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/3Bqa9Sw. 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
June 3 - 9:00 a.m. Until Close
Barton County Courthouse – 1400 Main, Suite106, Great Bend
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 May 20, 2025, and the May 27, 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. 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 May 20, 2025, and ending June 3, 2025.
IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Façade Improvement Grant 2025 - Deadline Extension:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Barton County is excited to announce the extension of the FIG 25 deadline to June 30, 2025, for all areas except the City of Claflin. This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners for façade improvements to defined areas to create a visual impact and increase economic prosperity, accessibility and quality of life in Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend and Hoisington, Kansas. The Cities of Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington are participating partners in the program. FIG 25 applications are found at www.bartoncounty.org under the Living in Barton County tab.
B. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board Appointments:
-Mr. Patzner will provide details. While the Commissioners are well versed in County operations and have administrative and other professional personnel available to assist them, citizen involvement is also necessary. To that end, the Commission has several advisory boards and committees. Persons are appointed to non-compensated multi-year terms and provide input on operations. Currently, the County is accepting applications for appointment to Central Kansas Community Corrections, Central Kansas Library System, Fire District No. 2, Memorial Parks and the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging Advisory Boards.
C. JUVENILE SERVICES: Out of State Travel – CADCA’s Mid-Year Forum:
-Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, will provide details. In 2021, Juvenile Services received a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Drug-Free Communities Support program grant. A component of this grant includes training with the National Coalition Academy (NCA), working in partnership with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). The Commission will be asked to allow Tyler Morton, Juvenile Services, along with Nichelle Holinde, Family Crisis Center, to attend the Mid-Year Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 20-25, 2025.
D. CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY SERVICE: Mental Health Services:
-Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director, will present details. On July 1, 2024, CKCC was granted $27,720.50 for Fiscal Year 2025 to assist felony probationers with the cost of mental health and substance abuse evaluations, treatment and medication. As of May 27, 2025, there were 44 individuals with outstanding balances for the services received through The Center for Counseling and Consultation for this fiscal year. CKCC requests Commission approval to pay $14,573.78 from the CKCC Fund, Emergency Aid Line, 095-70-5975, to offset that balance.
E. COMMISSION APPRECIATION: Chad Ehrlich:
-Commissioner Barb Esfeld will provide details. During the Courthouse remodel, Chad Ehrlich produced several Facebook posts that detailed work progression. Mr. Ehrlich will be recognized for assisting Commissioner Esfeld and the County in preserving history and creating media content during the Courthouse renovation.
F. 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 – Media Consultation Discussion – Chad Ehrlich.
10:15 a.m. – Media Consultant Interviews Continued – Elle Hutchinson and Dale Hogg.
11:00 a.m. – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.
11:30 a.m. – Program Update – Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director.
Noon – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for June 5, 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, June 10, 2025.
VII. ADJOURN.