The County Commissioners met in session, April 26th, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth, Larry Meili, Deputy Clerk Gina Braun Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger present. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the April 19th meeting were read by Deputy Clerk Gina Braun. Larry Meili made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:40 Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger gave an update on the status of the equipment listed on Purple Wave. Steve Ellenberger informed the commissioners that he is needing full time and summer help. Steve Ellenberger presented a map of the 10 grader districts. Steve Ellenberger proposed to re-delineation the road districts. Larry Meili made the motion to have Steve Ellenberger get started with the re-delineation process. Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
9:48 Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger left the meeting.
9:51 Noxious Weed Supervisor Justin Chestnut joined the meeting. Justin Chestnut informed the commissioners that the oil leak is fixed in the 2004 Dodge. Larry Meili made the motion to approve a 1-year certification pay increase for Noxious Weed Supervisor Justin Chestnut. Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion passes 3-0
10:06 Noxious Weed Supervisor Justin Chestnut left the meeting.
10:54 EMS/HEALTH Supervisor Pete Rogers joined the meeting. Pete Rogers gave an update on the COVID and vaccine status. Pete Rogers presented information on the grants he is working on and how the funding could help the county such as infrastructure, communication systems, emergency preparedness etc.
11:40 EMS/HEALTH Supervisor Pete Rogers left the meeting.
12:00 Terry Nelson joined the meeting. Terry Nelson was in to discuss road conditions on E Buffalo from Hwy 183 East.
12:55 Larry Meili made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion passes 3-0
April 19th, 2021
The County Commissioners met in session, April 19th, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth, Larry Meili, County Clerk Teena Dierking & Road/Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger present. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the April 12th meeting were read by County Clerk Teena Dierking. Jerod Roth made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Larry Meili seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:34 Vernon Roth & Jacob Wolf joined the meeting. Jacob Wolf was in inquiring about half price discounts at the landfill for removal of blighted areas. Wyatt inspected the MH located at 191 E Liberty in Kirwin KS and approved to accept the debris. On April 15th, 2021 Jacob Wolf hauled the debris to the landfill and paid full price. Jerod Roth made a motion to reimburse Jacob Wolf $1,414.74 for the debris at 191 E Liberty in Kirwin KS. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
8:45 Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger informed the commissioners on current road conditions and plans moving forward. Steve presented a 5-year lease agreement for use of the Bailey pit. Jerod Roth made a motion to approve the 5 yr. lease agreement for the Bailey pit. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
8:54 Tina Johnson joined the meeting.
8:58 Tina Johnson voiced concerns about the terrible road conditions on East 300 Rd & East Limestone. Tina informed Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger & the Commissioners that there are 14 families that travel these roads daily, not counting the daily traffic. Tina was concerned for the safety of the families that travel these roads.
9:03 Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh joined the meeting. Charlie Radabaugh commended Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger and his crew for the work they have been doing. His officers are seeing a change and realize change can’t happen overnight, but they appreciate the efforts they are taking.
9:08 Tina Johnson left the meeting.
9:10 Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh informed the Commissioners that the courthouse cats were still being fed by the sacks of cat food found. Charlie informed the Commissioners that he had been receiving complaints about the effects of feeding and letting the cats in the building.
9:15 Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh left the meeting.
9:20 Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger presented 2 options for Bruckner’s Lease program. The first option is a 36 month, 4 annual payments of $17,500 @ 2.35% interest. The second option is a 48 month, 4 annual payments of $17,500 @ 2.45% interest. In the contract Bruckner’s agreed to accept 2 older Mach trucks in on trade. The 2 lease trucks should be available the first part of May. Larry Meili made the motion to accept the 36 month lease purchase agreement through Bruckner’s for 2 trucks Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion passes 3-0. Steve gave an update on the status of the equipment listed on Purple Wave.
9:45 County Clerk Teena Dierking presented 2 notes to the County Commissioners received from Roxylea Rummel & Ellen Runnion about concerns on the 30X30 plan and the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership.
10:02 Cricket Cole joined the meeting.
10:21 Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger left the meeting.
10:22 Rex Walk, Jessie Wyrill & Terra Overmiller joined the meeting to inform the Commissioners about the Board of Trustee’s March meeting.
10:45 John Mapes joined the meeting.
11:01 County Treasurer Brett Derr & EMS/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers joined the meeting.
