BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Agenda Meeting, Aug. 26, 2025, 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. 1. Consider the minutes of the August 12, 2025, Regular Meeting.
2. Minutes of the August 19, 2025, 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. 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. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of August 12, 2025, and ending August 26, 2025.
IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
ITEM A. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Employee Recognition Award:
-Judith Castro, Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) President, will provide details. The EEC accepts nominations from employees for the Employee Recognition Award. Deputy Michael Fahrney was nominated by his fellow employees at the Sheriff’s Office. Comments included his growth and professionalism, willingness to learn and his ability to lead.
ITEM B. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes: -Ms. Schmeidler will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.
ITEM C. RESOLUTION 2025-13: Establishing a Speed Limit of 40 Miles Per Hour on a Portion of NE 130 Avenue, Independent Township, Barton County, Kansas:
-Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. It is suggested that a resolution be adopted for the roadway adjacent to the Hidden Hills Estate Addition, located to the northwest of Claflin. The recommendation includes a 40-mph speed limit on a portion of NE 130 Avenue that lies on the east side of the addition. If approved, speed limit signs will be installed on NE 130 Avenue.
ITEM D. HOMETOWN GRANTS: Grant Writing Services – Contract Task Amendment for Project Definition and Funding Strategies:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. On February 25, 2025, the Commission approved an agreement with NQSM Corp., d/b/a Hometown Grants, for work relative to the creation of up to four (4) grant applications during a 12-month period for $50,004.00. It is now proposed that the Commission consider an amendment that will allow for additional service provision for the Cities of Ellinwood and Hoisington. The $12,000.00 fee would include up to three projects for each City.
ITEM E. TRAVEL 389: Driving Our Future – Ellinwood:
-Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will provide details. This fall, the Commission will Travel 389, meeting with local business owners, listening to citizen ideas and collaborating with those building better tomorrows along our 389 miles of County roadways. The Commission has planned face to face visits with ag-related businesses, family owned ventures, those entrepreneurs creating a stakehold for future generations and local manufacturers and retailers – spotlighting how diversity builds economic prosperity. The first stop on Travel 389 includes Ellinwood businesses.
ITEM F. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-Chairman 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.
-County business offices will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 1, 2025. The Health Department, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Landfill will also be closed. Emergency services will be in normal operation. As a result of the closure, the next Commission meeting will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
9:30 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Planning Session with Media Consultants.
9:45 a.m. – Program Update – Chris Schartz, County Works Director.
10:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
Travel 389 – All businesses located in Ellinwood, Kansas:
11:30 a.m. – RMACs Truck and Equipment and Tri Ag, 814 E Santa Fe
Noon – The Commission will join Joiner Construction for lunch in their conference room, 411 E Santa Fe
1:00 p.m. – Ellinwood Packing Plant, 989 US Highway 56
1:45 p.m. – 10-39 Café, 104 W 1st
2:00 p.m. – Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co., 23 N Main
2:30 p.m. – Sauer Chiropractic and Sports Clinic, 6 N Main
3:00 p.m. – St. John Child Development Center, 615 N Main
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the 20th Judicial Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for August 28, 2025.
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, September 9, 2025.
VII. ADJOURN.