Regular session of the May meetings of the Cloud County Board of Commissioners was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on May 5, 2025, in the Commissioners’ room at 811 Washington, Concordia, Kansas, with Chairman Michael Cleveland, Members Dannie Kearn and Ron Copple, and County Clerk Shella Thoman present.
County staff attending was: Rod Michaud, Highway / Weed Administrator; Mike Hake, Solid Waste Director; Tonya Sulanka, Health Department Administrator; Kim Winsett, County Appraiser; James Quillen, Emergency Preparedness Director; Taylynn Thomas, Health Department Office Manager; and Gary Will, Maintenance.
Others attending: Jon Puckett; Olivia Bergmeier, Blade-Empire; Marlene Stamm, NCK Environmental LEPP; Mike Montoya, Montoya Law (by conference call).
The Board named Gary Will as employee of the Month for Cloud County.
Jon Puckett presented a proclamation for Motorcycle Awareness.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved proclaiming May 2025 as Motorcycle Awareness month in Cloud County.
Mike Hake, Solid Waste Director, presented the 2024 Solid Waste Delinquency list. There were a total of 215 accounts delinquent, totaling $24,493.00; an additional $12,164.50 will be added in fees. Outstanding balances and fees will be added to the property owners tax statement. Hake reported that the driveway is complete and discussed moving the fuel tank to avoid crossing the driveway to fuel the crawler.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved the 2024 Solid Waste delinquent report.
James Quillen, Emergency Preparedness Director, presented the Kansas Homeland Security Regional F Hazard Mitigation Plan and reported that Department heads will have access to the Kansas Planner for the Co-op Plans.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved Resolution 2025-12 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region F Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Tonya Sulanka, Health Department Administrator, reported that May 6 – 12th is National Nurses week and they’d be celebrating their nursing staff. The Miltonvale Bike Rodeo went well, there were 12 participants that aged from 1 – 14 and the Sheriff’s office was there to assist. The Medicare Auditor would not be coming next week; but they’ll send everything to him electronically. Home Health is not accepting new admissions while they are working on new issues with Medicare payments.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved a 10-minute executive session for personnel exception to discuss non-elected personnel resuming open session at 10:31 a.m., including Sulanka & Thoman.
Rod Michaud, Highway / Weed Administrator, discussed renting a shouldering machine for Noble Road and reported that he put in for funding on Bridge 542. They are spraying, patching and getting ready to seal. Tire Bids were received from Kansasland Tire, Budreau Muffler and Commercial Tire Center, Inc. Michaud will review each bid for the best price on each tire type.
Marlene Stamm, NCK Environmental LEPP, presented a quarterly report and discussed the 2026 budget.
Mike Montoya, Montoya Law, discussed Trail Road and next steps. Montoya will be meeting with Ryan McMillan this week.
Shella Thoman, County Clerk, discussed the Emergency Manager's email address, the Highway Department using the remaining risk avoidance grant on high visibility shirts and Cloud Corp using the fund previously earmarked for Randall Coop on another project. The Board agreed to all.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved hiring Jordan Underwood and Talon Rowe as Correction Officers (E1) effective May 5, 2025.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health month and calls upon the businesses, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, organizations and citizens of Cloud County to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, its relationship to a strong, vibrant community, the steps our citizens can take to protect their health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.
On a motion by Commissioner Copple, seconded by Commissioner Kearn, by unanimous vote the Board approved adopting the Code of Ethics for CDBG-CVR.
The Board reviewed the Budget Status report and Fund Status Report as of April 30, 2025, with an ending cash balance of $15,163,138.02.
Sales tax received April 25, 2025, totaled $76,504.30 compared to the prior year which totaled $77,672.60.
Recognized the resignation of Kirk Barr, Sheriff Deputy, effective April 28, 2025.
Recognized the termination of Stacia Whitesell, Corrections Officer, effective April 30, 2025.
The Board approved the following expenses totaling $163,287.67
General Fund – $54,732.86 Road & Bridge – $65,470.30
Juvenile Justice - $337.30 Grants - $417.86
Appraisal - $1,200.02 Juvenile Reinvestment - $47.15
Community Correc - $852.47 County Health - $14,911.02
Noxious Weed - $5,791.52 Election - $255.32
Field Services - $14.57 Court Services - $1,137.50
Solid Waste - $16,623.10 Co Tourism & Convention - $321.68
Employee Benefits - $1,175.00
The above expense detail is available at the County Clerk’s office and the Clerk’s Public Records webpage.
Commissioner Cleveland met with Mike Montoya, Montoya Law, by phone on Wednesday, April 30 and Amy Lange, City of Concordia, on Monday, April 28.
On a motion by Commissioner Kearn, seconded by Commissioner Copple, by unanimous vote the Board approved the April 28, 2025, minutes as presented.
On a motion by Commissioner Kearn, seconded by Commissioner Copple, by unanimous vote the Board adjourned at 11:45 a.m., until Monday, May 12, 2025.
