Barbara Proffitt | December 16, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Dec. 12, opening their meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting. That was followed by a motion to approve the payment of claims in the amount of $362,452.01.

Commissioners then approved adds and abates 2022-773-792, resulting in an $891 change.

Commissioner Jim Johnson then read the Sheriff’s weekly report into the record, which noted that the first group of inmates on the U.S. Marshals Service contract had arrived at the jail on Dec. 5 and a payment of $40,027.50 was received last week from Wyandotte County for their farm-in inmates.

Commissioners approved a renewal of the agreement with the Lake Region Solid Waste Authority on a 3-0 vote.

Linn County Health Department Director Missy Lancaster then asked commissioners about the $4,700 annual agreement for the testing machine the county purchased and provided commissioners with numbers on tests conducted this year for flu, RSV and Covid. After a short discussion commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement.

Linn County Attorney Burton Harding spoke to commissioners regarding two very different outcomes in two very similar cases. (See related article in this edition.)

Public Works Administrator Shaun West reported cost/benefit analysis on the landfill begins this week. West stated he had spoken to people with the state, as well as the engineer, about raising the current cells to extend the life of the current location and should have numbers by next week.

Commissioner Danny McCullough then asked about current operators and West replied one had been hired just last week. 

Linn County Planning and Zoning Administrator Darin Wilson submitted a list of fee changes to the commissioners that he would like to enact for 2023. Wilson noted that if the county were to hire a building codes officer, the county could purchase a study guide for said officer and the test would cost roughly $200.

“Third party inspections are pretty pricey according to nearby counties,” Wilson stated.

He added that the county would have to adopt building codes but added that the codes, such as the International Building Codes do not have to be adopted in full. No action was taken on the matter during the meeting.

Commissioners then entered into a 10-minute executive session with commissioner-elect Jason Hightower and West for a five minute session for personnel and a five minute session for legal matters. The personnel portion of that session was extended by 10 minutes.

Following the session, commissioners approved the resignation of Jeremy Willard effective Jan. 2, 2023.

Commissioners then heard from Michael Clancy with Renodry USA regarding a piece of equipment they offer for sale that will keep ground moisture out of masonry brick and rock; in particular, in older buildings such as the courthouse. Commissioners directed Clancy to speak with West in regards to the test.

Don George, Kansas Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Biologist, then spoke to commissioners regarding his willingness to work with the county to help with the proposed swimming area at the Linn County Park and Marina. West noted the swimming area has to be approved by both Evergy and Kansas Wildlife and Parks and George has agreed to work with the county toward that goal. (See related article in this edition.)