Sumner County Commissioner minutes: May 15 – May 16, 2023
Sumner Newscow report — The following is the Sumner County Commissioner meeting notes for May 16 and May 17.
———
May 15, 2023 – 9 a.m.
The Sumner County Commissioners met in a 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 were County Clerk Debra A. Norris and Terry Nunemaker.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of May 8 and 9.
At 9:30 a.m., the Commission held a public hearing regarding a request to vacate The North 200 feet of N. Cedar Rd. (Pine St. per Milton Plat of 1903 and the West 346.75 feet of W. 123rd Ave N. (Oak St. per Milton Plat of 1903), all in the town of Milton, Eden Township, submitted by Ron Heimerman. Those present included Heimerman and Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor.
County Clerk Norris reported the required notice was sent to adjoining property owners and Eden Township Officers, with notice of the hearing published in the Conway Springs Star. During public comments, Mr. Heimerman and Director Bristor provided a history of this case to the Commission. After review and discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-12, closing the requested roads.
At 10 a.m., the Board of County Commissioners, acting as the Board of County Canvassers, reviewed the votes cast and provisional ballots for the USD 360 Special Bond Election in Caldwell (question passed 281 to 127). Election Official Norris reported a 37.04 percent turnout with 406 ballots cast from the 1,076 registered voters. There were nine provisional ballots presented for the Canvassers to review. Based on standards from the Secretary of State, it was determined that 3 provisional ballots would count. After review, the Board of Canvassers signed the Certificate of Canvass.
E911 Director Marcie Bristor provided information concerning the 2024 budget request.
Economic Development Director Stacy Davis discussed the Sumner County Broadband Consortium with Jill Kuehny (KanOkla) and Diane Thompson (Haviland Broadband) present. A request of ARPA funding, not to exceed $200,000, for the Cost-Share program for State and Federal Broadband grant co-investment.
At 11:13 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 20 minutes with County Counselor Jack Potucek for an attorney/client privileged matter. Clerk Norris and County Treasurer Dannetta Cook were also present. At 11:33 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
At 11:42 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 20 minutes with County Appraiser Tyler White to discuss non-elect personnel. At 11:47 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. Chairman Cooney advised no binding action was taken due to the executive session.
There was no further business, so the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:31 a.m.
May 16, 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.
Resident Mark Hopp asked the Commission to be able to apply for Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) even though the project has already begun. The Commission will review the program specifics, notifying Mr. Hopp later.
Register of Deeds Jessica Anderson discussed the 2024 budget with the Commission. The Commission will review the request as presented.
Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor discussed pending projects with the Commission. County Counselor Jack Potucek was also present.
Rylan Zimmerman, Ag Services, discussed the NRP with the Commission. Also present were County Treasurer Dannetta Cook, and Administrative Assistant Jennifer Helpingstine. Discussion included how the program works and awareness on behalf of taxpayers. Treasurer Cook provided specifics of the program.
County Auditor Lonnie Cooper discussed the 2022 audit with the Commission. Cooper also identified the need for a single audit due to the amount of federal funds expended.
Decent Energy President Barry Dicker provided the Commission with a Department of Energy update. He introduced Dr. Chuck Booten, Ph.D, Senior Engineer with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), discussing a different, additional project direction. Also present were Laura Lombardi, Dwayne Corcoran, Economic Development Director Stacy Davis and Assistant Maintenance Director Jimmy Thornton. Discussion included the tile project of energy savings with the DOE project.
At 11:30 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 5 minutes with Counselor Potucek for an attorney/client privilege matter. Clerk Norris and Treasurer Cook were also present. At 11:35 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
At 11:45 a.m., upon unanimous vote, the Commission entered into an executive session for 15 minutes with Counselor Potucek for an attorney/client privilege matter. At 11:55 a.m., the Commission reconvened in open session. No binding action was taken as a result of the executive session.
Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
