Neosho County Commission - Regular Meeting

He didn't feel yet. Huh? Paul said he lucky you, Paul. It is a season. I know it. All right. December 30th, 2025. We'll call the order of the board of Neosu County Commission our regular meeting here at 2 p.m. We will start with the pledge of allegiance and invocation performed by Commissioner Westo.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And father, son of the spirit. Dear Lord, bless us for this day and please let the new year coming in be better for all the people, not all the hate, hatred, and violence that we faced this year. And uh we need you to guide us down the right path to righteousness. And please let us the commissioners do the right thing for the employees and the taxpayers in lordly name. Amen. Amen.

Any changes of the agenda? We're going to add fleet fuel. Correct. Schedule attended. Okay. Might need a 15. Okay. See how things go. Then take off caller Robert. Yep.

Anything else? You say take off, Paula. Yes. Okay. Any public comment? I'll make a motion. Okay, hold on. Oops. Sorry. Payable. Yeah, let's want to pull this back. So, we're going to go to schedule attendees and then Okay, we'll move that around cuz I got a question on my invoice. Um, Jim, you better get first up.

We're ready for you already. I can get up. Got two knees. Still not working right. They're working [clears throat] better than what they were.

Jim Chapel, 202 South Country Club Road, Chen, Kansas. Here today to talk about the gravel bar. We need to kind of update the uh contract that we have. I'm a little slow. I think it was about a month or so I should have been here, but every time I showed up, it was always a wrong date. Do you have a copy of the by any chance of the uh agreement that we have with the county?

I've got one here that would help. Yeah, we can get copies if we need one. I think that's fine. too. Yeah. I'll tell you what, those road crews and the guys picking up the rock, they've done a tremendous job. Good.

They really they're nice guys. I met all of them just gone down and working go down every once in a while fill them up with fuel. And like I say, those guys doing a good job. They really are. Okay. So, we just need to update this. Yeah. Okay. Just we just want to go to August 2026. Going to August or No, I just

Do we have He's got I think Do you have a copy of the new agreement? No, I do not. Okay. He said he's got it. I can modify this one. He's organized. Do we need to have something from September 1st if it covers September through December? Yes. And then back this year and then just take that December 31st. Okay. At the same price. I don't have a problem with that. Okay. Okay. I even thought about two years instead of instead of one. That's up to you. I don't care. Mike's giving us the think I can remember.

Jim, you [laughter] can make it. Tim, you can make it cheaper. I wouldn't be opposed to making this. Okay. Can we go back over here to the mic? So, at least they get your good side on the video.

Okay. I was just going to state that I would not be opposed to a longer agreement if you guys were opposed to it. Uh it seems to be working out well. Jim's provided us with a reliable loader out there and uh I think it's so far so good and for the most part we've been putting it in the south central part of the county and uh it seems to be doing what we hoped it would which is holding up to the the the the buggy traffic down there that has the steel wheels. Well, and this reduces some of the stress on traveling from main core down there. So,

so anyway, you are a lot offer actually all you have to do is upstairs. I'll have printed off and so you just want to make a motion. It'll be the same as this and then just have through December 31st of 26. Make a motion to approve the new purchase agreement with Mardop's gravel stating December the 30th 2026 or do you want to start with these dates? I had it September 20 September uh Okay.

2025. Okay. September 1, 2020 5 through uh December 31st of 26. 26. Yeah. 27. 27 years. Oh, 27. Yeah. I'll second it. All those in favor? I Okay, we'll sign that here shortly. Let me get you a copy, too. All right. Thank you. There's your old one back. Don't lose that. Thank you. [laughter] Thank you. Hey Mike and Fleet Fuels want to address this.

Hello, David Pal with Fleet Fuels. We submitted a fuel bid. Had some tax issues with it that were caught the next day. Uhhuh. And um we sent an amended bid with the proper taxes the following following afternoon to to Mike here. And I was just here to see if he had any questions for me or how to move forward with it. [clears throat] What was it adding to it, Mike? Do you know the taxes? I think I got I didn't print it out. I know Mike sent it to us. Yeah, there was a full breakout of the taxes on there down to the freight search charge, everything that goes into it.

While we're waiting, since you're kind of new, we have never dealt with you before. Do you want to tell us a little bit about your company because I really don't know much. Yeah, Fleet Fuels is actually based out of uh Kansas City, Missouri. Uh it's it's owned by one individual, Adam Gray. Um we have 17 locations right now. AR uh Kansas City, Topeka, um Springdale, Arkansas, three or four Oklahoma, I have four in Kansas. Um and we just started a brand new environmental service, reclaimed oil. We actually buy reclaimed oil from farmers facilities and we sell to uh asphalt manufacturers. And I was I was telling Gail earlier, we're actually installing in two months a uh a state-of-the-art oil crushing facility in Independence, Kansas to reclaim most most mechanic shops throw filters in the trash. That's not good for the environment. We actually pay people to collect them, compact them, sell them to scrapards. So

nice. Yeah. This is your revival. Yes. Yes. Yeah. The only price difference left is that is the remainder of the tax. [clears throat]

That should be the only difference in the pricing. Does it change the adjustment of the original bid? How much? Do you know you want the original bid was give it?

Yeah. I'm sorry I didn't get all that hooked up. in the middle. I know we had him. Okay. not raise it over our other bids. it.

That's what I was going to do. Okay. And I have the bids from the other bid if you want them. I'd like to refer to Yes. if possible. No, we have Okay. So, here they are. Okay. Oh, forget we were here. We got it, Mike. Okay. It's good to have minutes from last meeting. Thank you. Still the low bid. So, it's still the low bid. the normal tax. Is that the state tax or is that Yes. Yes. State tax. Yes. Didn't we run through this with a year or two ago? Yeah. MFA. Yeah.

Yeah. Our system, it's a brand new computer system about 6 months old. We've never done business with Neoso County and it when it took off the federal tax, it took off all the tax. It wasn't caught till the next morning. They don't let us exempt state taxes, Brett. State fuel tax. That's a sticky situation.

