Action from the Wednesday, October 26, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:
APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: -An Accounts Payable Register was approved for the period of October 12, 2022, and ending October 26, 2022.
NEW BUSINESS - ITEM A. REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE BARTON COUNTY ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL LEAGUE: -Coach Ethan Thomas provided details. Coach Thomas is looking to establish an elementary league in Barton County to give community children an opportunity to play at an early age and collectively build all future County athletes. Coach Thomas is asking the Barton County Commissioners to consider sponsoring this league through funding the cost of referees and trophies. The Commission declined to provide support, but offered to provide personal donations toward the league and encouraged Coach Thomas to contact local Recreation Commission and business and civic groups for sponsorship.
EMERGENCY RISK MANAGEMENT: Fiscal Year 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program: -Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager, provided details. The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program provides federal funding to assist states and local governments in developing and carrying out emergency management programs. Passed through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, these funds are used to assist Counties in enhancing and sustaining all-hazard emergency management programs for the protection of life and property. The Commission authorized the Fiscal Year 2022 grant application.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: Barton County and Great Bend Economic Development: -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, presented details. In August, 2022, Chris Komarek, Ellinwood City Administrator, detailed that the City of Ellinwood is working to develop a water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure project. Included in the project are both the new hospital and new housing area. The Commission approved $300,000.00 in financial support and directed the County Counselor to develop a Memorandum of Understanding reference the administration of the funding. The Memorandum of Understanding, as reviewed by Great Bend Economic Development and the City of Ellinwood, was approved.
CUNA MUTUAL: Full Release of Mortgage: -Mr. Patzner provided details. In 2004, the Commission authorized a loan to CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc. of approximately $1.7 million. Terms included a five (5) year deferred principal payment with interest paid annually on a ten (10) year note at four percent (4%) interest. The loan proceeds were to be used by CPI, in conjunction with monies received from other lending sources, the City of Great Bend and local investors, to purchase the business from A. G. Edwards. In 2009, the loan was repaid following the purchase of the business by CUNA Mutual. The Commission approved a Full Release of Mortgage as part of the sale of the building to USD 428.
ADOPTION OF THE 2022 / 2023 AUTHORIZED POSITIONS LISTING: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Commission last adopted the 2022 / 2023 Authorized Positions Listing in August of this year. Given certain changes at the Health Department relative to grants and COVID authorizations, the listing was updated.
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: Conference Overview: -Commissioner Barb Esfeld led the discussion. The Commission asked those department heads that attended the KAC Annual Conference to provide a conference overview.