Commissioner Proceedings 3/12/24

May 14, 2024

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with Michael Cowles, Commissioner, Becky Larson, Commissioner, and Debbie Welsh, Deputy County Clerk present.
Marshall Unruh, Wallace County Sheriff, entered the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Larson at 8:34 a.m. Chairman Larry Townsend entered the meeting. 
 Marshall Unruh, Wallace County Sheriff, entered the meeting and gave an update on the current level 3 Burn Ban. He spoke with Jay Sharp, Wallace County Fire Chief, wanting to continue the ban at a level 2 for two weeks following the end of current ban on the 19th. 
Duane Barber, Building and Grounds Supervisor, entered the meeting. There was discussion about the recent bouts of sewer gas. Duane will talk with Will Walker about a possible adjustment to the venting outside, i.e. adding more height. Anthony Garcia entered the meeting. The Pool will need a new diving board this year. Commissioner Townsend feels they can have the pool in shape to open for the 2024 Season. The County Clerks office will begin advertising for Managers and Lifeguards. Commissioner Larson suggested inquiring about using the freshman class for help getting the pool ready.
Anthony reported the Road crew is keeping busy and in preparation for the projects coming up. He then presented a request for S & T fiberoptic easements in Weskan. 
Commissioner Townsend made a motion to allow S & T easements on County Roads in Weskan to install optic cable. Commissioner Cowles seconded. Aye 3 Nay 0
The paperwork from S & T will be available at the meeting on the 26th for the Commissioners to sign. Doug Springsteel, Landfill Supervisor, entered the meeting. The Commissioners pointed out some problem areas in the Courthouse parking lot and commented on the great work the guys had done last year. Anthony committed to addressing the issues at their earliest convenience.
Doug informed the Commissioners he will have the 5-year plan for the Landfill ready for their approval by the next meeting on the 26th. A Legal Publication will be published in the paper before then. The idea of having recycling available at the Landfill site is being considered. Doug shared details and the Commissioners suggested a phone call be arranged with the company during the next meeting.
Brad and Eileen, Hope Springs Administrators, entered the meeting with a report of the recent inspection of the facility. The Commissioners were happy to hear that the inspectors found zero deficiencies! Hope Springs is running at full capacity with a waiting list. They are in the process of getting approval to increase capacity from 30 to 34. The Commissioners knew of the need to obtain updated dining chairs for the residents, Eileen reported they may have Grant monies that would cover the cost. Hope Springs has purchased several TVs for residents and they will remain with the facility. There will be a meeting time scheduled at the regular meeting May 14. 
Marshall re-entered the meeting and gave an update on Bridge projects.
Warrants 30831-30925 in the amount of $83,071.68 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $59,996.89 for the working period of February 18, 2024 through March 2, 2024, were approved for payment.
Chairman Townsend moved to approve the February 27, 2024, minutes. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE 3, NAY  0.

RESOLUTION 
NO. 2024-04
A RESOLUTION DECLARING A DROUGHT EMERGENCY AND LEVEL TWO FIRE BAN IN WALLACE COUNTY, KANSAS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners have made a finding that drought conditions exist in Wallace County, 
WHEREAS, activation of response and recovery aspects of the county’s disaster emergency plan are necessary to address the conditions resulting from the drought which presently exists in Wallace County,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Wallace County Commissioners, pursuant to authority granted in K.S.A 48-932 that a local drought emergency exists in Wallace County, Kansas. 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Level Two:  Whenever the Wallace County Board of Commissioners FINDS that a drought conditions exist, it shall be empowered to declare by Resolution, that burning of household and commercial waste shall be prohibited except from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM and only if the burn receptacle is situated on a non-combustible surface and no combustible structures are within seven feet (7’) thereof, and only under direct adult supervision, and it shall take steps to inform the public.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this declaration shall remain in effect until April 2, 2024 unless otherwise revoked or extended by the Board of Wallace County Commissioners,
 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Wallace County Clerk shall cause this declaration to be published in the Western Times Newspaper and Wallace County, KS Government Facebook page following adoption hereof. 
ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF WALLACE COUNTY, KANSAS THIS 12TH DAY OF MARCH 2024.

ATTEST:
Debbie Welsh, County Clerk

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

Commissioner Cowles moved to adopt Resolution 2024-04, extending Wallace County in a Level 2 Burn Ban through April 2nd Commissioner Larson seconded.   AYE 3, NAY  0.                                               
Helen Dobbs, representative of Land & Sky Scenic Byway, entered the meeting and presented an invoice for allocations for 2024. There is a new Kiosk and signage area off Hwy 2 & Bluebird Rd. She is asking the commissioner if they would allow our Road & Bridge to provide any dirt work necessary. The commissioners agreed to that. The timeframe is mid-summer to early fall. 
Commissioner Larson made a motion to approve the contract from Fire Alarm Specialist for the Rest Home Building. Commissioner Cowles seconded the motion. AYE 3, NAY  0.
Commissioner Cowles made a motion to approve the contract from IBM to replace Data back-up for the Courthouse. Commissioner Larson seconded the motion. AYE 3, NAY  0.
Chairman Townsend made a motion to approve the Annual Report for Sharon Springs TWP. Commissioner Larson seconded the motion. AYE 3, NAY  0.
Lissa Sexson, Wallace County Community Development Director, entered the meeting and gave updates.
Tate Vincent entered the meeting to talk about her availability for the 2024 pool season.
Bills were presented and approved for payment.
The Clerks Office will set up any interviews needed for the next meeting.
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 2:55pm.

ATTEST:                  
Brionna Colvin, Clerk

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