I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Roll Call taken by County Clerk.
C. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
E. Consider the minutes of November 2, 2020, November 9, 2020, and November 23, 2020, Regular Meetings Minutes of December 7, 2020, Regular Meeting are not available.
F. 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.
G. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.
II. OLD BUSINESS:
-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. COUNTY CLERK: Approval of Township Treasurer Bonds:
-Pursuant to K.S.A. 80-203, before entering office, the township treasurer shall execute a bond in an amount determined by the County Commissioners. The amount and sufficiency of the bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the treasurer's duties. The bond shall then be filed in the office of the County Clerk. Bev Schmeidler, Deputy County Clerk, will provide a recommendation for such township official bonds.
B. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE: Request for Approval - Added/Abated/Escaped/Refunded Taxes:
-Ms. Schmeidler will present a listing of Added/Abated/Edcaped/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.
C. USDA DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE GRANT PROGRAM: Matching Funds:
-Barton, Ellsworth, Rice and Russell Counties were awarded the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant award for $781,126.96. During the October 26, 2020 agenda meeting, the Commissioners directed Sue Cooper, Grant Coordinator, to search for additional funding to be used for Barton County's required portion of the match, totaling $84,242.31. Funds have been awarded through the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation and the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Ms. Cooper will provide details.
D. COUNTY WORKS: Update of Equipment Radios:
-The County Works Department has mounted radios in equipment to facilitate work assignments. Darren Williams, County Works Director, requests authority to replace a portion of those units with 800 megahertz radios. The suggested project includes refurbished Motorola XTL 2500 radios, antenna, and installation. If approved, it is suggested that the billings be paid through the Equipment Replacement Fund. Mr. Williams will provide details.
E. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Memorial Parks Advisory Committee:
-The Memorial Parks Advisory Committee is charged with advising and assisting the Commission regarding the care and maintenance of the Barton County Owned and Operated Memorial Parks and Cemetery. With not less than five, nor more than seven members, there are two positions open, terming in July 2024. Mr. Williams will provide details.
F. BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation:
-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. Richard Bealer has applied for an unexpired position. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, will provide details.
G. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees:
-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 North and South Homestead Township and for the City of Susank for terms expiring in 2022 and an unfilled position for Union Township which would term in 2021.
H. OCCUPANCY AGREEMENTS: 12th and Kansas, Great Bend:
-As a means of community support, the Cottonwood Extension Council and the State of Kansas Parole office are housed in the county office building at 1208 Kansas, Great Bend. Each agency reimburses Barton County for a portion of the building's utility costs. The proposed agreements are set to expire December 31, 2021. Mr. Hathcock will provide details.
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 may attend the Republican Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 7:00 pm at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main, 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 - MRT Tower Lease Update-Dena Popp, 911 Director.
10:00 a.m. - Renewal of Office 365 - Dereck Hollingshead, Network Administrator.
10:45 a.m. - Regular Business Discussion - Phil Hathcock, County Administrator.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM - Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for December 17, 2020.
V. 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 Mondays during regular business hours.
D. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
E. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, December 21, 2020.
VI. ADJOURN