Sumner County Commissioner meeting minutes: Feb. 5 – Feb. 6, 2024
Sumner Newscow report — The following is the approved Sumner County Commissioner Meeting Minutes for Feb. 5 and Feb. 6.
February 5, 2024 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Chairman John Cooney, Commissioner Jim Newell, and Commissioner Steve Warner were present. Also present were County Clerk Debra A. Norris, County Attorney Doug Pfalzgraf, Maintenance Director Joe Struble, and Assistant Director Jimmy Thornton.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of January 29 and 30.
At 9 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 5 minutes with Counselor Pfalzgraf for a privileged attorney/client matter. At 9:05 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Director Struble and Assistant Thornton provided courthouse building updates to the Commission. With updates provided, the Commission authorized Maintenance to attach window locks on all windows located on the lower level.
Economic Development Director Stacy Davis provided the Commission with an updated draft of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) for the county. The current program expires June 30, 2024. Once adopted, the program would be effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2034.
Holly Harper, Cowley College Vice-President of Finance, provided updates on the Sumner Campus. Ms. Harper announced Zach Cooper has been hired as a replacement for Jan Grace, beginning in June 2024. Enrollment is up with continued growth at the Sumner County campus.
Register of Deeds Jessica Anderson updated the Commission on office updates, including painting and flooring.
Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Barry Fleming and Administrative Assistant Megan Templeton presented Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor with 30 years of service to the county plaque.
Director Bristor and Road and Bridge Director Doug Finch provided information from last week’s meeting with NextEra for a wind farm within the county. Also present was County Advisor Jack Potucek. The project, originally approved 2016, is ready to move forward. A construction time line for NextEra Energy, Wild Plains Wind Project, aka Wind 2 was presented to the Commission for review. Attending the meeting included NextEra, Mortenson, Kirkham Michael, GE, and county officials involved, including Road and Bridge and Planning and Zoning. The project includes 109 turbines with the ground to tip of the blades 582 feet with aircraft detection lighting used. The area involved east edge to Oxford Road, west edge to Hydraulic Road, south edge to 50th Street South, North Edge 60th Ave. North, townships involved are Harmon, Avon and Oxford.
Appraiser Tyler White met with the Commission with personnel issues. The Commission approved the hiring of a former employee with benefits, including returning at the rate of vacation time accrual as when they left. An agreement was also made for the use of vacation time before one year due to a scheduled pre-employment vacation.
Advisor Potucek provided a general review and updates.
There being no further business, the Board of County adjourned at 12:04 p.m.
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February 6, 2024 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Chairman John Cooney, Commissioner Jim Newell, and Commissioner Steve Warner. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris.
Slate Valley Sewer District President Sarah Oldridge questioned the Commission procedures once the bond for the sewer district is paid in 2025. The Commission referred Ms. Oldridge to the Peck Improvement District Board member Jon Bristor for guidance.
Treasurer Administrative Assistant Jennifer Helpingstine provided the amount received from sales tax for the month of January as $145,195.23.
Economic Development Director Stacy Davis announced Sumner County now has a HUB Zone, which fuels the growth of small businesses in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) by providing certification for preferential access to federal contracts. The area included within the zone starts at E 50th Ave North and goes south on North West Road to the west side of A Street, then South to 11th Street. At 11th Street, it goes west to North G and south on Hoover to 50th Street South at which time it then goes west to Drury Road. At Drury, it travels north to connect with E 50th Ave North. The Wellington Airport and industrial park are included in a designated HUBZone. Additional discussion with Director Davis included budget and projects within the department.
Robert Casad, Blue Flame Biopower provided updates to his project proposal for Kingman, Harper and Sumner Counties. Mr. Casad requests a letter of support to the Kansas Governor, Kansas Attorney General and Kansas Secretary of Agricultural for the project to come to the area. A second grant for fuel/natural gas vehicles and stations was also discussed. Additionally, the creation of a Rural Agricultural District (002) to apply for grants would be necessary. The Commission will research the request and discuss with the County Counselor.
E911 Director Marcie Bristor discussed protocol for dispatch, allowing personnel into the courthouse after hours. Additional discussion included possible certification of E911 dispatchers from Cowley College for employment.
County Advisor Jack Potucek provided general review and updates.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current-year abatement orders for $313,518.11 and prior-year abatement orders for $3,144.16.
There being no further business, the Board of County adjourned at 11:22 a.m.