That's how we pay for all the nice roads. So, we probably need to amend that motion. No. Yes. Have to. I made it, Mr. Gilmore. All right. I think I did. So,

yes, you did. I will make motion to amend previous December 16th bid fuel bid prices for 2026 for fixed diesel from $2.27 27 cents to actually 25565 in amount of uh 130,000 gallons and regular unled E10 of 45,000 gallons to from the original bid of $189 per gallon to2 $2.1530 as corrected for uh tax issues.

I'll second it. All those in favor? I I motion pass three. Thank you. Thank you.

State that still remained the low bid of both the biders. something kind of had a similar situation. I think it was a year or two ago with NF years. Yeah. Yeah. All right. On accounts receivable, did you want to pull something out? Okay. On accounts receivable, there was an invoice from the for the county attorney. Accounts payable. I'm sorry. What did I say? Accounts receivable. accounts payable. I put it in your head. Sorry.

Sorry. Uh for Carpel Solutions for $20,325. Um I think in previous discussions the county attorney was going to pay this out of the diversion fund. So I would like to take this off of accounts payables. And until she produces information on the diversion fund, she hasn't given us any information. Um I think at this point we need to pull that invoice. I agree.

Yes. So with that reduction that'll bring the accounts payable down to

Sorry, I should have figured that out. Sorry. Sorry about that. Minus 20,325 brings it to 23597763. Is that what you got? Pretty worn out or 218. Leave it. 238. I'm sorry. I got the wrong thing in there. Yep. I'll try again. 2186 67763

217

217 66 or 677 63 Y is that right? Yep. Okay. $217,67763 in that I will make a motion to pay accounts payable in that amount. Payroll clearing at $90,4530 minutes from 9 2025 9:23 25 October 7th 2025 and 1216 of 2025 and time off request submitted.

I'll second it.

All those in favor? Bye bye. It's dark. Just want to say I appreciate the county clerk's office getting busy on those minutes, getting us updated on those. What we got, Taylor?

Want to request a fivem minute executive roia. with HR. She can be in there. That's fine. Either way, the commission and counselor. I move to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel regarding the health department for 10 minutes. I just five. Yeah. and to include commission council HR and health department director and we'll come back at 2:25.

I'll second the motion back to our meeting. Sure. It doesn't matter. We move those up. All those in favor? All those in favor? I I

Here we go.

back in. No action taken. You want to move maybe one of them up.

One of the two or just one. We can move them. Dr. Bunny wait around for the rest of the meeting. That's all right. Uh, believe me, I've been on the other side of the podium uh [laughter] myself, so turnabout is fair play, as they say. Uh, happy new year, commissioners. Uh, thank you for inviting me back again. So, this is to u review the um scholarship program agreement that we have. Remember last time we were here? We're basically making three changes to the agreement with your permission. Um, and it doesn't start until fall of 26. Uh, not um this spring or anything. So fall of 26. The three changes are that it's a last dollar scholarship which asks it as ask the recipient uh to apply for other scholarships and for the PEL grant. Uh if they're turned down for all those that's fine. We'll still cover um the uh tuition and regular fees. Um I'm going to underline that word for just a second. Regular fees. uh you know the normal fees that are the incidental fee the the uh those kinds of fees you know that that every student who takes classes pays not course fees um that for a particular class um but uh so that's we ask them first to apply for aid if they're turned down that's okay if they're if they have the aid and they don't need the scholarship because the aid paid for everything that's even better so it helps us stretch our um scholarship dollars to more students um by making it last dollar uh it also limits limits it to um freshman, I'm sorry, to uh fall and spring only. Uh no summer, no interterm uh classes. So just limited to fall and spring um classes uh there. Um and let's see what else. Uh that was about it. And then of course it doesn't start until um um fall u for that uh program. So, uh

those are the those are the major changes um that are um in the uh in the in the agreement. Um so, uh we ask that you uh pass those and so that we can then enter into a new agreement. As far as if you don't like the agreement, it says at the end that you can end it within 60 days before the start of any semester. Um and so, no, no, we want to change uh things around a little bit. Um there. So those are the those are the main things that we want to um uh add to it. It put brings the scholarship more in line with things like the Kansas Promise Act um which is a state of Kansas scholarship program that which is go is last dollar as well. The student must apply for uh federal financial aid. They must apply for local scholarships. H and then if there's still a bill outstanding the state makes up the rest. That's how you can go to nursing school for free uh right now. uh uh and they have the additional requirement that you stay in the state for 2 years. There's no requirement for us that you have to stay in the county or something. But this is for your county uh employees uh to enjoy. There's some other uh things about uh bringing um classes uh here and there as we u mutually agree upon. Just talking with uh Commissioner Clson about the possibility of uh we're trying to start up a CDL program at the college. Um we've p it has passed our local uh approval process and has gone on to the state for their approval. Then it has to go to the can to um uh to the uh higher learning commission for its approval. Uh and then it then has to be endorsed by the state uh through the CDL uh folks. And so it's a it's a a multi-flaming hoop jump through uh in order to provide that program. Uh we hope to have that by um uh fall of uh 26 as well if all things go well. We have some some partners uh lined up that are going to let us uh use um some vehicles. We think we have some land. Even the testing area

has to be approved by the state um uh with some different uh requirements there. So we hope to have that new program. But that's an example of a course fee. It'll have a pretty hefty course fee that's not a regular fee. Regular fee is incidental fee. A course fee is like nursing courses have a very large fee attached to them because they're much more expensive uh to provide a nursing class than there is let's say English or math and that's what that's why it has a larger fee attached um so that we don't go broke offering nursing. Uh well same thing is true for CDL. It's only six credit hours long but it has an enormous fee attached to it because we have to pay a full-time instructor uh the truck itself maintenance diesel fuel uh and everything else that goes into providing that program. So, we hope to have that up and running and I know there's some interest uh of having a CDL program here in the county. Uh I think that would be we uh the city's contacted us about the uh 413 USC 413 has contacted us about it because we need to be able to offer passenger endorsement as well as um uh you know class A and class B. So, uh anyways, we're moving that forward but that but this is more about any one of your employees that wants to take classes. We've had this for a while, kind of laid dormant for a while, that nobody took advantage of it, and that's coming back, but it's a good chance for us to take a look at it and see if it's still in alignment with the other scholarships that we offer. And this is an effort to bring this into alignment with the other scholarships. Uh we don't want to give out too many scholarships uh as other forms of income have have um lowered over the years. Um and so we have to be mindful of of discounting too much. Any questions for me about all of that? Sounds good.

