Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on April 14th included: bridge replacement, chemical testing, nursing student, license plate cameras, Opioid Settlement Fund, and more.
Christine Swaim, County Treasurer, discussed an email that she had received from a gentleman in Wakefield about the delinquent tax sale. The Board stated that they were pleased with how she answered the email.
Jim Lippert, Lippert Grain, met with the Board to discuss the bridge replacement on Utah Rd. north of Green. Lippert is concerned that with having this road closed and using the detour that is in the plans, he will likely lose 40% of the Elevator trade that comes from the north. The Board stated that they understand his concerns and they will talk to the Highway Administrator to see if there is a different detour that can be an option.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, informed the Board that the boat dock is in place at the Clay County Park. The bridge that was going to 3rd Rd. between Meridian Rd. & Buffalo Rd. is now being transferred to the location of 3rd Rd. between Cherokee Rd. & Deer Trail Rd. The Board discussed the concerns that Jim Lippert had expressed earlier in the day. Commissioner Mayo asked if there was another detour that they could consider. Shomper stated that there was another detour that was fewer miles, but the County would have to take a dirt road and prepare it to make it a rock road. He would need to check on the tubes and the weight limits of the bridges on this route. He estimated a cost of at least $40,000 that the County would have to pay to make this route the detour. The Board asked Shomper to research this and to return next week with more information.. Shomper also presented some information on the chemical project that they are planning to test in June to make the road surface hard, help with dust control, and lower the amount of rock that is needed on the road. The bridge located on Broughton Rd that will be replaced this year is so close to the City Limits of Clay Center that an agreement needs to be signed by the County and by the City of Clay Center. The Board signed the agreement. Shomper also informed the Board that he will be in contact with all landowners concerning the Elk Rd. right-a-way project to set up a meeting where Schwab Eaton and the Commissioners can be available to answer questions that the individuals may have.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, stated that he has had several individuals contact him about working PRN for the service. This is a good employment opportunity for people who have other jobs and want some additional hours. Trembath then presented quotes for the purchase of 4 new tires on Medic 1. After reviewing the bids, a motion to purchase the 4 Eagle RS-A-Police tires from Kansasland Tire, passing unanimously.
Jim Bogart, Deputy Emergency Manager, reported that he has been reviewing all of the information that the COOP Plan has in it. Bogart also presented a quote for a leaf blower and trimmer. After discussion, the Board approved the purchase from Clay County Lumber.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, introduced a nursing student from Cloud County who was shadowing for a class requirement. Rickley reported that they have had the Health Fair for the last two weeks. Being open on Saturday was not as well attended as they had hoped it would be. She also stated that Advance Electric provided the annual service maintenance on the generator located at the Health Department last week.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that he has started researching several brands of license plate reader cameras. The cameras would be placed in several locations over the main traveled roads to catch vehicles as they pass. Several surrounding Counties have put the cameras in place, and they have been beneficial. He will continue to research and report at a later date.
Megan Lewis & Brittany Phillips, Riley Community Corrections, met with the Board to request funds from the Opioid Settlement Fund to help with the cost of the service and supplies for the random drug tests that are done in Clay County. A motion to donate $6,000 to Riley County Community Corrections to help with the costs of random drug testing, passing unanimously. Phillips also presented a letter from the Riley County Community Corrections Board asking the County to fund the cost of a single Intensive Supervision Officer that is housed in Clay County, and 50% of the cost of the Juvenile Intake and Assessment program, as they did last year. This will keep Riley County Community Corrections providing direct supervision in Clay County. A motion to agree to the cost of $37,791.85 to have direct supervision in Clay County, passing unanimously.
Danny Mesalles, Appraiser, presented a detailed list of the Building Permits that have been issued in the 1st quarter of the 2025 year. There was a total of 27 permits issued and of those 6 were in Clay Center, 2 in Wakefield, 2 in Morganville, and 17 in the County.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, reviewed a letter that she had received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment concerning violations at the Landfill. The Board instructed Carroll to contact the County Attorney with documentation that these violations have been corrected and the notices were sent to KDHE and report back to the Board next week.
Kayla Wang, County Clerk, met with the Board to present quotes for the purchase of new Election Equipment. Wang made the recommendation to purchase the Unisyn Voting Equipment from Adkins Election Services. This is the same company that we have worked with for the past 11 years, and they are good to work with and provide great support. A motion was made to accept the quote from Unisyn Voting Equipment, passing unanimously. Ms. Wang then presented a quote from Network’s Plus for the purchase of two replacement Microsoft Surface Pro 10. A motion to purchase the two Tablets, passing unanimously.
