The regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on March 24, 2022; at 9:10 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: Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2022, meeting as presented. Motion carried.

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

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

Cindy McLoud, KCEDF Coordinator; entered the meeting at 09:15 a.m. and provided further information on the SCEDD Housing Project.

OLD BUSINESS:

Road and Bridge Equipment: The BOCC has agreed to sell two road graders as well as some of the Sheriff's Office vehicles. Administrator Adamson will check with Purple Wave and Big Iron on the fees before advertising.

Jon Saunders: Mr. Saunders with SECOM entered the meeting to discuss the need for broadband in the eastern portion of Kiowa County. Saunders has been applying for RFP Funding as well as requesting funding from the State to assist in this kind of upgrade for Kiowa County. Saunders explained the need for more political push for better broadband for the rural communities. Saunders thanked the BOCC and exited these meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Kevin Brandon who also works with SECOM entered the meeting to offer information on solar energy and the impact it could have. The BOCC explained the amount of electricity that the County pays each month and are very interested in receiving further information on the cost savings for solar in this area. Mr. Brandon exited the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to recess for lunch at 11:55 a.m. Motion carried. The regular meeting reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

Lenny Verhoeff entered the regular meeting to discuss a property issue he is having with the railroad. Verhoeff will keep the BOCC informed of the issue. Verhoeff thanked the BOCC and exited the meeting at 1:23 p.m.

Impact Fees: Commissioner Robertson questioned the current Impact Fees and the need to modify some of these fees. Administrator Adamson will contact the surrounding counties and see what their fees are and will have more information at the next meeting.

Jim Collins with CSBG/Transit/SB21-290 Funding. Mr. Collins and Charity Markus with SE Tran Board and Administrative Assistant Jordan Weirich entered the meeting at 1:50 p.m. to discuss the 6 county region transportation funding. Discussion followed. Collins and Markus exited the meeting at 2:40 p.m.

Michael Yerman and Brent Frazee with SCEDD entered the meeting to discuss further on the Housing Project. Yerman reported the construction on the hospital property will begin very soon. Yerman explained that the funding would continue just as agreed. Yerman and Frazee thanked the BOCC and exited the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to recess the regular meeting for the maintenance job interview at 3:13 p.m. Motion carried.

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to move back into regular session at 3:40 p.m. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Reports and Upcoming Meetings: Reports were reviewed and signed.

Fair Theme: Two theme entries were received and reviewed. Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the theme "Blue Ribbon Time" presented by Mary Marble. Motion carried.

New Hire Report: The newest employee was discussed. Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to terminate the employee. Motion carried.

Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to hire Johnathon Koziol for the Maintenance position. Motion carried.

Public Health Contract: Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to sign the Public Health Master Task Order Contract. Motion carried.

SETRAN Board: Administrator Adamson and Administrator Assistant, Jordan Weirich; agreed they did not think they would need to join the SE TRAN Board. The BOCC agreed with the recommendation of declining the offer. Motion carried.

Shelter: Administrator Adamson asked if the county could use the Community Building as a shelter when there is a storm and the roads are closed. She explained that the recent storm had left 3 motorists and their families stranded in their vehicles. The BOCC agreed they could open up the Community Building for such related weather closures.

Employee Wage· Correction: Lisa Thomas, CMP Coordinator missed the raise that the rest of the county employees received. She asked if she can be included in the raise that the county employees received, that continues to work 5 days a week. Her payroll is funded by the Collaborative Management Regional Group. The BOCC agreed to the raise.

Leave Donation Request: Social Service Director, Dennis Pearson; asked if he can transfer some of his leave time to one of his employees. Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ARPA Money & Housing: The BOCC will need to make a decision whether the County wants to purchase and build or buy a house.

With no further business to discuss, Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:22 p.m. Motion carried.