The Regular meeting of the Kiowa County Commissioners was called to order on, May 29, 2025; at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Donald Oswald. Oswald opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Donald Oswald, Chairman 
• Howard "Butch" Robertson 
• Mike Lening, Commissioner 
• Delisa Weeks, County Clerk Adrienne Yates, Deputy Clerk 
• Tina Adamson, County Administrator
• Members of the Audience: Justin Causey, lnvenergy 

Oswald has been approached regarding how the court proceedings are moving along. Adamson stated all court proceedings are on stop right now. lnvenergy is currently amending permits which will need to be approved by the BOCC. 

Minutes: Oswald moved, and Robertson seconded the motion to approve the minutes of May 15, 2025. Motion carried. 

Vouchers: Robertson moved, and Lening seconded the motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Motion carried. 

Agenda: Lening moved to approve the agenda as presented, Oswald seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Members of the Audience: Justin Causey, lnvenergy 

Steve Pecharich entered the meeting at 9:20 a.m. 

CTSI Loss Analysis: Steve Pecharich, CTSI loss control to present information highlighting where losses have occurred and possible areas of improvement. Pecha rich handed out informational packets to members of the board. Adamson inquired about classes offered in person and online for recent new hires and any upcoming new hires. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Grant Updates: Two mini grants have been submitted for the Courthouse East Side Sidewalk and the roll up door at the fairgrounds. Adamson will submit 2 others as nothing has been submitted by any of the towns for the mini grants. The transit grant is moving forward, Adamson handed out the budget for BOCC review. New estimate on building with increased size is $202,200.00, includes electric, plumbing, dirt/ground work, concrete, some interior walls and HVAC. The grant was initially approved for $350,000. Date for construction can't be set until grant is finalized. 

Tearle Lessenden and Brooke Matthew entered the meeting at 10:07 a.m.

Extension Update: Matthew handed out the First Quarter Report for 2025 for BOCC review. Lessenden provided updates on 4-H entries for the county. Will be helping with the summer reading program at the Kiowa County Library. The livestock committee agree to purchase screens for the pavilion. Lessenden will work with (Shane) to start getting them installed. Lessenden got funding from the recreational district to assist with installation of the screens. 

Cindy McLoud entered the meeting at 10:33 a.m. 

McLoud on behalf of KCEDF provided an update with regards to the American Legion Hall. CPI (Colorado Preservation Inc) has been working on getting state ADA compliant to receive tax credits. CPI is requiring a $3,000 payment to assist KCEDF with state requirements. McLoud was advising the BOCC since the building belongs to the county. The board appreciated the information. 

McLoud exited the meeting at 10:48 a.m. 

Lessenden and Matthew exited the meeting at 10:52 a.m. 

Justin Causey exited the meeting at 11:09 a.m. 

Horseshoe Park Update: The Maintenance Dept. is working on the requested improvement and repairs. Everything is in progress and going well. 

EMPG Funding: BOCC was given information to review regarding that position and possible changes in funding coming in September of this year. 

Landfill/Recycling Update: Nothing to update 

Housing Update: Cactus Corner roofing should be started tomorrow and stucco next week weather pending. 

Sheriff Bryan Williams entered meeting at 11:10 a.m. 

Sheriff Williams advised County Rd 49 may need some more weight limit signs installed due to increased truck traffic. 

Sheriff Williams exited the meeting at 11:24 a.m. 

Oswald moved to recess general meeting for interviews, Lening seconded at 11:28 a.m. Motion carried. 

The regular session was resumed at 1:05 p.m. 

Jamie Jensen joined by telephone to discuss 4th of July Parade. Jensen asked for use of picnic tables from the county and use of courthouse lawn and driveway for parade in the event the town does not allow the blocking of 14th Street for the parade. Adamson will check with maintenance to see what kind of electric supply options are available at the courthouse. Jensen won't know if she will need to use the Courthouse until June 9th when the town has their next meeting.

Planning & Zoning Update: Adamson has meetings with a couple of solar companies coming up regarding their projects. 

Road & Bridge Update: Doing interviews today for possible new hires. 

Redistricting/Letters of Interest Committee: Have received 9 letters of interest: Tearle Lessenden, Alice Dong, Pam Cole, Jeremy Brown, Jamie Crockett, Connie Richardson, Dawn James, Jo Liebl, and Raina Lucero. Oswald moved to approve the appointment of all 9 individuals to the committee, Lening seconded and the motion carried. 

New Business: 

Time Off Requests: None 

New Hire Progress Report: Two new deputies have started on the road after completing the academy. 

Leave Donation Request: One request, Lening moved to approve request, Robertson seconded. Motion carried 

Employee Resignation: Jenna Pelster from Kiowa County Department of Social Services. The board would like to thank Jenna for her service to the citizens of Kiowa County and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. 

Oswald moved to recess the regular session, Lening seconded for more interviews. Motion carried at 1:53 p.m. 

Interviews for Road & Bridge began at 3:00 p.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m. 

Oswald moved to move back into regular session, Robertson seconded at 4:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Oswald moved, Lening seconded to hire Kolten Specht as Waste Diversion Tech, to hire Jayden Self as Road & Bridge District 3 Maintenance Worker and to hire Bryson Watne as Road & Bridge District 3 Equipment Operator. All 3 will be hired as seasonal full time positions re-evaluated at 90 days. Motion carried. The fourth applicant was not hired at this time. 

The next regular meeting of the Kiowa County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday June 12th at 9:00 a.m.

With no further items to be discussed, Oswald moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 p.m., Robertson seconded. Motion carried.

/s/Donald Oswald

Donald Oswald, Chairman 06-12-2025

ATTEST

/s/Delisa L. Weeks

Delisa L. Weeks, County Clerk