David Lee

Key discussions included the report from the Public Works Director on airport hangar concrete work. The board addressed bids for dust control, awarding the contract to Scotwood Industries at the same rate as the previous year, and accepted the sole bid from JD Automotive for vehicle and equipment tires totaling $75,099.65. Updates were provided on the start of the Oregon bridge project and planned 'no through truck' signage. The board signed the Noxious Weed Director's annual report for state submission. Thrive Allen County reported on a community conversation in Carlyle, noting positive feedback on roads and amenities, while identifying drainage, stop sign flashing lights, and tree trimming as areas needing attention. The board reviewed updates regarding the 911 Navigator Conference travel request, approved a letter of support for the Rural Champion Grant, discussed a potential parking plan due to upcoming road work on Highway 54, and deferred announcing the recycling solution until finalized for a trial period. The Sheriff reported on successful leadership training sessions, including upcoming classes on veteran suicide awareness and train-the-trainer programs. Several financial documents, including clerk vouchers and payroll items, were approved.

The meeting included a public comment where Thrive Allen County announced an upcoming community conversation. The Public Works Director provided updates on the delivery of a bobcat to the airport, concrete work preparation, and suggested obtaining a carport instead of extending a building due to the new truck's size. Discussions were held regarding purchasing a brush attachment versus a blower for the bobcat. The Road & Bridge Director reported on road conditions following recent snow and current brush cleanup efforts. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed recycling plan proposal presented by Allen County Recycling, including questions about the ownership and future responsibility of the recycling baler, and concerns about the scope of the proposed plan. Following an executive session regarding Contract Negotiations, Stephen Euston and Joe Holdenried from Bukaty Companies presented the 2026 Health and Welfare Plan Pre-Renewal information, covering historical figures and renewal proposals for health and ancillary coverages. Citizens also provided feedback regarding the county road crew's maintenance, specifically mailbox repair after snow removal. The Commissioners reviewed and approved several annual reports and department reports, and approved Clerk's Vouchers, payroll items, and tax abatements.

Key discussions included a request from Allen Community College for a letter of support for an EDA construction grant to fund new diesel tech and CDL classes. The Public Works Director reported on issues with the compactor and noxious weed truck bids, noting a vendor from Seattle might supply the needed bed. The Road & Bridge Director commenced repairs on Oregon Street funded by FEMA money. The Commissioners addressed a citizen concern regarding detour traffic on West Virginia road during Highway 3 bridge repairs. Thrive Allen County presented 2025 statistics for the SEK Recovery Resources Coalition and requested $19,248 in funding from Municipalities Fighting Addiction Funds, with the Commission requesting follow-up with other district counties regarding funding contribution. Mowing bids for county properties were reviewed and awarded, maintaining current service providers. A letter of support was approved for Thrive Allen County's application for the Sunflower Foundation's Paving The Way: Trail Town Program grant. The meeting included multiple executive sessions concerning Trade Secrets, Attorney Client privilege, and Non-Elected Personnel matters. The commission approved a letter of support for Allen Community College regarding graduation interviews, class attendance, machinery donation, and advisory board participation. The Zoning Administrator reported on a FEMA-approved lease agreement on South State, requiring filing at the deeds office, with the Commissioners determining the lessee should cover the filing cost. Department reports, fund status reports, and hospital financials for January were reviewed, along with the approval of Clerk's Vouchers, Payroll actions, and Journal Entries.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments for efforts during a recent snowstorm. Key discussions included citizen inquiries regarding the county tax sale process handled by the County Counselor. The Economic Development Director reported on the posting of a listing for a full-time position. A citizen expressed concerns about the recycling program's effectiveness and requested county leadership in coordinating efforts. The Board approved the purchase of a track loader for $98,639.00 for snow removal, with the Public Works Director noting low wait times and landfill operations updates. The EMS Director presented his yearly report, discussed ambulance remount quotes slated for 2027, and heard reports from Thrive Allen County interns regarding community needs assessment conversations at local high schools concerning attendance, facility improvements, and job opportunities. The Housing Preservation grant of $1.4 million for home renovation across the county was detailed. Several zoning matters were addressed, including the approval of a zoning change from agricultural to commercial to allow contractor and RV storage units, the correction of an inadvertently excluded tract into a commercial zone, and the approval of a conditional use permit for RV placement on commercially zoned property with existing utilities. The Board approved Resolution 202602 authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program. The session concluded with three executive sessions held to discuss Trade Secrets, Non-Elected Personnel, and Attorney Client matters, none of which resulted in action, followed by the approval of Clerk's Vouchers and tax abatements.

The board meeting addressed several operational and planning matters across various departments. Public Works discussed the status of the new landfill cell inspection, airport icing, and updates on public works equipment, including a grader engine rebuild. The board approved Neighborhood Revitalization Plan renewals for Humboldt and LaHarpe cities, and presentations were given regarding a new museum, followed by service recognition plaques for departing members. Executive sessions were held to discuss non-elected personnel matters and attorney-client privilege issues. The board reviewed and approved various financial documents, including department reports and abatements. Subsequent meetings covered the annexation of the Airport Industrial Park area, approval of a resolution to participate in a student loan repayment program, updates on EMS equipment replacement including the purchase of a demo ambulance, zoning matters such as a moratorium delay for battery energy storage systems, and a request concerning property sale and lease guidelines. Further discussions involved continuing publication in two newspapers, planning for evening meetings, road maintenance, equipment bids (oil and dust control), and insurance proposals. The final recorded segment detailed road committee appointments, approval of the 2025 health insurance proposal, and updates on storm siren grant applications and EMS vehicle purchases.