May I ask a question? Will the um application process stay the same? We'll just use the same form and it'll go through. Yes. Okay. Yeah. Application process will be the same. The further out that they apply, the better it will be um in order to uh get things done. Uh the nature of the community college student is um 25% of our students come in in the last week uh before se semester starts. Uh so that if you can get it in well before that then it'll be a much better chance it'll be processed on time before classes begin. Thank you. So what do we need to do? Are you just going to bring back the agreement with the changes?

Yeah, I think I I we sent you the agreement last uh last time uh with it's section 2C is the one that's um the one that's uh uh different. I have another I have another copy here if you'd like to pass it around. It didn't make enough again, but um um and so it represents the um the new changes. Um it mentions the last dollar scholarship only for fall and spring. Um and um and that they have to apply for aid from other places. That original. Absolutely. I do as well. Oh, you have original that we can sign and get copies and Yeah. We'll get it our records and you can have one for yours.

Yes. That just says that commissioner to sign for the chairman to sign if you like. So then what is the length of this? It's forever until you end it. [laughter] Uh those my favorite kind of agreements. Isn't that right, counselor? Uh they last until somebody wants to change it. Um, and then you have basically you can't change it mid- semester and pull the rug out from somebody, but you can change it uh 60 days before the semester begins to say, "Hey, we need to rethink this and add this or that."

I'll make a motion that we accept the scholarship program for the employees of Neoso County, the agreement made between the county and Neoso County Community College. I'll [clears throat] second the motion. All those in favor? I I So, what effective date do you want to put on this date? They'll start It'll start fall of of 2026. Uh would be the effective date. So, that would we could say a August 1 uh would be Well, we put the agreement date today and Yeah, you make the agreement date today, but it wouldn't start. Yeah. What if someone applied in the spring? I guess it's too late to apply for

they can apply for So, spring enrollment begins uh at during spring break, which is second week in March. So they could apply as early as then for it. So you can make it do today, but we can't make changes uh to it because of the 60-day rule of the, you know, for spring semester. So if we do it today, then they're covered. So that's right.

We vote. Yes. Just want my signature. I think we all voted. Mhm. Everybody want to sign it? Nope. Thanks. I'm just kidding. You want to get We'll have to get a copy. I'll sign it right now, too, if you want. And it'll be all official. Do the insurance. Go ahead and get Rosson. Sure. All right. We're going to change this up. Ross, we're let you get up here, too. Thank you very much. Appreciate you.

Have a good day. You, too. Thank you very much. I'm Ross Hendrickson with MRH Insurance Group. Um, just wanted to let you know that I do believe we provide it to Chassity, but I'll give it copy here. Unfortunately, one there. I think everyone else has one. Yep. We knew.

At the last commission meeting, we were instructed to quote the cyber liability. Um we did uh we work with a broker out on the West Coast that uh does an excellent job and has for years. uh she went out and looked at the market and the carrier that came back the best is the same carrier that you had last year. It's the same carrier. It's called Cowbell. Um the premium last year was $14,515. The premium for this for this one which is exact same coverages is $14,91749. There is one area that I have brought to county counselors attention that I'm guessing that he'll he'll probably brief you all maybe in executive session. Um um the last thing that we're at is that my staff is um working with Chassity to get an application completed. Um it should not be very extensive. Um and I'm guessing that Chassis could probably rely on your guys' IT uh company if there's a few questions they have. Once we get the completed app, then what you have before you is would be the result. Okay.

Um I would be happy to take any questions um if you have any. And I I guess if I could just expand on a couple things. Um my staff has been working very closely with Chassity uh the last several days and um we have updated your commercial auto schedule and so all those autos are current. Um they are now going to be transitioning over to the equipment on your scheduled equipment and working with chassity and all the other necessary departments to make sure that that what we have uh is current for all your equipment.

Was it a question on ambulance or something or was we got that figured out even though it said ambulance it was just the chassis and so that's all been answered. I just want to give you the comfort level that we've been working very closely with Chassity to get to make sure that your tees are crossed and your eyes are dotted. Great. Did you or we can discuss it later with discuss his office just executive session later. Sounds good. Okay. everything.

I think I'm fine with everything. Yep, we're good. So, we just need to get the questionnaire fil filled out or the application process. The there's probably a short application that Chassity Don't You have that correct? Okay. That we need to get back from Chassity. Once we get the completed application, then the carrier is ready to put coverage in force.

Okay. Um, so I um I don't know if you know I think we're we're not trying to get the cart before the horse, but if we can just get the green light that this is what you guys want to do, then we can work with Chassity on the application. The pricing is not going to change. Um, they've already been on the account. It's the same carrier. Um, but there is the one matter that I think County Counselor Heim will brief you guys on. Uh, besides that, I think we're good to go. Okay, great. Yep, I think we're good. All right, we're we're we're good. You're saying we're good to move forward? Okay.

All right, Chassity. Um, if you I'll have our staff follow up with you again and we'll help you any way we can on that. Okay. You all have a good New Year's. Okay. You, too. Thank you. Thank you. You're awesome. Sheriff Taylor. Good afternoon.

