The Atchison County Commission met Thursday, March 7, 2024. Present were: Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, South District Commissioner Richard Burke, North District Commissioner Jim Quimby, and Susette Taylor, Clerk of the Commission.
Presiding Commissioner Livengood called the meeting to order.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Bills were reviewed and approved for payment.
The commission met with Kimberly Tanner, Emergency Preparedness Offsite Coordinator for Cooper Nuclear Station, and Rhonda Wiley, Atchison County Emergency Management Director. Mrs. Tanner provided her quarterly update and reviewed information about the upcoming exercises. This year’s dates are as follows: dress rehearsal April 16, and graded exercise May 21.
The commission reviewed and signed the following memorandum of understanding regarding the Atchison County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The current Atchison County Hazard Mitigation plan will expire in February of 2025, and the planning stages are underway to perform a complete plan update during this year.
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We, the undersigned, acknowledge:
• Atchison County wishes to be included in the five-year update of the Atchison County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Our jurisdiction’s eligibility for federal hazard mitigation programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program is dependent on the successful completion and adoption of the five-year update of the Atchison County Hazard Mitigation Plan. After the current plan expires in March of 2025, our jurisdiction will not be eligible for these funding programs until the five-year update is completed and approved by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• Our jurisdiction remains eligible for all state and federal disaster response and recovery funds regardless of the status of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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For over 20 years, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments has partnered with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to write and update county-level hazard mitigation plans. These plans are a federal requirement to access mitigation funding programs often tied to a major disaster declaration. In addition, the completion of a hazard mitigation plan is a good exercise towards identifying policy changes that can make a community more disaster-resistant, lessening the effects of the next ice storm, flood, or other severe weather.
As Flood Plain Coordinator, one of the duties Rhonda Wiley is responsible for is making sure that the Atchison County Flood Plain Ordinance is enforced and that everyone living inside the flood plain is complying. She reported that she had contacted Timothy Cook and spoke with him by phone regarding the property where he is currently residing located at the intersection of E Highway and H Avenue. She notified Mr. Cook that this property was substantially damaged in the flood of 2011 and set vacant and was flooded again in 2019. Therefore, no improvements can be made to the property without a flood plain permit and an elevation certificate. Mr. Cook admitted he knew about the conditions, but knowingly began making improvements to the property anyway. He was notified that he was required to pick up paperwork at the 911 Office no later than March 7, 2024, and within 30 days from March 6, 2024, must provide a flood plain permit and an elevation certificate and be working towards compliance. If he does not comply a fine, as outlined in the ordinance, will be assessed.
Additions and abatements to the tax books were approved as follows:
PERSONAL PROPERTY
February 2024 – Additions to the tax books: 2023, $6,898.89; 2022, $2,841.90; 2021, $40.14. Abatements from the tax books: 2023, $20.00.
REAL PROPERTY
February 2024 – There were no additions or abatements from the real estate books.
AG ROCK
February 2024 – There were no additions or abatements to the ag rock tax books.
April 4 was set as the bid opening date to rent hay ground at Pleasant View and the landfill site. Bid sheets can be picked up in the clerk’s office or emailed upon request.
The commission reviewed and approved the signing of Invoice #8 for BRO-003(25). It was forwarded to Great River Engineering and then will be forwarded to MoDOT for payment.
Crystal Woodring, Northwest Missouri Living Center (NWMLC) Director, met with the commission to give an update on NWMLC (Tarkio group homes). Mrs. Woodring shared that NWMLC currently employs 24 local individuals and provides services for 12 developmentally disabled individuals.
Mrs. Woodring shared that the NWMLC is grateful for the SB40 tax money that allows opportunity for group home upkeep and maintenance including new windows, flooring, furniture, etc.
This year’s goal for SB 40 funds is to utilize advanced staff training as well as community integration for the developmentally disabled offering them local opportunities.
Mrs. Woodring shared some highlights from this year which were the ability to offer a benefit package offering retirement, as well as employee and dependents paid insurance plans, and starting pay rate increases.
Mrs. Woodring shared their current legislative priorities are as follows:
• Increase provider rates to market level goal of $21.00 per hour starting direct support staff wage, which will require $126.6 million general revenue increase. HB10 section 10.410.
• Maximize employment support services – community providers establish proper support to ensure employment and job retention. HB2, Section 2.130.
• Maintain Missouri’s Tax Structure – Phasing out personal property tax without replacing the revenue stream for local IDD (Individual Developmentally Disabled) services will negatively impact the people utilizing services.
The commission thanked Mrs. Woodring for the work she does and supports her effort to invite Representative Farnan and Senator Black for a visit and a tour of the facilities.
The commission moved to the Velma Houts Building to participate in the first organizational meeting for the revision of the Atchison County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Following the meeting they returned to the commission room.
The commission met with Sheriff Dennis Martin and Chief Deputy Sons to discuss departmental matters.
There being no further business, the commission adjourned.