11:05 John Mapes and Chairman Max Dibble approached Treasurer Brett Derr about the 54 negative accounts that were published. John Mapes informed Treasurer Brett Derr that this is in violation of 10-1121 & 10-1113 and he could be prosecuted. Treasurer Brett Derr informed the group that the distribution done in September of 2020 was also distributed in Jan 2021.
11:27 Treasurer Brett Derr left the meeting.
11:45 County Counselor Tom Sullivan joined the meeting. Tom Sullivan & John Mapes voiced concerns about the publishing of negative accounts and the action’s that could be taken.
11:53 John Mapes left the meeting.
11:54 EMS/HEALTH Supervisor Pete Rogers discussed the COVID status and vaccine quantities.
12:00 EMS/HEALTH Supervisor Pete Rogers left the meeting.
12:01 County Counselor Tom Sullivan presented a proposed resolution pertaining to the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership. Larry Meili made a motion to approve Resolution 605 as follows, “A non-self-appointed board, is proposing to declare all of Phillips County as part of 49 counties (26 in Kansas, 23 in Nebraska) as a National Heritage Area for National designation. The Designated would be called “Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership” and be established without consent or agreement by local landowners or local government”. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; the majority of the Phillips County Commissioners oppose the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Partnership designation as proposed and do not wish to have Phillips County included in the proposed National Heritage Area Partnership. PASSES AND ADOPTED BY THE Board of County Commissioners of Phillips County, Kansas on April 19th, 2021. Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion passes 3-0
12:09 County Counselor Tom Sullivan informed the Commissioners that he has hired Celia Young as his new secretary starting May 3rd. Celia will train with Deb Fawver for two months.
12:13 County Counselor Tom Sullivan left the meeting.
12:33 Deb Grammon joined the meeting inquiring about the damaged books in the basement that was caused by the recent flooding.
12:37 Deb Grammon left the meeting.
12:38 Chairman Max Dibble presented information on Senate bills 2039, 2089, 2104, 2167, 2390 & 2208.
12:55 Jerod Roth made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion passes 3-0
April 12th, 2021
The County Commissioners met in session, April 12th, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth and Larry Meili with County Clerk Teena Dierking present. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the April 5th meeting were read by County Clerk Teena Dierking. Jerod Roth made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Larry Meili seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:34 Kevin McDowell joined the meeting. Kevin was in inquiring about continuing to mow the NOOA tower ground South of Kirwin. Larry Meili informed the group that he had been approached by a taxpayer inquiring about mowing the NOOA tower ground. Larry Meili agreed to write up a bid ad to post in the paper accepting bids to mow the NOOA ground South of Kirwin.
8:34 Noxious Weed Supervisor Justin Chestnut joined the meeting. Justin wanted to commend Caleb Breon & PCED for their efforts in advertising for the part time summer position. It was a great success there were lots of applicants. Justin also informed the commissioners that the rear main seal is out on the 2004 Dodge.
8:50 County Appraiser Alan Hale joined the meeting.
8:53 Doug Zillinger joined the meeting.
8:55 Noxious Weed Supervisor Justin Chestnut left the meeting.
8:56 Doug Zillinger wanted to commend Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger and staff about the great job they have been doing to reshape the county. Doug did have some concerns on W 600 N of Osage. There are 3 spots twice the length of a semi that need repaired. He was concerned for the safety of his mother and the elderly neighbors who have to travel this road every day.
9:11 Doug Zillinger left the meeting.
9:12 County Appraiser Alan Hale presented information on employee’s statues, pay scales, and merit raises.
9:34 Cricket Cole joined the meeting.
9:55 County Appraiser Alan Hale left the meeting.
9:59 Melissa Johnson joined the meeting. Melissa would like to offer her knowledge of preparing township budgets by holding a class or two, depending on the amount of interest.
10:01 Steve Knowles joined the meeting.
10:09 Melissa Johnson left the meeting.
10:10 Steve Knowles voiced concerns about the lake North of his house due to poor road conditions.
10:12 Steve Knowles left the meeting.
10:13 Chairman Max Dibble presented information on senate bill 40, 13, 2104.
11:13 EMS/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers joined the meeting.
11:22 County Counselor Tom Sullivan phoned to discuss non-elected personnel.
11:24 County Counselor Tom Sullivan left the meeting.
11:24 EMS/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers informed the commissioners on COVID cases and vaccine status.
11:39 EMS/Health supervisor Pete Supervisor Rogers left the meeting.
