Larry Brungardt

The session included the appointment of Tim Stone as Ivanhoe Township Treasurer. The Board reviewed and approved several 1996 tax roll changes, and received a tax order from the State Board of Tax Appeals. Key actions involved reviewing and approving final 1998 budget figures for publication, setting a public hearing date, and accepting the recommendation to install additional surveillance equipment at the Law Enforcement Center. An Executive Session was held for approximately ten minutes to discuss possible real estate acquisition, after which no action was announced. Discussions also centered on Corporate Hog Farming regulations, with the Planning Commission recommending a workshop session. The Board will consider rescinding the resolution authorizing Corporate Hog Farming in Finney County at a later date. The Board also addressed Drainage District No. 1's request for assistance in cleaning a drainage ditch and reviewed bids for Public Works trucks, accepting recommendations for purchases from Dodge City International and Kansas Truck Equipment.

The Board addressed several items including the reappointment of Martin Nusser as a county representative to the Finney County Economic Development Corporation for a term from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 1998. The Board approved the Partial Release of Mortgage for Fibercraft, Inc., concerning property financed with Community Development Revolving Loan Funds. Approval was granted to Aryln Seba for a temporary portable sales office at 2401 West Jones for up to one year. The Public Works Department presented its weekly work schedule, and a request from the Beautification Committee regarding landscape design for the East Highway 50 project was taken under advisement pending a final cost estimate. The Board also received and filed a Tax Order for a property appraisal reduction for Allen and Lesley Ann Foreman and moved to recommend a further tax refund for them for earlier tax years.

The Board of County Commissioners conducted regular business. Key actions included amending the agenda to discuss the Interlocal Agreement regarding the 3-I Parking Lot ownership transfer from the City of Garden City to the County. The Board established a new procedure to allow time for public comments at the beginning of each meeting, limited to five minutes per individual. Tax roll changes for 1997 and 1996 were approved. The reappointment of Mac Payne as the Area Planning Commission member-at-large was approved. Following review, the Interlocal Agreement for the 3-I Parking Lot transfer was approved. The EMS Director reviewed department activities and facility needs. A preliminary Sanitary Sewer Feasibility Study for Towns Riverview subdivisions was presented, outlining five alternatives for sewer system establishment and funding, which the Board took under advisement. The Board discussed the proposed expansion of Area Mental Health Center facilities, including an estimated cost of $200,000.00, with $150,000.00 funded by Finney County, and took the proposal under advisement. Approval was granted to seek bids for document imaging for the Sheriff Department, following a Technology Committee recommendation. The bid opening for the parking lot extension south of the Administrative Center was postponed one week to December 8, 1997. The County Engineer reviewed the department work schedule, and Highway Utility Permits were approved. A public hearing was set for January 5, 1998, regarding the creation of Lateral Sewer District to Sewer District No. 2. Quotes for Corrugated Metal Culvert Pipe were reviewed and awarded to Welborn Sales. Approval was granted to order brake repair equipment for the 1987 Dresser Motor Grader, determined to be a sole source purchase. The Board entered and adjourned from an Executive Session to discuss a nonelected personnel matter. A request to increase licensing fees for child care providers to offset training costs was taken under advisement. Finally, a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Department of Property Valuation for computer system reimbursement was approved.

The Board of County Commissioners addressed several items, including an amendment to the agenda to include a discussion with Don Blackman regarding a nuisance complaint at 5100 North Third. The Board approved the installation of an 8' high painted metal or wood cedar fence as a resolution for the nuisance abatement. A decision was made regarding the creation of a Sewer District to service Towns Riverview and Towns Riverview South Subdivisions, adopting Resolution No. 21-98. Fairground improvements included authorizing bids for specifications for a new public address system at the Grandstand and Arena, and authorizing bids for improvements to the Horse Palace Indoor Arena. Security personnel policies were updated to mandate minimum insured security personnel and require proof of at least $500,000 insurance for licensees hosting dances or serving alcohol. Discussions were held regarding the 3I Parking Lot Use Policy concerning carnival scheduling, and a lease proposal from Kent Scott for auction use of the Finney County Landfill. A public hearing concerning the Green Road Petition was continued until September 14 to allow for a cost estimate and study regarding turning access. Bids for a Skid-Steer Loader were taken under advisement. Necessary design criteria and consultant selection for the Holcomb Bridge Project were discussed. The Board approved Resolution No. 22-98 authorizing an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Garden City regarding subdivision regulation outside city limits. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel matters, resulting in authorization to transfer unused vacation time to a sick leave bank for an employee. Finally, the Board approved the installation of an additional air conditioning unit for the Data Processing Department at the Administrative Center and accepted a proposal for modifications to the Commission Desk.

The Board session included public comments regarding opposition to countywide zoning regulations and building codes. Key actions included approving several changes to the 1997 tax roll (real estate and personal property) and approving several Highway Utility Permits for cable, gas, and utility line placement. The Board approved carrying over $20,241.00 from the 1997 Fairgrounds capital outlay budget to 1998 to fund Master Plan items. The Board approved a contract with Juvenile Justice Authority for Community Corrections case management services, subject to County Counselor review. An Executive Session was held to discuss non-elected personnel matters, resulting in a motion to allow county employees to donate vacation time to an employee. Bids were opened for Parking Lot Extension construction, and the apparent low bid from D & D Builders was accepted subject to contract preparation. The Board approved a contract for housing Finney County juveniles at the Reno County Detention Facility. A request to pay a 911 Interface Maintenance Contract from 911 funds was tabled for later budget review. Consideration of Everett Miller's request to remove property from the floodplain was tabled until a subsequent meeting to allow discussion of the proposed Towns Sewer Project. The Board approved Resolution No. 41-97 amending the Comprehensive Plan for property from Agricultural Potential to Commercial Potential, and subsequently approved Resolution No. 42-97 rezoning the same property from Agricultural District to General Commercial District. The Board approved the outline of the Technology Committee's 5-Year Strategic Plan and approved the purchase of computer equipment for the Computer Support Coordinator.