If you weren't already aware, we had a hit and run accident with one of our employees Friday night. Um, we have since arrested the suspect and he's in jail. I did make claim with our with EMC insurance um yesterday. first thing. And as soon as KHP is done with the accident portion of it, the accident report part, um I'll get that forward to the insurance company and I've already talked to their adjuster. Uh we also had a um we had been waiting on KHP for the accident report and the estimate. Unit 11 had had a deer accident back on uh December 5th that was $7,100 worth of damage. Um the insurance company says for I've always been told that we have a $3,000 deductible on all of our vehicles. Um but she told me yesterday on the phone that was $500 on that particular truck. So I would assume we want to get it fixed. It has 141,000 mi on it. But

yeah, we're getting short on vehicles. Yeah. Yeah. We have two ordered that. Where are they? Well, we only had one ordered from June. We're still waiting. They say it's because of the paint color to match the others. Um ah

we had a 2020 with 72,000 miles on it that lost the transmission last week or the week before and it's low enough miles we're going to go ahead and have it fixed. Um we had a 2018 with 175,000 miles on it that lost the cam and lifters. They claim it'll be 10 grand to fix. I don't think it's worth with that many miles, it's you'd have more money in in it than it would be worth to fix. If that's all right with you guys, I did have Trevor call the dealership that has the state bid police vehicles. They only have uh Durangos on the lot. Um they have no pickups. I don't know how well they would handle on the gravel patrol. Um, they do have a gray one that's $43,226. Um, but I won't know until EMC does their adjusting as to what we'll actually be getting out of that cuz it was one of our newer trucks, of course, that was hit Friday. So, a 2023. I know we always like to stay with the trucks because go back to the old Crown Vicks that used to break down at great rate. So

I agree. So [laughter] um thought I'd give you that information. Do you guys have any questions about the accident or No. Okay. Thank you. I didn't know you'd caught caught a suspect, Greg. Yeah. The investigators got him caught yesterday. So thank you. Okay. One more. Greg, are you going to be able to figure out a list of vehicles? I know you're giving it to us here as far as ones we're going to have to really look again if we had to get purchasing more for next year.

Pricing for Yeah. pricing. Yeah. And they haven't yet. Okay. We didn't have time frame or anything when that coming out. The guy claims that the reason we're still waiting on the one that's been ordered since June is because it was the silver paint code and they're just now getting to painting those. It's the end of the summer. So, okay. It's frustrating

chassity. Start with signatures here. We got advantage on the renewal for next year. Trend micro government. Got it.

Make a motion to approve Advantage Computers governmental at renewal at $630 annual. I'll second the motion. All those in favor?

I next time sent over to NRPS approval time to make the motion. Is that yours? You don't?

Yeah. Okay. I'll make a motion to approve the application for NRP for Luke and Kesha Richenberg. uh 15779 UD Doll Road, Erie, Kansas, for a new house with attached garage for $360,000. I'll second it. All those in favor? Hi. Hi. I'm getting double pay today to get Tanya's work, too. [laughter]

We went together as a team. I'm just kidding. Okay, I'll make a motion for the [clears throat] application for NRP for Joshua and Elizabeth Cochran. Uh 12760th Road, Gillsburg, Kansas for improvements at the associated cost of $300,000. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I motion pass res. I think you've been dominating most of these NRPS here lately. All your territories fast.

It's growing. Yeah, it's growing. It's a good thing.

Yes, it is. Got one here. It's from college. Here we go. Okay. Next, we have um D and I have looked over this. I think it's going to be this is for the silent auction we plan to have here with all the office items. We've kind of come up with a draft and some dates. just on mainly the office equipment. So, okay,

you had the list at the last meeting that we approved. Yes. Now, I will not be here the 27th for the meeting. So I will have that spreadsheet available of course for you in your packets.

Done. Done. Everything look good. You guys

the outside entities. We are going to be sending out a letter soon. Uh we have a list here of what was previously requested from them. We would like to make sure that everything is still good and up to date on what you would like in the packets. Should we make sure that their 990 is actually a current? [laughter] Most current. Most current. Yes.

Because we've gotten some that were years old. See, but besides that, I think so. So on the 990 T, can we put down most current? Cuz sometimes we've gotten stuff that's not current. Three years back.

Yeah. And then last one here, I've got Kansas KAC, your membership du. I'll make a motion that we approve KAC invoice 3000 0506 for our annual membership dues for $3,913.92. [clears throat]

I'll second the motion. All those in favor I list Hey, Chesty. Tasha,

good afternoon. Good afternoon.

I went to visit the city council for Erie. This is the original and they approved the increase. This is just your signature and I have a motion for you and Tom had sent this out to me earlier today. I took a look at it. It has the changes that we discussed in the board requests. I mean the main change is that this point going forward if there's any desire to modify our terminate to agree with the city if the burden's on the city to contact us not vice versa. So beyond that I think it requires everything we had discussed previously. I'll make a motion to approve county approval memorand memorandum of agreement beginning January 1, 2026 between Yosho County 911 communication and Erie Police Department for dispatching purposes.

I'll second it. All those in favor? I. Motion pass through. That's all I have. Do you need anything from me? I did get one new hire. Sorry. I think we had We got one new hire. We got one new hire. Yes, sir. Is that going um She starts Friday. Friday. Yes. She'll start Friday. All right. Thank you. Have Have a happy new year. You too. You want this agreement back, right? Yes, sir. Actually, why don't we give it to Chassity and I'll get it from

Sounds good. Oh, here's the motion. Sy's turn. Okay. Um, first thing, um, I think there's a copy in your packets of the holiday schedule. Um, I believe the changes have been made that were recommended at the last commission meeting. So, we can clearly see that 8 hour employees observe 4th of July on the 3rd and then the 24 hours observe on the 4th. And then that way there should be no confusion for anybody. Um there's no changes. It's still the same 11 holidays and four hours for being feed. There is one, you know, should you approve this there will have to be approved with one amendment um under Good Friday. Um it's FRID, not Fry. So I'll have to take the D out. Didn't catch that till just now. just added a letter.

