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
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
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
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
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Pull Tabs for Pound Puppies
The City of Pleasanton is raising funds to help make needed renovations and repairs at the city pound. To do so they are collecting tabs from aluminum cans at various businesses in the city. All participating businesses will have collection... [More]
Linn County Planning Commission proceeds with prohibiting commercial solar fields
The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission began their April 9 meeting by relooking at the Sunshine Meadows preliminary plat that last month was turned down by the commission because of outcries from surrounding neighbors. Sunshine Meadows is proposed to be a housing development... [More]
Commissioners send CUP for rock quarry back to P&Z again
Stephanie Walker reviewed the reasons she and her family do not want the new quarry, Mulberry Limestone that recently applied for a conditional use permit to do business at near Linn Valley to be located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and 2200 Road. Planning and Zoning... [More]
More News
- La Cygne to update police gear
- STARS welding competes at GCCC 2024 competition
- Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation to hold music festival
- SEKMH presents outreach program to commissioners
- Linn Valley residents respond to council appointment
- La Cygne sets nuisance abatement hearing
- special: Pleasanton’s June 29 Independence Day activities discussed
- Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge: April Events
SPORTS
Prairie View track has strong performance at Anderson County
The Prairie View track team traveled to Anderson County on April 11 to compete in the 17th Annual Anderson County Invitational. The girls’ team placed third with a score of 83 while the boys’ team placed fifth with a score of 37. Spring Hill won for the girls with... [More]
Jayhawk track wins Pleasanton Invitational
The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Pleasanton on April 9 to compete in the Pleasanton Invitational. The Hawks had a very good day as both the boys’ and girls’ teams won the invitational. The girls’ team placed first with a score of 107 while the boys... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk softball sweeps Crest
- Prairie View track takes on tough challenge at Paola
- Pleasanton baseball routs Yates Center
- Pleasanton baseball starts season 4-0
- Jayhawk softball sweeps Central Heights, splits against Uniontown
- Prairie View baseball falls to Santa Fe Trail
- Prairie View brings home two State titles in powerlifting championship
- Jayhawk softball hosts Prairie View in season opener