Commissioners Meeting Minutes

August 27, 2004

Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Vern Harris on July 27th, 2004 at 9:06 a.m. Brown opened the meeting with a "word of prayer". Those attending were: Vern Harris, Commissioner; Rodney Brown, Commissioner; Betty V. Crow, County Clerk; Karen Krueger, Administrative Assistant Audience; Bill Yohey, Administrative Intern.

After the vouchers were reviewed and discussed the approved vouchers were signed.

Mike Beeson, County Hospital Board Member, visited with the commissioners about a letter he received from Wayne Singer, Chairman of the Kiowa County Hospital District Board. He stated that he will have the letter clarified at the board meeting to be held tonight and ask that the commissioners be represented too.

Bruce Fickenscher, Extension Agent, visited with the commissioners about several items of interest, to wit: (a) first batch of mosquito's trapped, tested not positive; (b) second batch, Eads Lagoon's and Sheridan Lake results not back; (c) larva found on Jackson's Pond - Commissioners agreed that pond be treated; (d) discussed ownership of Legion Hall; Questions and concerns of Fairboard on grounds surrounding the hall.

Eikenberg entered the meeting at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioners recessed the regular meeting to go into the Board of Equalization Hearings. Chairman Harris called the Board of Equalization Hearing to order at 10:00 a.m. Those attending were: Vern Harris, Commissioner; Rodney Brown, Commissioner; Dutch Eikenberg, Commissioner; Betty V. Crow, County Clerk; Karen Krueger, Administrative Assistant; Bill Yohey, Administrative Intern. Audience: Roger Bentley and County Assessor Penny Weirich.

Roger Bentley presented his appeal to the commissioners in regard to the Kiowa County Assessor's valuation on his real property in Eads. After much discussion, the commissioners agreed to take his concerns seriously but that no change could be made at this time.

Chairman Harris called the second Board of Equalization Hearing to order at 11:00 a.m. Those attending were: Vern Harris, Commissioner; Dutch Eikenberg, Commissioner; Betty V. Crow, County Clerk; Karen Krueger, Administrative Assistant; Bill Yohey, Administrative Intern. Audience: Sharon and Charles Bowen and County Assessor Penny Weirich.

Charles and Sharon presented their appeal to the county commissioners in regard to the Kiowa County Assessor's valuation on their commercial property in Eads. After much discussion, the commissioners agreed to take the concerns seriously but that no change could be made at this time.

Commissioner Brown did not attend the hearing as he was on a telephone conference call with SECED for their regular monthly meeting.

Chairman Harris closed the hearing at 11:50 a.m. Commissioners returned to Regular Meeting at 11:55 a.m.

Eikenberg made the motion, seconded by Harris to approve the minutes of July 13th, 2004 as read. All commissioners voted affirmative.

The commissioners discussed as to what process should be taken to disperse the 500 sage meal tickets for the senior citizens in the county. The Discretionary Funds were received from the state for nutrition services, to be partially dispersed in purchasing sage meal tickets for senior citizens. After much discussion, it was agreed that they visit with Margie Wiltfang, Sage Coordinator and the Ministerial Alliance for suggestions.

The commissioners agreed that the hospital and nursing home resident’s drivers were welcome to use the County Transit Vans for the various appointments, as long as they check with Lola Igou for scheduling.

Bill Yohey reported on various items discussed at the Haswell Town Board Meeting, to wit: (a) approval of county to again assist with the town clean up trash hauling; (b) Go Co Grant - Multi Use Park; (c) No response from letter sent on Stoker property.

Sheriff Report was reviewed and filed. Veterans Report was signed.

Eikenberg made the motion, seconded by Brown to approve and sign the school nurse contracts for RE-1 and RE-2. All commissioners voted affirmative.

Brown made the motion, seconded by Harris to accept the resignation from Zelda Peterson on the LAVAAA Board and appoint Loretta Seibel to finish her term. All commissioners voted affirmative.

Maintenance on Lot on corner of Highway 287 and 12th Street (Old Rehm Property) was discussed. Commissioners will discuss further the situation with the hospital board and make a decision if said property should be sold.

The commissioners will meet the 12th and 31st of August to conduct their monthly business. The county picnic will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the swimming pool on August 12th.

Retiring Hospital Administrator, Jim Murphy introduced the new administrator Warren Yule to everyone in the meeting.

Harris left the meeting at 4:00 p.m. to meet with a representative from Colorado East Bank in Sheridan Lake to sign papers for the Assisted Living Project.

Brown made the motion, seconded by Eikenberg to adjourn at 4:25 .m. All commissioners voted affirmative.