Why not? I'll make a motion and approve holidays as presented with correction of the Friday instead of FR date. Thank you. For 2026 for 2026. I'll second it. All those in favor? I

motion pass. Okay. Next thing is I have um action forms from two, four, six, eight departments that are ready for your signature today. Um the other departments um are going to get them back to me by the 9th so I can have them at the next commission meeting on the what 13 12th or 13th I think. So those have all been signed by the department head and the employees. Have a motion for me to sign these better presented or do you want to

wait? I I I don't I haven't seen what's in there. Okay. I think we did this in executive session last time. Review the the action forms. Yeah. And then you came out and made a wish. Do you want to do a mom's executive as far as reviewing everyone? Well, the numbers I provided on the list. Correct. Right. I'm sorry. This were all of these in the email that you gave us

with the exception of the treasurer. That one came in late and I have not gotten that to you. Um I mean it came in on time but right before the meeting I guess I should say. Did you want to review that one? Yeah. I mean,

yes, to review employee wage information. I'm assuming Mike that you want to discuss this in executive session of your department. No, we've already made up a plan. We're going to meet Monday at 10:30. Commissioner Gilmore will be there. Mike, you're still good with that?

Yeah, it's up to you guys. I won't have any of the records down here or anything to go over to show you on the I mean, it's all on the computer and it's a large file,

but we I mean the plan is to meet together on Monday and then we'll bring it back to you guys at the next commission meeting. Well, we can either look over the treasure or approve all of them, but the treasure. Okay. Whatever.

I mean, whatever you guys want to do. I'm I'm going to review them all a little closer. If you had questions not out. So, we just want to go into executive session. Yeah. Yeah. Better. We're going to talk about individual person. How long is this going to take? It shouldn't be that many in there, should it? Uh, these are smaller department, so it's not too many per Just do the treasure. Do all of them. Are we going to sign him in there?

15 minutes would probably be a good start. 10 to 15 minutes. I'll move to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel regarding county as a whole for 15 minutes to include the commission, council, and HR and come back at 3:15. Let's say 3:20 and take a fivem minute break. I'll second the motion. All those in favor? I realign.

Mhm. What are you eating? It's like a almond joy, but it's good. It's good for you. Yeah, there. It's actually pretty good. Back in session. No, I shouldn't take it. I'll make a motion to approve the action forms regarding the 2026 pay increase for the following departments. The clerk's office, register of deeds, appraiser, treasure, maintenance, um, payroll and HR, emergency management, and the health department. I'll second the motion. All those in favor? I

motion pass. And I will make a motion to hire one 911 employee at wages listed on the action form effective January 2nd, 2026. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I going to pass that on. Yep. I left my glasses. [laughter]

There we go. Pass that through. You want this back?

Um, okay. Next thing is I need some clarification on some job codes because uh Commissioner Clawson has brought up the concern about um solid waste and how it's being tracked that it's sometimes not tracked simply because those hours push into overtime. Um I would need to get further clarification from the FLSA on how that works. if the hours that push into overtime can be changed or or I mean if if the how am I trying to say this? if those hours can be changed to something else like instead of like solid waste like earned comp or something or if you could use hours like regular hours prior to working solid waste if that would suffice and those hours could be turned into earned comp because as it stands um solid waste tends to get turned into earned comp because it's they work on Saturdays so of course those hours are over 40 and they're going to push them into overtime. time. So, and a lot of the guys in Road and Bridge elect per every payroll to have um earned comp. So, I just would like your your guidance. The other code that comes into play is um road and bridge callout pay. Um that is paid at time and a half. So when it's entered into the system and moved over, it's already in um CIC under the I mean basically the road and bridge guys that code it has time and a half associated with it. Um, it was it's been it's been done that or it's being done that if

those hours because it's overtime, they want those at earned comp instead. So, we're losing the amount of callout pay in our records that we should have every year. So, we're not getting the full picture of certain codes and then we're not getting the full picture of the solid waste which is a problem also because it's out of a different budget. It's not out of road and bridge. It comes out a general fund. Does that make sense? But we're not running solid waste 40 hours a week. Correct. No.

The problem is that the guys aren't full-time at Solid Waste. So, there is solid waste and then their road and bridge. So then their wages are split between those two, but then they have overtime like she said when they work Saturday. So then my understanding is to get it coded correctly with overtime all of their time goes into road and bridge and so solid waste is not getting you lost me there. I'm sorry. Can you say that again? Well, if they have overtime, does all of that time have to go come out of road and bridge then to qualify for overtime or how do you push things into overtime if it's split?

It'll get pushed into overtime regardless, but by we don't know. We don't know where the overtimes assessed to road and bridge or to

well it would be um solid waste if the code stayed solid waste but by it getting changed to earned comp it's going to be something that falls into the road and bridge category because you're taking it off and putting it as earned comp which is currently um fund code road and bridge and there's no way to split that. Good job. So, I just want clarification going forward for this first payroll of the year because there are a few guys that have call out pay. Um, and then I don't know if any of the um solid waste pushed overtime because if you have holidays or vacation days in the weeks, you don't get overtime. It's just straight pay. So, but um I mean all I know is when I look at the budget like through what is this through November for solid waste, we've spent about $42,000 on personnel services. I doubt if we can operate the solid waste at 42,000 a year with the hours that we have. So, I don't I don't know why enough isn't getting put into that account. That's my question.

Because it gets turned into earned comp. So, it seems like to me there's probably about $10,000 that's getting pushed into road and bridge that should be in solid waste. That's my question. So I and that's where my question lies is one I need to double check the regulation but two so that f that Saturday solid waste um pushes overtime should I be taking it could could I be taking it from Friday and using those um road and bridge hours as earned comp hours would be easier just to come put the budgets back together

well it's too late for the next year. I know. I'm just saying. Well, no. That's what we were talking about. This if you look at solid waste and noxious weed and their budgets and road and bridge, if you put all three of those together and show, they're under budget. But when you separate them out now, road and bridge is over budget. Shrink them back into the same department. So, I'm not for sure why we put those other two into the general account. That was before me. That was way it's been about raised for years. But what I'm thinking is could you not make it easier and have one budget and they have would be much get rid of the codes.

Yes. I mean we still have the codes but then they changed the fund code for road and bridge versus the fund code for solid waste or fund code for callout pay. Right. makes your I mean the problem is for this coming you know there's been so much budgeted in the general and we don't have enough budgeted in road and bridge probably to cover all three and you can't well I'm just saying for the next year yeah I think we should talk about that combining them for next year. Yeah, I think that's part of the problem is uh because I just don't feel like at least solid waste is getting enough expense put into it. But now I understand what you're saying.

