BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING
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/49vYM8a. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS and FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1
April 29, 2025 - 9 a.m. Until Close
Barton County Courthouse – 1400 Main, Suite 106, Great Bend
Agenda
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 April 15, 2025, and April 22, 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. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. PROCLAMATION 2025-11: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. From January 12, 2009, until January 11, 2021, Commission Homer Kruckenberg served as the Commissioner for District Two in Barton County, Kansas. This proposed Proclamation details his impact on countless generations through his generous nature and dedication to community.
B. RECOGNITION OF RETIRING EMPLOYEE: Lt. David Paden, Barton County Sheriff’s Office:
-Sheriff Brian Bellendir will provide details. Lt. David Paden was hired by the Sheriff’s Office on November 2, 1992. Hired as a Detention Officer, Lt. Paden has also served as a patrol officer, K9 officer, detective, detective sergeant and ends his career with the Sheriff’s Office as the Lieutenant. The Commission will honor Lt. Paden for his 33 years of exemplary service.
C. COMMISSION REPORT: Kansas County Commissioners Association Meeting:
-Commissioner Barb Esfeld will provide details. The Kansas County Commissioners Association held their annual meeting last week in Manhattan. Information from the meeting will be shared at this time.
D. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes:
-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, 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.
E. COUNTY ENGINEER: Kansas Department of Transportation Federal Funds Exchange:
-Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has offered to exchange the County’s annual federal fund distribution for state funds at an exchange rate of ninety percent. The County has the option of using the full share of federal funds in the amount of $177,410.37 on a project designed with all federal requirements and restrictions. If the exchange is accepted, the County would have the freedom to use the money on road and bridge projects without following federal requirements. There is $159,669.33 available for reimbursement if the exchange offer is accepted.
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.
IV. 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 are invited to a reception honoring Lt. Dave Paden upon his retirement. The event will be held from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Barton County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Building, 1416 Kansas, Great Bend, Kansas.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled.
9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Bridge Repairs – Barry McManaman, County Engineer, and Curt Mauler, L&M Contractors.
10:15 a.m. – Homeland Security Region E Hazard Mitigation Plan – Sean Kelly, Emergency Management Director.
10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for May 1, 2025.
V. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time.
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, May 6, 2025.
VI. ADJOURN.