Linn County

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. The Commission approved the minutes as written and approved claims totaling $295,15.76. Agenda items included planning for an executive session concerning attorney-client privilege with the County Counselor and two commissioners, as well as a separate session with an attorney via phone. Discussions covered approving a new maximum daily PDM rate of $112.82 for housing inmates/parole violators and authorizing the necessary signatures. Updates were provided by Public Works regarding the start of construction on the landfill perimeter berm and the temporary closure of a portion of Baskerville road. The IT Director requested and received approval for the $9,072 yearly renewal of the Duo multi-factor authentication service. Furthermore, the County IT Director was tasked with leading the Civic Plus website transition, including assembling a departmental team, and reporting back next week. The Public Works representative also presented a Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan owner certification for signature, which required the attachment documents to be provided for full context.

The meeting addressed several financial and departmental matters. Initial actions included approving change orders related to ads and baits for a refund of $9,165.68, associated with change order numbers 2025-114, 115, 1223, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, and 132. The agenda was amended to include a discussion regarding mental health with Tisha Coleman. Department head reports covered AMR statistics, including call volumes and response times for various districts, and the Sheriff's report detailing prisoner counts, service calls, and civil matters. The Fire and Emergency Management representative reported 14 calls for the week and requested an executive session for trade secrets concerning the Sire project. The IT Director requested approval to move $25,000 from the IT budget to special equipment, pending resolution documentation, and approval for the annual renewal of the Duo multifactor authentication service costing $9,72. The Appraiser's office noted uncertainty regarding final budget carryover figures due to pending postage calculations and requested an executive session regarding a non-personnel matter. The Clerk of the Court requested to encumber $5,000 for soundproofing in Courtroom A. Tisha Coleman presented information on the growth and increased complexity of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board, noting significant increases in individuals served, service volume, workforce, and budget since 2015.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of claims and an adjustment to the agenda to include an Executive Session regarding anticipated litigation and a review of KCamp Risk Assessment results. Reports were received from AMR detailing call volumes, and the Sheriff reported on jail activity, calls for service, and case statistics. The Fire and Emergency Management reported on various incidents and discussed acquiring a surplus truck for Emergency Preparedness. Public Works provided updates on bridge maintenance and future reports concerning Marina cabin rentals and KCamp Risk Assessment findings. Discussions also covered tabled items, including the removal of the Airport Sale/Lot Split item, plans for the demolition of the old jail building following a mold study, the Emergency Survey Plan for employees, and initiating reviews of employee insurance, compensation plans, and benefits matrices. Further discussion involved the KORA process, and a brief old business topic concerned the replacement of unmatching chairs in the Commissioners' office. The order of chair positions was noted to change in the subsequent week.

The meeting included approval of claims totaling $571,535.25. The agenda was modified to include an executive session concerning Kansas statute 75-4319B4 with commissioners, the auditor, and others present for 15 minutes. Department reports covered the November AMR ambulance report, showing 130 total calls and 60 transports, and the Sheriff's report for December 1, 2025, detailing jail statistics and calls for service. The Rural Fire Department reported 16 calls for the preceding week. Public Works addressed the approval of the salt bid from Central Salt at $72.51 per ton and provided updates on courthouse roof invoicing, work on the 4H and south road shop buildings, and the initiation of an as-built survey for the landfill perimeter berm using ARPA funds. The commission also authorized the chairperson to sign a document designating an agent for CAPERS, and discussed pursuing tax-exempt status for the airport. An update from the Health Department detailed November activities, including flu shots, the dedication of a mother's room as 'Sue's Closet' in honor of a former employee, and plans for immunization record entry, emergency plan review, and CPR classes.

The board meetings covered numerous operational and administrative matters across several dates. Key discussions included the approval of various pays/special pays and add/abate/refund orders, and acceptance of the Sheriff's Monthly Fee Report for December 2024. Topics addressed by department heads included AMR activities, prisoner counts, fire calls, airport land leases, and strategy sessions regarding the county website. Personnel matters involved employee performance discussions in executive sessions, approval of pay increases for specific staff, setting goals for the year, and the announcement of an employee's retirement. Legal counsel was sought in multiple executive sessions, resulting in the release of payment to a law firm and the approval of contracts for two part-time Assistant County Attorneys. The Commission addressed operational issues such as compaction contracts with local cities, necessitating a decision on service termination if agreements were not met, and later directing legal counsel to discuss issues with Pleasanton's attorney. A Floodplain Management Resolution was approved, and salary schedules/warrant cancellations were adopted. Later meetings involved updates on the 900 Road project, approval for airport ground lease bids, discussions on equipment usage tracking and replacement (e.g., landfill loader, roll-off trucks), and the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a clubhouse. The hiring of a new Planning & Zoning Director was approved, and various facility repair projects (courthouse, gazebo, soundproofing) were discussed, with specific funding approved for soundproofing materials. Further agenda items included setting expectations for holiday décor removal and updating various county postings and procedures.