McPherson County public meetings in 2021

Board of County Commissioners

The McPherson County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving the agenda, minutes, checks, and payroll. They will also consider resolutions designating the official county newspaper and depositories, and authorize participation in a student loan repayment program. Later, they will discuss truck purchases from Summit Truck Group and hold an executive session on attorney-client privilege.

• Resolution designating official county newspaper
• Resolution designating depositories for county funds
• Resolution to authorize participation in Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program
• Letter of support for amendment to Kansas statute on Newborn Infant Protection Act
• Discussion on truck purchases from Summit Truck Group

The Board approved a settlement and release agreement with Calder Brothers Corporation and Berry Companies, Inc., to close the case. They also approved resolutions designating the McPherson Sentinel as the official county newspaper, designating depositories for county funds, and authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program with zero county matching funds. A letter of support was signed for an amendment to the Newborn Infant Protection Act. The board also discussed truck purchases from Summit Truck Group and agreed to encumber costs from the capital reserve fund.

• Approved settlement agreement with Calder Brothers and Berry Companies (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #2021-32 designating McPherson Sentinel as official county newspaper (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #2021-33 designating county fund depositories (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #2021-34 authorizing Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program with $0 county match (unanimous)
• Signed letter of support for Newborn Infant Protection Act amendment (unanimous)
• Approved checks, claims, encumbrances, and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved adds and abates for December 24, 2021 (unanimous)
• Consensus to encumber truck purchase costs from capital reserve fund

Board of County Commissioners

The McPherson County Commission will discuss routine approvals and several policy items, including a proposed moratorium on commercial solar energy projects, a resolution for the E911 Capital Reserve Fund, and economic development tax incentives for PEM. The board will also hear updates from county officials on personnel, IT security, and legal matters.

• Resolution for Moratorium on Commercial Solar Energy Projects
• Resolution – E911 Capital Reserve Fund and Transfer of Funds
• Resolution – Granting Economic Development Tax Incentives to PEM
• PLP/CTI Real Estate, LLC - IRB – Request for Consent
• Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses (4)

The Board approved Resolution 2021-29 establishing a moratorium on commercial solar energy projects, and Resolution 2021-30 creating an E911 Capital Reserve Fund. They also approved a resolution granting IRB tax incentives to Plastic Extrusion Machinery LLC (PEM) at $14,000,000 (100% for 10 years), effective January 1, 2022. Additionally, the Board approved the retention of a fourth attorney, Torrance Parkins, until March 31, 2022, and tabled other attorney office items for further discussion.

• Approved Resolution 2021-29 establishing a moratorium on commercial solar energy projects (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-30 establishing E911 Capital Reserve Fund and transfer of funds (3-0)
• Approved IRB tax incentives to PEM at $14,000,000 (100% for 10 years) effective Jan 1, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved retention of fourth attorney Torrance Parkins until March 31, 2022 (3-0)
• Tabled attorney office items (salary, staff, parental leave) for Jan 10, 2022 meeting
• Approved purchase of Sentinel Advanced Intrusion Prevention System for 3 outposts, one-time cost not to exceed $5,666.85 and monthly $1,762.00 (3-0)
• Approved four Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses (365 Sports Complex, Rolling Acres Golf Course, Lindsborg Golf Course, Canton Grocery) expiring Dec 31, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved Proclamation of State of Local Disaster Emergency for severe weather event beginning May 15, 2021 (3-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The McPherson County Commission will discuss and potentially approve several items, including storm damage repair proposals, a budget amendment, and contracts for road maintenance. They will also meet with state legislators and hold a work session on public works.

• Proposal from Wray Roofing for storm damage repairs on county buildings
• County budget amendment
• Approval of contract with Kirkham Michael for HRRR project 59C-5137-01
• Award bids for 2022 roadway maintenance materials (aggregates and hauling)
• Approval for storm siren antennas

The Board approved Wray Roofing's proposal for storm damage repairs to county buildings, excluding the Infant Toddler Center and adding a TPO option for the Law Enforcement Center. They also approved a 2021 budget amendment, storm siren antenna purchases, and bids for 2022 roadway maintenance materials. Several appointments and routine financial approvals were made, and a work session was held at Public Works.

