The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on November 9, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Commissioner Oswald opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

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

Vouchers: Lening moved, and Oswald 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. Two additions included in New Business: Cintas Sprinkler system and Fair board. Motion carried. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Grant Updates: Adamson reported the RREO Grant was completed and waiting on pictures for submission. 

The flooring for the Courthouse hallway has been ordered and been paid for through the SECOG Mini Grant. 

Landfill/Recycling: The wind this week has played a factor for the landfill. 

Adamson reported the State has provided a summary report for the EDOP Plan. 

Planning and Zoning: There are no other permits at this time but in the near future lnvenergy should be submitting permit applications. 

R & B Equipment Repairs: Chairman Oswald did want to note that he had spoken with Road Foreman Spady in regard to the $16,000.00 for repairs on a pickup. 

2023 Budget: There will be a budget meeting on Thursday November 10^th.

Upcoming meetings and Reports: Meetings and reports were reviewed and signed. 

Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to recess the regular meeting and move into the Excel Energy Public Hearing at 10:00 a.m. Motion carried. 

There were 29 people who attended the Public Hearing. These are the following names:

• Jennifer Bell 
• Tiffany Pulliam 
• Terry Laird 
• Gil McNeish 
• Julie Stencel 
• Rita Ruderman 
• Chad Rouse 
• Betsy Barnett 
• Darla Scranton-Specht 
• Doug Tallman
• Ryann Loomis 
• Nisha Fleschman 
• Greg Brophy 
• on Vaughn 
• Heather Brickey 
• Josh Peterson 
• Roger Saffer 
• Dusty Tallman 
• Jordan Weirich 
• Matt Campbell
• Ashley Valdez 
• Jason Lytal 
• Rich Belt 
• Steve Cunningham 
• Amber Dedus 
• Jenn Chester 
• Pamela Morgan 
• Chris Tallman 
• Michelle Nelson

Ashley Valdez, Information Officer for Excel provided insight for the Colorado Pathways Project on renewable energy. 

Valdez provided some of the Pros for the project. She stated that there will be temporary and some full-time positions that would become available while construction is going on. Some of these jobs will be full time after the completion of the project. 

During the question period, Doug Tallman did ask if Excel had received any commitment from the community. It was reported that Excel had received two letters of support, from Action 22 and Southeast Colorado Power Association. 

After further discussion on the economic consideration this project could bring in, Commissioner Robertson moved, and Oswald seconded the motion to conclude the hearing at 11:10 a.m. Motion carried. 

Oswald moved, and Lening seconded the motion to move back into regular session at 11:20 a.m. Motion carried.

Upcoming meetings and reports were reviewed and approved. 

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

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

NEW BUSINESS: 

Dennis Pearson, Director of Social Services reported that child welfare has been stable with no new cases being reported. 

There is an uptick in the Christmas presents for children in need. Last year Social Services reached out to 39 children. This year there has been 59 children in need of Christmas joy. Anyone interested in the Christmas Tree Fund for local children should contact the Department of Social Services. 

Oswald asked Pearson what the status was on the Public Health employee who may be assisting Social Services. Pearson has not heard anything back from Megan Hillman, Public Health Director, but will contact the Administrator's Office when that takes place. 

Pearson exited the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 

Cintas: Oswald moved to approve the service agreements with CINTAS for the annual inspections per the National Parks requirements for the fire and sprinkler system in the Murdock building. Lening seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Fair Board: Commissioner Robertson would like to get the fair board positions filled. The BOCC all agreed to get in contact with those that have showed some interest. 

Joe Shields, Mayor for the Town of Eads entered the meeting at 1:50 p.m. to discuss the trash rates for the Town of Eads. Shields asked that consideration for the Town of Eads trash rates be lowered so that the Town will not have to pass the rising cost onto the consumer. Discussion followed, with no decision being made. Shields thanked the BOCC for their time and exited the meeting at 2:10.

The BOCC further discussed the trash rates and was agreed that the County will not lower the rates for the Town of Eads.

The next regular Commissioner's meeting will be November 22, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. 

Lening moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:25 p.m.

/s/ Delisa L. Weeks, County Clerk

/s/ Donald Oswald, Chairman November 22, 2022