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/49zGHWz. 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, Feb. 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 February 11, 2025, Regular Meeting.
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: 13th Month – 4th Batch:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period ending December 31, 2024. This is considered the fourth “13th Month” for 2024 expenditures.
IV. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of February 11, 2025, and ending February 25, 2025.
V. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. NOXIOUS WEED: Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report and Management Plan:
-Chris Schartz, County Works Director, will provide details. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is responsible for laws aiding in the control and management of noxious and invasive weeds in Kansas. The KDA requires Kansas counties to submit an annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report as well as a Management Plan.
B. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Equipment Trade – RCT350 Broce Broom:
-Mr. Schartz will provide details. Road and Bridge currently uses a 2002 CR350 Broce Broom with 3,567 hours to help remove hazards such as loose gravel, broken glass and trash from roadways. The equipment has been used beyond its useful life. It is suggested that it be replaced with a 2025 RCT350 Broce Broom. The 2025 RCT350 is priced at $74,300.00, and, with a trade of the 2002 CR350 Broce Broom for $10,000.00, can be purchased for a total of $64,300.00 from The G.W. Van Keppel Company.
C. PROCLAMATION 2025-01: Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 3 – 7, 2025:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 3 – 7, 2025, is a cooperative effort of the National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association and local county emergency management agencies. Barton County Emergency Management reminds everyone to be prepared for the spring severe weather season. The proposed Proclamation encourages individuals, businesses and communities to plan and prepare for an emergency.
D. RESOLUTION 2025-06: A Resolution Transferring Tax Credit Proceeds to Capital Improvement:
-Mr. Patzner will present details. In late 2024, the County solicited bids from interested parties in purchasing Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credits that were issued for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) project at the Barton County Courthouse. On November 26, 2024, the Commission awarded the Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credits bid to Clocktower Tax Credits for $1,463,440.00 in tax credits at a bid price of $1,358,218.66. The tax credit proceeds have now been received by the County. The Commission will now consider transfer of the funds to Capital Improvement.
E. BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. The County solicited applicants for The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board. This Board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area. Jennifer Schartz has applied for reappointment and Chrystal Trout has applied for appointment. One unexpired term remains open.
F. ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT: Grant Writing Services:
-Mr. Patzner will present details. On February 11, 2025, the Commission took official action and moved to transition to project-base economic development funding effective January 1, 2025, using a prioritized funding based on project section which benefits the entirety of the County. As a part of that decision, the Commission has discussed hiring a grant writing firm to assist with certain projects throughout the year. NQSM Corp., d/b/a Hometown Grants, has submitted an agreement for up to four (4) grant applications during a 12-month period for $50,004.00.
G. SPECIAL ALCOHOL FUNDING: Transfer to Central Kansas Community Corrections:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. The Commission will be asked to transfer $15,208.19 from the Special Alcohol Fund to Central Kansas Community Corrections. Per Kansas Statute, Special Alcohol Funding shall only be expended for the purchase, establishment, maintenance or expansion of services or programs, whose principal purpose is alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, alcohol and drug abuse detoxification, intervention in alcohol and drug abuse, or treatment of persons who are alcoholics or drug abusers, or are in danger of becoming alcoholics and drug abusers.
H. 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.
VI. 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 may attend the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025. The event will be held at the Corinthians Hill Event Center, 464 NE 20 Avenue, Great Bend, Kansas.
-The Commission and other County officials will meet with the Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington City Council members beginning at 4 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Historic Wolf Hotel, 1 North Main, Ellinwood, Kansas. During the meeting, the Commission will review program requirements for the Façade Improvement Program 2025.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
10:15 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Freedom of Information Request Software – Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, and Darin DeWitt, Voter Registration Clerk.
10:30 a.m. – Program Update and Comprehensive Plan Review – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.
11:00 a.m. – Local Projects – Carolyn Dunn, Strategic Projects Manager, Stafford County Economic Development.
11:30 a.m. – Drug Dog Needs – Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Noon – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
1:00 p.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County Engineer.
1:30 p.m. – Program Update – Chris Schartz, County Works Director.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for February 27, 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, March 4, 2025.
VII. ADJOURN.