Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on May 12th included: Courtroom acoustics, bridge work, fireworks, EMS Week, ESA Tour, and more.
Melissa Stellner, District Court Clerk, met with the Board to present quotes on the installation of Acoustic Panels in the Courtroom to help with the sound effects. The panels come in various colors and fabrics, and a decision will need to be made to coordinate with the current interior of the Courtroom. The Board asked Solid Rock to come and look at the Courtroom and bring samples of the colors and fabrics before a final decision is made.
An estimate was received from Thurlow Landscape Care for treatment on the lawn of the Courthouse Square in Early Spring, Late Spring, Early Fall, and Late Fall. A motion was made to contract Thurlow Landscape Care for the treatments, passing unanimously.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, provided plans to the Commissioners on the two box bridges that will be replaced this year within the County. He also presented quotes on the dust control for the Detour route north of Green. The dust control affects 8 residences in the area of 27th Rd. & Quail Rd. Shomper stated that he would like to research this project more and will return with an updated price after he collects more information. Linda Underwood joined the meeting. Underwood, Landowner, expressed her thanks to the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Shomper, and the Highway Department for all of the work that they have done for them in the recent months. The 2025 chip seal project is estimated to begin on May 27th and will take 3-4 days to complete. Shomper also reported that Schwab Eaton has finished the legal documents for the Elk Rd. project, so we will be starting the process soon.
Vernon McGee met with the Board to discuss the Fireworks Display for Clay Center. McGee stated that this year has been different in purchasing the products. There is a shortage of Fireworks, so to be able to have a display like normal, they have had to purchase the quantity that they need several months early. They will be making a trip to pick up the fireworks in the near future.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, met with the Board to give the weekly report. Brandon Cochran, Julie Browne, Jairus Kelley, and Barbara Muench, EMS Employees, joined the meeting. Cochran thanked the Board of Commissioners for all the support that the Board provides for them. They appreciate the Commissioners allowing them to purchase the equipment to provide the grade of service and the jobs that they do well. Browne read the EMS Week Proclamation to the Board designating May 18-24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week. With the theme, We Care for Everyone, we encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. A motion was made to proclaim May 18-25, 2025, as EMS Week in Clay County, passing unanimously.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, welcomed the Board to ESA for a tour of the facility. Several items like security, the back storage lot, the vehicles that are used for training exercises, organization of the work bays, storage area, training area, and the maintenance to the outside of the building and the overhead doors were discussed. The Board agreed that there needs to be work done on the facility and the grounds. They informed Bogart to make a plan, and they would help with the manpower and the use of equipment. Bogart stated that the classroom is used a lot for meetings and training, so the County will need to keep up on the maintenance of the facility.
Lori Feldkamp, President & CEO of Big Lakes Development, met with the Board to give an update on Big Lakes Developmental Center. Liz Holle joined the meeting and will be filling the position of President & CEO when Feldkamp retires at the end of the month. Feldkamp presented her 2026 Proposed Appropriation request to the Board, which includes a 2% increase. Big Lakes Development is licensed by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Feldkamp stated that Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc. has provided services to clients in Riley, Geary, Clay, and Pottawatomie Counties in Kansas since 1973. Currently, there are 24 Clay County residents using this service, with 9 individuals on the wait list. The funds that are received from Clay County are expended to support the transportation services. The Board informed said they will consider the increase when they are working on the proposed 2026 County budget.
Marlene Stamm, NCK Environmental, stated that she continues to stay really busy in Clay County. The quarterly report stated that there were 16 Tank/Lateral, 12 Wells, 4 H20 Tests, 2 Lagoons, and 6 Real Estate. Of all of the permits issued, 5 of them are new dwellings. Stamm also presented the proposed 2026 budget for County Sanitarian. Stamm also stated that her computer is 9 years old, and she is in need of replacing it. She has built it into the 2026 proposed budget, but she is not sure that it will make it that long. A motion was made to pay NCK Environmental $500 to put towards a new computer along with the other 4 Counties, passing unanimously.
Debra Ohlde, North Central Regional Planning Commission Director, met with the Board to introduce herself. Ohlde has been employed at NCRPC for several years but just recently took over as the Director. There are 12 Counties and 83 Cities that pay dues to belong to the Planning Commission. They assist with Homeland Security in 103 Counties, the Weatherization Program in 43 Counties and Grant writing. They are always looking for new ways to fund projects and give assistance to entities. Ohlde will be in communication with the County and if they have any questions, they are to contact her.
