The Atchison County Commission met at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Present were: Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, South District Commissioner Richard Burke, and North District Commissioner Jim Quimby. The commissioners participated in a two-day graded drill with the Atchison County Emergency Management System. It was held at the EOC in Tarkio.
There being no further business, the commission adjourned.
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The Atchison County Commission met on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Present were: Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, South District Commissioner Richard Burke, North District Commissioner Jim Quimby, and Susette Taylor, Clerk of the Commission.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer Debbie True was in and reported that Nancy Daugherty, secretary/treasurer of the Elmwood Cemetery, requested to cash in C.D.s in the amount of $2,000 and $5,000. The C.D.s were held by the Atchison County Treasurer. Upon request, Treasurer True notified the bank and the checks were presented to Nancy Daugherty, who acknowledged receipt of the funds.
Mike Daugherty, Emergency Management Director Rhonda Wiley, Mandy Ottmann (secretary/treasurer of the Langdon Special Road District), and Rick Oswald (Langdon Special Road District board member), met with the commission to discuss concerns related to D Avenue and 280th Street that goes to the Hoot Owl Bend River Access area. Mr. Daugherty presented photos of the condition of the road. He reported that the Corps of Engineers or the contractor with the Corps had flattened the road and filled in the ditches on both sides of the road to allow the large trucks to meet while working on the levee. Now with the heavy rains, the water has no way to drain. The bottom has completely fallen out of the road, which makes it almost impossible to travel.
There are currently three families living in the area and they need to have the road maintained. The Langdon Special Road District reported that they have used all their funds on flood repair and do not have any funds available until they are reimbursed for their work by SEMA. Director Wiley made a call to SEMA. SEMA reported that the funds were currently being processed, but it could still be several weeks before the district receives the money due to them requesting a paper check.
The commission felt it was the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers to fix the road, since they were the ones who had damaged it. Mrs. Ottmann stated that the Corps wanted proof that the road had been repaired following the flood and where the ditches were. Clerk Taylor reported that aerial photography from the assessor’s office should show that, and Director Wiley stated that the district’s records of flood repair should complete the documentation requested. Clerk Taylor also mentioned that several drainage districts have received grant money and they should check to see if that was a ditch scheduled to be cleaned out.
Presiding Commissioner Livengood requested that the district get the needed documentation and see if they can work with the Corps to get the needed repairs done. If that does not work, then they would like to set up a meeting with the Corps, Langdon Special Road District, and landowners. The commission stated they would also be willing to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Langdon Special Road District for some repair rock and could be reimbursed when their funding arrives.
Mr. Daugherty did state that he felt it was a waste of money to continue to dump rock without the road being properly fixed. Everyone agreed to work together to move towards a solution.
Garry McFee met with the commission to discuss BRO funds.
Treasurer Debbie True and Clerk Taylor presented the documentation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the commission to review. Presiding Commissioner Livengood signed as the authorized user and Debbie True will serve as the contact. All forms were submitted through the necessary account and await authorization. Once the funds are received the commission will determine the process for allocation.
There being no further business, the commission adjourned.
