Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ regular weekly meeting on March 10th included: delinquent tax sale, sales tax, EMS services in Miltonvale, Health Fair, grant application, and more.
Christine Swaim, County Treasurer, presented documents to the Board of properties that will be up for the delinquent tax sale. She reported that they would dismiss the current case and add those parcels with additional eligible parcels to the new case. The Board also informed Swaim to draft and mail a letter to all property owners that will be on the sale before April 1st. Swaim presented the rough draft for the sales tax letter to the Board and was instructed to make some adjustments. The tax letter was signed by the end of the day.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, presented a bid for Chip Seal, passing unanimously. Shomper then discussed different pieces of equipment with the Board.
John Gier, Farmers Market Board Member, met with the Board to ask for permission to use the West side of the square for Farmers Markets this year. The Board allowed permission.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, joined by Blake Graham, Miltonvale Rural Fire volunteer, and Amy Lange, Concordia City Manager, to discuss an agreement for mutual aid to Star and Colfax townships in the Miltonvale area. Graham presented alongside Trembath a document that encompassed revenue, expense, runs, and previous mutual aid agreements. Miltonvale currently only has 4 EMTs, EMR, or Trained drivers. To operate, they must have two on-call volunteers at all times. This means that between volunteers, revenue, and expenses, they don’t have the means to be a stand-alone provider. Miltonvale has filed for a variance to help with the transport of patients to the nearest facilities. If there was a variance filed on Clay County’s side and a contract, it would allow both parties to merge EMTs for help but allow Miltonvale to keep equipment to stay a functional EMS ran by Rural Fire. Lange gave her constructive numbers in representation for Concordia. Their response time for the Meridith and Oakland townships would be reasonable at 22-25 minutes, but to reach Star township promptly while being short two full-time employees wouldn’t be the best option. Trembath asked the Board if they could just cover Star and Colfax townships under their license for Miltonvale’s first responders to be covered. Then, if in route to that area and service isn’t needed, they can be canceled, and Miltonvale’s volunteers would still be able to provide a service to their community. Commissioner Mayo asked if a typical run would make money so they wouldn’t need to supplement. Trembath said yes and also stated that Department Runs cost $16-18.00 per mile. Commissioner Carlson made a motion for Trembath to start drafting an agreement w/ a 6–8-month review to partner with Miltonvale for an ambulance agreement for Star and Colfax townships, passing unanimously.
Brenda Jordan, County Attorney, informed the Board of documents pertaining to the Landfill were done. The Board asked Jordan’s opinion on how to handle a current road issue, and she responded with the right-of-way solution vs building roads ourselves. Mr. Mayo asked for a resolution for bridge sales tax to be drafted as the County will need to renew its 5-year agreement and 10 years if possible. Jordan also stated that she would like to advertise for the part-time position budgeted for her office to help with diversions.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, reported that participation from the Road and Bridge department on Bluestem Electrics training course was slim. She stated that the course was full of knowledge and that people who participated learned a great deal from the presentation. Kemp also reported that she attended the Longford City Council Meeting Wednesday last week and got a lot of feedback from individuals. Most comments were that they would encourage more interaction with a County Commissioner and Sheriff at council meetings. Kemp said the Evacuation plan had great feedback from other individuals and is in draft number 8. She also reminded the Board of the Radio Communications on the 20th of this month.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, informed the Board of the Annual Health Fair from April 9th to April 15th. She shared that this year they will be offering a WALK-IN clinic on Saturday, April 12th. Rickley also stated she completed the State grants through KDHE that are due by the 17th and the Clay Counts Grants. Commissioner Mayo signed two event approvals for the Health Department.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, asked the Board to start the bathroom project at the jail. The Board informed him to proceed. He also informed the Board that the renewal for housing inmates for Fort Riley was up, and he made some adjustments before signing the document.
Natalie Muruato, Director Grow Clay County, met with the Board to review Clay County’s Small Business grant application. Muruato presented an example application to the Board and began by asking simple questions on how to edit the application to fit Clay County’s needs. The Board discussed raising the grant from $2,500 to $5,000 with a cap at $50,000. This would give 10 businesses the opportunity to receive the grant. Further details on the percentage and ratio were discussed, along with receipts of purchase and business plan requirements for the grant. Muruato said she would edit the details and return next week for the Board to review before finalizing. Alex Brown, a Concerned Citizen, discussed concerns over motor vehicle issues. Brown his concern with registering a vehicle he recently purchased. He stated he purchased a vehicle for the sum of $1.00 and was questioned about his sale by the treasurer’s office. Brown stated that in the process of registering his vehicle, he felt as if he had to ask for permission and wasn’t directly addressed with questions, but instead was asked from across the room for the general public to hear. Brown also reported that he had to make multiple trips to complete his registration process. Mr. Brown then continued to ask why the County doesn’t have a break for people who choose to pay cash vs. credit cards that have a fee of 2.5 %. Commissioner Mayo stated to Mr. Brown that he didn’t have much input because Ms. Swaim is an elected official who still has to follow the laws just like the other departments. Commissioner Mayo assured Mr. Brown that the Board would address his concerns and treatment with Ms. Swaim.
