The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on, August 14, 2025; at 9:06 a.m. by Commissioner Donald Oswald. Oswald opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Donald Oswald, Chairman 
• Howard "Butch" Robertson Commissioner
• Mike Lening, Commissioner 
• Tina Adamson, County Administrator

Members of the Audience: Justin Causey with lnvenergy, Cindy McLoud and Betsy Barnett 

Minutes: Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the July 24th,2025 BOCC Minutes. Motion carried. 

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

Agenda: Lening moved to approve the agenda as presented, Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

OLD BUSINESS 

Grant Updates: 

Adamson reported that we are still waiting for the COOT grant to be posted online so a request to purchase the building can be submitted. The east sidewalk grant has been approved and will be scheduled. Doors for the fairgrounds are in and installation will be next week. Adamson is awaiting an estimate from H&H for electrical hookups and Taylor Plumbing for water and septic for the RV site at the fairgrounds. Several other projects are estimated and ready for us to apply for mini grants. 

Cindy McLoud presented to the BOCC that the town of Haswell is looking for parcels that can be donated to SECED for development through the Regional Housing Authority. She gave an update on the State Historic Fund Grant and Federal Tax Credits. McLoud stated that Kelly Courkamp will be applying for a second SHF grant to complete the interior phase of the Legion Hall. If or when we receive the tax credits those funds can be used for completing the kitchen at the Legion Hall. McLoud asked about the status of the DOLA REDI grant to fund KCEDF and we are still waiting for those funds to be available. That grant should provide $50,000 per year for the next two years for KCEDF. McLoud exited the meeting. 

Jeff Scranton, Landfill Foreman entered the meeting at 9:30. 

Landfill/Recycling Update: Scranton updated the BOCC on the status of the tire recycling. Fees for semi tires has increased to $14 per tire. The charge to dispose of tires with rims still on will be an additional $20 per tire as staff would have to remove the rims prior to recycling. Oswald moved to approve the new rates for the landfill, Lening seconded and the motion carried. 

Scranton advised the BOCC that the estimated life of the landfill is being revised by the engineer and if we want a more reliable estimate of life it will cost an additional $1000. The BOCC agrees that we should wait for more need before we spend the additional funds. Landfill life is estimated based on volume of waste, quantities of cover dirt and the compaction rate of waste. 

AQCC Regulation 31 update: Scranton discussed the regulation's status. He has been attending the hearings and urges the BOCC and other stakeholders such as the Town to attend the August 20th hearing and comment on this regulation's adverse impact on our ability to operate a cost effective landfill. 

Sheriff's Update: 

Sheriff Williams entered the meeting to discuss the issues the department is experiencing. The State's drug offender surcharge on tickets is to be allocated to education. Details will be researched to make sure we are using the funds correctly. He stated that the fingerprint machine will need to be replaced soon and the cost is approximately $22,000. Robertson moved and Lening seconded to approve purchase of the new equipment. The Sheriff is currently looking for additional employees and vehicles to prepare for the upcoming renewable energy construction.

Hospital CEO, Beth Bell, and Ambulance Director, Bryan Mattuski, entered the meeting to give an update on the hospital and ambulance service. Bell requested that we complete the Resolution that was provided last year as that will improve their Medicare funding. She reviewed the financial statements for this year with the BOCC. They have applied for grants for two ambulances in which the County's donation of $350,000 will provide for the match for the grant. The ambulance service is looking at moving towards ALS (advanced life saving) ambulances rather than the BLS (basic life saving) ambulances that we currently have. They are currently working on staffing and education for the upgrades they are planning. KCHD is currently looking into options to build an ambulance barn as housing the new ambulances will be tight in the current facility. Bell is working on the estimated impacts that are needed for the County's Impact Analysis which is being drafted by HROP Law firm. The RETAC Grant and education plans were discussed. Status of their mobile clinic was reviewed. Bell stated that dental providers, Josh Brothers, out of La Junta will be using it to provide dental services starting in October. This should be a very positive benefit to Kiowa County residents. 

Housing Update: Construction at Cactus Corner Apartments is making good progress. Options for additional housing in the county were discussed.

Lening moved, and Oswald seconded, to recess for lunch at 12:09 p.m. Motion carried. Regular session resumed at 1 :09 p.m. 

Planning and Zoning: Adamson reported that she received an inquiry regarding permitting requirements for a tactical training facility. The applicant will be providing a business plan and present it to the BOCC. 

Road & Bridge Update: Issues with the roads due to rain and construction projects were discussed. The BOCC decided that they would assist the foremen by driving the roads to help determine areas that are in need of repair. 

Sales/Use Tax: Adamson will provide the Clerk with a letter of intent to participate in the November election. Incentives to vote in favor of the tax along with plans for use of the tax revenue were discussed. No decision has been made at this time. A work session will be scheduled for further discussion. 

Lodging Tax: KCEDF will vote on Monday as to whether or not they will serve as the Tourism Board. Both motels have been notified of their requirement to collect and pay lodging tax. 

NEW BUSINESS 

Time Off Requests: None. 

Progress Report: No report.

Auto Damage Claim: Adamson reported that one of the Sheriff's vehicles was damaged by hail and a claim is being filed. 

Lening moved and Robertson seconded to approve the Gooden Subdivision Exemption request. Motion carried. 

Employment Issues: The staff shortage was discussed. Ideas were shared to obtain staff for the Maintenance and Road & Bridge departments. 

SECRHA Letter of Support: Lening moved and Robertson seconded to approve the letter of support for the Southeast Colorado Rural Housing Authority. Motion carried. 

SECED EZ Letter of Support: Robertson moved and Oswald seconded approval of the SECED enterprise zone letter of support. Motion carried. 

The Department of Social Services provided a list of repairs and improvements they would like to have in their building. They have been awarded grant funds that can be used for these improvements. The BOCC reviewed the list and suggested hiring local contractors to complete the items due to the shortage of staff in the maintenance department.

Executive Session: At 3:00 Oswald moved and Lening seconded to go out of regular session and move into executive session per C.R.S. 24-6-402(4){b) for the purpose of attorney consultation regarding 1041 regulations and permitting. 

Motion carried. Those in attendance were Donald Oswald, Michael Lening, Butch Robertson, Tina Adamson, Donna Adame and the law firm of SGSJ, Torie Jarvis and Barbara Green. 

At 4:06 Oswald moved and Lening seconded to go out of executive session with the attorneys and move into an interview for a Road & Bridge position with District 1 Foreman, Bobby Kern. 

At 4:50 the Board returned to regular session. 

Lening moved and Robertson seconded to offer the position of equipment operator to Chase Stolzenberger. Motion carried. 

With no further business, Lening moved to adjourn at 4:57 p.m., Robertson seconded, motion carried. 

The next regular meeting of the Kiowa County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday August 28th at 9:00 a.m.

/s/Donald Oswald

Donald Oswald Chairman 8-28-2025

/s/Roland Sorensen

Delisa L. Weeks County Clerk