The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday, January 3, 2017 for their first meeting of the year with all members, Pat Hall, Dave Bozone and Joe D. Thompson present. Also present were County Clerk Pam Bensel, District Three Commissioner Elect Tron Stegman, County Clerk Elect Amy Jo Tharp, Doris Bozone and RoGlenda Coulter from The Hugoton Hermes. County Counselor Paul Kitzke was absent.
The following is just the unofficial highlights for the morning. The agenda included Bills – 8:30; Phillip Willis – 9:00; Tony Martin – 9:30; Rodney Kelling – 10:00; retirement party for Dave – 10:30; and lunch – 12:00 noon.
When this reporter arrived, the Commissioners were visiting with Jack Rowden. Motion was made and passed to have Jack serve with the EcoDevo Board for another term.
Tron Stegman and the other elected/reelected Stevens County officials, Amy Jo Tharp, Ted Heaton, Pat Hall, Paul Kitzke, Betty Marquis and Paula Sosa, will be sworn in January 5 at 10:00 a.m. They will officially take office Monday, January 9.
After a little discussion, motion was made to pay for the light fixture repair for the Senior Citizen building.
Vernon Anderson checked in for his department. He said he just wanted to wish them a Happy New Year.
Phillip Willis brought in a request to carry over funds from the landfill for repairs to the landfill loader. Motion was made and passed to allow the encumbrance.
Tony Martin came in for the Stevens County Fair Board. He brought in a list of newly appointed members for the Commissioners to approve. They went over the list and gave their approval. Marcus Amerin, Gary Baughman, Matt Clark, Richard Clinesmith, Kristen Farnum, Nancy Hernandez, Todd Lissolo, Ben McClure, Stanley McGill, Robin Sullivan, Tyler Trujillo, Koy Watkins and Brian White are the 2017-2019 members; Tia Bell, Rodney Boese, Gayle Claggett, Jana Crump, Stephanie Hemann, Kyle Hittle, Courtney Leslie, Tony Martin, Les McNally, Mark Randle, David Rome, Kenny Sullivan and Melissa Sullivan are the 2016-2018 members; and Gary Baker, Don Beesley, Steven Claggett, Shelly French, Gary Gold, Jamie Gold, Nancy Honig, Paul Kitzke, Erin Kraisinger, Karen McClure, Joshua Morris, Andy Moser and Matt Rome are the 2015-2017 members. Officers remained the same: President Tony Martin, Vice President David Rome and Secretary/Treasurer Erin Kraisinger.
As for the Road and Bridge, Tony talked about a possible trade of some old equipment for some road material. He advised Friday will be Richard Grubbs’ last day. He expressed his goodbyes to Dave and said he will be missed.
Discussion followed of Cost of Living raises. The difference of a 2% raise versus a flat bonus was talked over. Motion was made and passed to do a two and a half per cent cost of living raise.
Rodney Kelling came in. He requested an executive session. Following the exec, Rodney advised the bunker gear fitting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Neal Gillespie came in as invited. Commissioners presented him with a new Keurig as a token of their appreciation for his service over the years as the Economic Development Board Director.
Dave offered a few parting tips to his fellow Commissioners and Pat thanked him for all he had taught him over the years. Pat and Joe D presented Dave with a Cabelas gift card for his 16 years of service. Then all commenced to gather in the hall for a going away get together for Dave’s retirement from the Board of County Commissioners. The Courthouse crew had put together a grand buffet for everyone to enjoy.
