The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on September 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Lening opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

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

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

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

Member of the Audience: Patrick Breslin from lnvenergy entered the meeting at 9:00 am to be available for questions. He introduced a sister company called "Reactive", and inquired of any needs the County might have for a community solar project. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Grant Update: The west sidewalk project at the courthouse is underway. The north sidewalk is open and looks very nice. Replacement of the east sidewalk will be considered next year, application for additional grant money will be required. Discussion ensued regarding further repair needed to address the water damage and standing water issues at the courthouse. 

Donna Adame, County Administrative Assistant had applied for a Transit-Van Grant for a 14-passenger bus and a minivan. She received notification of an award letter informing her of the grant approval up to $217,000. The County is required to pay 20% of the cost for each vehicle. Adame will be researching both the 14-passenger bus, and an ADA compliant minivan. 

Planning & Zoning Update: The Xcel Substation Amendment was discussed. Xcel needs to amend their permit to add a synchronous condenser and more interconnection lines. These additions will double the original footprint of the substation size.

Adamson met with "Adapture Renewables", a company bidding for a Solar Farm in Cheyenne County, called Smokey Hills Solar Ranch. The substation will be built in Kiowa County. Permitting was discussed, and the P&Z Board agreed to require the 1041 permit. 

Repairs: The courthouse sidewalks were discussed; the fans under the grandstands are completed. Electrical for the Fairgrounds were discussed. The trench for the underground lines has been buried at the fairgrounds, and the electrical meter was installed last Friday. Handrails for the courthouse entrances will be ordered. 

Fair Update: The electrical project for this year has been completed. Possible replacements of certain breakers are being considered, as well as electrical upgrades from the pole west of the community building, to the arena, and including the rodeo announcement booth. Bids are being considered for the 2025 project implementation. New door latches for the bucking chutes have been installed. 

Discussion took place regarding the future Bouncy House operation and management. Adamson is currently considering how to obtain this necessary management for future fair-times. 

Ballot Questions: There will be informational meetings on the Sale/Use Tax proposal, and the Lodging Tax proposal. The BOCC encourages the public to attend the meetings to get clarification on current issues. 

New Business

Meeting and Reports were reviewed and signed. 

SCEDD - The dues will likely remain unchanged for 2025 at $1000 per year. 

TV Tower Report: Presently, the signal is working fine. During times of moisture, the signals may be lost intermittently. 

Clerk Report: The Motor Vehicle Department will be closed on Election Day, November 5, 2024, due to the State's concern for this upcoming election. There is concern that smaller counties may have issues with uprisings. 

On September 25, 2024 Kiowa County Emergency Manager, Shellie Englehardt and County Clerk Weeks will be attending a security meeting in Lamar. Members of the Secretary of State's Office will be in attendance reviewing security protocols for the 2024 General Election. 

Sheriff Activity Report: Undersheriff Marlow entered the meeting at 10:30 am. Discussion ensued regarding neighboring dispatch centers. Marlow communicated our specific dispatch needs for Kiowa County. In addition, he informed the BOCC that all requirements have now been met in regard to placing the Naloxone box in the Courthouse. Both Administrator Adamson and Undersheriff Marlow discussed the placement of the box, which is now located in the foyer of the west entrance to the Courthouse. Marlow exited the meeting at 10:45 am. 

Mr. Dennis Pearson, DSS Director, entered the meeting at 11:30 am to provide the DSS Report. He shared that The Collaborative Management Program sends the Kiowa County Public Health yearly funds. This year, Kiowa County Public Health received $83,177.00 from this entity.

Pearson reported the Food-Stamp program for the month of July was at $62,000.00. Typically, the Food-Stamp program runs about $42,000.00 per month. Pearson commented that allotments have not been raised; the source for this increase is unclear. He reminded the BOCC that this program is run directly through the State. The County does not provide any funding for this program. Pearson also reported that the commodities are now back to normal. 

Mr. Pearson exited the meeting at 11:45 am. 

Leave Donation Request: Robertson moved to approve the leave donation requests. Lening seconded. Motion carried. 

Employee Resignations: Sergeant Avery Snover's resignation will be effective October 4, 2024. Courthouse Security Deputy Gian Cassone's resignation will be effective October 3, 2024. The Commissioners thanked them both for their services and wished them the best in their future endeavors. 

Gooden Building Permit: The Gooden's have applied for a zoning permit for the construction of an AG Shop, located at 12676 County Road 41.5. 

Barnett Building Permit: Marty Barnett has applied for a building permit located at 14135 Prairie Place. Lening moved, and Robertson seconded for both permit's approval. Motion carried. 

Oswald moved and Robertson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 12:04 p.m. Motion carried.