Brett Hollister

The session included a report from the Sheriff regarding the current inmate count and a discussion about a recent fatal police shooting. An executive session was held regarding non-elected personnel, resulting in the appointment of Investigator Randy Linck as Emergency Management Director, effective January 1, 2012, with Deputy Richard Lehmkuhl serving as his assistant and taking on additional roles. The board reviewed options for an auction of old jail equipment. Discussions covered the 25th work anniversary of a county appraiser's office employee. The board approved an appointment to the Brown County Historical Society Board and signed tax change orders #2011-19, 24, 26-35. Clean Line Energy Partners presented on potential renewable wind energy transmission lines running through the county. BG Consultants provided a report on the county's 24 truss structures, recommending the closure of five due to high inspection costs relative to low usage. Horton EMS requested and received approval for a lease purchase agreement for two ambulance cots.

Key discussions during the meeting included clarifying a road and bridge workload involving half-inch dry chip material related to a prior commitment for rock procurement. The commission addressed service procedures for inclement weather cancellations, concluding that the director's office, after consulting with drivers, is authorized to make the decision to cancel services, ensuring consideration for meal service continuity for elderly residents. Accounts payable for January were reviewed and approved, with specific questions raised and clarified regarding charges split between the commissioner's and sheriff's budgets for city sanitation services. The agenda also covered the K-Camp risk assessment, confirming a paper copy would be provided to the janitor, and coordination for attendance at the County Highway Officials Conference in February. Furthermore, discussion focused on formulating a communication strategy, potentially involving individual commissioner meetings, to gather input on the bird permit issue.

Key discussions included an update on initial discussions with the City of Hiawatha regarding dispatch services and an update from the County Counselor on drafting a resolution concerning construction codes, the Goldfinch Road project MOU, and bridge technology options. The commission reviewed products and services from Herzog Contracting Corp concerning a 3-mile repair on Prairie Road, though no action was taken. The commission approved the 2025 fourth quarter Tonnage Report for the Transfer Station and approved publishing the notice for the Transfer Station hauler bid, with sealed bids opening on March 23, 2026. An Occupational License was approved for Sac and Fox Casino. The commission approved signing the letter of engagement with Loyd Group LLC to assist in preparing the 2027 Brown County Budget. Annual Township Reports were accepted, contingent upon Morrill Township submitting the General Fund expenditures page. Several executive sessions were held to discuss duties and compensation, protect the interests of non-elected personnel, and interview applicants for the Road and Bridge department and the Emergency Management Coordinator position.

The meeting included multiple executive sessions to discuss compensation for the Solid Waste Director position, duties of non-elected personnel, and interviewing applicants for the Emergency Management Coordinator and Road and Bridge positions. Key actions included setting the hourly rate for the Solid Waste position following the separation of roles, approving the hiring of a part-time Road Crewman I effective March 1, 2026, and subsequently approving the hiring of another individual as a full-time Road Crewman I effective March 2, 2026. The Commission approved the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Grants for Adult Corrections and Juvenile Services presented by Community Correction representatives. Additionally, the Board approved a Property Use Agreement for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Courthouse lawn. A resolution concerning the incorporation of the State of Kansas construction codes was tabled. Claims totaling $329,543.12 across various county funds were approved.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. A change was noted, moving the County Personnel and Public Comment section to 1:15 p.m. Condolences were offered for the passing of George Bruning, the longtime noxious weed and landfill director. Key business included the approval of the February 9th minutes. A motion was passed to appoint Deputy Register of Deeds Dean Along as acting register of deeds for Brown County, Kansas, effective March 2, 2026, until a successor is appointed. Discussions addressed a tax change order regarding taxes paid in another county. Significant discussion occurred regarding the tax sale status update, particularly concerning whether notifications should be published in the designated official county newspaper, which required follow-up communication with counsel. Furthermore, the commission officially ratified the decision to submit an application for the FAS22 grant program for the bridge project on Old 36 Highway. Finally, personnel addressed the previously approved project to migrate county email from the ISP hosted system to Microsoft 365, noting updated quotes and discussing the cost-effectiveness and security benefits of the subscription model versus standalone licenses.