Sumner Newscow report — The approved Sumner County Commissioner meeting minutes for Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, 2025 are as follows:

February 10, 2025 – 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 Jim Newell, Commissioner John Cooney and Commissioner Steve Warner.   Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris, County Treasurer Dannetta Cook, Assessment Clerk Jen Strickland, Deputy County Treasurer Jennifer Helpingstine and County Advisor Jack Potucek.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved minutes of February 3 and 4.

At 9:01 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into executive session for 10 minutes with Advisor Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter.  Also present were Clerk Norris, Treasurer Cook, Assessment Clerk Strickland, and Deputy Treasurer Helpingstine.  At 9:11 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken.

At 9:30 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 30 minutes with Emergency Management Director James Fair and Deputy Director Collette Pottier to discuss non-elected personnel.  Also present were Clerk Norris and Advisor Potucek.  At 10:00 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken.

Citizens Charles Bible, Mike Brunhoeber and David Chambers provided information on chemicals used in production of windmill blades.  Additional discussion included environmental studies, the alleged hazards to crops and livestock health in areas where the wind farms are located.  A copy was provided of the reviewed agreements that are signed between wind farms, the county and property owners.

At 10:50 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  At 11 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  Chairman Newell advised no binding action was taken.

The Commission reviewed an application for license to retail cereal malt beverage submitted by Mad Concessions, LLC.   Clerk Norris reported that the required notices were sent to required township.  The Commission unanimously approved the renewal and authorized Chairman Newell to sign the license.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:27 a.m.

February 11, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse.  Those present were Chairman Jim Newell, Commissioner John Cooney and Commissioner Steve Warner.   Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris.

At 9:07 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into executive session for 10 minutes with County Counselor Doug Pfalzgraf for an attorney/client privileged matter.  Clerk Norris was asked to remain.  At 9:17 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken.

Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor provided departmental updates.

At 10:16 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into executive session for 30 minutes with Director Bristor to discuss non-elect personnel.  County Advisor Jack Potucek was also present.  At 10:46 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. Chairman Newell advised no binding action was taken.

E911 Director Marcie Bristor provided departmental updates.

Advisor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.

Rural Water District No. 2 requested waiver of the rental fee for Raymond Frye Complex on Thursday, February 13 for the annual water district meeting.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current year abatement orders for $43,734.37.  Prior year abatement order were reviewed and unanimously approved for $499.58.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved mid-month payables for $886,896.67.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:17 a.m.