• Approved Wray Roofing storm damage repairs, excluding Infant Toddler Center, adding TPO option (all aye)
• Approved 2021 county budget amendment as presented (all aye)
• Approved KA-COMM cabling/antennas for storm sirens, not to exceed $20,264.62 (all aye)
• Approved signing letter appointing Julie McClure as SCRHSC representative, Tim Hawkinson alternate (all aye)
• Approved Planning/Zoning Board appointments: Glenda Taylor, Lori Bower, Kathy Nicholson (all aye)
• Approved filling vacant Maintenance Worker position (all aye)
• Approved 2022 roadway maintenance materials bids for aggregates and hauling (all aye)
• Approved storm sirens at 14th Ave. and Pioneer Rd., not to exceed $6,500 (all aye)

Board of County Commissioners

The board approved the Roxbury Lift Station construction contract with Middlecreek Corporation at a base bid of $255,100 plus a $4,000 deduction for Alternate #3, and signed the Notice of Award. It also approved a $24,639 CDBG payment request for engineering design services. Other actions included approving a jail window tinting project, a subdivision plat, a museum funding allocation, and an IRB resolution for AMD Distribution Inc.

• Approved jail window tinting Phase II by Hutton, not to exceed $10,089 (unanimous)
• Approved adds and abates for December 3, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Jared Bushnell to Maintenance Worker II (unanimous)
• Signed final plat for Lone Tree Acres Subdivision (2-0, Chairman abstained)
• Allocated $23,174 for 2022 County historical records (unanimous)
• Signed Notice of Award for Roxbury Lift Station to Middlecreek Corp., $255,100 base bid (unanimous)
• Signed construction contract with Middlecreek Corp. for Roxbury Lift Station (unanimous)
• Approved IRB Resolution #2021-28 for AMD Distribution Inc., not to exceed $2,500,000 (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F550 shop truck for $171,382 from Master Truck and Equipment, and approved steel for truck #47 repairs up to $3,138.56 from Salina Steel Supply. They also approved Resolution 2021-26, redesignating the County Planning Board as the Board of Zoning Appeals, with Chairman Becker voting nay. Additionally, they approved Resolution 2021-27, a settlement agreement addendum with CHS for tax years 2023-2032, and approved a $36,000 appropriation to the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum.

• Approved agenda and minutes for November 15, 2021 as amended.
• Approved signing Solid Waste Management Plan and Zoning/Land Use Consistency statements for MASWU landfill permit application.
• Approved purchase of Bouncing Ball Imaging Tactical Drone Camera from ABM Supply, LLC, not to exceed $4,144.90.
• Approved adds, abates, and escapes for November 19, 2021.
• Approved $36,000 appropriation to Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum from parks and recreation fund.
• Approved and signed Resolution 2021-27, modifying settlement agreement with CHS for 2023-2032 tax years.
• Approved Resolution 2021-26, redesignating Planning Board as Board of Zoning Appeals (Chairman Becker voted nay).
• Approved purchase of 2022 Ford F550 for $171,382 and steel for truck #47 up to $3,138.56.

Board of County Commissioners

The commission approved four traffic/field counters (up to $1,600), authorized seeking bids on a utility truck, and approved a $125 employee appreciation stipend for eligible county employees. It also re-appointed Anoria Carlson to the HMCCC Advisory Board and approved two personnel changes, including Timothy Gadde's promotion to Director of HMCCC. All votes were unanimous except one abstention on the November 8 minutes.

