Commissioner Proceedings 1/30/24

March 19, 2024

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with, Larry Townsend, Chairman Michael Cowles, Commissioner, Becky Larson, Commissioner, and Brionna Colvin, County Clerk present.
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Larson for business at 8:39 a.m.
Warrants # 30591-30713 in the amount of $ 127,685.75 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $67,838.47 for the working period of December 24, 2023 through January 6, 2024  and payroll warrants in the amount $115,217.93 for the working period of January 7, 2024 through January 20, 2024 were approved for payment.
Clerk Colvin presented abatements 2023-00021 through 2023-00023 totaling $812.50 to be adjusted on the tax roll. 
Commissioner Larson moves to approve abatements 2023-00021 through 2023-00023 totaling $812.50.  Chairman Townsend seconded. AYE  3   NAY  0
Clerk Colvin presented the application for a Cereal Malt beverage license for Dollar General. 
Commissioner Larson moved to accept the Cereal Malt Beverage application for Dollar General. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Duane Barber, Building and Grounds entered the meeting.
Duane updated the commissioners on the repairs at the CAB building. Hennick Lumbar has ordered 2 door closures, one to replace the current and one to have on hand.
Doug Springsteel, Landfill Supervisor entered the meeting.
Duane will charge the door closure to the county, and it will be paid out of special building.
Landfill has been slow during the colder days. The compacter has a few small leaks but nothing too serious. The commissioners express their appreciation to Doug and Juan for their hard work.
Anthony Garcia, Road and Bridge Supervisor entered the meeting.
Discussion about the KDOT meeting on January 29th was had. The commissioners suggest Anthony get ahold of PENCO to see what signage is needed. 
Marshall Unruh, Sheriff entered the meeting. 
Discussion about preparations for the upcoming bridge projects was had. Anthoy informed the commissioners that this is year 3 with the mowers. Anthony thinks that he can get one or two more mowing seasons out of it. The commissioners also suggested to look into a tire machine. 
Marshall updated that the jail is currently full. Marshall is thinking a few will bond out today.
Bob Bolen, Noxious Weed director entered the meeting. 
Christine Smith, County Treasurer entered the meeting.
The county has 3 certificate of deposits at the bank. Totaling 4 million dollars. Christine’s recommendation is to leave the CD’s at the same duration. The commissioners want to leave everything as is and renew the CD’s.
Bob presented a KDOT contract to spray the State ditches for 100% chemical cost and labor. $ 70.00 per hour for equipment and $50.00 for operator.
Commissioner Cowles made a motion to sign the contract. Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Trish Voth, Attorney with Foulston Siefkin, LLP and Charles Moser, County Attorney entered the meeting by Zoom.
With the potential renewable energy being discussed in Wallace County, Trish Voth is representing the County.
Commissioner Cowles moved to go into executive session at 11:32 am for Attorney-Client Privilege Exception for Local Development  for 15 mins and return at 11:47 am. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Brionna Colvin, County Clerk, Trish Voth & Charles Moser.  Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Returned to regular session at 11:47 am.
Commissioner Larson moved to return to executive session for an additional 15 mins. for Attorney-Client Privilege Exception for Local Development and return at 12:03 pm. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Brionna Colvin, County Clerk, Trish Voth & Charles Moser. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Returned to regular session at 12:03 pm.
No action taken.
Recess at 12:06 pm.
Lissa Sexson, Wallace County Community Development Director entered the meeting.
Reconvene at 1:02 pm.
Lissa gave an update on the housing incentive. All projects have been completed except for 3. The storefront and signage grant are all completed except for 3. Lissa applied for money from the local foundation to purchase lots/land for childcare. The Small Business and Entrepreneur Empowerment & Development Bootcamp is scheduled for February 19th and March 4th. Lissa sent the every door direct mailers out. 
Marshall Unruh re-entered the meeting.
Clerk Colvin presented the BlueCross BlueShield renewal information. The increase from 2023 to 2024 was 6.5%.
Commissioner Cowles makes a motion to accept the BlueCross BlueShield KS Health Care renewal. Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Clerk Colvin presented bills for payment. 2 bills were approved for payment. The commissioners would like Clerk Colvin to get more clarification on 2 bills.
Wendy Dunagan, County Appraiser entered the meeting. 
Wendy gave updates on some of the payments under protests that have been submitted. One taxpayer is going to take Wendy to Small Claims, the next step in protesting taxes. 
Commissioner Larson moved to go into executive session at 2:45 pm for Personnel exception-Personnel matter of individual NON-ELECTED personnel for 15 minutes and return at 3:00 pm. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Wendy Dunagan, and Brionna Colvin.  Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0                                             
Returned to regular session at 3:00 pm. 
Commissioner Cowles moved to return to executive session at 3:00 pm for Personnel exception-Personnel matter of individual NON-ELECTED personnel for 15 minutes and return at 3:15 pm. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Wendy Dunagan, and Brionna Colvin. Chairman Townsend seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Returned to regular session at 3:15 pm. No decision was made.
Discussion about Wendys contract was had.
Contact was made with a potential employee for a position that has been advertised for the county.
Commissioner Larson provided statutes pertaining to the Fair Board. The Fair Board is allowed to annually appoint directors at the first meeting for a term of one year. David Daily will be appointed to the Fair Board.
Commissioner Larson moved to approve the January 16, 2024 minutes. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Clerk Colvin provided documents from Charles Moser and Theresa Dasenbrock, Lewis, Hooper, and Dick Auditor pertaining to purchasing policies. With what Steve Unruh has purchased for the courtroom and the price of the TV, the commissioners would consider it an even trade. 
Commissioner Larson moved to approve the January 9, 2024 minutes. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Commissioner Cowles makes a motion to write a Declaration of Support for the State of Texas. Chairman Townsend seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
ATTEST:
Brionna Colvin, Clerk

Larry Townsend, Chairman
Michael Cowles, Commissioner
Rebecca Larson, Commissioner