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Topics from Clay County Commissioners’ Weekly Meeting on September 23rd

By: Ryan Duey

Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ regular weekly meeting on September 23^rd included: Training approvals, bridge issues and replacement, KDOT grant, ambulance cameras, Flood Plain Ordinances, and more.

Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, was asked about a bridge located on 16^th and Valleyview Rd. The bridge was not put in straight with the road. Shomper stated that the State paid 90% of the cost and used an engineer and contractors, hired by bids. All parties are expected to go out and take a look at the bridge in the future. Shomper also informed the Board that he would like to replace three bridges in 2025 if the budget allows.

The Chairman signed a letter of support for the Clay County Task Force to include in a grant application to KDOT. The grant helps with General Transportation needs, which is essential to many citizens in Clay County.

Alec Trembath, EMS Director, informed the Board that the Department is looking into cameras to place in the back of the ambulances. The cameras are used when transporting patients and are also dash cams. Trembath will report back if they find one they are interested in. EMS is planning on having a busy weekend with Piotique on Saturday and will have a booth on the Courthouse Square.

Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, reported to the Board that she attended a webinar on Flood Plain violations. The webinar talked about the Flood Plain Ordinance that Counties should have passed. Kemp stated Clay County’s Ordinance was passed in 2014, but now needs to be updated. Kemp is also reviewing the final draft of the Mitigation Plan with a meeting planned to approve the plan on October 2^nd.

Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that the Sheriff’s Department has been busy with the community events across Clay County, and that they had a busy weekend last weekend.

Danny Mesalles, Appraiser, presented an NRP application for approval to the Board. The application is for a single-family resident being built and they would like to be on the NRP Plan. The Board approved the application.