• Approved purchase of 4 traffic counters, not to exceed $1,600 (unanimous)
• Authorized seeking bids on a utility truck (unanimous)
• Approved $125 employee appreciation stipend for eligible county employees (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Anoria Carlson to HMCCC Advisory Board, Oct 2021–Oct 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Timothy Gadde to Director of HMCCC, effective Nov 15, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved job re-evaluation for Janet Cagle to ISO I, effective Nov 15, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved checks/claims for Nov 15, 2021 and payroll for period ending Nov 13, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved signing Cereal Malt Beverage Notices for Rolling Acres Golf Club and Canton Grocery LLC #2 (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The McPherson County Commission approved a request from the county clerk to open and hand-count 60 approved and 6 partially approved provisional ballots from the November 2, 2021 election. The board also approved personnel changes, bid advertisements for 2022 roadway materials, and a letter of support for a grant application. Commissioner Kueser was absent.

• Approved hand-counting 60 approved and 6 partially approved provisional ballots (unanimous)
• Approved ending introductory period for Julietta Marquez, Clerk/MVL, effective Nov 14, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for bids for 2022 roadway maintenance materials (aggregates) (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for bids for 2022 roadway maintenance freight/hauling (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for MCDS KDOT 5311 grant application (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved a $3,375 proposal from GSI Engineering for geotechnical services on Bridge 010290, approved several personnel changes, and signed a letter of support for a KDOT grant application. They also accepted a township treasurer resignation and appointment, and scheduled a resolution on term limits for November 22.

• Approved GSI Engineering geotech proposal for Bridge 010290 ($3,375)
• Approved PCN to end Deputy Sheriff Jacob Pearson's introductory period
• Approved PCN to hire Angelina Owens as Harvey County Juvenile Intake Officer
• Approved resignation of David N. Martens and appointment of Michelle Lafferty as Little Valley Township Treasurer
• Signed letter of support for McPherson County Council on Aging KDOT grant application
• Authorized PZE to notify boards of term-limit resolution for Nov. 22 meeting
• Approved PCN to hire Shirley Bloomquist as temporary tax season clerk
• Approved checks, claims, and payroll for Nov. 1, 2021

Board of County Commissioners

The board approved the 2022 County Holiday Calendar Resolution, signed the BCBSKS HSA Services Plan, and approved several personnel changes including hiring Shauna Pirl, Barry Sisson, and Aspyn Maestas, plus a debt write-off of $661.50. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 2022 County Holiday Calendar Resolution 2021-25 (3-0)
• Approved BCBSKS HSA Services Plan (3-0)
• Approved PCN to end introductory period for Jeannie Drake (3-0)
• Approved PCN to hire Shauna Pirl as Communications Technician (3-0)
• Approved write-off of uncollectible debt totaling $661.50 (3-0)
• Approved PCN to hire Barry Sisson as Maintenance Worker I (3-0)
• Approved PCN to make Brenda Hammar full-time (3-0)
• Approved tire purchases from Rod's Tire totaling $9,018.12 (3-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved the purchase of a skid steer with attachments for up to $224,335.12 and a loader with attachments for up to $91,847.00 from Murphy, following a work session. They also approved a steel replacement pipe purchase, accepted a township board resignation, authorized the chairman to sign a KDHE property access agreement, and approved the BCBSKS medical insurance renewal. The loader and skid steer bids were initially tabled for more information before being approved.

• Approved purchase of skid steer with attachments from Murphy, not to exceed $224,335.12 (all aye)
• Approved purchase of loader with attachments from Murphy, not to exceed $91,847.00 (all aye)
• Approved purchase of steel replacement pipe from Frank Black Pipe and Supply, not to exceed $1,567.00 (all aye)
• Approved resignation of David Martens from Little Valley Township Board Treasurer (all aye)
• Authorized chairman to sign KDHE Access to Property Agreement for 710 W. Woodside (all aye)
• Approved BCBSKS medical insurance renewal for county employees, Dec 1, 2021 - Nov 30, 2022 (all aye)
• Approved agenda as amended to add work session at Public Works (all aye)
• Authorized chairman to approve checks/claims and payroll for Oct 18, 2021 due to meeting cancellation (all aye)

