The Jewell County Commissioners met, March 28 with commissioners Steve Greene and Brent Beck present. Carla J. Waugh, county clerk was present for the meeting.

The following were present for office head meeting; Shannon Meier, ambulance director; Chris Petet, custodian; Alexandria Carabajal, county attorney; Cindy Becker, health administrator; and Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator. Those absent were Amanda Davis, register of deeds; Nora Rhoades, Post Rock Extension district director; Anna Porter, county appraiser; Travis Garst, solid waste director; Brenda Eakins, treasurer; Don Jacobs, sheriff; and Joel Elkins, general superintendent.

Peroutek, reported for emergency preparedness that he helped with the extrication drill. He also attended the Regional Homeland Security zoom meeting and Everbridge Training. He said the ARPA application deadline is April 1. He worked in the noxious weed director’s booth at the 3-I Farm Show. He said there has been no spraying yet, but they are preparing for the spring spraying. He said the annual report was submitted and approved by the state.

Chris Petet said John Briggs repaired the snow blower. The commissioners suggested getting the mower serviced by John Briggs as well.

Shannon Meier said they had a busy month. He and his department participated in the extrication drill with the fire department and it went well. He had a meeting with the hospital and school for preparing for a mass casualty drill.

Cindy Becker said they have been testing a few for COVID-19. They have been receiving COVID-19 grant and insurance payments. She discussed the renovation project and their department policy and procedures.

Anna Porter said property owners have until March 31 to appeal. She said the preliminary ratio study from 2021 indicates Jewell County is low on residential ratio.

Alex Carabajal reported the following activity: 14 traffic cases; 11 criminal cases (six felony and five misdemeanor); and one child in need of care case. She will be attending a prosecutors’ sex crimes training April 11 to April 14 with a full paid scholarship. She discussed a resolution for parking in Ionia.

Carla Waugh said they have been preparing for the auditors’ visit. She has been working on an ARPA policy. She discussed legislation concerning elections and ballot drop boxes.

Brent Beck said they have been working on ARPA requests. He attended the Area Agency on Aging meeting and worked with landowners on a previous fence issue. He discussed road issues.

Steve Greene attended an economic development meeting, the juvenile detention meeting, and the hospital board meeting. This concluded office head meeting.

Alex Carabajal, county attorney, had for the commissioners’ review and approval a resolution for no parking in a portion of Ionia.

Kevin Peroutek, emergency preparedness director, and fire chiefs Darrell Bohnert, Jewell; LeRoy Buser, Randall; Dave Hastings, Esbon; Brian Shulda, Mankato; Bob Roush, Formoso; Steve Cosand, Burr Oak; and Don Jacobs, sheriff, ­­ discussed Jewell County Fire Departments’ Radio Upgrade Proposal and application for ARPA Funding. Sheriff Jacobs asked about the cost to change out the console in sheriff’s office if the fire department radios are updated. Daniel Pierce, Pierce Electronics, said the cost is included in the proposal.Steve Greene said the commissioners have received many requests for ARPA funding. Steve Greene said the county road and bridge budget is already in jeopardy because of fuel prices, and ARPA Funds are needed to keep the department running for the entire year. He advised the fire departments they may get some funding but most likely not all that is requested. Tammy Cosand was also present for the discussion.

Lucretia Holterman, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, said she was present to seek support. She discussed the services they provided for children. Don Jacobs, sheriff, was present for the discussion. She requested $2,000 in funding for 2023.

Don Jacobs discussed budget and ARPA request.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent and Casey Fraser, Foley Equipment, reviewed a quote for a reclaimer – 2022 Caterpillar RM500B-LR Paver, emulsion system and water, $888,724 less trade allowance of $254,000 for 2013 RM500B for a total price of $634,724.00.Commissioners approved the purchase.

Don Jacobs, sheriff, had a request to purchase a CAD Bundle User License with training for E911 for a total price of $6,080. This purchase would be from the 911 funds. The purchase was approved.

The Resolution 22-04 for placement of “No Parking” signs on a portion of a street located in Ionia, for the hours of 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. with violators to be towed at their own expense passed.