Items scheduled for September 21, 2021, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:
OLD BUSINESS - COMMISSION: Barton County Façade Improvement Grant: -The Façade Improvement Grant program has available funding. The Commissioners will review multiple applications to determine award amounts up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000.00. Awards will be given based on the project’s size and visual impact. The program prioritizes retailers and restaurants and project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount. Awards were made in the following amounts – AJN Investments, LLC, 1315 Main, Great Bend - $20,000.00; Barnard Tire and Automotive, 202 N Main, Hoisington - $7,238.05; Jerad and Adeline Chansler, 1604 Main, Great Bend - $7,763.37; Loretta K. Miller – two projects, 2019 and 2021 Forest Avenue, Great Bend - $17,449.62 and $5,920.71 respectively; Kent A. Roth, 10 N Main, Ellinwood - $6,663.24; and Two Chicks & Some Old Bird, 106 N Main, Ellinwood - $20,000.00.
NEW BUSINESS - COMMISSION: Façade Improvement Grant: Review Applications: -The Façade Improvement Grant program still has available funding. Additional awards were made in the following amounts – B&H Development, LLC, 2015 Lakin, Great Bend - $20,000.00 and Lumpy’s Home Field, LLC, 2017 Forest, Great Bend - $18,814.39.
STATE HEALTH INSURANCE: Contract Renewal Options: -Barton County contracts with the Kansas State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) for health care benefits which include medical, dental, vision and other ancillary employee benefits. This contract ends December 31, 2021. The SEHP requires notification by October 1, 2021, that Barton County is opting out of the plan or entering into the next contract period. Matt Patzner, Human Resources / Finance Director, was authorized to notify the State that Barton County will no longer be a part of the State Employee Health Plan as of December 31, 2021.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT BROKERAGE: Request for Qualifications: Barton County accepted responses to a Request for Qualifications for Employee Benefit Brokerage Consulting Services beginning July 30, 2021. Out of the responses received, two firms were selected for interviews by the Barton County Commissioners. Both Freedom Claims Management and IMA provided presentations. The Commission selected Freedom Claims Management. It is anticipated that the Commission will meet with Freedom Claims to determine service levels.
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: Voting Delegates: -The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) will hold its Annual Conference from October 18 – 20, 2021 in Overland Park. Each year, the Commission designates a voting delegate and first and second voting alternates for the meeting. Barry McManaman, Interim County Administrator, will provide details.
DISTRICT CORONER: Appointment of Special Deputy Coroners: -Dr. Patrick Stiles was appointed as District Coroner effective November 1, 2020. Dr. Stiles requests that Chris Venters and Ashley Fowler both be appointed as Special Deputy District Coroners for Russell County. As his request, Chris Venters and Ashley Fowler were appointed as Special Deputy District Coroners for Russell County. Those positions will term December 31, 2021.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Façade Improvement Grant: -The Barton County Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program has been extremely successful. The Commission authorized another $300,000.00 in program support.
It was announced that County officials have been invited to Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters. Guest speakers, a luminary ceremony and free food highlight this celebration of those recovering from substance use, trauma or mental illness. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at Jack Kilby Square, 1400 Main, Great Bend, Kansas.