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/458mwNJ. 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
August 5, 2025
9 a.m. until close
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 July 29, 2025, Regular Meeting.
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.
ITEM A. 2024 AUDIT REPORT:
-Jami Benyshek, Senior Audit Manager, AdamsBrown, will present the 2024 Audit Report to the Commission. The report will cover the financial condition of Barton County from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
ITEM B. COMMUNITY ANTI-DRUG COALITIONS OF AMERICA: Mid-Year Training Institute Recap:
-Tyler Morton, Prevention Advocate with Juvenile Services, and Nichelle Holinde, Family Crisis Center, Youth Crew stakeholder member and parent of a Youth Crew member, will provide details. Five area youth attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Mid-Year Training Institute in Nashville, Tenn., in July.
ITEM C. PUBLIC HEALTH: Authority to Accept Grant Award
– US DOT FY2025 BUILD Grant – Barton County Accessible Public Transportation (BCAPT) Planning Project:
-Karen Winkelman, Public Health Director, will provide details. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded Barton County a Fiscal Year 2025 BUILD Grant for the Barton County Accessible Public Transportation (BCAPT) Planning Project. Using a community engagement process that will include surveys, focus groups and community events, grant funds will be used to assess and develop a master transportation plan covering the entirety of the County. The Health Department was awarded the full grant at $239,138.00. The Commission will be asked to authorize the Commission Chairman to approve the grant award for a two (2) year period that begins Oct. 1, 2025, and ends Sept. 30, 2027.
ITEM D. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees:
-Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide 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. Positions for North Homestead and South Homestead are vacant. The positions expire Dec. 31, 2026.
ITEM 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.
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.
-The County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in the Office of the County Clerk. At that time, they will canvass the August 5, 2025, Primary Election – City of Great Bend, Ward 2 ballots.
B. APPOINTMENTS:
-Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Planning Session with Media Consultants.
10:15 a.m. – Program Update – Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director.
11:00 a.m. – Program Update – Christy Crews, Hometown Grants.
11:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator. Façade
Improvement Grant Application Reviews
1:30 p.m. – Ellinwood Emporium, Boarding House.
2:00 p.m. – Claflin Main Street Corridor Project.
2:30 p.m. – Brick and Blossom, Hoisington.
3:00 p.m. – Wildcat Pump and Supply.
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff
Brian Bellendir is scheduled for Aug. 7, 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.Z
E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
F. The Commission will meet as the Board of Canvassers at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in the Office of the County Clerk. The Commission Meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m., or following the close of the canvass, in their Chambers.
VI. ADJOURN.