Summary of minutes provided by Clay County/Image courtesy Ryan Duey
During the Clay County Commission meeting on March 16th, several topics were discussed including road work, event approvals, weekly reports and more. Commissioner Thurlow, Commissioner Carlson, and Commissioner Mayo were present.
The Board reviewed and approved payroll totaling $141,399.25. They also approved accounts payable for 2025 totaling $110,271.88 and for 2026 totaling $133,550.08.
Landowner Bob Wietharn met with the Board to ask who would be the primary contact for a road project grant. Commissioner Thurlow suggested Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper, who would manage the project. The grant, if awarded, would fund a 2027 project. Wietharn noted heavy traffic from his business and farm, with a vehicle or semi leaving his drive every 12 minutes over five months. The Board signed a support letter to accompany the grant application for the asphalt road project.
Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper updated the Board on weekly activities, including blading roads, dirt projects, hauling rock, installing a culvert, and replacing damaged or stolen signs. Equipment was moved from winter storage back to the Highway Department, and trucks were prepped for possible bad weather. Shomper provided cost estimates for placing a dock at Clay County Park and reported paying $4,675 for diesel software renewal and $4,423.12 for toolboxes, fuel tanks, and pumps for new pickups. Corrected invoices for the pickups showed a total of $50,900. The Board also approved support letters for a speed limit study east of Clay Center on Highway 24.
EMS Director Alec Trembath met with the Board to provide the weekly report. The department has responded to 216 calls so far. Clay County EMS is hosting an EMT student from Barton Community College. Trembath also requested that County Maintenance check several outdoor lights that are not working and replace bulbs as needed.
Emergency Manager Jim Bogart gave the weekly report to the Board. He presented a $3,730 quote from Bloom Construction to install a new 10’x10’ metal overhead door with a Jackshaft opener at the ESA building, which the Board approved to be paid from the County General Fund. The Board also approved Bloom Construction to replace two restroom exhaust fans at the ESA building. Bogart reported that the next Fire Chiefs meeting will be March 19 in Clay Center, and Blue Stem Electric is offering free high-voltage power line training for the Highway Department, which the Board made mandatory.
The Board received a letter from the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, Inc. requesting the appointment of Barbara Gearhart to fill a vacancy on their Board of Directors. The term runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Commissioner Mayo motioned to appoint Gearhart to represent Clay County, Commissioner Carlson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Alan Benninga updated the Board, reporting that no bids were received for a used Dodge Durango to replace the jail transport vehicle. The Board approved allowing him to spend up to $24,000 for a similar vehicle. He also shared that he is applying for a grant to purchase license plate reader cameras and plans to buy Leonardo Cameras if the grant is awarded.
Commissioner Thurlow reported that Clay County Park Manager Chuck Arnold sent three certified letters to customers who had not paid for their stays. These individuals will not be allowed to camp at the park this year.
County Clerk Kayla Wang met with the Board to present two event approvals. The Board signed both, allowing employees from the County Clerk’s Office to attend training in Manhattan and Salina, Kansas.
The Board adjourned the meeting at the Courthouse at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. at the Clay County Landfill for a tour.
The Board of Commissioners toured most of the Landfill to assess its condition and then met in the office with Landfill Director Rhonda Carroll, Jarred Brooks of Schwab Eaton, and County Clerk Kayla Wang. Mr. Brooks provided maps and drawings showing the current landfill cells and estimated how many more years the site could be used. The Board approved for Mr. Brooks to prepare a letter of support for them to sign, recommending re-permitting with KDHE. The Board also reviewed various areas of the Landfill and directed Ms. Carroll to have mattresses and e-waste cleaned up and removed by the end of March, even if it incurs additional costs. Ms. Carroll was instructed to provide a status update on the cleanup at next week’s meeting.
The Board adjourned the Landfill meeting at 12:20 p.m. and reconvened at the Courthouse at 12:27 p.m.
County Treasurer Christine Swaim and Motor Vehicle Clerk Elizabeth Mendoza met with the Board. Ms. Mendoza requested permission to use 8 hours of vacation accrued for next year, even though she has not yet reached her one-year anniversary with the County. The Board approved her request. Ms. Swaim also presented four event approvals, which the Board signed, allowing County Treasurer’s Office employees to attend training and meetings in Manhattan, Topeka, Stockton, and Dodge City on various dates.
Commissioner Carlson motioned to approve up to $4,000 for Double L to build a trash rake for the Landfill, to be paid from the Solid Waste Fund. Commissioner Mayo seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
