Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on April 7th included: Medical Center expansion, chip seal project, bridge replacement, Community Baby Shower, operations plan, and more.
Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC, reported that the concrete in the clinic parking lot is being torn out and re-done. The wellness center parking lot project has started with the new curb and guttering being poured. They are hoping to open the new parking lot in May. The Family Physicians Clinic renovations are to be completed in June. He also informed the Board that the new CFO has started and that CCMC has begun the year financially good.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, and Doug Jenkins, Highway Employee, met the Board. Jenkins reported that he is back to work and wanted to thank the Board for the Sick Leave hours that were given to him for his surgery. Shomper stated that this year’s chip seal project is scheduled for the last week of May and the first week of June and the asphalt project will be the last of July and the first part of August. He also informed the Board that the bridge located at 3rd Rd. & Cherokee Rd. is in bad shape and needs to be replaced soon. The bridge on Deer Trail Rd between 3rd Rd. & 4th Rd. that is scheduled for replacement is in better shape than the one on 3rd Rd. & Cherokee Rd. Shomper recommended that they move the bridge project from Deer Trail Rd. to Cherokee Rd. A motion was made to replace the bridge in worse condition, passing unanimously.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, stated that they had participated as a vendor at the Community Baby Shower that was held at the Clay County Medical Center last weekend. This provided some resources that are available in the community and great support for new parents. He also informed the Board that the Department will be hosting an EMT Class training in mid-August. Currently, they have 7 individuals that have shown interest in taking the class. Also, the Medic Units will be going in for the annual inspections for the State licensing.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, and Jim Bogart, Deputy Emergency Manager, met with the Board. Kemp reported that she has distributed the updated Continuity of Operations Plan for Clay County to each of the Departments. Bogart updated the Board on the variance request to build in the Flood Plain that was received last week. The landowner has decided to build in a different location outside of the Flood Plain. 26 people attended the storm spotter training that was held last week. Bogart also reported that there were a few issues found with the inspection of the generator at the ESA building that need to be fixed. The Board granted permission to have the generator repairs done by JP Electrical.
Patrick Smith, KCamp Risk Manager, presented a check to Clay County for having a low loss ratio on property and liability insurance.
Janel Michaud, CCARE President, Christine Murchinson, Secretary, Sandy Fox, Treasurer, Patricia Halstead, Member, George Murchinson, Member, and John Rieb Jr., Shelter Manager, met with the Board to give an annual update on the shelter. Michaud reported that adoptions have been down in numbers. Murchinson reported that the T & R program is still active mostly within the City of Clay Center. CCARE has a contract for a monthly appointment with the KSU Mobile Surgery Unit to spade or neuter a minimum number of cats. The shelter in 2024 had an intake of 136 dogs and had 140 adopted out. CCARE currently has one full-time and two part-time employees. The Board stated that they would be willing to donate again this year. A motion was made to donate $8,000 to CCARE for the year 2025, passing unanimously.
Christine Swaim, County Treasurer, presented the title research bids for the delinquent tax sale. At the time that the request for bids was made there were 56 parcels to be included. After reviewing the bids, a motion was made to accept the bid from Clay County Abstract & Title Company, passing unanimously.
Natalie Muruato, Director of Grow Clay County, met with the Board to provide her monthly report. The Grow Clay County Executive Directors Report was handed out to the Board with the list of activities, meetings, business visits, and upcoming training that Grow Clay County has been involved in. Brian & Janelle Rieger, Lucky Loo Portable Restrooms LLC, joined the meeting. Muruato presented the Board with a Clay County Small Business Development Matching Grant Application for Lucky Loo Portable Restrooms. Rieger reported on her business and that she would use the Grant funds to expand her fleet of portable toilets including 2 ADA-accessible units and 4 handwashing stations. A motion was made to approve the small business matching grant for $5,000 to Lucky Loo, passing unanimously. Ginger Walker, Ginger’s Uptown Kitchen, joined the meeting. Muruato presented the Board with a Clay County Small Business Development Matching Grant Application for Gingers Uptown Kitchen. Walker reported on her business and how she would use the grant funds to expand the kitchen section of her store. A motion was made to approve the small business matching grant for $5,000 to Gingers Uptown Kitchen, passing unanimously.
