The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on February 22, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Oswald opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Those in attendance were:

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

Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the February 8, 2024 minutes. Motion carried. 

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

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. There was one addition to Old Business and one deletion to New Business. 

Cindy McLoud entered the meeting to provide information on the housing projects for Sheridan Lake and updates on the Crow Luther Projects. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Grants Updates: 

Discussion ensued over the Transit/Coroner building that is to be constructed at the fairgrounds. Adamson will be contacting the State regarding the status of the grant. 

Courthouse Security Grant: Adamson will check with the Sheriff's Office to see who will be overseeing this grant. 

Planning & Zoning: Administrator Adamson had issued a letter to Mr. Osborn, Attorney for KICT., in reference to the permitting for the Stockton and Galatea Elevators. Adamson said if she had known they were going to be grain elevators instead of grain bins, she would have required Conditional Use Permitting.

Discussion ensued with no action taken. 

Commissioner Lening opened the discussion as to who would oversee the Land Use Manager position. Administrator Adamson said she feels it needs to stay in her office. Adamson said the new Administrative Assistant will be learning this position, but with all the other job responsibilities at hand she thought it may take a little longer before putting her in that position. There was continued discussion without any action taking place. 

Courthouse Updates: 

Robertson moved to use the 400-amp breakers for the completion of the electrical work at the courthouse. Oswald second the motion. Motion carried.

Tearle Lessenden, Kiowa County Extension Agent, entered the meeting to invite the BOCC to a Lasting Legacy class that will be held on March 5, 2024, at the Community Building. This informational meeting will explain life-changing situations as folks age and how early financial planning may help avoid burden during the aging process. Lessenden thanked the BOCC and exited the meeting. 

Ken Shearer, with LAVAAA, (Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging) introduced himself as the new Director for this organization. He provided information on the different types of services they offer the elderly. This organization may be able to assist with the cost of hearing aids, dentures, and glasses for those that qualify. He encouraged the BOCC to have the local board members from Kiowa County attend the monthly meeting that is held in La Junta. Mr. Shearer thanked the BOCC and exited the meeting. 

Road Foremen Allen Watts and Rick Spady entered the meeting to provide updates for the Road and Bridge Department. 

Watts has built a pad for the new fuel tank at the Eads shop. He also reported the tank was being painted at this time and then it will be installed.

Watts then discussed some issues with county roads. 

Spady reported that one of the Mack trucks need major repair, and it will be $20,000.00 to get it completed. Discussion ensued with no action taken.

Road Foreman, Rick Spady submitted a letter of resignation that will be effective March 22, 2024. Mr. Spady has been with the Road and Bridge Department for forty years. The BOCC would like to thank Mr. Spady for all his years of service to Kiowa County. 

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to recess the meeting for lunch at 11:55 a.m. Motion carried. 

The regular meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m. 

Meetings and Reports were reviewed and signed. 

New Hire Report: The new employee is working well. 

Ballot Question: Chairman Oswald moved to put a Sales and Use tax question at 1.5 percent and a lodging tax at 1 percent on the 2024 November General Election. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

LAVAAA Resolution of Participation: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to sign the LAVAAA Resolution of Participation. Motion carried. 

Public Health Cost Allocation Plan/Indirect Rate: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the Public Health Cost Allocation Plan. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-2 opposing illegal Immigration: Robertson moved, and Lening seconded motion to sign Resolution 2024-2 Opposing the Entry, transportation, employment, settlement, and support of undocumented, illegal and/or undocumented immigrants in Kiowa County, Colorado. Motion carried. 

The next regular meeting will be held on March 14, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 

Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:45 p.m. Motion carried

/s/Delisa Weeks, County Clerk

/s/Donald Oswald, Chairman