Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on May 5th included: chip sealing, PRN workers, training, Small Business Grant, Wake up Wednesday, and more.
A motion was made to sign a letter of support appointing Jim Bogart as the Clay County Emergency Manager, effective May 1st, passing unanimously.
Commissioner Thurlow informed the Board that Ron Rose has been working on installing an addition to the Disc Golf area in Wakefield City Park. It should be finished by this weekend. Also, Commissioner Thurlow reported that the Clay County Park has purchased $15,000 of new picnic tables to place in the shelters and the park.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, reported they have completed the hauling and stock piling of chips for the 2025 chip sealing season. Shomper also discussed teaching individuals how to drive a stick shift and assisting with the process of receiving their CDL’s.
Danny Mesalles, Appraiser, met with the Board to discuss the renewal of his contract. After reviewing the contract, a motion was made to adopt Resolution 2025-06 renewing Mr. Mesalles contract for another 4 years, passing unanimously.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported that the Department continues to stay busy with emergency runs and out of town transfers. He also reported that the PRN EMT’s have passed their tests and completed training so they will now be placed on the roster to work shifts when needed.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, reported that he is working on several of the plans and making changes where needed. The Traffic Incident Management Training class that was held last week provided some useful information to put into place in directing traffic. There was a good turnout with 22 individuals in attendance. Bogart also discussed security options at the ESA location. The Board agreed that the building should be more secure, and they asked Bogart to research several options and to return with the information.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, reminded the Board that she will be hosting the Wake Up Wednesday this week at the Health Department with Grow Clay County. Also, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and they will be providing information on their Facebook page to honor the Month of May.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that the ADA shower and bathroom project is progressing along. Also, the class that the Officers attended last week on Traffic Incident Management Training provided good information to those who attended. Several of the ideas will be useful for the Department to put into place.
Alicia Lenhart, Tigershark Swim Team, met with the Board to request a donation to put towards a new computer, which requires updated swim meet software. Lenhart reported that the Clay Center Tigersharks Swim Team is a parent-run organization that participates in the Kansas-Nebraska Swim League. This year, they have 63 Clay County children signed up from ages 5 to 18. Clay Center will host a meet on June 21st. This will bring families from multiple Kansas and Nebraska communities to Clay County for the day. Lenhart asked if the Commissioners would consider making a donation towards the Tigershark Swim Team. A motion was made to donate funds to pay for the computer and software for the team, passing unanimously.
Natalie Muruato, Director of Grow Clay County, and McKenzie Ryan, The Wild Grove, met with the Board. Muruato presented the Board with a Small Business Grant application for them to review. Ryan explained that they would like to move an old cook house up closer to the home that they are currently living north of Green, and make that her Hair Salon called The Wild Grove. After much discussion, a motion was made to approve the Small Business Grant application in the amount of $5,000 for The Wild Grove, passing unanimously. Kerri Spielman, Grow Clay County Board Member, joined the meeting. Muruato then presented the Grow Clay County Executive Directors’ Report to the Board with the list of activities, meetings, business visits, and upcoming training that Grow Clay County has been involved in for the last month.
After discussing the County’s spending limit policy of $100 without getting permission from the Commissioners, the Board agreed that this amount is low with the increased prices of today’s times. A motion was made to increase the County spending limit to $300 without getting permission from the Board, effective May 5th, 2025, passing unanimously.