12:00 Jerod Roth made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
April 5th, 2021
The County Commissioners met in session, April 5th, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth and Larry Meili, County Clerk Teena Dierking , Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger, Kameron Parker & Shawn Wasinger with Bruckners Sales & Service. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the March 29th meeting were read by County Clerk Teena Dierking. Larry Meili made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:40 Kameron Parker & Shawn Wasinger presented information on Bruckners Mack Truck Municipal Lease Program.
9:03 Kameron Parker & Shawn Wasinger left the meeting.
9:04 Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger approached the commissioners about Road & Bridge working 4-10 hr. days starting April 19th. The commissioners approved this change with flexible hours on memorial weekend and employees working Fridays if roads need to be graded after rainfalls.
9:06 Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh & Fire Chief Jeramah Clancy joined the meeting.
9:10 Chairman Max Dibble made a motion to go into executive session regarding non-elected personnel and to come out at 9:40 Larry Meili second the motion. Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh & Jeramah Clancy & Road & Bridge Supervisor Steve Ellenberger were asked to stay. Motion passes 3-0.
9:40 Larry Meili made a motion to resume back to regular session Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion carries 3-0. No action taken.
9:49 Caleb Breon joined the meeting.
10:01 Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger left the meeting.
10:13 Caleb Breon was in to see if it was possible for the Clerk to create a separate account for their program surplus accounts.
10:13 Caleb Breon left the meeting.
10:24 County Clerk Teena Dierking presented an email she had received from Janitor Colleen Caddy regarding a few lawn issues that need to be addressed.
10:26 Larry Meili made a motion to approve the chairman Max Dibble to sign the North Kansas Juvenile services nomination for Judge Paula Hofaker Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
10:47 County Counselor Tom Sullivan joined the meeting to discuss details on the current unattended death.
10:49 Lisa Dusin Joined the meeting.
10:52 County Counselor Tom Sullivan left the meeting.
10:52 Lisa Dusin came in inquiring about using the annex meeting room or the EMS education room for the purpose of the State mandated Bio Metric Screening program. Holding the screening in Phillipsburg would benefit other taxpayers who would otherwise have to travel to the closest screening place.
10:54 Lisa Dusin left the meeting.
11:10 EMS/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers joined the meeting.
11:13 Ems/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers presented a change of status form for Kollette Keeten to go full time with the EMS/Health Department as an administrative assistant. Pete is working with all the department who use the current radio equipment. Pete informed the commissioners that the counties current radio equipment is extremely outdate and an upgrade is essential to respond to emergency situations.
12:10 EMS/Health Supervisor Pete Rogers left the meeting.
12:32 Larry Meili made the motion to adjourn the meeting Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion carries 3-0
March 22, 2021
The County Commissioners met in session, March 22, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth and Larry Meili, County Clerk Teena Dierking and Road & Bridge supervisor, Steve Ellenberger. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the March 15th meeting were read by County Clerk, Teena Dierking. Larry Meili made a motion to approve the corrected minutes as corrected. Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:44 Larry Kempt joined the meeting to discuss conditions on E 800 & Granite road. Larry informed the group that the road & ditch are tore up after he had to get neighbors to pull his truck out after sliding off into the ditch. Larry was concerned for the safety of his young granddaughters as they travel this road regularly.
8:51 Larry Kempt left the meeting.
8:51 Bud Malmberg, Vice President of Farmers National Bank joined the meeting.
8:53 Jerod Roth made the motion to have the Chairman sign the lease purchase agreement for the two 2022 belly dump trailers for $68,200. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0. Larry Meili made the motion to have the chairman sign the lease purchase agreement for the 2020 John Deere motor grader for $313,315.94. Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
8:58 Jerod Roth made the motion to have the Chairman Max Dibble sign the quit claim deed for the .51 acres county property that was deeded to the county in 1923 for a road that was never developed. Larry Meili seconded the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
9:00 Bud Malmberg, Vice President of Farmers National Bank left the meeting.
9:01 Max Dibble informed Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger of a major dirt washing off the road and covering the shale east of W Navajo & W 500 Rd E of Woodruff. Mike Ehm asked chairman Max Dibble to have the bridge looked at on W Victory in between 600-700 road. Steve Ellenberger informed the commissioners about broken bridge planks on Plains Rd in between 100-200 Rd & W 1400-1500 Rd. Steve talked about the tube that needs dug out and replaced on E Zenith & 1300 Rd. Bob Mccreery talked to Steve about the road conditions on E 200 S of Sante Fe. Larry Meili was contacted by Ann Bushnell about Ks Ave. needing graded.
9:29 Noxious Weed supervisor Justin Chestnut joined the meeting.
