Sumner County Commissioner minutes: May 23 – May 24, 2022
Sumner County Commissioners meeting minutes:
May 23, 2022 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular sessions in the Commission Room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Vice Chairman John Cooney and Commissioner Jim Newell. Chairman Steve Warner was absent. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris.
Economic Development Director Stacy Davis, with County Treasurer Dannetta Cook and County Appraiser Cindy Magill discussed the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) with the Commission. Also present were Treasurer Administrative Assistant Jennifer Helpingstine and Appraiser Clerk I Wilma Cullum. Discussion included website updates, city council meetings and future press releases promoting the program.
The program, if the property qualifies, provides up to 95% of tax rebate on property improvements. The Commission recommends paperwork, questions and promotions to be handled by the Appraiser Office and for Director Davis to move forward in working on an updated plan, to begin July 1, 2024.
Appraiser Magill discussed part-time temporary personnel for the department. The Commission discussed funding availability for the position. After discussion, the Commission unanimously authorized bringing in temporary staff for a period of six months, per policy.
County Auditor Lonnie Cooper provided an agreement for signature on the proposed single audit for the 2021 budget. A single audit is triggered when $750,000 of federal funding is expended in a calendar year. A single audit requires additional agreement and funding, from the original agreement. After discussion, Vice-Chairman Cooney was authorized to sign the agreement.
County Counselor Jack Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current year abatement orders in the amount of $1,268.06.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
———
May 24, 2022 – 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 Steve Warner, Commissioner Jim Newell and Commissioner John Cooney. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris and 80th House Representative Bill Rhiley, Maintenance Director Joe Struble, Julia Strnad and Amy Shoffner.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of May 16 and 17.
Maintenance Director Joe Struble provided departmental updates to the Commission.
E911 Director Marcie Bristor discussed equipment issues with the Commission and Representative Rhiley. Representative Rhiley advised additional funding could be available from the State SPARKS for the replacement of the entire radio system. Director Bristor will research the information presented.
At 9:30 a.m., the Commission held a public hearing on two zoning cases, with Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor. Also present were applicants Oh Happy Days LLC members Julia Strnad and Amy Shoffner, Economic Development Director Stacy Davis and Assistant Director Joslyn Heershe. The first zoning case, No. 05PC-22, requesting a zone change from “R-D” Rural District to “G-1” Recreation District, for the purpose of a venue facility (weddings, reunions, farmer/vintage markets & other large events). The tract contains 17.99 acres more/less, located at South Osborne Road & 10th Ave (HWY 160) with entry access proposed on South Osborn Road. Few spoke in opposition during the zoning meeting. The Planning Commission approved the zoning request. After discussion, the Commission unanimously approved and adopted Resolution No. 2022-14.
The second zoning case heard, No. 06PC-22, was an application by Oh Happy Days, LLC requesting a conditional use for a venue facility located at South Osborn Road and 10th Ave (HWY 160) with 17.99 acres more/less. No opposition was present at the zoning meeting. The Planning Commission voted 7 yes and 1 no, approving the request. After discussion, the Commission unanimously approved and adopted Resolution No. 2022-15.
Director Bristor introduced Next Era Wind Farm, acquired from previously approved Trade Winds. Representatives present were Natalie Schott, Alan Anderson, and Andrew Bena. Also present were Planning and Zoning Assistant Director Barry Fleming, Road and Bridge Superintendent Doug Finch, Engineer Nita Simonton and County Counselor Jack Potucek. The Next Era team advises construction will begin in April 2023 with 105 turbines with 3.03 megawatts/turbine. In the meantime, surveys will be conducted on roads and bridges in the area, creating a route and definite turbine locations.
An application for firework sales for Bellino Fireworks, Inc. was reviewed and discussed. After discussion, Chairman Warner was authorized to sign the permit as presented.
The Commission reviewed bids previously received for completing and updating the Suppesville Sewer District. Bids were received for survey, rock, sewer line, and fencing (chain link and welded wire/Tpost). After review, the Commission unanimously approved Director Bristor in moving forward with the project.
Counselor Potucek provided general reviews and updates.
County Attorney Larry Marczynski provided departmental updates. Attorney Marczynski invited the Commission, Clerk Norris, Counselor Potucek, and Representative Rhiley to tour the newly renovated County Attorney’s suite of offices.
The Commission received a resignation letter from Gary Wolff, Chikaskia Township Trustee. The Commission will review the letter, making a replacement appointment at a later date.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved payables in the amount of $1,057,801.35.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved current year abatement orders in the amount of $1,303.32.
There being no further business, the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 11:26 a.m.
