By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission approved a preliminary plat for Fairview Patch Addition during its Tuesday meeting.
The application includes plans for 13 residential parcels near 400th Avenue and Severin Road. Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels around 4.5 and 4.7 acres.
Environmental Services Director Justin Craig led the discussion, resulting in a 2-1 vote to approve the proposal. Commissioner Nathan Leiker voted in opposition due to the location of the addition.
"I just feel like if we approve a subdivision in a northeast area, it goes against the regulation and the comprehensive plan of trying to control growth communities," he said.
The preliminary plat will return to the Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission for final approval. The land is zoned agricultural, but is being rezoned residential.
Ellis County Historical Society funding
Commissioners approved a request to allocate special alcohol funds to the Ellis County Historical Society for 2025.
Due to Ellis County's size, the funds are split into three categories: general use, parks and recreation, and alcohol and drug programs. Since there are no county parks, the parks portion is usually allocated to the Ellis County Historical Society each year.
The amount budgeted for 2025 is $7,730.
"It's going to a good place," Commissioner Neal Younger said.
2025 Kansas Immunization Conference
The Ellis County Health Department received approval to close its office for a few hours on May 21 and the May 22 workday so staff can attend the Kansas Immunization Conference in Wichita.
The conference will offer essential training and reinforce best practices for immunization and outbreak response, especially in light of a current outbreak.
"With the measles outbreak in Kansas, the training is timely," Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller said.
Other business
Ellis County EMS received approval to accept a grant to help pay for two new defibrillator monitors. The total purchase cost is about $73,000, with the grant covering about $18,000.
Ellis County staff also received approval to close the Administrative Building at a future date, which has not yet been determined, to allow the installation of an emergency generator and transfer switch equipment.