9:40 Road & Bridge supervisor Steve Ellenberger left the meeting.
9:43 Noxious Weed supervisor Justin Chestnut informed the Commissioners that he is seeking part time summer help.
9:46 Wyatt Lyon landfill supervisor & Austyn Werner joined the meeting. Wyatt informed the commissioners that Solida Tree Service removed the trees out of the C & D pit. Wyatt also said that the transmission is back for the compactor and it should be delivered to the Landfill in a week or two. Cat found no other issues there and there are no additional costs. Wyatt Lyon would like to coordinate the county wide clean up with the city-wide clean-up for Phillipsburg. Jerod Roth made the motion to approve county wide clean up to be the last week in April as the city wide clean up (unofficial). Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0
9:45 Lindsay Bazalaki joined the meeting.
9:55 Tom Sullivan joined the meeting.
9:56 Wyatt Lyon informed the commissioners about the ground contamination of detected Tetrachloroethene at the landfill. Wyatt presented 5 potential options. First solution is to build a transfer station and operate as a construction & demolition landfill. Second solution is to close the landfill and haul waste elsewhere. Third solution is to excavate the waste in place that is causing the ground water contamination. Fourth solution is situ chemical oxidation of the ground water contamination. Fifth solution is to develop a new landfill at a different site within the county. The next sampling will be in July.
10:05 Tom Sullivan left the meeting.
10:05 Wyatt Lyon and Austyn Werner asked if the landfill & solid waste billing could be moved to the landfill. The billing process is currently being done by Lauren Schmidt county clerk’s office professional. The landfill has paid and is paying half of Lauren’s salary for doing the landfill & solid waste statements, deposits and maintaining books. County Clerk Teena Dierking agrees with Wyatt that the billing needs to be at the landfill. Teena’s concern is with the clerk budget if the billing is moved to the landfill. The 2021 clerks’ budget cannot afford a $13,000 increase. This increase will put the budget in the red projecting to the end of the year. Wyatt & Austyn voiced concerns about the way purchase orders are being processed & that they feel this should be part of Lauren’s duties, as they pay half of her salary out of their budget. Teena informed Austin & Wyatt the reason for the billing change is to try and help each department head keep track of the income and expenses on a month-to-month basis. In the past years there have been budgets that have had to be republished due to over budgets. The Clerk’s goal is to make it easier for each department to stay on tract with their expenditures, so that way at the end of the year there are less budgets that have to be republished. It was decided to keep the solid waste & landfill billing at the clerk’s office for 2021 and that the landfill purchase orders will be taken care of by Wyatt & Austyn to ensure that bills are being paid on a timely manner.
10:40 Katie Bilbrey joined the meeting.
10:44 Wyatt Lyon & Austyn Werner left the meeting.
10:46 Lindsay Bazalaki presented information on Washington National insurance. Lindsay wanted to set up a time to present information to the county employees. Max Dibble informed Lindsay that the county has a no solicitation policy during work hours.
10:50 Lindsay Bazalaki left the meeting.
10:51 Katie Bilbrey presented & discussed medical reimbursements.
10:56 Katie Bilbrey left the meeting.
10:58 Max Dibble chairman presented information on the current maintenance agreement on the radio systems.
11:02 Commissioners approved to have the courthouse square be used to host the post prom Prominade.
11:06 Jerod Roth made the motion to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Regular session will resume back at 11:15 Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
11:15 Larry Meili made the motion to resume back to regular session Jerod Roth second the motion. Motion carries 3-0. No action taken.
11:18 EMS/Health supervisor Pete Rogers joined the meeting.
11:19 Pete Roger EMS/Health supervisor gave the commissioners an update on the COVID status. Pete informed the commissioners on the quotes he had been gathering for the water rescue equipment trained teams.
11:29 Deb Grammon joined the meeting.
11:30 Max presented information on senate bill 40, in that they are extending the emergency disaster declaration.
11:34 Tom Sullivan joined the meeting.
11:34 Pete Rogers left the meeting.
11:34 Deb Grammon presented pictures & information on the water damage in the basement due to the current heavy rains. Deb was concerned about the mold on the books and would like to have a company come in to run tests.
11:42 Deb Grammon left the meeting.
11:45 Max Dibble chairman made a motion to go into executive session for non-elected personnel and to resume back at 12:05. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0
12:05 Larry Meili made the motion to resume back to regular session. Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carries 3-0. No action taken.
