Barton County Commission meeting
Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main, Room 106, First Floor
Wednesday, April 19 - 9 a.m.
The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3kL6Jl2. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
Agenda
I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda
D. Consider the minutes of the April 5, 2023, and the April 12, 2023, Regular Meetings
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.
III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. PROCLAMATION 2023-07: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week:
-Camila Komarek, Victim Advocate, will provide details. In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the County Attorney’s Office has requested that the Commission adopt Proclamation 2023-07. The week of April 23 – 29, 2023, has been selected to reaffirm the County’s commitment to respect and enforce victims’ rights and address their needs during Crime Victims’ Rights Week and throughout the year.
B. COMMISSION: Barton County Façade Improvement Grants:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. In 2021, the Commission dedicated $630,000.00 to the Façade Improvement Project. In 2023, the Commission directed $250,00.00 in funding be reserved for the program. Thus far in 2023, the Commission has awarded $71,213.66 in funding to priority projects and $231,374.36 in current funding. The Commission will consider award of funding for a portion of the projects in later items.
C. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: INA Alert, Inc:
-Nick Strecker will provide details. INA Alert, Inc has requested $16,155.75 in grant funding to improve the building located at 108 W Santa Fe, Ellinwood, Kansas. The $5,385.25 match by the applicant equates to 25% of the project.
D. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: National Billing, LLC:
-Mel Waite will provide details. National Billing, LLC has requested $20,000.00 in grant funding to improve the building located at 105 N Main, Ellinwood, Kansas. The building houses Astra Business Solutions LLC and the Ellinwood Leader. The $15,113.01 match by the applicant equates to 43% of the project.
E. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: Ehler Chevrolet LLC:
-Micah Ehler will provide details. Ehler Chevrolet LLC has requested $20,000.00 in grant funding to improve the building located at 271 S Main, Hoisington, Kansas. The $24,230.00 match by the applicant equates to 55% of the project.
F. COUNTY ENGINEER: Kansas Department of Transportation Federal Funds Exchange:
-Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has offered to exchange the County’s annual federal fund distribution for state funds at an exchange rate of ninety percent. The County has the option of using the full share of federal funds in the amount of $190,617.71 on a project designed with all federal requirements and restrictions. If the exchange is accepted, the County would have the freedom to use the money on road and bridge work without following federal requirements. There is $171,555.94 available for reimbursement if the exchange offer is accepted.
G. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Final Cost - FleetPride:
-Darren Williams, County Works Director, will present details. On April 20, 2022, the Commission authorized the purchase of two Bibeau beds and advanced hydraulic packages from FleetPride, Wichita, for a total cost of $102,511.06. With delivery imminent, the price has increased to a total cost of $115,755.68. Mr. Williams will ask that the Commission approve the updated cost.
H. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-Chairman Shawn Hutchinson will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.
IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.
-County officials, individually or in groups, may visit those buildings being used for displaced Courthouse offices during the HVAC improvement project. It is anticipated that offices will be housed in the buildings located at 1520 Main, 1500 Kansas and 1709 Main, Great Bend, Kansas.
-County officials may attend the 2023 Kansas County Commissioners Association Annual Conference, scheduled for April 25 – April 27, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Hays Hilton Garden Inn in Hays, Kansas. As a result, there will be no Commission meeting on April 26, 2023. The next meeting of the Commission will be May 3, 2023.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Commission Districting – Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk.
10:00 a.m. – FIG Application Review – Jana and Trent Herdman, Gambinos.
10:15 a.m. – Road Improvement – Comanche Township Officials; Barry McManaman, County Engineer, and Darren Williams, County Works Director.
10:30 a.m. – Bridge Improvement Project – Mr. McManaman.
10:45 a.m. – Comprehensive Plan and Budget Review – Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director, and Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.
11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director, is scheduled for April 20, 2023.
V. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration.
C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours.
D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays.
E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
VI. ADJOURN.