By: Ryan Duey
Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ regular weekly meeting on October 15th included: the change of a creek channel, hurricane cleanup, fire danger, public transportation, and more.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, reported to the Board that a citizen had been in contact with him asking the County to apply for a change of the channel at the bridge located at 17th and Valleyview Road. After discussion, the motion was made to apply for the change of the channel of Mall Creek at the bridge, passing unanimously. The application will be sent to the Corp. of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Water Resources.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported to the Board that one of their PRN’s deployed to Florida to aid with cleanup from the hurricane. He also stated that the department is on run 753 for the year, up slightly from 2023.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, reported to the Board that the National Weather Service has put out information on the current Fire Danger. The current dry conditions have made the danger very serious. She also stated that she will be working with CVA on a plan for hazardous materials.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, that the department had a very busy weekend with accidents and emergency calls over the weekend.
Don Wright, Clay County Public Transportation Manager, Steve Birkbeck, Treasurer, Christiaan Wiid, Accountant, and Jay Behrend, Human Resources Director, all met with the Board to give an update on Public Transportation. Wright provided documentation on how the number of rides has increased since 2021. In 2021 they provided 3,813 rides, this year they have already provided over 7,100 rides across the county. Wright stated that while ridership has greatly increased, State funding has not increased, and he estimates that by 2026 they will be over $90,000 short in funding and asked the Commissioners to consider increasing the funding the County provides for the service. The Board stated that they will consider the request and need to study the matter before moving forward. The matter will be discussed at a later date.
The Board finished the meeting by making a motion to sign the agreement for 2025 with Big Lakes Development Center, passing unanimously. They also signed a letter of support for an operating grant for transportation assistance through KDOT.
