The regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioner’s was called to order on July 25, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman 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, Administrator

Member of the audience: Natacha Kiler, Invenergy Project Development

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

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

Agenda: Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended with one addition. Motion carried. Old Business: Senate Bill 24-131Sensitive Spaces. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

Grants: The sidewalk renovations are on schedule at the courthouse.

The maintenance crew will be making repairs on the fairground grandstand seating and stairs. We will apply for grant funding such as GOCO to replace the existing seating in the future.

Administrator Adamson will be meeting with the State Historic Society in the coming weeks to discuss the Legion Halland the renovations that are currently being completed and what is going to happen in the next phase.

The Demolition Derby is canceled for this year due to lack of volunteers.

Assistant Administrator Donna Adame has applied for a passenger bus for the County Transit service. The 2012 van is having some challenges. Adame is waiting to hear if Kiowa County has qualified for the grant.

Landfill/Recycling Update: The signage has arrived for the aluminum cans and plastic containers. They will be affixed to the recycling trailers soon. The new signage will be placed on the recycling containers to deter the disposing of regular trash in these receptacles. The County is hopeful the signs will encourage residents to respond positively.

Planning & Zoning Update: The P & Z Board will meet on August 6^, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. They will review/approve building permits that have been completed.

The applicant, whom was previously hired as Land Use Manager, declined the position due to unclear expectations on whether the position would be full or part time.

Southeast Recycling Contribution: After a lengthy discussion regarding a possible need for additional recycling dumpsters for the Southeast Recycling Program, Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to request that a stipulation of our donation of $5000.00 is that Southeast needs to add 4 dumpsters to Sheridan Lake. Eads and Haswell will not be receiving additional dumpsters. Roll call vote was taken. Oswald-Yes, Robertson-Yes and Lening-No. Motion passed.

Bill Fields entered the meeting to introduce himself as the interim Field Manager for the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. He may transfer from Tennessee to Kiowa County.

Mr. Fields explained about the different type of grants available for the National Park. He explained the FLAP (Federal Lands Access Program) Grant would be one we could apply for to possibly pave the county road from Highway 96 to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. It is a non-matching grant to assist with access roads to and through National Parks. The BOCC thanked Mr. Fields for the information and expressed an interest in pursuing the grant.

Mr. Fields exited the meeting at 10:22 a.m.

Senate Bill 24-131: Prohibiting Carrying Firearms in Sensitive Spaces. This act prohibits a person from knowingly carrying a firearm, both openly and concealed, in government buildings, including their adjacent parking areas. This would include a courthouse or other building used for court proceedings. Unlawful carrying of a firearm in a government building is a class 1 Misdemeanor. No action was taken at this time.

Janelle Crow, Kiowa County Veteran’s Service Officer entered the meeting at 11:00 a.m. to further discuss the agreement between Kiowa County BOCC and Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners. This agreement will allow Mrs. Crow to assist Veterans in Kiowa and Cheyenne County. Both Counties’ BOCC’s agree that there will be some items to be addressed. Mrs. Crow will contact Glen Marciniak, State Veteran Director for further action.

Crow exited the meeting at 11:30 a.m.

Natacha Kiler exited the meeting at 11:35 a.m.

Upcoming meeting and Reports were reviewed and signed.

NEW BUSINESS

Time off Requests: None.

New Hire Progress: The Road and Bridge Foremen reported the newest employee is doing a great job.

Invenergy Office Lease: Commissioner Lening moved, to approve the Office Lease for Invenergy. Robertson seconded, motion carried.

Building Permits: Lening moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the Verizon permit for construction of an equipment building at an existing communication tower. Motion carried.

Providence Farms: Robertson moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the building permit for Providence Farms.

With no other business to discuss, Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:26 p.m. Motion carried