Sumner Newscow report — The following are the Sumner County Commissioner meeting minutes for June 6 and June 7, 2022:

June 6, 2022 – 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 Steve Warner, Commissioner Jim Newell and Commissioner John Cooney.   Also present were County Clerk Debra A. Norris and 80th House Representative Bill Rhiley.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of May 30 and 31.

E-911 Director Marcie Bristor provided updates on water issues within the office.  She advised maintenance has been notified and will be working on the issue.

An application to permit the supervised display of fireworks by Stellar Fireworks was reviewed by the Commission.  Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor advised all necessary paperwork was completed.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized Chairman Warner to sign the permit.

Jan Grace, Campus Operations Officer (COO) for the Cowley College – Sumner County Campus provided a campus update to the Commission.

At 10 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with Information Technology Director Joe Buresh to discuss non-elect personnel.  At 10:10 a.m., the Commission reconvened in an open session.  Chairman Warner advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

At 10:30 a.m., a public hearing was held for the opening of sealed bids received for the county legal publication for the year 2023 and 2024.  A single bid was received from Times-Sentinel Newspaper representing Conway Springs Star/Argonia Argosy.  The County currently pays $1.98 per column inch with the Conway Springs Star.  After reviewing the only bid received of $1.98 per column inch, the Commission unanimously designated Times-Sentinel Newspaper, as the official county legal newspaper for 2023 and 2024.  Notification will be sent to Times-Sentinel and county offices.

At 10:50 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 5 minutes with

Health Department Director Laura Rettig to discuss non-elect personnel.  At 10:55 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  Chairman Warner advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

Director Rettig advised of the retirement of Dr. Blunk as the medical consultant for the department.  A recommendation to appoint Dr. Keesling was presented to the Commission for consideration.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously appointed Dr.  Keeslig to serve as a medical consultant for the department.  Additional departmental issues were also discussed.

County Counselor Jack Potucek provided general reviews and updates.

A prepared resolution, Resolution No. 2022-18, re-appointing Jack Potucek as County Advisor for one year was reviewed and unanimously adopted.

The Commission was recently notified of the resignation of Gary Wolf as Chikaskia Township trustee.  The Commission appointed current township Clerk Mark Kendrick to fill the position.  The Commission then unanimously appointed Kyle Koehler as the Chikaskia Township Clerk for the remainder of the term.  Clerk Norris will notify the township officers of the appointments.

At 11:07 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with Deputy County Clerk Diana Aufdengarten, Insurance Clerk Jen Strickland, and Clerk Norris to discuss matters relating to specific medical issues (HIPPA) offered to employees.  At 11:17 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

County Treasurer Dannetta Cook presented the amount distributed for sales tax in the amount of $144,525.24.

The Commission reviewed a check received, in the amount of $722.40, from Theurer Auction for excess furniture sold at auction.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

———

June 7, 2022 – 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 Steve Warner, Commissioner Jim Newell, and Commissioner John Cooney.   Also present were County Clerk Debra A. Norris and 80th House Representative Bill Rhiley.

Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce Director Valerie Earl discussed the upcoming Kansas Wheat Festival with the Commission.  Director Earl advised a full carnival will be featured with a new vendor.  New ideas were shared as in an agricultural display of machinery and their workings.  Another new feature will be a candidate forum for the Commission positions.

At 10:13 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with County Counselor Jack Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter.  Clerk Norris was asked to remain in the meeting.  At 10:23 a.m., the Commission reconvened in an open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

Maintenance Director Joe Struble provided updates on many projects with the Commissioners.  Other discussions included the 2023 proposed budget.

Register of Deeds Jessica Anderson discussed personnel issues with the Commission.  A request for Liz Ramsey to help temporarily, using the technology fund.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized Registrar Anderson to move forward, waiving the pre-employment drug screening.  Additional discussion included storage and office space.

Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.

A prepared resolution was presented, rescinding Resolution No. 2020-23, as conditions no longer exist in Sumner County, endangering the public health, safety, and welfare of the county citizens.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2022-19.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 10:54 a.m.