Board of County Commissioners

The board approved seeking bids to replace the 2004 Case Loader and 2003 Bobcat with a 3.5 Loader and Tracked Skid Steer, and approved purchasing nine power broom cores for up to $6,000. It also approved hiring Sarah Cowan as a Clerk I, signed a support letter for DSGP grant funding, and approved checks, claims, and payroll. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda as amended (removed Community Corrections non-elected personnel item) (all aye)
• Approved minutes for September 20 and 27, 2021 (all aye)
• Approved hiring Sarah Cowan as Clerk I effective October 4, 2021 (all aye)
• Approved checks and claims for October 4, 2021 and payroll for period ending October 2, 2021 (all aye)
• Approved signing support letter for DSGP grant application to KDOT (all aye)
• Approved seeking bids for 3.5 Loader and Tracked Skid Steer replacements (all aye)
• Approved purchase of nine power broom cores not to exceed $6,000 (all aye)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved all agenda items unanimously, including a $50,671.20 chemical purchase for the noxious weed program, a $158,742.92 2022 Indigent Defense Agreement, and two personnel hires (a correctional officer and an assistant county attorney). They also approved courthouse stair repairs ($3,423), a Health Department drainage project ($29,624), bridge loading software ($5,600), and stormwater material ($5,400).

• Approved agenda as amended with added stormwater material purchase item
• Approved minutes of August 30, 2021
• Approved accounts payable and payroll as presented
• Approved adds and abates for September 17, 2021
• Approved courthouse stair tread repair bid from Hutton Facility Services for $3,423
• Approved Health Department drainage project bid from Hutton Facility Services for $29,624
• Approved AASHTOWare bridge loading software purchase not to exceed $5,600
• Approved stormwater drainage material purchase from ASP Enterprises not to exceed $5,400

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved a special use permit for a second residential unit on an existing property in the A-1 Agricultural District, located at 871 Pioneer Road, McPherson, KS. The Board also approved applications for state health grants, personnel changes, and routine financial items. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Approved Special Use Case SU2021-01 for second residential unit at 871 Pioneer Road (3-0)
• Approved applications to KDHE for SFY 2022 grants (Family Planning, Immunization Action Program, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, State Formula) (3-0)
• Approved Personnel Change Notice ending introductory period for Amber Clerk, Communications Tech, effective March 7, 2021 (3-0)
• Approved Personnel Change Notice ending introductory period for Paul Leicht, Maintenance Worker, effective March 21, 2021 (3-0)
• Approved checks and claims, encumbrances, and payroll for March 8, 2021 (3-0)
• Approved adds and abates for March 5, 2021 (3-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The commission approved paying off the remaining $2.5 million plus interest on the 911 system lease, and approved several personnel changes and purchases. They also agreed to seek a proposal for new water lines at the 4H building.

• Approved paying off $2.5M plus interest on 911 lease (unanimous)
• Approved chemical purchase from Van Diest Supply Co. up to $22,952.08 (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Annual Weed Eradication Progress Report (unanimous)
• Approved personnel change to end introductory period for Deputy Ryan Olbricht (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Katie Gihring and an ISO at Newton office (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for Feb 22, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved adds and abates for Feb 26, 2021 (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners approved the Elbert Subdivision (Case SU2020-03), overriding the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board decision. They also approved transferring the Old Mill Museum and Park to a 501(c)3, signed a local disaster declaration for severe winter weather, and awarded a $193,154.20 milling contract to Coughlin. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Elbert Subdivision final plat, overriding Planning & Zoning Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Old Mill Museum and Park to a 501(c)3 (unanimous)
• Signed Proclamation of State of Local Disaster Emergency for severe winter weather (unanimous)
• Awarded 2021 Milling Projects bid to Coughlin, not to exceed $193,154.20 (unanimous)
• Approved equipment purchases for 4 patrol vehicles, not to exceed $15,210.19 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Hutchinson Correctional Facility for critical incident cooperation (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 5 keypad and 5 lever locks from Childs Lock & Key, not to exceed $1,468.70 (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of James Bergstrom to Captain and James Henry to Maintenance Worker II (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The board approved the purchase of four replacement patrol vehicles from Midway Motors for $138,372, approved an engineering contract for Bridge No. 010290, and authorized several personnel changes. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $138,372 for 3 Dodge Durangos and 1 Dodge Ram 1500 from Midway Motors (unanimous)
• Approved $24,000 engineering contract with Kirkham Michael & Associates for Bridge No. 010290 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Sierra Behrens as Public Health Nurse LPN, Grade 17, effective Feb 9, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Darren Moore to Maintenance Worker III, effective Feb 7, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020-05 for Neighborhood Revitalization Interlocal Agreement with City of Moundridge (unanimous)
• Approved Quit Claim Deed for Crestwood Memorial Park, Garden A, Lot 10, Spaces 5-6 for $125 (unanimous)
• Approved accounts payable mini batches for Feb 1, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved adds and abates for Jan 29, 2021 (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved the preliminary and final plat (SD2020-04) and zoning change (ZA2020-06) for the Evergy Galva Load Center, along with Resolution 2021-04. They also approved several purchases, personnel changes, and the 2022 Noxious Weed Management Plan. A funding request from the Humane Society was discussed but no action was taken, and a resolution for a Moundridge interlocal agreement was tabled.

