The Elk County Commission meets weekly at 1 p.m. on Mondays. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the Aug. 12 regular and Aug. 15 special commission meetings. Both of which were approved during a recent commission meeting.
The July 29 regular meeting and July 30 special meeting minutes were approved as presented.
In public forum, Chairman Jake Liebau apologized for the conduct in the last commissioners meeting and stated he didn’t approve of the use of profanities in the meeting. Chairman Liebau asked everyone not to use profanities and noted those doing so would be asked to leave the meetings. He also stated the commission meeting wasn’t the place to discuss legal matters. Michael Lawrence with Lawrence Accountability addressed the commission stating he could use any type of language he wanted to because it was his First Amendment right. Lawrence expressed himself using many profanities and was asked to remove himself from the meeting.
A short recess was held until Lawrence removed himself from the meeting.
Chairman Liebau again asked to keep language civil without vulgarity and profanity. Lawrence then spoke of the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) requests not being fulfilled and the legal charges against himself and Dr. Justin Spiehs.
John Cannon stated the fence at Road 29 hasn’t been repaired and the 75 days lapsed on Saturday, Aug. 10. Cannon would like the commission to view the fence again so he could proceed. Commissioner Perry Russell will view the fence.
Commissioner Doug Hendricks expressed appreciation to all the election workers.
During department reports, Gillian Beaumont, with EMS, stated Abigail Bowman would be starting class on Aug. 16. Beaumont said it will cost $213 a month for two iPhones and two tablets through US Cellular. Beaumont will need a letter on county letterhead stating she is an authorized signer for US Cellular. The commission approved the Education Incentive Grant Program for Bowman.
Erica Cordell, with Emergency Management, stated the Wholesale #23 radio tower equipment move was to be paid from the E911 fund. On July 31, Cordell and the Public Works Department met with KDEM regarding the Public Assistance program from storm damage in April. On Aug. 1, Cordell attended the monthly KEMA meeting in Wilson County. All sirens passed the August test. The commission approved Cordell to move forward with the EMPG application.
Don Sanders, with Public Works, stated one employee resigned from the Road Department and his last day was Aug. 15. Sanders stated Ernest Towsley was hired to work for the Road Department. KCAMP totaled the road grader that was wrecked and the county will receive $71,900 from insurance. Sanders stated he had one employee sign off on the CDL Agreement. Kirkham Michael has come down on the bridge on Osage Trail to an estimated cost of $422,000. The commission accepted the resignation of Andrew Owens effective Aug. 15. The council also approved to hire Townsley at an hourly rate of $16.50 effective Aug. 26. Sanders also gave a maintenance report. He stated the plumbing repairs have been completed in the Register of Deed’s Office.
County Clerk Kerry Harrod stated the mileage reimbursement increased to .67 cents a mile. The commission approved the allocation of $9,000 to the ROZ Program and approved Resolution 24-07, a resolution authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program for 2025. The commission also approved a motion to accept the engagement letter from Jarred Gilmore and Phillips for the 2024 audit for $19,500 plus any out-of-pocket costs. They also accepted the engagement letter from Jarred Gilmore and Phillips for the 2026 budget preparation for $2,950.
The commission approved to hire Alan Johnson, with Johnson Realty, to sell the land on Dove Road. Shari Kaminska, with Community Development, will be the liaison for the county.
Reports were also provided by Kandy Dowell, Health; Stephanie Ollenborger, Register of Deeds; Kaminska, Community Development; Todd Winscher, Rural Fire; Rachel Ware, Treasurer; and Tyler Garst, Community Building Solutions.
Representatives with Twin Valley talked about broadband for Elk County.
Following a five-minute recess, the commission held a five-minute executive session with Sheriff John Walker and County Counselor Paul Dean for legal matters. No action was taken.
During discussion, Kaminska stated Lemonade Day was scheduled for Aug. 31. There were grants for any kid who would like to participate in Lemonade Day. Kaminska presented the survey on the property at 300 N. Plum, in Moline from Wichita State Community Engagement Institute which was paid for by a grant from Network Kansas. Discussion was had regarding the county’s procurement and purchasing policy.
Abatements PP24-017 and PP24-018 and bills totaling $129,590.42 were approved.
The commission held a 10-minute executive session with County Counselor Dean for legal matters pertaining to security. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Special Aug. 15 Meeting The Elk County Commissioners met at 10 a.m. for the 2024 Primary Election canvass.
Commissioners checked each provisional ballot for validity using Chapter 3 of the Kansas Election Standards as guidance. Out of fifteen provisional ballots, six were accepted.
The six ballots were processed through the tabulator and totals were added to the Certificate of Votes Cast form as well as the permanent abstract book. Qualifying write-in names were added to the Tally Sheet Books. The Commission signed the permanent abstract book making the results official.
The 2024 Primary Canvass was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
