The regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on August 26, 2021; at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Lening opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those in Attendance:

• Donald Oswald, Chairman
• Mike Lening, Commissioner
• Delisa Weeks, County Clerk
• Tina Adamson, County Administrator
• Howard "Butch" Robertson, Commissioner. Absent until late afternoon due to Medical

Minutes: Lening moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the August 12, 2021; minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Vouchers: Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Motion carried. One voucher was clarified by Administrator Adamson.

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

09:15 a.m. Kaycee Strickland Director, of the Little Leaders Day Care; and board members Jennifer Crow, Debi Derby, and Dennis Pearson entered the meeting as members of the audience. Tearle Lessenden and Cindy McLoud entered the meeting a short time later. Strickland explained that she had just recently become a Certified Director and that the Daycare had closed due to the lack of qualified

helpers but would be reopening on August 30, 2021. She went onto explain that the Daycare has been struggling financially and wanted to know if there was some kind of support the County could assist with. Board Member, Jennifer Crow explained that the daycare had applied for several grants, but with COVID, funding came near to a halt. Debi Derby also explained that the State was to be making some changes that is to help Daycares be able to operate and stay more financially stable. Strickland said one of the hurdles they would be facing was to get children back in the daycare after they had to close the doors. Strickland will be reaching out to the community to let them the Daycare is open again.

Dennis Pearson, Director of Social Services had spoken with the Commissioners in an earlier meeting about using TANF Funding to assist with the daycare. After further discussion, the Little Leaders Daycare members thanked the BOCC for taking time to listen and exited the meeting. No action took place.

Cindy McLoud, Kiowa County Economic Development Coordinator; entered the meeting at 10:15 a.m. to discuss the different grants that she is working on. McLoud has been in contact with Tara Marshall, Regional Manager for DOLA has been answering questions in regards to the Legion Hall energy impact grant.

McLoud reported the Cactus Corner duplexes are under contract. McLoud exited the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

OLD BUSINESS:

Grant Updates/ Ag Events Grant Application: Adamson will be applying for an Ag Grant which is due September 10, 2021. Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve Adamson to apply for this grant. Motion carried.

Adamson discussed the Underfunded Courthouse Grant. She questioned if the Single Point entry was still on the agenda or were there other items that needed to be addressed. If we are not going to go any further on the Single Entry Point Adamson feels that the elevator needs to be addressed. We are still having issues with the elevator.

ARP Funding: Adamson said the reporting for the ARP Funding is difficult. Adamson will contact CCI and see if they can provide some guidance.

CDOT Transit Grant: The BOCC will be holding a work session to discuss the transit grant further. CDOT approved a $200,000.00 grant to purchase the Pearson Building for storage of transit vehicles for the State and the County may also get to use this building for storage of transit vehicles.

Fair/Inflatables: Adamson reported that there are several employees that will not participate in the work schedule of the inflatables. Scheduling will be difficult. Adamson is still working on the pricing of bracelets.

Landfill/Recycling Update: Employee is back at work full time.

COVID-19: Covid 19 cases have gone up by 5. We are up to 116 cases. Adamson has received questions in regards as to what will be implemented for fair. Hand sanitation stations will be up at the fairgrounds, as well as masks will be available.

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to recess for lunch. Motion carried.

Ambulance Service: There have been issues with the Medicaid portion, but Adamson is trying to work through them.

Sales Tax Update: Lening moved, and Oswald seconded to sign Resolution No. 2021-09. This is a resolution to approve and authorize a ballot question for the November 2021 Coordinated Election. Motion carried. Oswald moved and Lening seconded to sign the Letter of Agreement (IGA) with the County Clerk.

Census/Redistricting Update: Tabled.

County Road Issues: There have been no formal written requests for the road in question. No action taken.

Hospital Board: This was tabled due to ongoing issues. 

Upcoming meeting and reports: Oswald reported that SAGE, SEBREA, SCEDD, SECED, KCEDF, and RESADA are all moving along just fine.

NEW BUSINESS:

SECED/LAVAAA CSBG Funding: Oswald reported that there have been participants that have already utilized some of the CSBG Funds. The BOCC will contact Stephanie Gonzales, with Southeast Colorado Economic Development to get a better understanding of how this funding is being utilized without the County's knowledge.

Administration Time /Schedule: Discussion followed over the work load that Administrator Adamson is facing. Adamson feels that there are more demands coming her way with the alternative energy coming in. Lening suggested that she hand some of her work duties to the other two employees.

Commissioner, Howard "Butch" Robertson entered the meeting at 2:50 p.m.

Executive Session Attorney Consultation: Lening moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to recess the regular meeting and move into Executive Session at 3:03 p.m. The Executive Session was held to discuss legal consultation of a matter. CRS 24-6-4(b). Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to move out of Executive Session and back into the regular meeting at 3:47 p.m. Motion carried.

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to adjourn the regular meeting

at 4:03 p.m. Motion carried.