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/41t3LEo. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting, March 25, 9 a.m. 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 March 11, 2025, and the March 18, 2025, 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. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of March 11, 2025, and ending March 25, 2025.
III. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
A. COUNTY WORKS: Cold Mix Options:
-Chris Schartz, County Works Director, will provide details. Earlier this year, the County accepted bids for cold mix for 2025 projects. Rather than award the bid, County administrative staff met with Venture to determine if there was a more cost-effective method that would enhance operational programming. It was determined that the County would move asphalt preparation to Venture. With Venture mixing the asphalt and providing all aggregates and sand, the County can receive fresh asphalt prepared with purer ingredients. In addition, the County will avoid costs associated with on-site production, storage and material aging. It is anticipated that the County will receive 25,000 tons of asphalt at a cost of $32.00 per ton. This item was tabled on March 4, 2025.
IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. COMANCHE TOWNSHIP: Board Appointment:
-Ms. Schmeidler will provide details. The Comanche Township Board notified the County that Craig Fischer, Trustee, passed away. It is recommended that his son, Andrew Fischer, fulfill the term. It is the Commissioners’ responsibility to make the appointment per KSA 25-1606.
B. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Barton County Planning Commission:
-Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. The County has sought applicants for the Barton County Planning Commission. The focus of the Planning Commission is to plan for the proper growth and development of Barton County through the enactment of planning and zoning laws for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Although all applicants must reside in Barton County, the majority of members must be from the unincorporated area.
C. SOLID WASTE: Purchase of Portable Litter Fencing:
-Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, will provide details. The Barton County Landfill uses portable litter fences to help control litter from blowing outside the dumping area. Several of the current litter fences are in disrepair and need to be replaced. After accepting bids, it is recommended that the Landfill be authorized to purchase 10 new litter fences from Metta Technologies for a total cost of $83,780.00, including freight.
D. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. Positions for the City of Susank and North Homestead, South Homestead and Union Townships are vacant. The positions expire December 31, 2026.
E. COURTHOUSE: Water Treatment Quote:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. During the HVAC Renovation, the County converted the Courthouse to a cooling water tower system. To date, Kruse Contractors has provided for that service. Beginning in March, 2025, that cost reverts to the County. A quote was provided by Kan-Tech, Inc. for testing, monitoring and adjustments; chemical treatment and on-site reporting for an annual cost of $6,000.00. Monies were included in the 2025 Operating Budget for this anticipated expense.
F. COMMISSION: Kansas County Commissioners Association – 2025 Dues:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. Historically, the Barton County Commission has partnered, through annual fees, with the Kansas County Commissioners Association (KCCA). Working in conjunction with the Kansas Association of Counties, the KCCA provides a direct line of communication for locally elected County Commissioners and provides training and other resources.
G. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-Chairman Tricia Schlessiger 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.
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.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Chris Schartz, County Works Director.
10:30 a.m. – Hidden Hills Subdivision Update – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.
11:00 a.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County Engineer.
11:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Colin Reynolds, County Attorney, is scheduled for March 27, 2025.
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 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, March April 1, 2025.
VI. ADJOURN.