Commissioner Proceedings 9/26/23

October 16, 2023

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.
Will Walker with W&C Plumbing entered the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Townsend at 8:30 a.m. 
Warrants # 30158 - 30212 in the amount of $ 86,027.61 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $ 59,065.84 for the working period of September 17, 2023 through September 30, 2023 were approved for payment. 
The water heater at Hope Springs went bad on September 21, 2023. Chairman Townsend and Will discussed the history of the water heaters there. Currently, there is one newer model and 2 older models. Will presented 3 bids for a new water heater. Will recommends bid #1049 because we already have spare parts, and it will match one of the heaters already there. Ordering one now will get the heaters on a cycle so that all heaters do not quit at once. Ordering the model on bid #1049 will allow Will to use parts that are already acquired and match a heater already installed. 
Chairman Townsend makes a motion to allow Will Walker to order and install the water heater for $17,302.00. Commissioner Larson seconded. AYE  3   NAY  0
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Townsend visited the county road shop to check on how things are going. While there, Chairman Townsend realized that the bi-fold door that had been damaged by the tornado has never been replaced. He and Clerk Colvin discussed what was supposed to happen with the door. Chairman Townsend remembered it was a company from Wray Colorado. Clerk Colvin researched bi-folding doors and was able to find Powerlift Hydraulic Doors. Powerlift had previously given us a quote but we had never responded back. Clerk Colvin gave Powerlift Chairman Townsends number, and they will be in contact. Chairman Townsend presented a quote from powerlift hydraulic door for $24,047.00. 
Commissioner Cowles makes a motion to order the hydraulic door for the road shop with the exception that Powerlift will give a quote on tin and installation. Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk Colvin reported that no bids have been received for the storage building and senior center. The commissioners would like to keep both ads in the paper for another 30 days.
Commissioner Larson discussed the 30 X 30 land grab. Discussion was had about this and the similar situation with Rails to Trails. The commissioners would like Clerk Colvin to send the sample resolution to Charles Moser, County Attorney.
Anthony Garcia, Road and Bridge supervisor entered the meeting to report on his department.
Gooseberry and Field Road are much better than they have been. Road 22 is on Anthony’s list to fix. The AS-1 mix has been a tremendous help to all the roads. The KDOT meeting is October 10th at Hilton Garden Inn in Hays at 9:00 am CT. The KDOT meeting is to hear concerns from Wallace County businesses and residents for the highways.  Anthonys still has the road crew out mowing. Anthony really likes the Schulte mowers.
Doug Springsteel, Landfill supervisor entered the meeting.
Commissioner Larson expressed that some roads have a steep crown, but they are working on cutting those down. Clerk Colvin reported that she has gotten some complaints that the Road Cell Phone is not being answered. 
Commissioner Larson will inform Jace Stabel about the culverts on Field Road and Gooseberry. The county will purchase the culverts and Jace will pay the county back.
The guy that samples wells is out there currently doing samples. The resolution for landfill hours was presented. The hours on the resolution need to be changed. Clerk Colvin will make those changes and present them later today.
Marshall Unruh, Sheriff entered the meeting. 
Landfill charges were discussed. The commissioners discussed the pros and cons of changing the rates. The commissioners will revisit this later in the meeting. Clerk Colvin will let Doug know what is decided. Doug is still working on getting the trailer from the recycling center out to the landfill to use for storage.
Lance Finley, Undersheriff entered the meeting.
The sheriff’s office will try to have one representative at the KDOT meeting. Lance will work on getting statistics to Chairman Townsend to present at the KDOT meeting. Chairman Townsend will gather information from the community and prepare to present at the KDOT meeting.
Thad Vincent, KDOT employee entered the meeting.
Thad will check his calendar and confirm with the commissioners with the start time. Thad gave his insights on what the meeting will consist of.
Discussion of employee hours was had. No decision was made.
Discussion of lighting on the southside of the courthouse was had. The south side of the courthouse is very dark at night and Clerk Colvin will talk with Duane Barber, Building and Grounds, to make sure all lights are working and turned on. 
Wallace County employee Christmas party was discussed. The commissioners would like Clerk Colvin to reach out to The Farmhouse and Townsend Tavern to request bids. Chairman Townsend wants Clerk Colvin to check for school and church Christmas programs.
Landfill charges will not change.
Recess at 12:12 pm.
Lissa Sexson, Community Development Director, entered the meeting.
Reconvene at 1:04 pm.
Lissa received additional funding for projects and wages. She will begin using the funds for wages and use the funds for projects as needed. Lissa is hopeful to hear more about the USDA grant next week. Lissa has received a grant for approximately ½ of the whirlpool spa at Hope Springs. Interest had been expressed in previous meetings for donations for this project. The housing incentive currently has 0 pending applications, 15 approved applications, and of those 15, 5 have been reimbursed for completed jobs. The storefront and signage grant is closed. The storefront and signage grant currently has 16 approved applications and 5 of the 16 have been reimbursed for completion.
Clerk Colvin discussed the upcoming General Election. Discussion of important dates and office hours was had.
Clerk Colvin presented the corrections made to resolution 2023-13. If the commissioners pass the resolution, it will help Doug Springsteel tremendously on processing the last dump and reducing overtime. 
Commissioner Larson makes a motion to accept resolution 2023-13. Commissioner Cowles seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
Motion carried unanimously. (Resolution No. 2023-13 was published in the October 5, 2023 issue of The Western Times)
With more conversation around the nation about COVID-19, Clerk Colvin wanted input on how to handle it this time around. COVID-19 will be handled like the flu or any other illness. 
Chairman Townsend moved to approve the September 9, 2023 minutes as amended. Commissioner Larson seconded.  AYE  3   NAY  0
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:10 pm.
ATTEST:
Brionna Colvin, County Clerk

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