community Health | $ 12,109.88 |
| Community Health Grants | $ 890.33 |
| Ambulance Bequest Fund | $ 268.60 |
| EMS Equipment | $ 36,163.82 |
| Fire Equipment | $ 36,163.83 |
| Sheriff | $ 103,234.04 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 116.37 |
| TOTAL: | $ 633,110.87 |
Joe stated he would like a checklist for all department heads to follow in order to be approved for purchases outside of the their normal expenditures in the $500.00 range and on up through bidding so everyone can be on the same page. He stated if it is not followed, he does not feel the county should have to pay for the purchase.
Amy discussed the Hugoton Senior Citizen minutes on their bus and signage. The commissioners agreed to the sign as it is needed and not outside of the bidding process cost, however they are reluctant about the bus being reimbursed as they were not informed of the situation and no one came in to discuss purchasing a bus, needing funds for payment and no bidding process. Amy also discussed the museum LED lighting and stated in the November 28, 2022, minutes Pat stated he was aware of the LED lighting. The commissioners agreed to allow the bill for Frankie Thomas to be paid for the museum LED lighting. Amy stated she received a letter from the Stevens County Library stating Rhonda Ray has served her two (2) terms and they would like to appoint Suzanna Murray as Rhonda’s replacement.
Tron made a motion to appoint Suzanna Murray to replace Rhonda Ray on the Stevens County Library Board. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Rodney came in and told the commissioners the garage door openers have not been installed yet and the bid stated sixty (60) days from the approval date. He said the county has already paid half (1/2) to AK Roofing and AK is stating the rails have not come in yet. The commissioners said to allow AK Roofing some additional time and if nothing is done to bring it up at another meeting for discussion. Pat said he heard from Lawn Pro about a sprinkler possibly being placed at the EMS building for the north side of lawn. Rodney said he just asked what the cost would be and did not mean for it to be interpreted as it was to be done, just an estimate. Pat said a new water meter is $2,000.00, and it would be more effective to put concrete in.
Cammie Heaton came in and told the commissioner’s Chris with Trane came in and said the filters needed changed and possibly a belt. Cammie asked if that was something Ross could do and the commissioners agreed. Amy said she spoke with Ross before the meeting, and he noticed Cammie was on the agenda to discuss Trane and he was unaware Trane was in and wanted to be there so he could find out what might have been causing the issues with HVAC at the Community Health Department. Cammie said Chris just showed up and she was busy and didn’t have time to reach out to Ross when Chris popped in. Cammie also stated there was a setting on the rooms which were not being used which was causing the air to keep running which is not fixed. Cammie stated Gracie Gillespie started working last Monday, part time and is getting paid out of the COVID grant funds and still has an available $7,142.70 balance left.
Tony Martin came in and said Stevens County Solid Waste is the only account Alfred Benesch and Company has for landfills in Kansas. He said he would like to look at changing engineers in the future and Benesch is requesting $10,000.00 for their annual on-call contract. Tony stated his displeasure with their service and said he will continue with Alfred Benesch and Company for now but will be getting another contractor for the future. Tony stated there is an individual who charged chemicals in 2019 and has not paid and stated K.S.A. 2-1320 states the amount can be added to their property tax with a ten percent (10%) penalty charge. Pat stated the county should not allow people to charge. Tony said the new employee has passed the CDL written test and is now working toward the driving test.
Tron made a motion to approve the annual call-in contract with Alfred Benesch and Company for $10,000.00. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
No one appeared to contest the eight (8) foot of land deeded to Robert Terrill. Pat Hall signed the deed and instructed Amy to contact Robert Terrill to come in and pay for the recording and advertising fees.
Amy stated the Memorial Hall vacuum is not working and, in the past, it was difficult to find anyone to make repairs to the vacuum. The commissioners agreed to purchase a new vacuum for Memorial Hall.
Abatement Order for taxes numbered 226 and year 2022, were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; total valuation removed 16,424 with a relief assessment of $2,049.92.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Pat Hall, Chairman