Flags in front of the Kiowa County Courthouse in Eads, Colorado. The building is surrounded by trees.

Kiowa County Commissioners meeting minutes - July 24, 2025

Kiowa County Courthouse in Eads, Colorado. © Chris Sorensen

(Kiowa County Press)

The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on, July 24, 2025; at 9:00 a.m. by Commissioner Butch Robertson. Robertson opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Howard "Butch" Robertson
Mike Lening, Commissioner
Delisa Weeks, County Clerk Adrienne Yates, Deputy Clerk
Tina Adamson, County Administrator
Chairman, Donald Oswald was absent.

Members of the Audience:

Bryce Barbier, lnvenergy
Jeff Scranton, Landfill Foreman entered the meeting.

Minutes: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the July 1 Oth,2025 BOCC Minutes. Motion carried.

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

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

OLD BUSINESS

Grant Updates:

Adamson reported that Public Health's EOC grant, funded by COVID-19 allocations, was extended, with $55,724 allocated for wages. A $53,754 grant was awarded for operating expenses, travel, and salaries. The CDEG grant is open for applications; funds may be used for water systems, community centers, and health clinics. Lening noted it could support the Play It Forward Foundation's center. Adamson is 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 have been ordered; installation will be scheduled. Adamson is awaiting an estimate from H&H for electrical hookups at the fairgrounds.

Landfill/Recycling Update:

Commissioner Lening met with William Osborn regarding 20 acres east of the landfill. There was discussion about transferring the land to the county. Osborn requested assistance from the county in advancing the COOT Hwy 96 paving project from Sheridan Lake to the Kansas line. Osborn was advised that COOT has the project on the state's 10-year plan and it is not likely the BOCC could make a positive difference with that.

AQCC Regulation 31:

Scranton discussed the regulation's status: a pre-hearing is set for July 28th, followed by a rebuttal, then a three-day hearing at the end of August. After discussion, it was agreed that Administrator Adamson will draft a letter requesting support in opposing this regulation to area County Commissioners, Landfill Managers, SECED, and Representatives.

Sheriff's Update:

Sheriff Williams discussed potential population increases during wind tower construction and the possible impacts and needs.

Housing Update:

None.

Planning and Zoning:

Adamson reported a developer is considering leasing west-end property for potential wind development. She has spoken with the Cossa Institute regarding the moratorium and regulations; they offer consulting services and wish to be informed of future projects.

Adamson informed the Board that the PUC denied the tribal request to have special consideration and the PUC to regulate siting energy facilities near tribal land.

Adamson provided a draft letter to be sent to gravel pit owners for BOCC review.

A public hearing will be scheduled in August for a new pit and road. The road's only delay is pending resolution.

Baxter House Demo:

The County will not assist with demolition but will consider a landfill discount.

Robertson moved, and Lening seconded, to recess for lunch at 12:10 p.m. Motion carried. Regular session resumed at 1:09 p.m.

DSS Update:

Audrey Johnson reported the Department received the CSTAT 2024 Distinguished County Award for meeting goals. A new hire is attending training and is expected to be certified by October. The 4th of July Community Voice Surveys were successful; data is still being compiled.

Sales/Use Tax:

Adamson will provide the Clerk with a letter of intent to participate in the November election and will schedule a work session for further discussion.

Tourism Board:

Tabled until KCEDF provides an update.

NEW BUSINESS

Time Off Requests: None.

Progress Report:

The new landfill employee is performing well. Both R&B employees are doing well.

Leave Donation Request:

One request was approved (Robertson moved, Lening seconded, motion carried).

Medical Leave Bank Pool:

Adamson requested establishing a pool for eligible employees, funded by hours remaining when employees leave employment. No county cost, as hours are not payable upon separation. Lening moved, Robertson seconded, motion carried.

VSO IGA with Lincoln County:

Adamson presented the IGA outlining the position scope. BOCC signed the agreement to share a Veterans Service Officer with Lincoln, Washington and Cheyenne Counties.

PSCO ROW Permits:

Approval granted for three temporary-to-permanent access road permits Lening moved, Robertson seconded, and the motion carried.

Ports to Plains Resolutions 2025-7, 2025-8, 2025-9:

Resolutions approved as follows:

2025-7: Supports the future Interstate Highway Formula Program.
2025-8: Supports the future Interstate Feasibility Study for the Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, and portions of Ports-to-Plains high-priority corridors.
2025-9: Supports future interstate designation for the above corridors and numbering future interstate segments.

County Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy:

Added language to personnel policy covering pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion testing (Lening moved, Robertson seconded, motion carried).

Bank Account Authorization:

Robertson moved, Lening seconded, to designate Roland Sorensen and Adrienne Yates as alternate signers for the County Clerk. Motion carried.

DSS Credit Card Authorization:

Lening moved to authorize Audrey Johnson as responsible signer for the DSS credit card account, card, and checks. Robertson seconded, motion carried.

Employee Resignation/Department Transfer:

Nick Johnson will transfer to Courthouse Security; Jonathan Kozoil will assume the Maintenance Supervisor position (Lening moved, Robertson seconded, motion carried}.

Building Permits:

Residential pole barn residence for Chad and Trista Tuttle.
Verizon installation of a new equipment building and generator with pad at an existing tower.

Lening moved and Robertson seconded to approve both permits, motion carried.

Collaborative Management Program IGA:

Lisa Thomas reported updates to deliverable due dates and extended the contract length to 18 months (now due in January instead of July}. Lening moved, Robertson seconded, and the motion carried.