The following article was created using the Sept. 9 regular and the Sept. 19 special meeting minutes of the Elk County Commission (ECC), which were approved at a recent ECC meeting. The ECC meets weekly at 1 p.m. on Mondays.
Chairman Jake Liebau called the regular Elk County Commission meeting to order at 1 p.m. Commissioners Doug Hendricks and Perry Russell were present as well as County Clerk Kerry Harrod and County Counselor Paul Dean. The Aug. 26 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
During open forum, Dr. Justin Spiehs stated the Aug. 12 meeting minutes were incorrect because they did not reflect that he spoke and was shut down from speaking in that meeting during public forum. Michael with Lawrence Accountability stated he received an email from County Counselor Dean regarding the open records request. Michael stated he did submit complaints to the Attorney General’s Office for violating the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) and the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Michael spoke of Elk County employees violating county policies and questioned if disciplinary actions would be taken and also asked when the entrance button to the courthouse was going to be taken down, stating it was a Fourth Amendment violation.
Reports were given in regards to the EMS office manager position and the repaired recycling building garage door.
Stephanie Ollenborger with Register of Deeds presented the report for August. They had a total of 50 instruments recorded and a total deposit of $2,526.
Shari Kaminska with Community Development stated lemonade day was Friday through Monday and stated there were at least 14 lemonade stands. Kaminska stated several of the kids are donating their profits to organizations they are interested in.
Properties were discussed noting the Dove Road property in Moline will be listed with Johnson Realty and Kaminska presented two concept drawings from MKEC Engineering for the site layout at 1285 Evergreen in Moline. Discussion was had regarding the drawings with no action taken.
Two executive sessions were held, totaling 11 minutes, regarding nonelected personnel to discuss performance review with no action being taken. An 11-minute executive session was had for matters relating to legal to discuss security measures. No action was taken. A 6-minute executive session was held to discuss legal matters. No action was taken.
County Attorney Jill Gillett presented a quote for a portable surveillance camera for the Sheriff’s Office. This camera will be used for surveillance throughout the county where needed. Gillett would like to pay for the camera out of the diversion fund. It was moved and seconded to approve the purchase in the amount of $3,550 to be paid out of the diversion fund.
The addendum to the procurement and purchasing policy for the BASE Grant was approved as presented.
During commission discussion, is was noted that Marc Hunsaker, an Elk County Sheriff’s Deputy for nine years, recently passed away and the Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge him with a plaque. Kaminska stated she withdrew the FEMA application for the property at 300 N Plum in Moline.
Abatements PP24-0135, Payroll in the amount of $282,779.31 and Warrants in the amount of $152,011.99 were approved.
Commissioner Russell moved and Commissioner Hendricks seconded the motion to adjourn at 2:42 p.m. The motion carried 3-0.
Special Meeting
Chairman Liebau called the special meeting of the Elk County Commission to order at 4 p.m. on Sep. 19. Commissioners Hendricks and Russell and Clerk Harrod were present.
A 10-minute executive session was held pursuant to the confidential data exception to discuss real estate with Clerk Harrod present. After returning to the open session, it was noted that a verbal offer of $23,500 was made for the property on Dove Road in Moline. A motion was approved to have Chairman Liebau be the negotiator and make a counter offer on the property.
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.
The next regular meeting of the Elk County Commission will be held on Monday, Oct, 14, at 1 p.m.
