Sumner Newscow report — The Sumner County Commissioner minutes for July 17 and July 18.

 July 17, 2023 – 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 and 80^th House Representative Bill Rhiley.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

E911 Director Marcie Bristor and Deputy Director Cara Wichman updated the Commission on excessive condensation within the office, due to high humidity.  Director Bristor advised they are using tarps to cover electronic equipment.  The Commission will visit with the Maintenance Department on the issues.

Community Correction Director Brad Macy provided the Commission with the 2023 year-end report.  Director Macy advised the year end goals were met with a 75 percent success rate.

Appraiser Tyler White met with the Commission to discuss the 2024 budget request.  Various topics were reviewed with his request, including vehicle uses and needs.   After discussion, the Commission requested Appraiser White to recalculate wages of the 2024 budget request.

Financial Advisor Elliott Jackson discussed the 2024 budget with the Commission.  Also present was County Treasurer Dannetta Cook, Register of Deeds Jessica Anderson, Road and Bridge Director Doug Finch, Noxious Weeds Director Robin Ralls, Health Department Director Kelly Lacey and Director White.  Various budget lines were reviewed and discussed.

Registrar Anderson advised the cost of equipment and books has increased.  The Commission unanimously authorized the use of ARPA funding for the purchase of a needed stamp.

Director Lacey updated the Commission on a new grant of $18,000/year for 5 years from Workforce Alliance.  The intention of the funding is to cover the cost of current wages.  After review, the Commission unanimously authorized Chairman Cooney to sign the grant.

At 11:15 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with Director Lacey to discuss non-elect personnel.  At 11:25 a.m., the Commission reconvened in 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.

At 11:53 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with Counselor Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter.  At 12:03 p.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

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July 18, 2023 – 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 and 80^th House Representative Bill Rhiley.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved minutes of July 10 and 11.

Maintenance Director Joe Struble and Assistant Director Jimmy Thornton discussed heat and air issues within the courthouse.  Also present was Barry Dicker.  Additional discussion included landscaping and various other projects.

Barry Dicker discussed the Department of Energy (DOE) project and ceiling tiles installed in various buildings for testing.

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

County Counselor Jack Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter.  Also present was Clerk Norris, Mr. Dicker, Director Struble and Assistant Director Thornton.  At 10:10 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

A prepared General Services Agreement was presented to the Commission for installation of tiles within the Raymond Frye Complex (RFC).  The DOE project includes services provided by Corcoran Consulting Services for installation of the ceiling tiles. After review and discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized Chairman Cooney to sign the agreement.

Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.

Appraiser Tyler White reviewed the 2024 budget request with the Commission. Also present were County Treasurer Dannetta Cook and Deputy County Clerk Diana Aufdengarten.  Appraiser White presented a restructure of the department, making adjustments to the original request, including staffing and training.  The Commission authorized the restructure of the department and reduction of one staff.

At 11:05 a.m, upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 10 minutes with Register of Deeds Jessica Anderson to discuss non-elect personnel.  At 11:15 a.m., we reconvened in an open session.  Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

Registrar Anderson discussed the 2024 budget request with the Commission.  Discussion included office and furniture upgrades.

At 11:42 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into executive session for 8 minutes with

County Counselor Jack Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter.  Also present were Clerk Norris, Treasurer Cook, and Appraiser White.  At 11:50 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session.  No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.

A request to waive the rental fee at RFC for the Farm Bureau annual dinner meeting, scheduled for August 14, was reviewed.  After discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized the fee waiver with the deposit to be paid.

The Commission also reviewed and unanimously approved payables in the amount of $2,111.42.

The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current-year abatement orders in the amount of $2,030.90 and prior year abatement orders in the amount of $2,013.36.

There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 12:13 p.m.

I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners for the above date.