Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on April 28th included: Right-of-Way, lifting chair, resolutions and plans, You Matter Tour, KDHE violations, Camp donation, and more.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, accompanied by Jeff Germann, Assistant Highway Administrator, and the Landowners Bob Heilman, James Chestnut, Everett Burt, Bob Buckley, Jamie Lorenson, Paige Lorenson, Eric Pfizenmaier, and Danny Mesalles, County Appraiser. Shomper addressed the room with the increased concern of survey flags along all landowners’ properties. Elk Road needs to be addressed in order to keep maintaining with a blade. Two options were presented to landowners and the Board. The first option being legalizing the road as it is and the right-of-way. This is the cheapest option and would be less invasive to all landowners. The second option would be to straighten up the road, and this option means moving fences to allow the road to match all of the legal descriptions/surveys. This option would cost the County more money. Shomper expressed that the end goal was to make a 40-foot right-of-way. After much discussion with landowners, a motion was made that the road stay as it is and be legally corrected with the County absorbing all costs associated, passing unanimously. The Board asked Shomper what he found out about the shoefly option for the bridge detour. He reported that the cost would be around $632,000, and that doesn’t include the fill material cost. This would also only allow for one lane instead of two. The Board asked Shomper if dust control for the detour and houses in that area could be applied to the road. He said that this would be feasible.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, brought with him the Elk (Electric lifting Chair) for demonstration so the Board could see what they invested in. Trembath showed the Board how the machine worked, and after the demo, said that it could also be used for heads-up CPR. Commissioner Carlson motioned that Trembath find another ELK machine around the price of $1,500 to purchase if available, passing unanimously. Trembath also stated that they received their first call to Miltonvale but were discontinued on the way there. There was a bit of delay in dispatch, and the department only has one radio to communicate so far. An employee of the department has been doing training to get the Miltonvale crew more experience and knowledge of what kits and equipment to have for calls, while trying to teach more efficiency. CPR classes are also being scheduled for the County.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, and Jim Bogart, Deputy Emergency Manager, met with the Board. Kemp informed the Board that this was her final report. She presented the Board with a bulleted list of things that were completed and things that would need to be completed. Kemp then discussed LEPC (local Emergency Planning Committee), Flood Plain Resolution, Fire Lien Resolution, Mitigation Plan, Evacuation Plan, Local Emergency Operations Plan, County Department Emergency Planning Updates, Republican Watershed, and Smokey Hill Watershed Planning.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, reported on the Clay Counts You Matter Tour, they had a speaker at the meeting, met with teachers after school, and then had an evening session for people to attend as well. Lawn services for the community garden have started and will have 2 full days of work. She stated their Quest Lab programs were doing well. As a group effort from the Health Department, Clerk’s Office, and Emergency Management, flyers to promote the Quest program were sent out to County employees.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that the Department has two dispatch stations. One computer that runs a radio has gone down, and all of the repairs and updates have come out of the 911 fund. Benninga also reported that Dusty Mullin was in contact with him about the placement of a culvert for the entry to the rodeo grounds. The culvert will help with better traffic flow for the Rodeos. Mr. Benninga referred him to Mr. Shomper, and arrangements will be made to complete this project.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, met with the Board to discuss the KDHE violations. Carroll has not heard from KDHE but has been researching her situation with other Counties and locations. She expressed to the Board that the particulars of a special waste permit seem to be different for different locations, and was curious why ours received violations. Chairman Mayo stated that he was under the impression that if violations were corrected that fines would be waived. Carroll also informed the Board that Hess Salvage was bundling metal and had hauled out five loads and should be done within 2 days. They also have one load of oil filters to be hauled. Ms. Carroll was encouraged to have her one landfill employee start spraying every chance available.
Natalie Muruato, Grow Clay County, and Sage Doll, Wakefield Business Owner, were present to submit Ms. Doll’s grant application. Ms. Doll is expanding and has purchased a home to renovate into a spa due to the lack of commercial properties for purchase. After discussing the business, a motion was made to approve Ms. Doll’s grant application and receive a sum of $5,000 out of the Economic Development fund.
Whitney Baer, Noxious Weed Director, presented a spraying update through email. She reported that behind the ESA building was sprayed, and both trucks were out and were run to make sure everything functioned properly. She is still waiting for the chemical to spray roadsides to arrive.
Leanna Grater and Gavin Grater, Clay County Wrestling Club, were present to ask for a donation to help aid in the costs of having Wyatt Hendrickson, D1 Champion, in attendance for a camp event. Grater explained to the Board that it’s a big deal to have a D1 Champion in attendance. He expressed that there are 150 kids registered, and roughly a third are Clay Center residents. After discussion, a motion was made to give $1,500.00 to the Clay County Wrestling Club’s camp event, passing unanimously.