• Approved Case SD2020-04 preliminary and final plat for Evergy Galva Load Center (3-0)
• Approved Case ZA2020-06 zoning change to M-1 Light Industrial and Resolution 2021-04 (3-0)
• Approved purchase of two flowmeters and one totalizer for noxious weed dept., not to exceed $2,593.00 (3-0)
• Approved 2022 Annual Noxious Weed Management Plan (3-0)
• Approved write-off of uncollectible debt of $994.08 for Health Dept. (3-0)
• Approved guardrail repair contract with J&J Contractors Inc. for $67,300.00 (3-0)
• Approved purchase of four jack stands from Hoidale Co, Inc., not to exceed $3,941.16 (3-0)
• Approved purchase of HD Pro Tablet Truck Scan from Cornwell, not to exceed $4,700.00 (3-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners approved a wage increase for hourly correctional officers, moving them up one grade on the county pay scale effective January 10, 2021. They also approved a zoning amendment and plat for the DS&O Solar Farm, appointed Jason Wright to the Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals, and approved purchases for crack sealant and asphalt plant maintenance. David O'Dell was sworn in as the new District 3 commissioner and appointed vice chairman.

• Approved wage increase for hourly correctional officers (one grade) effective Jan 10, 2021
• Approved zoning amendment ZA2020-05 and plat SD2020-05 for DS&O Solar Farm
• Appointed Jason Wright to Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals (3-year term)
• Approved crack sealant purchase from CRAFCO Inc. up to $18,900
• Approved 2021 asphalt plant maintenance budget up to $38,843.90 plus $5,429.12 in technician fees
• Approved accounts payable, COVID-19 payments, encumbrances, and payroll
• Approved adds and abates for January 8, 2021
• Approved end of introductory period for Stephanie Kieffer, Administrative Secretary

Board of County Commissioners

The Board approved the combined bids for 2021 roadway maintenance materials and hauling as requested by Public Works Director Tom Kramer. It also approved personnel, financial, and appointment items, including re-appointments to the Planning/Zoning Board and a Canton Township Board appointment. All votes were unanimous among the two commissioners present; Commissioner Kueser was absent.

• Approved 2021 roadway maintenance materials and hauling bids (2-0)
• Approved accounts payable and COVID-19 payments for Jan 4, 2021 (2-0)
• Approved adds and abates for Dec 31, 2020 (2-0)
• Approved promotion of Jennifer Crouch to Deputy Clerk effective Jan 10, 2021 (2-0)
• Re-appointed Jeff Smith (District #3) and Raymond Williams (District #1) to Planning/Zoning Board of Appeals (2-0)
• Accepted Canton Township Board Clerk resignation and appointed Alan Prieb to fill vacancy (2-0)
• Approved McPherson News Ledger as Official County Newspaper via Resolution 2021-01 (2-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-02 designating Official County Depositories for 2021 (2-0)