BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Barton County Courthouse – 1400 Main, Suite 106, Great Bend
Tuesday, April 22 - 9 a.m. Until Close
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/4irOQjX. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.
Agenda
I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. i. Consider the minutes of the April 8, 2025, Regular Meeting.
ii. Minutes of the April 15, 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 April 8, 2025, and ending April 22, 2025.
IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. PROCLAMATION 2025-09: Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day:
-Amy Ferguson, Rise Up Central Kansas Coordinator, and partners who are actively involved in the Drug-Endangered Children in Kansas (DECK) Project, will present details. The proposed Proclamation marks April 24, 2025, as Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day in Barton County. This designation sheds light on the families impacted by substance use disorder, the risks associated with early exposure and the profound influence of intervention services.
B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Façade Improvement Grant 2025:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Barton County and the participating Cities of Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington are proud to announce the opening of the Façade Improvement Grant Program 2025. 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. Planned are two projects each in the participating Cities of Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington ($20,000.00 cap) and six in Great Bend ($10,000.00 cap).
C. RESOLUTION 2025-08: A Resolution Transferring and Carrying Over 2024 Unexpended Funds to the Capital Improvement and Equipment Replacement Funds:
-Mr. Patzner will present details. After accounting of all 2024 transactions, monies are suggested for transfer to the Capital Improvement and Equipment Replacement Funds.
D. CITY OF ELLINWOOD: Petition and Consent for Annexation:
-Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will present details. The Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic opened a new facility at 300 N Park, Ellinwood, Kansas. As a part of opening the facility at this site, the County will request that the City annex certain real estate.
E. 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 – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County Engineer.
10:00 a.m. – Program Update – Chris Schartz, County Works Director.
10:30 a.m. – Program Update – Karen Winkelman, Public Health Director.
11:15 a.m. – Program Update – Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser.
11:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for April 24, 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, April 29, 2025.
VII. ADJOURN.