By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Environmental Services Director discussed a proposal for implementing unsecured load fees at the county landfill at Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.
Justin Craig, director of Environmental Services, said the fees to improve road cleanliness and safety rather than profit.
"The intent would not be to generate any additional revenue at the landfill, but it's something that we possibly just need to address as a community," he said.
Craig said other counties that have implemented similar fees. In Ellis County, unsecured loads frequently spill trash and debris onto the roads.
Craig said potential fee options include a 50% increase in tipping fees or a $10 flat fee.
Concerns were raised about enforcement, such as defining a secured load and the potential for increased illegal dumping, which Sheriff Scott Braun said is already a frequent issue.
This is a continuation of a past discussion. Craig will draft a tentative policy for consideration.
United Way and grant support letter
County Administrator Darin Myers presented on multiple topics, including United Way funding and a support letter for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant.
The county commission approved a $5,000 contribution to the United Way of Ellis County to support the Care Council.
The commission also signed a letter of support for the city of Hays' application for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant. The grant aims to help fund the R9 Ranch in Edwards County.
Myers said Hays received a FEMA technical assistance grant, which helped enhance their application.
City Manager Toby Dougherty provided an update on the project, saying the design is 60% complete, cost estimates have stabilized and land acquisition for pipeline easements will begin in two months.
Cottonwood extension district update
Jay Harris, executive director of the Cottonwood Extension District, provided updates on new initiatives and community concerns.
Harris said the district intends to hire a community health worker for Ellis County to focus on various health issues, including mental health and the aging population's needs.
The district plans to obtain funding through grants and other sources but may request county support if necessary.
The Cottonwood District also wants to join the Extension Disaster Education Network program to improve coordination with emergency response efforts and work with Ellis County's disaster response plan.
Recognized employees
Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor presented the annual Employee Service Awards program for the commission to recognize county employees for their years of service.
Employees were honored for reaching milestones from five to 40 years of employment with Ellis County.
Employees reaching eight-year and 16-year anniversaries were recognized with Kansas Association of Counties awards.
"Thank you very much for the service and work you do for the public. The years of experience that we put into our county shows every day," County Commission Chairman Michael Berges said.
A list of recognized employees are below.
5 years with Ellis County
Aaron Cunningham (Attorney’s Office), Austin Tammen (Fire), Ben Mettlen (Fire), Chris Browning (Fire), Dean Klaus (Solid Waste), Dustin Karlin (Information Technology), Greg Timmons (Fire), Justin Craig (Environmental Services), Justin Miller (Public Works), Katelynn Keiswetter (EMS), Lyle Pantle (Fire & Emergency Management), Shane Sulzman (Public Works)
10 years with Ellis County
Emma Scofield (EMS), Jayson Dinkel (Communications), Larry Rohr (Public Works), Meagan Stremel (Public Works), Rusty Lindsay (Fire)
15 years with Ellis County
Cole Dinges (Fire), David Fitzhugh (EMS), Kami Weber (Fire)
20 years with Ellis County
Garrett Brening (Sheriff’s Office), Kay Rohr (Solid Waste), Mike Weber (Appraiser’s Office), Tabatha Deines (Sheriff’s Office)
25 years with Ellis County
Danita Schroeder (EMS), Gary Haas (Noxious Weed)
30 years with Ellis County
Roberta Oborny (Sheriff’s Office)
35 years with Ellis County
Greg Erbert (Buildings & Grounds)
40 years with Ellis County
Chris Vonlintel (Public Works)
8 year KAC Awards
Braden Parke (Sheriff’s Office), Brandon Kuhn (Public Works), Ty Mcculloch (Sheriff’s Office)
16 year KAC Awards
Becky Schumacher (Attorney’s Office), Brian Meis (Communications Center)
40 year KAC Awards
Chris Vonlintel (Public Works)