Commissioner Proceedings 9/12/23

October 2, 2023

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with Larry Townsend, Chairman, Michael Cowles, Commissioner, Rebecca Larson, Commissioner, and Debbie Welsh, Deputy County Clerk present. 
Marshall Unruh, Wallace County Sheriff entered the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Townsend at 8:33 a.m.
Warrants 30106-30157 in the amount of $96,737.18 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $122,750.85 for the working period of September 3, 2023, through September 16, 2023, were approved for payment.
Tonya Medina, Wallace County Health Department Administrator & Nurse entered the meeting. Tonya had a spreadsheet for the Commissioners outlining services the department provides, some that aren’t available unless the public travels to Hays. She would like to change it to a four-day week due to the lack of help on Fridays to help reduce overtime. The Commissioners feel having services available all five days is important. Tonya agreed and will work on an alternative plan. Tonya also clarified the need for and importance of continued education. The areas being considered are specifically focused on Public Health Nursing. There are many State Statutes that fall within the responsibility of the Health Department. 
Duane Barber, Building & Grounds Supervisor entered the meeting. He is planning to winterize the pool and store equipment and chemicals at the Road Department. The Commissioners are leaving the bids for the pool open for another 30 days. The Clerks office will notify the paper.  There have been no bids on the repairs to the Shop and Senior Center. 
Lance Finley, Wallace County Undersheriff entered the meeting. 
Doug Springsteel, Landfill Supervisor entered the meeting. Doug inquired on the resolution to change hours. The Clerks office will check with Charles Moser, Wallace County Attorney. 
Anthony Garcia, Road Supervisor, entered the meeting. Marshall Unruh re-entered the meeting.
Doug expressed his appreciation for the removal and repurposing of materials that Matt Charles has done. This has cleared up a lot of space that would otherwise shorten the life of our landfill. There was discussion about what could be done to help community members taking advantage of special incentive programs like the demolition and beautification projects. Doug is also still waiting for the contract with NWKS for the Landfill.
Anthony gave the Commissioners a copy of the spreadsheet for the Road Departments spraying 2023. The information was given to Debbie and will be kept in the Clerk’s office. With the Commissioners’ Approval, Anthony is planning a trip to Hays to get materials for the Weskan Bypass preparations and Road 6 blacktop repairs. He reported the repairs on Dusty Road are complete. There was a question proposed to reconsider County Policy on equipment usage by employees. The discussion was tabled for a later date.
KDOT group entered the meeting: Jeff Stewart, District 3 Engineer, Lisa Mussman, Public Affairs Manager, Eric Delschlager, Area Engineer and Cody Ward, District 3 Office Coordinator. Updates were given on the Bridge projects. Jeff gave information on a meeting in Hays on October 10th that the Commissioners feel they should attend. They would also like to encourage businesses who use K-27 North of Sharon Springs to attend along with Sen. Billinger and Rep. Smith. Marshall posted the plan of action for projects on Facebook. The Clerk’s office will look into circulating that information again. It was suggested to have a Town Hall in January to present plans for projects beginning April of 2024. Dates for this will be determined later and publicized. 
Marshall gave updates on the Sheriff Department. 
Commissioner Larson moved to approve the August 29,2023 special meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
The motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Townsend moved to approve the August 30,2023 minutes as amended. Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
The motion carried unanimously.
The October 10th Commissioner meeting will be moved to October 11th in order for the Commissioner’s to attend the KDOT meeting in Hays.
Discussion item on the Fair Board Bus: Sale proceeds should go to the Fair Board. 
Hope Springs Bill approved.
A question was brought up about the bi-fold door that was damaged at the road department due to the tornado last year. The county received insurance money to replace this last year.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30am to resume at 1:00pm.
Chairman Townsend called the meeting back to order at 1:04pm
Lissa Sexson, Community Development Director, entered the meeting. She was able to combine funds to further some incentive programs. She will get the word out. Things are going well. 
Brad & Eileen Porubusky, Hope Springs Owner/Operators, entered the meeting. Things are going well; they now have 20 residents and the staffing is in good shape.  
A request by e-mail from a WCCCC board member for their Direct TV contract was presented by Debbie for payment consideration. After researching our exit agreement and discussion, it was decided the contract agreement was the full responsibility of WCCCC. 
Chairman Townsend moved to decline the request to pay WCCCC Direct TV Contract Fee. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
The motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned 3:00pm.
ATTEST:                                                                                                
Debbie Welsh, 
Deputy County Clerk                        

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