Commissioner Proceedings 2/27/24

March 26, 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.
Marshall Unruh, Sheriff entered the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Townsend for business at 8:30 a.m.
Warrants # 30771-30830 in the amount of $ 86,790.56 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $115,518.80 for the working period of February 4, 2024 through February 17, 2024 were approved for payment. 
Jay Sharp, Fire Chief and Lance Finley, Undersheriff entered the meeting. 
Jay would like to implement a level 3 burn ban with the dry conditions. Jay suggested that Wallace and Weskan upgrade their radios so that they can talk with everyone else around. All areas around Wallace County have transitioned to 800 radios. Jay would like the commissioner’s permission to approach Wallace Fire Board to see if they can use their equipment if Sharon Springs fire needs more trucks to tend to a fire. The commissioners give Jay permission to talk with Wallace Fire Board. Lance and Jay both agreed that the drone and the side by side have been a huge help last week with the fires happening. 
Duane Barber, Building and Grounds entered the meeting. 
Jay would like to add some rock in front of the firehouse. There are many potholes, and it becomes muddy quickly. Duane would like to also add some rock on the west side of the parking lot because that also gets muddy when it rains.
Duane has been watering the trees on the courthouse lawn with soaker hoses when the weather is not freezing. Duane is going to check on replacement filters for the Culligan drinking fountains.
Anthony Garcia, Road and Bridge Supervisor and Kathie Lay, Road Secretary entered the meeting.
Kathie shared information about a cost-share grant program. This grant is offered twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Kathie’s deadline is March 21st to apply for the spring grant.
Doug Springsteel, Landfill Supervisor entered the meeting.
Doug does not have any new updates on the landfill. Commissioner Cowles attended a meeting with Charles Peckham, Chairman of Northwest Kansas Small Solid Waste Landfill Authority and other members of NWKSSWLA. Commissioner Cowles gave an update on the meeting. 
Marshall Unruh re-entered the meeting. 
Clerk Colvin handed out examples of 5-year plans for the landfill. Wallace County’s 5-year plan needs to be submitted before April 1, 2024. The commissioners would like Doug to read through the examples and find any necessary changes. 
Discussion on the upcoming bridge project was had. The road crew will be elevating the road on Gooseberry from road 22 to road 26. Sandy, Deer Draw, and Road 19 were also discussed.
Paulette Unruh, Director of EMS, entered the meeting.
Road crossing permit 2024-02 was presented by Clerk Colvin on behalf of Midwest Energy. Midwest Energy would like to boar a gas line in section 25 township 15 and range 41.
Chairman Townsend made a motion to approve road crossing permit 2024-02. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Paulette would like to have B & K Spraying to spray the Weskan EMS Barn. Paulette presented a letter to appoint members for the Region 1 EMS Council. Kirk Rice and Paulette have been the members in the past.
Commissioner Larson made a motion to appoint Kirk Rice and Paulette Unruh for Region 1 EMS Council. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
The State inspection will happen tomorrow February 28th. Delisa’s Medical Billing contacted Paulette about the pay rate for mileage has not been updated in a few years. Paulette presented new rates to the commissioners. The new rate Paulette presented would be going from $14.00 to $16.00 effective February 28th.
Commissioner Larson made a motion to approve an increase in the loaded mileage rate from $14.00 to $16.00. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
The commissioners had a discussion about meals on wheels. Currently meals on wheels is not offered in Wallace County and the commissioners are looking for possible volunteers to help with meals on wheels. The commissioners would like to see this program offered again. 
Marshall has 1 prisoner at this time. Marshall has been getting money from the State of Kansas for 1 prisoner and that money should be enough to replace 2 toilets and sinks in the jail.
Commissioner Larson moved to approve the February 13, 2024 minutes. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Clerk Colvin presented bills for payment. All bills were approved.
Lissa Sexson, Wallace County Community Development Director and Patrick Brown entered the meeting.
Patrick would like to thank the commissioners for all of their support with the Stand Theater. Patrick is hoping to have the Strand Theater open in May. Patrick explained some of the changes that have been happening and how they plan to move forward with more changes.
Kathie Lay re-entered the meeting. 
Kathie explained the cost-share grant to Lissa. Kathie and Lissa will work together to get a grant application prepared.
Lissa has no significant updates on the housing incentive. Money is still available for the housing incentive. The storefront and signage grant is closed but the housing incentive is still open. Lissa submitted a childcare grant request for a facility to start a new childcare provider. Lissa has been invited to an all-expense trip in Minnesota for Rural Futures Summit. Only 100 people across the Midwest have been invited to take advantage of this grant.
Clerk Colvin presented a proposal to renew the IBM hardware and software. The commissioners would like her to get more detail of what all the proposal includes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03
Commissioner Larson makes a motion to adopt resolution 2024-03. Chairman Townsend seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
(Resolution No. 2024-03 was published in the March 5th issue of The Western Times)
Clerk Colvin presented the Harrison Township 2023 Annual Report and the Wallace Township 2023 Annual report for review.
Commissioner Larson makes a motion to approve the financial report for Harrison Township. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Chairman Townsend makes a motion to approve the financial report for Wallace Township. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:18 pm.
ATTEST:
Brionna Colvin, County Clerk                   

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