COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Agenda:
8:30 – Bills
8:45 – Cammie Heaton – WIC
9:00 –
9:30 – Tony Martin
9:45 – Mike Shelton
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session. Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk, and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes were also present. Pat called the meeting to order. Tron moved to approve the minutes from the previous commissioner meetings. 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 | $ 121,147.81 |
| ARPA | $ 131,310.00 |
| Judicial District | $ 556.86 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 40,171.34 |
| Airport | $ 2,309.28 |
| County Building | $ 48,000.00 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 4,806.34 |
| EMS | $ 4,719.20 |
| Fire | $ 1,771.26 |
| Community Health | $ 11,871.47 |
| Diversion | $ – |
| Insurance Damages | $ – |
| Fire Bequest | $ – |
| 911 Wireless | $ 116.37 |
| Sheriff | $ 41,429.92 |
| Reg of Deeds Tech Fund | $ 59.40 |
| TOTAL: | $ 408,269.25 |
Discussion about who will be replacing Tom Smith on the library board came about.
Kendrea Hall, Adrian Howie, and Paula Rowden all showed interest in the position.
Pat made a motion to approve Kendrea Hall for the replacement of Tom Smith on the Stevens County Library Board. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion over bills and the boiler for Sheriff came up with Lin Goode. Amy Jo told the commissioners she did not remember seeing the bids for the job but had written approved on Lin Goode’s bid. She stated it is also not in previous minutes which she apologized for if it was missed. The commissioners stated they did not remember making a motion on the bids, but decided to pay for the work out of the building fund.
Cammie Heaton came in and informed the commissioners that WIC is very important for the county and the community. She stated WIC reimburses for hours the staff works on WIC, which includes setting appointments, visits, etc. Cammie told the commissioners she spoke with the owner of the new grocery store, and they have already applied for WIC so they can be ready. Trane was in and worked on putting in the new chiller. They will be back next week to run tests to make sure it has no issues. Cammie said Richard Everett with the Southwest Health Initiative department will be retiring in June and the replacement is Jeanette Schuette. Cammie said she is currently working on a highly infectious disease plan which is due in February. The health department did put on a career tour for the high school freshman which Cammie felt was a good turnout. Cammie said she spoke with Jennifer Featherston about the west wing of the community health department and Jennifer said if the hospital is going to use the wing it will be a couple years down the road. Cammie stated the wing is mainly a long hallway with about six (6) small rooms. She said she would like to start an oral hygiene clinic there and is waiting for a grant to be received in December to get something going with a dentist. Rusty Tuman was at the community health department on the 16th to go over what he thought would work for the community health department for IT and the server issue. Cammie said he will be getting back in touch when he has a plan.
Rodney came in and stated the box for the emergency management truck should be here this week and will be installed by Ghumm’s. Rodney said there is an LEPC meeting next Wednesday.
Tony Martin came in with Jan Keith and presented Jan with a plaque for serving five (5) years with the county and retiring on November 30th. Tony informed the commissioners he has hired a new employee who has passed the drug test and will be starting in about two (2) weeks. Tony said the bridge inspections have been completed but has not received an invoice yet. Tony expressed his interest in visiting Teracon at the KAC meeting in Wichita to look at the possibility of using them instead of Benesch for the landfill. The grader is still not ready and is now looking at an estimated completion date of December 20th. Pat asked Tony about a possible new gravel pit and Tony said it is still in the works and the person is getting some issues cleared up before he can make a determination. Tony has not heard from Glenn Kerbs yet on the planning and zoning contracts but will stay in touch.
Amy told the commissioners the treasurer, Jayme Rich, has reported KDI has made payments on their taxes but has not heard from Sunrise Hospitality. Sunrise Hospitality’s tax statement this year went to the City of Hugoton. Lori Rome came in and said the IRBX’s used to go into the City of Hugoton’s name until the exemptions were complete, which is why the statement and information is the City of Hugoton, then could be deeded back over to the entity (owner). She explained that laws have changed, and now the entities do not have to deed to the city. The commissioners had Jayme come down and she stated she would try to find a contact for Sunrise Hospitality and send them a letter giving them forty-five (45) days to reconcile or get in contact with the treasurer about the issue. Amy asked about the employee’s Christmas hams and the commissioners suggested finding contact information for the new grocery store to see if they would be able to get the hams. There has been no word on the sales tax issue, or any reports brought to the treasurer at this time.
Mike Shelton came in as a representative of an anonymous group and said for the group to receive money they will need to open an S-Corporation or C-Corporation. Tron said Paul thought that would be unnecessary. Mike said the windows and doors need repaired, the A/C unit is almost forty (40) years old, and they have been trying to take care of the building and its issues. The commissioners told Mike the building is owned by the county and if there are issues, the county needs to be aware of them so the maintenance and upkeep will be taken care of. The commissioners agreed to pay the City of Hugoton $100.00 per month for the bills accrued by the group.
Amy presented the commissioners with the holiday closures schedule for review and approval.
Tron made a motion to approve the holiday (county closures) list. Joe stated the courthouse should be open the Friday after Thanksgiving. After discussion, Pat seconded the motion. Motion carried for the approval of the Stevens County holiday closures.
Thea came in and informed the commissioners she faxed the correct form for wellness center sales tax to the state. The wellness center will be on a monthly reporting base.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Pat Hall, Chairman