The regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on April 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., by Chairman Donald Oswald. Oswald opened the meeting with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in Attendance: 

Donald Oswald, Chairman

Howard "Butch" Robertson, Commissioner

Mike Lening, Commissioner

Delisa Weeks, County Clerk

Tina Adamson, County Administrator

Kemma Alfano, Kiowa County Librarian, provided an annual report for 2020. Alfano is moving forward with an outdoor reading program that is scheduled for this summer. The library has received some donations that will also go toward the summer reading program. 

Alfano exited the meeting at 09:45 a.m.

Minutes: Robertson moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the March 25, 2021 minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Vouchers: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Motion carried.

Agenda: Oswald moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Additions: Old Business-Sales Tax Question and New Business-General Discussion. Motion carried.

Todd Mariott, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager entered the meeting in person and Rena Griggs, Colorado Parks & Wildlife by virtual video conferencing. Marriott said that CPW is eager to assist in the Off Road Track but the biggest concern is resources. Marriott referred to the natural habitat but believes they will adapt to the noise and activities. He said he would like to know how big this track would be and estimates of how many people might use the facility. He wants to know how the County plans to keep them from leaving the track. He said the big concern is those that would leave the track area and then traveling on the Parks Service acreage. Marriott feels it is all manageable, but it will take some time to find a balance for the hunters, fisherman and A TV Riders and management of the crowds.

Discussion then followed with the Lake Clean up Agreement. Adamson had spoken with the road foremen, and they all agreed if the BOCC approved the road and bridge employees will take turns in caring for the Lake Clean-Up. Marriott concurred with this suggestion. 

Oswald moved and Robertson seconded the motion to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement between Kiowa County and Colorado Parks & Wildlife for the Lakes Clean Up at the Great Plains Reservoirs. Motion carried.

Chairman Oswald asked Marriott what the status of the Shalberg Pond/Sheridan lake Pond was. Marriott explained that an aerator had been placed in the pond in hopes this would increase the oxygen level but so far there has not been much success in keeping the fish alive. Marriott said they will continue to monitor the situation. 

Marriott exited the meeting at 10:35 a.m. as well as Rena Griggs, who was on by video conferencing.

Ambulance Service: Eunice Weber, Ambulance Coordinator for Kiowa County entered

the meeting at 10:55 a.m. to provide a monthly update for the Ambulance Service: Weber reported that Med -5 and Med- 6 have new tires placed on them Ambulance Med-3 had a new battery put in it. Weber said that the RETAC Grant will pay for the new consolette for the ambulance service. There were 9 ambulance calls for the month of March. 

Weber exited the meeting at 11 :28 a.m.

Executive Session: Personnel Matters per Title 24, Article 6, Section 402 (F) (I). Oswald moved and Robertson seconded the motion to recess the regular meeting and move into Executive Session at 11 :30 a.m. for Personnel Matters with legal counsel. Motion carried. Oswald moved and Lening seconded the motion to move out of Executive Session and back into regular session at 12:05 p.m. Motion carried.

Robertson moved and Lening seconded the motion to recess the regular meeting for the lunch hour at 12:06 p.m. motion carried.

The regular meeting reconvened at 1 :06 p.m.

Dennis Pearson, Department of Social Services, entered the meeting to provide a monthly report for his department. Child welfare cases have been on the rise as well as the Adult Protection Services.

The LEAP Program continues on through May 31. 

Pearson exited the meeting 1 :25 p.m.

Jeff Scranton, Landfill Operator entered the meeting at 1 :30 p.m. to provide information on the Free Dump Day that was held on April 11, 2021. He said that there were 122 people who used the landfill with 94,200 pounds of waste were taken in on this date.

Since the beginning of the recycling program there has been 103,740 pounds of cardboard recycled. They are still asking for volunteers to help with the recycling. 

Scranton exited the meeting at 1 :55 p.m.

Sheriff Sheridan entered the meeting to provide information on the recent "Bomb Threat". He explained that there were several other counties that had received this similar type of call on April 11. Several agencies came into assist with this call.

Sheridan exited the meeting at 2:15 p.m.

Sales Tax Update: Administrator Adamson wanted to review what could be taxed. The BOCC was in agreement that we would the same items as the State taxes, nothing additional.

There will public hearings set for each commissioner's district to give the taxpayers an opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions regarding the proposed county sales tax.

Various Boards: Lening moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to appoint Pam Cole to the County Hospital Board. Robertson abstained from voting. Motion carried.

Adamson had received one application for the fair board position. She will set up a time for an interview.

Lening moved and Oswald seconded the motion to send a letter of concern in regards to the fair board. Motion carried.

Upcoming meetings and Reports: Meeting and Reports were reviewed and signed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Building Permit: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the permit for Jess and Andrea Buller. Motion carried.

Jacob Fehr Residence: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded building the motion to approve the building permit pending the PCPHE approval of their septic system. Motion.carried. 

KCVN: Robertson moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the two machine storage/shop building permits located at KCVN headquarters. Motion carried.

Lening moved and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the Bartlett Elevator Expansion building permit in Towner, Colorado. Motion carried.

Subdivision Exemption Applications:

Oswald moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the subdivision application with survey being required for Pete Koch. Roll call taken: Robertson - Abstained, Lening - Yes and Oswald - Yes. Motion carried.

Oswald moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the subdivision application with survey required for Floyd Barnes. Roll call was taken: Robertson - Yes, Lening - Yes and Oswald - Yes. Motion carried.

Fair Parade Theme: Shellie Engelhardt submitted the parade theme "Kiowa County ... Bustin Out and Bustin Loose in 2021 ". Lening moved and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the Parade Theme as long as the Fair Board approved of it. Motion carried.

Fair Board Liquor License: Robertson moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the Liquor License request from the fair board for June 17, 2021 and September 9,10, and 11(fair). Motion carried.

Employee Appreciation Day: There will be an Appreciation day for the County Employees on May 28., 2021.

With no other business to be heard, Robertson moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:24 p.m. Motion carried.

Donald Oswald

Chairman

Delisa L. Weeks

Kiowa County Clerk