12:12 In the Jan 25th commissioner’s minutes chairman Max Dibble presented an estimate bid to repair the GIS plotter. The repair costs would have been $1270 less than the price of a new one. The county commissioners agreed to not repair the machine. County Clerk Teena Dierking received a bid from Digital Domain for $100 to purchase the plotter as is. Jerod Roth made the motion to sell the plotter to Digital Domain for $100. Larry Meili second the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
12:12 Sheriff Charlie Radabaugh joined the meeting. Charlie voiced concerns about the 30–40-year-old radio systems and that an upgrade will need to be done in the near future to keep up with technology. Charlie voiced concerns about the courthouse cats being let in during the evening and the potential damage they could cause if continued to be let in.
12:23 Charlie Radabaugh left the meeting.
1:03 Larry Meili made the motion to adjourn the meeting Jerod Roth seconded the motion. Motion carries 3-0.
March 15, 2021
The County Commissioners met in session, March 15, 2021 with Chairman Max Dibble, members Jerod Roth and Larry Meili, Teena Dierking, County Clerk, Steve Ellenberger Road & Bridge supervisor. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The minutes of the March 8th meeting were read by Teena Dierking County Clerk. Jared Roth made a motion to approve the corrected minutes as corrected Larry Meili seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
8:15 Max Dibble Chairman open the sealed bids for a 2020 John Deere Motor Grader 670G. The 1st bid opened by Max Dibble Chairman was from First National Bank for $313,315.94 with an interest rate of 2.75% on a 5 yr. lease purchase agreement. Then 2nd bid opened by Max Dibble Chairman was from Farmers National Bank for a John Deere John Deere Motor Grader 670G $313,315.94 on a 5 yr. lease purchase agreement.
8:25 Jared Roth informed Steve Ellenberger R & B supervisor about a phone call from Justin Imm about a piece of re-bar sticking out of the road on W Union between 500 & 600 rd.
8:30 Max Dibble presented an email from Tom Sullivan county councilor pertaining to equipment that the county has for sale. K.S.A 19-211 (4) provides that if the commissioners find that county property is no longer required or cannot prudently be used for public purposes, the commissioners by unanimous vote, may sell or dispose of such property by public or private sale or by negotiation, as determined by the board. Subsection (3) of the same statue says that If the property value is less than $1000, that the details of the sale including the description of the property, the purchase price, and the name of the purchaser, must be published with the annual statement required by 19-227.
8:45 Steve Ellenberger Road & Bridge supervisor presented information on the 3 Renco belly dump trailers, load lugger low boy rear axel, which has a twisted frame, the suspension is out, & 3 old salt spreaders that he will be listing with the rep from purple wave He informed the commissioner about a 1996 Dodge that has over 300+ miles, transmission is out and the motor not reliable. Steve said it will be a waste to post on purple wave due to the condition it is in. Steve was approached by an employee who would like to purchase it for parts, and he would give the county iron price for the pickup. Jared Roth made a motion to approve the sale of 1996 dodge Larry Meili 2nd the motion.
9:15 Justin with NWRPDC was in to work with CDBG grants.
9:28 Steve Ellenberger Road & Bridge supervisor left the meeting.
9:30 Larry Meili made a motion to go into public hearing to close out the $132,000 CDBG 20-CV-053 Covid grant.
9:35 Jerad Roth made the motion to resume back to regular session Larry Meili 2nd the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
9:40 Tony Burnett joined the meeting.
9:42 Larry Meili made the motion to close out the 20-CV-053 Covid funding Jerod Roth 2nd the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
9:45 Justin left the meeting.
9:48 Tony Burnett with Western Kansas Child Advocay Center (WKCAC) presented information on there program and states on the impact this program makes on our community and the children involved in abusive situations. Tony Burnett was also inquiring about the 2022 annual donation the county has made to keep this program a success.
10:05 Tony Burnett left the meeting.
10:57 A phone call was made to Attorney John Mcclymant. John presented information a small piece of property deeded to the county in 1923 for the purpose of a road that never developed. On behalf of his clients Curtis Tien, Steven Tien & Kent Tien to purchase the .15 acre for $50. Jerod Roth made the motion to approve the sale to Curtis Tien, Steven Tien & Kent Tien for $50 Larry Meili 2ND the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
11:03 John Mccliment left the meeting.
11:06 Pete Rogers EMS/HEALTH supervisor joined the meeting. Larry Meili made a motion to have Max Dibble Chairman sig the Grant application to help get aid for local grants Jerod Roth 2ND the motion. Motion passes 3-0.
