Ashlea Confer

The primary agenda item concerns the acceptance of dedications for the Final Plat of Smith-Bell Acres. This involves dividing approximately 20.28 acres into two lots, as permitted under the County Subdivision Regulations for small subdivisions (not more than four lots). The division is intended to settle a family estate, with one daughter inheriting the lot containing the existing residence (Lot #2) and the other inheriting the northern lot (Lot #1) for use as pasture or hay ground. Both resulting lots meet the minimum requirements for lot size and frontage, accessing off Utah Road. Concerns noted include that approximately half of Lot #1 falls within the Special Flood Hazard Area, although Lot #1 is large enough to accommodate future on-site sanitation installation. The Planning Commission has recommended approval for the Final Plat.

Key discussions included the reopening status of the AdventHealth Ottawa Family Birth Center and a review of the 2025 sales tax report, with projections for 2026 sales revenue and proposed expenditures for hospital facility updates. Public comments addressed frustration regarding a solar project's planning stages and a formal request to remove the Prairie Sunlight Project from the solar moratorium established in January. The Commission approved structural changes within the Planning and Zoning Department by creating an Assistant Director position and reclassifying the Building Official role to Building Inspector, effective March 1, 2026. Additionally, the Board authorized a lease agreement with the Elizabeth Layton Center for available space in the County Annex Building and approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250 pickup truck for the Road & Bridge Equipment Fund. Finally, an appointment was made to fill a vacant Clerk position on the Peoria Township Board.

Discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding high property tax valuations and a proposal for a solar project offering property tax relief, with an attorney presenting visuals for the Prairie Sunlight Solar Project. The Commissioners approved several items via the consent agenda, including claim vouchers and bids for the Chip Seal Project and the Painted Pavement Marking Project. Key actions included approving a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FCDC for 2026, and approving grant applications for the FY2027 Adult and Juvenile Comprehensive Plan Grants from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The board also approved the proposed dates for the County Spring Clean-up days, accepted the dedication of rights-of-way for the Final Plat of Smith-Bell Acres, and approved a rezoning application to split approximately 3.00 acres from R-E to R-3A for a family member. Staff reports were presented.

The key discussion topic for this agenda item is the review and consideration of the Franklin County Ambulance Department's reports for January 2026. Specifically, the Board is requested to consider the approval of the January 2026 Adjustments Report, in addition to reviewing the Operational Report and Financial Report for the same period.

The agenda for the meeting includes standard organizational business such as Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation, followed by a Public Comment section. The Consent Agenda includes approvals for Claim Vouchers, Tax Change Orders, Payroll for the period covering January 21, 2026, to February 20, 2026, and minutes from the February 25, 2026, Commission Meeting and the March 2, 2026, Study Session. The consent agenda also features the approval of bids for the 2026 Chip Seal Project to Vance Brothers, Inc. ($1,190,189.75) and the 2026 Painted Pavement Marking Project to Straight-Line Striping, Inc. ($56,585.90). Key items of business involve considering approval for a new MOU between FCDC and the County for 2026, the FY2027 Adult and Juvenile Comprehensive Plan Grant Applications, and the scheduling of the County Spring Clean-Up Days for April 24th and 25th, 2026. Other business includes the acceptance of dedications for the Final Plat of Smith-Bell Acres and consideration for rezoning application #2509-0055 (Collins).