Commissioner Proceedings 4/09/24

May 27, 2024

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with Larry Townsend, Chairman, Michael Cowles, Commissioner, Becky Larson, Commissioner, Maggie Figurilli, Register of Deeds and Debbie Welsh, Deputy County Clerk in attendance. Marshall Unruh, Wallace County Sheriff, entered the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Larry at 8:38 a.m. 
Warrants 30989-31046 in the amount of $102,096.79 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $87,364.58 for the working period of March 17, 2024 through March 30, 2024., were approved for payment.
Maggie had exciting information for the Board, the camera purchased for Passport/ID photos has been totally paid for with proceeds. This took less time to accomplish than expected.  The Commissioners were happy to hear that information.  
Marshall Unruh gave an update on the current level 2 Burn Ban ending on April 16. The consensus was to continue the Ban for two more weeks ending April 30th at a level 2. 
Duane Barber, Building and Grounds Supervisor, entered the meeting. He has been busy getting bathrooms and Pool ready to be open. The North Park bathroom has a leak under the foundation. Will Walker, owner of W&C Plumbing, LLC, has looked and it will most likely need dug out, capped and insulated.  There was discussion about the condition of the B&G vehicle. Due to mileage etc. it is time to keep an eye out for a replacement. 
Anthony Garcia, Road Supervisor, entered the meeting.  A discussion on signage & road conditions took up most of the conversation. Signage placement and ideas for maintaining roads were discussed. It was decided that an advertisement for a full-time road position should be made. The Clerks office will get that in the next available publication. The Commissioners were able to reach Eric Oelschlager, KDOT representative, by phone to discuss issues with the roads.
High Plains Mental Health Center representatives Craig Poe, Executive Director, and Karla McFee, Outreach & Education Specialist, entered the meeting. Craig is new in his position and gave a brief description of his background & passions along with statistics and goals for HPMHC. A request for $13,346.65 for the 2025 budget year.
Wendy Dunagan, County Appraiser, entered the meeting. Richard Clay, taxpayer, entered the meeting. Mr. Clay has concerns about property tax.
Tate Vincent accepted the Pool Manager position for the 2024 season. Advertisements and flyers have gone out for Lifeguards and an assistant for Tate.
Commissioner Larson moved to adopt Resolution 2024-08, extending Wallace County in a Level 2 Burn Ban through April 30th. Chairman Townsend seconded.      Aye 3, Nay 0.    (Resolution No. 2024-08 A Resolution Declaring a Drought Emergency and Level Two Fire Ban in Wallace County, Kansas   was published in the April 23, 2024 issue of The Western Times)      
The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:10pm.
Chairman Townsend called the meeting to order at 1:05pm
Lissa Sexson, Wallace County Community Director entered the meeting. 
Lissa and the Commissioners discussed options for representation on an advisory board. Lissa has a busy schedule attending meetings and training events.
Wendy Dunagan entered the meeting. 
Commissioner Larson moved to go into executive session at 1:50 pm for Personnel exception-Personnel matter of individual NON-ELECTED personnel for 15 minutes and return at 2:05 pm. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Debbie Welsh and Wendy Dunagan. Commissioner Cowles seconded. Aye 3, Nay 0. Returned to regular session at 2:05 pm. 
Chairman Townsend moved to return to executive session at 2:05 pm for Personnel exception-Personnel matter of individual NON-ELECTED personnel for 15 minutes and return at 2:20 pm. Invited in are the 3 commissioners, Debbie Welsh and Wendy Dunagan. Commissioner Cowles seconded. Aye 3, Nay 0.                                     
Returned to regular session at 2:20 pm. No decision was made.
Chairman Townsend moved to adopt Resolution 2024-06. Commissioner Larson seconded. Aye 3 Nay 0. (Resolution No. 2024-06 A Resolution For Prohibiting The Use of Certain Designated Roadways in Wallace County, Kansas as Thoroughfares by Certain Vehicles was published in the April 16, 2024 issue of The Western Times)
Commissioner Larson moved to adopt Resolution 2024-07. Commissioner Cowles seconded. Aye 3, Nay 0. (Resolution No. 2024-07 A Resolution for The Implementation of a Temporary Speed Limit Modification on Certain Portions Of Old Highway 40 in Wallace County, Kansas was published in the April 16, 2024 issue of The Western Times)
Tonya Medina, Health Department Administrator and RN, entered the meeting. She is applying for the “All Hands-on Deck” Grant. Tonya presented a letter of support for the Commissioners to sign. 
Bills were presented and approved for payment.
Commissioner Larson gave a reminder that the next meeting was changed from the 30th to the 23rd.
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 2:55pm.

ATTEST:
Debbie Welsh, Deputy Clerk

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