The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on January 25, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman, Donald Oswald. Commissioner Robertson 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

Members of the audience: Cindy McLoud, KCEDF Director and Patrick Breslin with lnvenergy and Betsy Barnett, Treasurer of Kiowa County Economic Board. 

McLoud and Barnett both came to the table to discuss the need of funding in order to keep KCEDF in business. Barnett requested that the BOCC take into consideration in the amount of $7,500.00 to help keep KCEDF operating. 

Barnett and McLoud explained that Economic Development had applied for a grant application in the amount of $45,000.00 to help keep going, but it was not approved. Barnett said they are considering selling some of the acreage on the south side of the pond. Barnett also discussed that they may have to cut some of Mcloud's hours as the Director. 

Barnett and McLoud thanked the BOCC for their time and consideration. 

Lisa Schlotterhausen with Southeast Colorado Economic Development entered the meeting at 10:00 a.m. to introduce herself. She will be assisting in the process of grant writing for SCEDD. Schlotterhausen said she will assist in finding a grant that would help replace the seating at the grandstands. The BOCC said they would like to find some kind of assistance for broadband also. Schlotterhausen thanked the BOCC for their time and exited the meeting at 10:20 a.m. 

Minutes were not available at this time. 

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

Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended, with 1 addition. Motion carried. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Grants Updates: 

Administrator Adamson discussed the mini grants and what the County could apply for. No action taken. 

Landfill/Recycling: Jeff Scranton, Landfill Foreman entered the meeting to discuss the collection of trash that was brought in over the 2023 year. There was further discussion over what kind of machinery could be possibly purchased to assist in compacting trash and recycling. Scranton exited the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

Planning and Zoning: There will be a meeting in February to discuss the impact fees. 

Courthouse A/C Update: The new air conditioners have not been installed and now the heaters are not working properly on the east side of the Courthouse. 

Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to recess the meeting at 11:58 a.m. for lunch break. Motion carried. 

The regular meeting reconvened at 1:00 p.m. 

Upcoming meetings were reviewed and approved. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Time off Request: Lening moved, and Robertson seconds the motion to approve the one time off request, Motion carried. 

Robertson moved and Lening second the motion to approve the Leave Donation Request. Motion carried. 

The New Hire Progress Report: Everyone is happy to have the newest employee to the Maintenance Department. 

COSI Letter of Support: Robertson moved, to approve a $2,000.00 contribution to Lamar Community College. Oswald seconds the motion. These funds will assist in local scholarship recipients who will attend college next fall. 

Regional Mitigation Plan Participation: Oswald moved and Lening seconded the motion to approve the Regional Mitigation Plan. Shellie Englehardt, Emergency Manager will be attending meetings with Homeland Security, where these Mitigation Plans can be utilized. Motion carried. 

Library Board Resignation: Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve Alternate Member, Ashley Gooden as a Library Board Member. Motion carried. The BOCC would like to thank Brenda Stoker for her services as a Board Member. 

KCEDF Funding Request: Lening moved, and Oswald seconds the motion to donate $7,500.00 to KCEDF. Motion carried. 

Chamber of Commerce Dues: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to donate $250.00 to Eads Chamber of Commerce. Motion carried. 

Manhattan Life/ Attentive Insurance: Discussion ensued over some of the processes the agent had completed while he was here. No action was taken. 

HUTF Miles Certification: Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the HUTF miles in Kiowa County. Motion carried. 

National Park Service Lease: Administrator Adamson discussed the Lease payment with the National Park Service. It has not been paid in several months. Adamson will try to contact the Director and see why they are in arrears with the County.

The next regular meeting will be held February 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 

With no other business to discuss Oswald moved, to adjourn the meeting at 3:40 p.m. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

/s/ Delisa L. Weeks County Clerk

/s/ Donald Oswald Chairman