It's been a loser for it's lost every year. I don't know. Now we're only we're only $60,000. We probably have that much income, don't we? I'm not sure. better off this year than any other. Yeah, I was going to say it shouldn't be as much because we went from full-time person to a part-time person. And some of those part-time people um don't have benefits. I don't know where they or they don't have benefits. I shouldn't say some of them. None of them. Um anyway, I was just thinking maybe then it help also budget purpose. You only have to turn in one bucket instead of three.

Yeah. Well, I talk I'd like to talk about having going back to the breakdown that we had before, too. At least having some kind of idea of where things are coming because now here we come down to the end of the year and Mike's a little bit over budget, but there's no way to go back and say, well, compared to last year or two years ago, you know, this is where your expenses are up. Well, makes it very hard to track. And we were use we used 2024 budget numbers for this year. Um so that's possible why um possibly one of the reasons why it seems overbudget but

yeah so I tried to go back but literally like one month looking at detail it's like 20 pages. If you go back for the whole year, you're just looking at volume of I think we just need to go forward um and and talk about this and yeah, well I just I mean it's ran through the road and bridge office. Why is it not why you have to that I've kind of wondered that but I've stayed bum. Um I will say just for my part splitting them back out makes it more complicated when doing payroll. Um, but I will I will persevere should that be your decision.

I think it'd be it would help her situation as far as payroll and help Mike on the budget there. She's saying if the three so personal services, commodity, contractual, are are you talking about breaking it out by shop, office, Corey? I No, I don't think so. Not those. Only the expenses beyond personel services. I think personnel services Yeah, in one would be fine. Okay. So, thatffect me then I thought you were wanting to go back to where we had the department split out into categories and that was a little bit of a pain. Yeah. So, but

I don't know. We can ask our auditor why those were split out. I don't know if they was just getting money into the general fund. I don't know. but it just isn't right.

So, I guess I don't know if we can make a decision this meeting. It might have to be next meeting. I'll get you more information, but I definitely do want to start this year correctly and not have any issue. Um, as it stands, there are some employees that would prefer earned comp for their callout pay, but if you I guess if you're amanable to it, we're just going to leave it call out pay. So, our numbers represent the accurate report through the year and they still get their overtime for it. It's not like they're losing anything. It just won't go into earned comp. Um, and I don't think there's any issue with solid waste as payroll if I remember correctly. So, that's not an issue which is good. So, we might see it next time. But,

are you okay with the call out pay thing? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. Well, then that's answered. Um, took care of that. Took care of that. Um, we need to do um a 10-minute executive regarding Roaden Bridge to include myself, commission, council, and road bridge director for I say 10 minutes. Yep. Okay. Second.

I'll move to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel regarding road and bridge for 10 minutes to include commission council and HR and road and bridge director. So we'll come back at 3:43. I'll second the motion. All those in favor? Hi. Hi.

We good? Back in session. No, I should take it. Like make a motion to hire one employee in the road and bridge department with the wage to be determined effective January 6, 2026. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I motion pass 30. Did you say I? Yeah. Didn't hear you.

I sorry. Going to take those up to the girls.

Um and just one last thing, just an update. Um, I can only get payroll done so to a certain point because um, it's dependent upon budgetary being closed for 2025 and open in 26. We kind of have this every year. However, I do have the ability to um, create bank a and print checks. And there was one other thing I can do. So, the file will go to the bank tomorrow and it'll be um processed tomorrow and it will be in everyone's accounts on the 2nd. So, but the rest of this payroll may not push until like next week Monday. So, that's just

But as far as employees, as far as employees go, yes, I can do the [cough and clears throat] AC wires. I can send it to the bank. Um I can print checks for the one that needs a check because of their new hire. Um I just can't do anything else. So, um, just wanted to let you know that's where we were at for the first payroll of the year. So, do you have any questions, comments, or concerns for me? I don't think so. Okay. Thank you guys. That's all I had.

Mike. Okay. Good afternoon again, everyone. I don't have too much on my list. Um, most of it we've already talked about. Um here I don't know a week ago or so we had a bill from U CFS that came due and um we went ahead and paid it but I would still like the just to help get most to the we still have an outstanding bill from the bridge project, but I don't I don't know for sure when that's going to be coming to us because that uh CFS has not approved it yet. But here is the the one we've already paid was to CFS for professional services from September 27th to o October 31st on the river bridge project in the amount of $43,363.37. So again, we've we've already paid this bill, but I'd like it just to be formally approved. And here's the motion for that. So I think we need to note on this

invoice also that the total they actually wrote the invoice out was for 45,64468 but they only charged us the 43 36337. So the difference is the contract basically to fulfill what we had contracted with them. So we can see that this is the last invoice from them. So, we just need the last invoice from Bridges on the project really to finish it up, but we haven't received it. So, it's nice to see. I don't know. They were within a couple thousand dollars, so I think it was a good project. Usually, there's a lot of overrun and things, but I think the project just is really smooth. I'll make the motion to approve payment of CFS professional services uh from September 27th, 2025 through October 31st, 2025 on the Elk Road project. Bridge number BSN 661, KOT number 67 C 520901 in the amount of 43,3634 I'm sorry 37.

I'll second it. All those in favor? I I And we've already got the fuel thing taken care of. Um, that's all I have. What? [laughter] That was a new year present, wasn't it? Hey, Mike, do we get the crusher running yet?

Not yet, but we've got the part in and it should be hopefully very soon. Okay. So, um, the holidays kind of mess stuff like that up. Oh, yeah. But the part is the transmission for the crusher is it came last week. So, yeah, we going to be able to do that. Put it back in. [clears throat] So, yeah. So, any money? Anything else? Um, so last time I brought up the different funds and that the 1,00 or $1 million that transfer

needed to be transferred, uh, Chassity and I have visited. I think a lot of those can be done by the auditor. I think the only one that I'm concerned about is the ARPA fund which is in the red basically because we didn't put any more money back in that we got from KOT. Uh but I think I'd like to zero that out that way. Our last payment we just paid is to pay Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission to do all of the filing forms and everything. But at least at the end of this year they can say we had depleted all of the funds. it's a zero and then next year there won't be any really reporting, but I think we should at least show on our books that it was zeroed out. So, I'll make a motion to transfer $20,294.37 from the pilot fund number 433 to the ARPA fund which is number 411.

