Konia K. Fries

The Planning Commission discussed several items including a conditional use permit for a kennel and hunting dog training operation, which was approved. The commission also considered a new text amendment for data centers, which was tabled for further research. A new text amendment regarding battery energy storage systems was reviewed and approved. Representatives from the local public power district provided input on data center requirements and energy storage technology.

The Planning Commission discussed and approved several proposed amendments, including updates to flood plain definitions, voting and recommendation procedures for the commission, and public hearing requirements for conditional use permits. The commission also approved a residential plat request for a non-compliant split to separate a home from a business, and passed a proposed amendment regarding CSCS regulations following a tie-breaking review from a previous meeting session.

The Board of Commissioners conducted business including the approval of motor vehicle tax exemptions, tax list corrections, and the payment of various claims and payroll reports. An executive session was held to discuss funding and legal representation related to solar lawsuits. The Board approved 2026 Capital Improvement Grants for several local organizations and made appointments to the Tourism Committee. Additionally, the Board authorized the County Treasurer to place unpaid parcels on the county sale and approved several zoning-related requests, including conditional use permits and administrative splits, while denying others based on public safety concerns. A new vehicle purchase for the zoning department was also approved.

The agenda for this meeting includes a Re-Organization of the County Board, covering the appointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, committee representatives, and county officials for the 2026-2027 term, as well as approving 2026 financial institutions and the designated legal county paper. The Board of Equalization section addresses a Motor Vehicle Exemption Application for a First Baptist Church bus. Regular agenda items include a Public Hearing and bid opening for the renewal of the Zito Midwest, LLC Franchise Agreement. Other discussions involve a TORT Claim filed by Wendy Frazer, approval of 2026 mileage rates, an update from the EMA/EMS Director on the past year's performance and replacement of an air condition unit, and a tabled Conditional Use Permit for an Event Center. The session concludes with an Executive Session scheduled for personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with a Reorganization session where the Board appointed Alex DeGarmo as Chairman and Daniel Stohlmann as Vice-Chairman for 2026. Various committee representatives and county officials, including the Highway Superintendent, Zoning Administrator, EMA/EMS Director, and others, were appointed for two-year terms. The Board also designated the financial institutions for county monies and approved the legal county paper for 2026. During the regular session, a public hearing was held concerning the renewal of the Zito Midwest, LLC Franchise Agreement, which was subsequently approved. Other key actions included the denial of a TORT claim filed by Wendy Frazer and the approval of the 2026 mileage rates. The Board discussed replacing an air condition unit for a cell tower site, requesting the EMA/EMS Director to prepare for taking bids. A request for a Conditional Use Permit for an Event Center was denied based on public safety, health, and wellness concerns. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, with no action taken in the open session.