The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on January 26, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Commissioner Robertson opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Those in attendance:

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

Minutes: Robertson moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the 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 with two additions in New Business: DSS Contract and Flooring Issues. Motion carried. 

At 9:30 a.m. Mr. Curtis Cox, professional floor layer entered the meeting to explain the new flooring issues in the upstairs portion of the hallway. He explained that the flooring should not have been glued down as it did not adhere to the original floor. He suggested a higher quality than what originally had been purchased because he feels it will uphold the day to day foot traffic. 

Mr. Cox informed the BOCC if he was chosen that he and his company would try to work on the installation of the flooring on the weekends so there would not be as many interruptions. Cox went onto explain how it would be laid. 

Cox thanked the BOCC for their time and exited the meeting at 10:15 a.m. 

Sheriff Williams entered the meeting at 10:50 a.m. to discuss salaries. Sheriff Williams would like for his Deputies and Undersheriff to work a 40 hour work week. Adamson explained the Deputies and Undersheriff must work 171 hours before earning overtime wages, this is per statute. Discussion ensued as to why hours worked is different for law enforcement. Sheriff Williams said he will visit with the Undersheriff and Deputy and make sure his staff is onboard with the decision being made. 

Grants: Administrator Adamson reported the Workforce Retention Law Enforcement Grant in the amount of $7263.00 was approved. This grant will assist in the hiring process for Road Deputies. 

Landfill and Recycling Report: Brandon Murdock, a local scrap metal hauler in Kiowa County had been cleaning up at the Kiowa County Landfill and was transporting metal to a site near Denver. A load was rejected due to radioactive material that may have come from the local landfill. Murdock continued on hauling scrap metal without any further issues. 

Housing update: The sewer lines are now in the process of being laid. 

Oswald discussed the 2023 mini grants. No decisions were made as to what would be applied for. 

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

The regular meeting reconvened at 1:10 p.m. 

John Palmer, Fair Board Manager of the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Hugo Colorado, entered the meeting to discuss the future of the Kiowa County Fair. Palmer voiced concerns over that status of the fair and the future of another fair for Kiowa County. Other members of the audience to join in on the discussion were:

• Doug Uhland 
• Dustin Uhland 
• Hayden Uhland 
• Terrell Lessenden, Kiowa County Extension Agent 
• Krystal Eikenberg, Assistant to the Extension Office

Mr. Palmer highlighted as to how the Lincoln County Fair operates and how he has temporary employees for repair and maintenance duties at fair time. Otherwise it was up to him to help with the scheduling of special events and to take care of the fairgrounds. 

Dustin Uhland discussed the beer garden and the possibility of allowing beer throughout the fairgrounds. Administrator Adamson discussed the liability issues the County may face if it was allowed throughout the fairgrounds. 

There were no decisions made at this time. 

Those in attendance of the above-mentioned appointment exited the meeting at 2:17 p.m. 

Fair Board: Oswald moved to open for hire a Fairgrounds Manager at or up to $6,000.00 for the 2023 year. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact the Kiowa County Commissioner's Office at 719-438-5810, for further information. 

New Business: 

Reports and Upcoming Meetings were reviewed and signed. 

HCPF Letter for Transit: The BOCC needed to sign the letter.

Library Board Appointment & Bylaws: The Library Board is requesting a floating Board Member. After lengthy discussion, Lening moved to approve the Bylaws as presented and Robertson seconded. Motion carried. Lening moved, to approve Megan Herren as the Trustee and the Alternate Trustee will be Ashley Gooden. Motion carried. 

Building Permit: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the (residential solar) building permit located 402 East 9th Street. Chairman Oswald excluded himself from voting. Motion carried. 

Southeast Mental Health Secure Transportation License & Permits: Robertson moved, to sign the license for Southeast Mental Health Secure Transportation. Lening seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve seven vehicle permits for the Secure Transportation. Motion carried. 

CHP Designation: Robertson moved, to appoint Commissioner, Mike Lening as the CHP Designate. Oswald seconded the motion. Motion carried. Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve Chairman, Donald Oswald as the Alternate for the CHP Designation. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2023: Administrator Adamson requested two signatures for vacating of County Road Y East of CR 50 which was approved in 2016 but a resolution was never signed. 

HUTF Annual Report: Signatures from the BOCC were needed at this time. 

Bent County Jail Agreement: Oswald moved, to sign the updated Bent County Jail Agreement. Lening seconded the motion. Motion carried.

DSS Attorney Contract: Oswald moved, to ratify the Department of Social Services Attorney Contract. Robertson seconded. Motion carried. 

Flooring Issue: Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the removal of the current flooring on the upper level and reinstall new flooring on both levels. Lening questioned the additional cost to the County due to the new flooring project in the courthouse. Discussion ensued. Oswald requested Roll call. Oswald - Yes, Robertson - Yes and Lening - No. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting will be February 9, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. 

With no further business to discuss, Lening moved and Robertson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:16 p.m. Motion carried.