Action from the December 28, 2022, Commission meeting:
BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING – -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, presented details. The Budget Amendment Hearing was scheduled to receive comments relative to amending the 2022 Operating Budget for the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, Health, Solid Waste and 911 Tax Fund. Despite the efforts of elected officials and department heads, budget estimates must be adjusted so that funds fall within budgetary laws.
AGENDA MEETING – APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: -An Accounts Payable Register was ratified for the period of December 7, 2022, and ending December 21, 2022.
NEW BUSINESS - AMENDMENT OF THE 2022 BARTON COUNTY OPERATING BUDGET: -Mr. Patzner presented details. The Budget Amendment Hearing for the 2022 Operating Budget for Barton County was conducted prior to this Regular Agenda Meeting. The Commission adopted amendments that will allow for the current budget to cover the operating expenses and possible transfers to reserves of unanticipated revenue for the General Fund, Road and Bridge Fund, Health, Solid Waste and 911 Tax Fund.
RESOLUTION 2022-26: Application for Zoning Amendment for a Described Tract of Land: -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, provided details. A Zoning Amendment Application was received from Polzin Land, LLC, and Tim Garth, dba T&L AG, LLC, for an amendment to change the zoning classification for a tract in the W/2, Sec. 22, T17W, R14W. Physically located at 481 NW 140 Road, Hoisington, Kansas, the 0.8 +/- acres tract would change from Agricultural District to Light Manufacturing Service Commercial District to allow Mr. Garth to use the property to sell agricultural seed and chemical products. The Resolution was adopted.
DONATION: Magellan Midstream Partners, LP – Automated External Defibrillator: -Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager, presented details. Magellan Midstream Partners donated the needed funding to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. Justin Phillips, Magellan Midstream Partners, presented a check to the Commission. The Commission and Sheriff Brian Bellendir thanked Magellan for the donation.
EMERGENCY RISK MANAGEMENT: Local Emergency Planning Committee: -Ms. Miller provided details. The Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is comprised of representatives from the following groups: state/local officials; law enforcement; firefighting; emergency management; health; hospital; broadcast media and/or communications media; transportation; local environmental group; community service/civic group; emergency medical services; and facilities/industries regulated by SARA Title III. Nominations were accepted and will be submitted to the State.
SPECIAL ALCOHOL FUNDING: Transfer to All-Stars: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Commission was asked to transfer $3,035.00 from the Special Alcohol Fund to All-Stars. 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. It is noted that All-Stars is a school-based prevention / intervention program designed to delay the onset of youth engaging in risky behaviors such as substance misuse, bullying, violence and sexual activity. The Resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION 2022-27: Transfer of Funds, General Fund to All Stars: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Commission approved a transfer of $3,000.00 from the Finance General Account of the General Fund to All Stars with the adoption of the budget. As there is no specific statute that allows such a transfer, it can only be made via Resolution. The Resolution was adopted.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Grant Deadline Extension: -Mr. Patzner provided details. During the October 5, 2021, Commission Meeting, Derik and Lexie Schneider were allocated $15,566.00 for façade improvements at The Beauty Bar, 1409 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. This item was removed from the agenda as the project has been completed.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Grant Deadline Extension: -Mr. Patzner provided details. During the November 2, 2021, Commission Meeting, My Town, LP, was allocated $14,193.00 for façade improvements at 1917 Lakin Ave, Great Bend, Kansas. The Commission extended the grant period for the project to June 30, 2023.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Grant Updates: -Mr. Patzner provided details. During the September 28, 2021, Commission Meeting, Hammond, Inc, was allocated $20,000.00 for façade improvements at 1205 Main, Great Bend, Kansas, as well as $20,000.00 for façade improvements at 1211 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. The Commission will allow Hammond, Inc. to move the 1205 Main, Great Bend, Kansas, FIG allocation to 1405 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. Further, the extension date of this project and the 1211 Main, Great Bend, Kansas, project was moved to June 30, 2023.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Grant Update: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. During the September 28, 2021, Commission Meeting, Boots Wine Bar, LLC, was allocated $20,000.00 for façade improvements at 2022 Forest, Great Bend, Kansas. It is requested that the allocation be transferred to High Noon, LLC, 1500 Kansas, Great Bend, Kansas, and that the completion date be changed to June 30, 2023. The changes were authorized.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS: Health Department Advisory Committee: -Karen Winkelman, Public Health Director, provided details. Barton County solicited applicants for five uncompensated positions for the Health Department Advisory Committee. The Health Department Advisory Committee provides guidance, recommendation and assistance to the Barton County Health Department staff. The Commission appointed Cathy Anderson, Jennifer Schartz, Krista Smith and Emily Young to the Health Department Advisory Committee. The uncompensated positions term December 31, 2024.
BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation: -Mr. Patzner provided 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. David Hill and Tammy Sturn were re-appointed to the Governing Board.
FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: -Mr. Patzner provided 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. Trustee positions were advertised for the City of Susank and for North Homestead, South Homestead and Union Townships. All positions expire December 31, 2024. Brian Bitter was appointed to represent Union Township.
It was announced that Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. The Landfill, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed during this time. Emergency services will be in normal operation.