I'll second the motion. All those in favor? I motion pass down to her. Well, just anyway, I think that will clear that up. I think the other accounts we can let the auditor take care of. Leave that money in the pilot fund and see where that where that, you know, where we need it. Um, but I think everything else is looking good. So, we should have our year in balances by the next meeting. Pretty close. [laughter] I miss that. [snorts] I'm just being honored.

No, it's just And they're getting there. So So do all the dailies need to be reported before she closes out? Yes. Okay. So we should have something by our next meeting for the end of the year. So, um, we did not get a hold of the auditor today, but we did have a bill for the work that he's done this year. So, hopefully he's close. As far as we know, he has all the information he needs to do the audit for 24. So, it should be really

close. And we're hoping 25 goes much quicker. So, But, uh, she will make that transfer tomorrow before she closes out for the year. So, it will be in this year's, um, paperwork and and that'll be cleared out. So, I think I'm pretty pleased how we spent ARPA money. I think it really benefited some of our projects. So, but it's all done. It's all gone. Mike, did you need this back? Mike, did you need this back?

Are we going to be doing anything to the Shaw Road anytime? See, Mike, like next spring or anything? Um, the reason I asked is because that striping on there is getting pretty we probably should consider um another crack ceiling job and also sometime next summer. Hopefully we can get that shoulder on each side of the Canville Creek Bridge paved on the south side and also widen the turning radiuses

where Shaw Road meets Elk Road and uh then maybe next summer we could get a striping crew in here and okay restriping. So part of that is we don't know how much money we have left over if any in that

that sales tax. It's still that'll come out in the 24 audit. So we're still waiting on that. We're hoping that there's enough money there to cover those. Uh we did just receive 25,000 180 thou $180 somewhere like that, sorry, from the banks. They said that we overpaid when we did pay off the bonds. So, we did get a refund of $25,000 that's now in that account. So, we at least have $25,000 in there. But

I don't for my calculations, I thought that we should have about $300,000. But the treasurer disagrees, so we'll see how that all comes out. Um, but it would be nice to be able to take it out of those funds, but if not, we have money in the sales tax. They'll have money in the sales tax by then to maybe do a little bit of that, but we don't want it falling apart. There's a lot of money invested in that. Yeah. Yep. And we may want to consider a a chip and seal on the west part before we stripe it also. Or maybe the whole road.

It's it's a good road, but we want to keep it that way. Yeah, I'd say the whole one would be the whole road probably. I think I've noticed this seem like even the east side seems like it's deteriorated here in some areas I've seen. Have you seen I don't know if that was due to all the different bypasses and we're getting more trucks on that road than just the aging of it. Yeah, aging of it.

And the east part we've had problems with. We did a double chip and seal on that about probably 6 years ago, five or six years ago, because it was getting some uh a lot of surface cracks on it. Uh I was told that they used a different asphalt mix design on the surface that had more coarse aggregate in it. It probably should have had a little finer aggregate that will tend to hold up better on the on the surface lift. And but they had a a grant that was available that funded part of that project and they specified what type of asphalt to use throughout the the full depth and and Kenny Blair told me that they tried to get that change and and they wouldn't allow it. And so

that's why we've had more problems with the east part than we have the west side's held up much better than the east part. Yes. When I say east, I say east of the river bridge versus west of the river bridge. So, but we did the double chip and seal. We had two different engineers look at that and that was their recommendation. It's held up pretty good, but it's probably time to do something else or at least be thinking about it. And I did have them, if you'll think back uh last spring, I think it was, I had CFS drive that and make some recommendations and they said, you know, possibly in the not too distant future, consider crack sealing and maybe another chip and seal over the top. Or nowadays, they've also got some really good uh fog [clears throat] sealing options, too, where you just go in there and spray a sealer on top of it and uh and it'll seal those cracks off and it looks nice and black, almost like a like a new road. And the stuff that we watched them do over in Crawford County last year, we went over there and watched a demo on it and you could put traffic on it in like 30 minutes.

I know it's like short period of time. Yeah, they've really come a long ways on that stuff. So,

oh, there was u from elk on 250th elk to Harper. Might have them run that. There's some pretty healthy ruts. in that area. I just coming around the bridge more than him. So, and I I'm really short-handed right now because there's a lot of guys using vacation time up and uh there's a couple of my greater operators took all last week and all this week off. So, we're thread pretty thin, but we'll I'll get it taken care of. [clears throat] So,

so, okay, one other thing because when we had talked about the million-doll transfer, we haven't gotten a bill yet for the 2-in overlay from Bettis. Um, but I I was now tend like we should take that out of the sales tax account instead of we would have to transfer money from the pilot fund,

you know, to cover that. Right now, we're pretty well covered in the the special bridge account, but I think that really does fall under the sales tax and it would make it easier and that would free up more of the pilot fund. So, when we get that invoice, I think we should just take that out of the sales tax. for the North Elk project, which is going to be about $350,000.

Yeah. I think that'll just be a little bit cleaner. That's right. So, we'll have that road project. We'll have Gailsburg when we finish it out of the sales tax. And they're doing really good around the county. Everything that Bettis has done for us in the last year or two just I get so many compliments on how smooth. And then we'll have the bridge at St. Paul. Well, then we also have the one southeast of the um and then the four bridges that were going to do the overlay on the on their the cab.

Yeah. So that really um basically we're spending the money for the first year of the sales tax, but we still have then what we collect next year. So it's a lot of projects getting done. Yeah, these are good projects, too. They're they're really around the county. It's a long time. Well, I don't know if there's any in my district. Okay. I don't know if there's any in my district, but definitely Well, you came your area came up in conversation. Okay. I I have a couple roads for you, I think. So Oh, okay. Well, the North River Bridge definitely that project benefits a lot of people in my district. So, well, I besides yours.

