Sumner County Commission meeting minutes: March 27 – March 28, 2023
Sumner Newscow report — The Sumner County Commissioner meeting minutes for March 27 and March 28.
March 27, 2023 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular sessions 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. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of March 20 and 21.
At 9:30 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for five minutes with Interim Appraiser Tyler White to discuss non-elected personnel. Clerk Norris was asked to remain in the meeting. At 9:35 a.m., the Commission reconvened in an open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Interim Appraiser White requests a temporary employee to help with additional calls during the public hearing process of valuations. After discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized the hiring.
At 10 a.m., a public hearing was held for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help address the shortage of skilled trades, the need to fill jobs across the county, and keep youth engaged in our communities with the Youth Job Training (JT) Opportunity. Those present included Economic Development Director Stacy Davis with Ranson Financial Group, LLC representatives Rose Mary Saunders and Crystal Hinnen. The grant will help high school students to further their education with life skill/trade classes (auto mechanics, HVAC, plumbing, welding, etc).
The grant would require a 25 percent match from the local government, to a total of $25,000, with a two-year sunset, using ARPA funding. The discussion also included no expense if no one uses the grant. Chairman Cooney opened the hearing for public comments. Terry Nunemaker asked particular questions about the program. Chairman Cooney closed the public hearing. After public comments, Chairman Cooney was authorized to sign documents as presented.
A prepared resolution was presented to the Commission, certifying legal authority to apply for the 2023 Kansas Small CDBG Program from the Kansas Department of Commerce and authorizing the Commissioner to sign and submit such an application. After discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-03.
A second prepared resolution was presented to the Commission, assuring the Kansas Department of Commerce that funds will continually provide for the operation and maintenance of improvements to the Youth Job Training system to be financed with community development block grant funds. After discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-04.
At 10:23 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. At 10:38 a.m., the Commission reconvened in an open session. Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
County Counselor Jack Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current-year abatement orders in the amount of $4,986.37. Prior year abatements were also approved in the amount of $245.00.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:11 a.m.
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March 28, 2023 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in a 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 was County Clerk Debra A. Norris.
Maintenance Director Joe Struble and Assistant Director Jimmy Thornton provided departmental updates to the Commission. County Counselor Jack Potucek was also present.
E-911 Director Marcie Bristor and Assistant Director Cara Wichman introduced Motorola representative Aaron Corcran for discussion on mandated upgrades to the E-911 system, including quality communications equipment. Several features were highlighted for discussion. The Commission will review the information provided.
A prepared letter of support was presented to the Commission for the Oxford Kansas Museum grant. The museum’s goal is to preserve the history of the families and businesses of Oxford. Citizens Kim Silhan and Kenny Thomas were present to answer any questions of the Commission. After discussion, the Commission unanimously signed the letter of support.
At 10:21 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 20 minutes with Interim Appraiser Tyler White to discuss non-elected personnel. At 10:41 a.m., the commissioners reconvened in an open session. Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
The Commission unanimously appointed Interim Appraiser White as the Sumner County Appraiser for the term ending June 30, 2025, adopting Resolution No. 2023-05.
Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
The Commission presented and reviewed a prepared agreement with Suzanne R. Mellen, a specialist in hospitality and gaming consulting and appraisal services. After discussion, the Commission authorized the agreement to be signed by Counselor Potucek, representing Sumner County, with the $10,000 retainer fee paid and sent with the agreement.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current-year abatement orders in the amount of $12,975.96. Prior year abatements were also approved in the amount of $49,952.52.
The Commission also reviewed and unanimously approved month-end payables in the amount of $507,845.16.
At 10:58 a.m., the Commission recessed to tour the Sumner Memorial Gardens.
At 11:07 a.m., the Commission reconvened at the Sumner Memorial Gardens. Counselor Potucek and Noxious Weeds Director Robin Walcher were also present.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:58 a.m.
