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/3s8WrKC. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Neighborhood Revitalization Program Public Hearing and Agenda Meeting September 28, 2021, 9:00 a.m. Until Close
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING
9:00 a.m.
-This Public Hearing is being held to receive comments on the Barton County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. This plan is intended as a cooperative effort with area taxing districts to promote the revitalization and development of Barton County by stimulating new construction, rehabilitation, conservation or redevelopment within Barton County. Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, and Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting, September 28, 2021
- Close of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program Public Hearing Until Close
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 September 14, 2021, Regular Meeting. Minutes of the September 21, 2021, Regular Meeting are not available.
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. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.
II. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of September 14, 2021, and ending September 28, 2021.
III. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.
IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT: Gary Demel, Road and Bridge Foreman:
-Gary Demel, Shop Foreman, has worked at the Barton County Road and Bridge Department since 1971. Before being promoted to that position in 1988, he served as a driver, mechanic and welder. Darren Williams, County Works Director, will ask that the Commission recognize Gary Demel for faithfully serving County citizens for 50 years.
B. PROCLAMATION 2021-15: National 4-H Week:
-4-H, as delivered by area Cooperative Extension agencies, has helped thousands of youth become confident, independent, resilient and compassionate leaders. By declaring October 3 – 9, 2021, as National 4-H Week, the Commission will encourage all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact it makes by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County, will be joined by area youth in presenting the proposed Proclamation.
C. JOINT PROCLAMATION 2021-16: A Proclamation in Support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day:
-Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is held on the first Friday in October in order to provide students, parents and the public with information on modern manufacturing. This year, there is a strong emphasis on engaging digital and virtual events throughout the country as manufacturing careers are at the heart of some of the most impactful work being done in response to the pandemic. Megan Barfield, President / CEO, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, will ask that the Commission join the City of Great Bend in adopting a Proclamation in support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day.
D. COMMISSION: Façade Improvement Grant: Review Applications
-The Façade Improvement Grant program has available funding. The Commissioners will review multiple applications to determine award amounts up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000. Awards will be given based on the project’s size and visual impact. The program prioritizes retailers and restaurants and project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount. Sue Cooper, Grant Coordinator, will provide details.
E. PREMIUM PAY FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES:
-In light of economic uncertainty for and increased risk to Barton County staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commissioners discussed ways to fairly compensate affected employees. This retro-active premium pay schedule, heavily weighted toward lower income workers, includes non-elected, KPERS covered positions for persons employed with Barton County as of January 1, 2021. The proposed schedule includes a monthly proration factor for employees hired later in the year. If approved, it is anticipated that premium pay would be provided in December 2021. Matt Patzner, Human Resources / Finance Director will provide details.
F. RESOLUTION 2021-23: A Resolution Adopting the Barton County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Effective January 1, 2022:
-The Commission received public comments on its cooperative effort with area taxing districts to promote the revitalization and development of Barton County by stimulating new construction, rehabilitation, conservation or redevelopment through a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. At this time, Wendy Prosser and Patrick Hoffman will ask that the Commission consider adoption of the Plan under Resolution 2021-23. If adopted, it would then be submitted to area taxing districts for review and approval.
G. BARTON COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLAN: Interlocal Agreement:
-Should the Commission adopt Resolution 2021-23, it is suggested that an Interlocal Agreement be adopted joining Barton County to area taxing districts under the Plan. Suggested taxing districts include area cities, school districts, recreation commissions, townships, Barton Community College as well as fire, cemetery, hospital, extension, watershed and library districts. Under the agreement, identified districts would be given the option to join. Wendy Prosser and Patrick Hoffman will present details.
H. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Request for Proposal – Vibratory Roller:
-The Road and Bridge Department accepted proposals for one Vibratory Roller until September 8, 2021. Minimum specifications included (1) padded vibratory quick attach roller that is compatible with a Bobcat T76 track loader 74HP. Bobcat of Salina submitted the only bid at $7,973.92. Monies are available in the Road and Bridge Fund for this purchase. Darren Williams will provide details.
V. 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 have been invited to join a celebration for Gary Demel, Shop Foreman, Road and Bridge. The 50th Work Anniversary luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 1, 2021, at the Road and Bridge Shop, 2401 7th Street, Great Bend, Kansas.
B. APPOINTMENTS: Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
10:15 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Software Demonstrations via Teams with Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser.
10:45 a.m. – Request for Proposal, 800mhz radio equipment – Doug Hubbard, Fire District No. 1 Fire Chief.
11:00 a.m. – Contract Discussions – Freedom Claims Management.
1:00 p.m. – Façade Improvement – Application Reviews with Sue Cooper, Grant Coordinator, and applicants.
2:30 p.m. – Administrator Search Discussion – Osenbaugh Consulting.
3:00 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Barry McManaman, Interim County Administrator, and Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for September 30, 2021.
VI. 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 Tuesdays during regular business hours.
D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays.
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., Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
VII. ADJOURN.