County commission meets

The Cloud County board of commissioners met for their regular meeting on Monday.
Shaley George, National Orphan Train Complex director, and Susie Haver, Cloud County Travel & Tourism director, met with the board and discussed the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership. It was started in 2016 and includes a 150-mile radius from Red Cloud, Neb.
It was reported to the board that the partnership should not be confused with the 30x30 plan proposed by the United Nations.
George and Haver said that the mission of the partnership is to connect communities and attractions, instill pride of place and promote immersive experiences for residents and visitors to enhance appreciation for the region's unique landscape and nationally significant cultural history.
Kristi Benyshek, District Court clerk, discussed the electrical upgrades and quotes received for the courtroom. She will request information regarding the bids.
Andy Asch, Highway Department administrator, reported that tire bids were due on Friday and a grader and heavy equipment operator position is open. He also discussed a pull-behind mower with a 60-inch side mount at a cost of $12,300. Funds will be used from the Weed Department.
Brandi Bray, Health Department administrator, reported problems with the soap dispenser staying on the wall and that the washing machine is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Bray also reported that she will be sending several employees to the virtual Kansas Governor's Public Health Conference; discussed wind issues at the front door and widening the driveway; reported she will be looking into grants to possibly purchase the old Cares facility to install an outdoor adult exercise playground; will be holding a vaccine clinic this week.
Henry Eilert, maintenance manager, met with the board and discussed a possible wage change for his department. It will be considered at budget time.
Eilert also discussed the Brownfields program, which would provide a 50-percent match, up to $15,000, to remove asbestos from the old jail. County Clerk Shella Thoman sent a letter last week stating interest in the program and requesting an estimate for removal.
Thoman reported to the board that she was sworn in as president of the North Central Kansas County Clerks Association. She also reported that the county's website and time clock were down and that Computer Information Concepts hosts both systems, and last Thursday they reported a security incident.
Thoman also presented a notice of sale of county property to be sold by sealed bid on April 19. Interested parties would need to submit a bid by April 15 at 4:30 p.m. Properties available are properties that did not sell on previous tax sales. Additional information about each tract can be found at the courthouse and will be posted on the county website. Tracts include:
Tract 1 - 104 Lurton, Miltonvale; Tract 2 – 0 Ash Street, Miltonvale; Tract 3 – 319 West Fifth St., Concordia; Tract 4 – 502 West Second St., Concordia; Tract 5 - 317-319 West Third St., Concordia; Tract 6 – 301 East First St., Concordia; Tract 7 – 0 East 11th Street, Concordia; Tract 8 – 0 East 11th Street, Concordia; Tract 9 – 0 Cemetery Road, Glasco; Tract 10 – 0 Main Street, Glasco.
The board approved publishing the notice of sale of the properties.
Mike Hake, Solid Waste director, asked the commissioners if the Transfer Station could drop the landline phone to save on the monthly service fees and replace it with a cell phone using the same number.
Thoman stated that the disadvantage would be that the phone number would not be listed in the phone book, but it would still be available on the county's website or by calling any county office.
The board agreed to the change.
The resignation of Edward W. Jaeger from the Recycling Center was recognized by the board.
The board approved payroll deductions and benefits totaling $215,098.18 and the following payroll expenses totaling $186,535.81:
General Fund, $81,740.13; Road & Bridge, $44,059.87; Appraisal, $5,369.27; County Health, $46,415.89; Noxious Weed, $1,763.96; Election, $1,536.92; Solid Waste, $5,649.77.