The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Dec. 19, and began with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $478,213.23.

County Clerk David Lamb presented adds and abates 793-796 and 798-802, which commissioners approved on a 3-0 vote. 

Commissioner Jim Johnson read the Sheriff’s weekly report into the record and Galen Anderson with AMR reported on transports.

Commissioners then voted 3-0 to move next week’s meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 26 to Tuesday, Dec. 27 due to the holiday.

Missy Lancaster, Director of the Linn County Health Department, gave a brief update on tests and immunizations and requested a 10-minute executive session for legal matters.

Randy Hegwald, Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, gave an update on the number of incidents the fire department responded to in the last week and requested a five to 10-minute executive session for personnel matters.

Hegwald then asked everyone to please watch the incoming weather and be aware.

Jessica Hightower, Linn County Economic Development Director, presented Resolution 2022-37 adopting the Rural Opportunity Zone and committing the county to that program, Commissioners approved it on a 3-0 vote.

Hightower then requested an executive session for legal matters.

Darin Wilson, Planning and Zoning Administrator, presented CUP 22-05 for Lavender Patch and it was approved by commissioners on a 3-0 vote. (See related article in this edition.)

Wilson noted he had received a letter of resignation from the Planning and Zoning commission member Melanie Staton, but that he had a recommendation of Beth Staton to fill the vacant spot. Commissioner Danny McCullough moved to accept M. Staton’s resignation and to appoint Beth Staton to serve out the remainder of Melanie’s term. The motion carried on a 3-0 vote.

Lamb noted the sheriff had requested an executive session.

Chris Martin, IT Director, reported that nearly all of the back end network is done and internet should be available at the Park and Marina within a short time.

Shaun West then requested 15 minutes in executive session for personnel and five for legal matters.

Commissioners then moved to enter into executive session for 50 minutes with 25 set for personnel and 25 for legal with various department heads. That session was extended by a 2-0 vote for ten minutes for personnel matters.

When the regular session resumed, no action was taken.

Jennifer Leach with Peoples Telecommunications in La Cygne reported on the progress of the original ARPA grant of $50,000, specifically noting they have signed commitments from 90 percent of the rural homes in the designated area.

Leach then requested an additional $30,000 in ARPA funds due to the overwhelming response to their project.

Following a brief discussion, commissioners approved the request for an additional $30,000 in ARPA funds for Peoples Telecommunications.

Department heads then spoke individually to the commissioners regarding their requests for year-end transfers. Commissioners then approved those transfers as presented. Transfers are done with funds budgeted for use during the fiscal year, that are not used.

Roger Sims, Linn County Journal, spoke to commissioners requesting his online paper be added to the official paper status under the same special circumstances that USD 362 added the Journal; that being he can publish them but is not the “official” paper. Statute requires the official paper to meet certain criteria, such as be published with a print version in the county which Sims does not meet in whole because his newspaper is online only. Commissioner Rick James spoke in favor of the move and County Clerk David Lamb said he would prepare a motion in case commissioners decide to do that in the new year.

West noted a change in the plans for the Parker Senior meal site floor improvements that will cost an additional $1,522. Commissioners requested West look into the products and return with information at the next meeting.

Commissioner then entered into a second executive session for 20 minutes for personnel matters and 15 minutes for legal matters. That session was extended by ten minutes on a 2-0 vote.

Following the executive sessions, commissioners approved up to $6,200 for parts for the bucket truck.

Discussion turned briefly to the issues at the Pleasanton senior meals site, and County Counselor Gary Thompson noted whatever agreement they come to needs to be in writing.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

thumb

The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]

LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

thumb

Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]

LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023

thumb

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.    Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]

More Meetings

NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

thumb

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

thumb

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

thumb

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

More News

SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

thumb

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

thumb

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

thumb

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

More Sports

PLEASANTON WEATHER
View Legals for Free