I had talked to Mike and I said cuz we've done hard surfaces and calls mine. I thought about 21st Street to County Line from Plumber or Douglas and then straight from the school trying to overlay out to the school. Try to get that with me overlay and not if we can do that. Plumber needs some help. Douglas. Douglas. Yes. Yeah. I mean, which it would help that road and stabilize it and put a nice surface on it. We'll do like we did with Grady Road cuz Grady Road has been great. Yeah. I mean that the dump road was

I think uh Wilson County is going to do overlay that county line to 39. Oh, they are? Yeah, they are. Well, Chris Marble to talk to me about it. Oh, that'd be nice cuz that the old 39 highway be Yeah, that's heavily traveled. And I was just thinking just like if we can get that area in front across and then go to 35th Street from that. Might have to go up to 14th and just fix it all the way.

Well, here's what the city gave us that they want to do on that. But yeah, out on 21st going out west needs to be done. But Wilson County, unless they invest in that. So I hope it if they invest in that road, I'd be interested because but right now you're just we're paving to a dilapated road when you go all the way out to 39. It's talk to him again, but I I don't know if that was for sure or they wanted to do it. Yeah, that's old highway. Well, yeah, but they [laughter] have to keep up their side or, you know, sure,

but there's a lot more traffic probably coming out of Shenoot than coming into Shinoot from that. But still, it's a huge investment for us to really do that road and then dodging the potholes on their side. Well, yeah. The taxpayers are seeing something get done, you know, improving the roads. Yeah. So maybe they won't scream quite as loud when they pay their taxes.

Good. That it Thank you. We want to discuss jump down and do this cyber security executive session with Chassity before she has to go. I think it only takes about 10 minutes. I'll move to recess into executive session to discuss matters related to security measures regarding the county and cyber security for 10 minutes to include commission council and county clerk. Come back at 4:15.

I'll second the motion. All those in favor? All right.

Wide wide look you were just taking back in session election taken we need public comment or we have something or we do the city's resolutions that we don't need or we do really we have one of these is the boundary resolution that we have early December the other is a is the new resolution on the RHID which was passed in early December but was published for the first time and will be will be published today for the first time. I would just suggest everybody read it over and we put it on the agenda for next meeting. Okay. Was that the December 11?

Yes. Now the meeting on the public meeting on January 12th which is before our next meeting but so I did ask David break was over here on the boundaries what that was for. It's basically redistricting the town portions. This is actually the FFA building out at the high school. That land needed to be they didn't do it correctly the first time. Oh. So, it's just that's basically what it is. So, so really we just need to wait on the

I don't think there's any action on our part. Is there on either one? There's notifications. Okay, good deal. So, did your copies or mine? Oh, are they both in here? Sure. Just the December 11th. The latest one. Yeah. I mean, I already have that. I mean, do you want me to You don't need it.

I think we had it from last time. I didn't know about the 27th. I might have a conflict on my schedule. January. Yeah, I'm going to be in the legislative. Didn't know that the previous do on the 20th. I know that'd be back to back, but move it up a little. I don't have any problem with doing back to back. [laughter]

Be moving the 27th, the 20th. Now, with that, um, the sale auction, we'll have to switch that around in dates. Okay, that's fine. Yeah, good with that. I'll try. All right. [panting] Uh yeah. Okay. So, the next meeting is on the 13th of January. Um so, we had talked about moving up our time because obviously we get to this time of the day and it kind of puts our clerk in a pinch. So, are you guys interested in starting at least 1:00? I think Brett, can you do that?

I can do that. I think we was on the same page there. So, usually the first meeting in January, we do the reorganization anyway and we can take that part of our reorganization and then do you guys plan on meeting every other week then? We don't haven't actually set the commission meetings, I don't believe. Right. Yeah. Kind of. Yeah. It's just kind of a rough draft.

So, the next meeting 1:00, correct? So, we do need to also like our appointments to different organizations as part of the reorganization like Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board and that and then we usually Yeah. approve our meetings. What time and chairman? Would you like a layout of just commission meetings? I think so. Yep. That way if we have any conflicts that's where I'm running into some right now. So we'll try to work with

somebody retires having to come out for retirement for a while to help them out. Okay. Hopefully by then maybe we'll have an audit and we'll definitely have maybe December numbers. So, here's the county attorney's invoices, the one that we pulled. So, then accounts payable will be off if we meet on the 20th, too. Accounts payable. So, we can probably just appre approve Brett to sign those. you can send them to to us and then we can pull any that we have questions on and then Brett can approve them and get them paid. So, we'll meet on the

So, we'll meet on the 20th and then Are we going to So, we we were going to meet on the 20th and then the 10th of February, correct? So, do we want to wait 3 weeks to get back on schedule? We have to get back on schedule with the council. Yeah, we have to go back. They'll give me time to my schedule was just given to me. So I' known I'd have known something last month, but Okay. And the accounts people will still stick. So

yeah. Well, it's just easier if we meet to approve them. Okay. like surprisingly. [laughter] We'll uh send over the A report to you. Um what is that thing usually? January. Yeah. For the 27th meeting that we're meeting on the 20th. No problem. And then we're going to wait for 3 weeks to meet again. Okay. So we'll get back on schedule. So we'll give you a little break. I'm sure I'll fill up the sign. Sure. You go to 1:00 on the meeting. 1:00.

Good. And that'll start. So, be sure we put that on the website, too. Yeah. In the paper. So, should do better.

Anything else? I don't need my non-elected, but are we going to do anything about that forensic audit? I mean, people have been asking me about it. Several towns. I know it's probably a lot of money but you know do we want to wait until we get these final numbers and 24 24 you know from Jacob and then go from there. So we he has his close out all his corrections made everything from that time I think would be best and we are doing a forensic audit on the diversion fund. So, I did talk to um that lawyer when he was here for the hearing and he's getting pretty close. That would be interesting.

So, okay, that sounds good to me. Any public comment? Cindy, I'll make a motion to adjourn the meeting. I'll second it. All those in favor? Hi. Hi. Happy New Year, everybody. The new year's here. I'll be in bed by 10, probably. [laughter] We'll be there by 8.