Coffey County commissioners approve funding for lake dock repair, award engineering and tire contracts, and confirm township appointments

The Coffey County Board of Commissioners on July 28 approved multiple routine and project-specific measures, including county funding for a new walkway at Coffey County Lake and contract approvals for county infrastructure work.

The most immediate decision authorized the county to pay half the cost for replacement of a deteriorated walkway at Coffey County Lake. Jenny Tapman, Coffey County economic development director, told commissioners the county received a May 7, 2025 quote from Mikko Sullivan for a total replacement cost of $53,358 and recommended the county cover half, $26,679, with Wolf Creek contributing the other half. "The estimate that we received was for the total cost ... $53,358 for the materials and the installation and demolition of the current walkway," Tapman said. The board approved a motion based on Tapman's recommendation; Commissioner Casey moved the measure and Commissioner Barker seconded. After the motion was seconded the board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Tapman noted the quote lists materials delivered to site and installation and demolition of the existing walkway but does not specify on-site disposal. She said she had spoken with George Chick of Wolf Creek, who told her Wolf Creek plans to remove the broken section from the site after installation to keep costs down. Tapman said she would confirm current pricing and follow up with Wolf Creek and the contractor before work proceeds.

The board approved several Road & Bridge items raised by Ryan Durst, road and grid superintendent. Durst asked the board to authorize solicitation of formal bids for assorted tires, a package he estimated at roughly $35,000 to be paid from the Road and Bridge fund; the motion was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Peterson and carried. Durst also asked the board to approve an annual engineering-services agreement with Blackstone Environmental for landfill support and KDHE reporting; the board approved the estimated $15,000 authorization to be paid from the solid waste fund. Durst described Blackstone as the county's longstanding consultant for monitoring wells, gas-rating work and state reporting.

Durst updated commissioners on asphalt projects and local dust-control work, noting a decrease in one contract price of $15,453.23 to a revised total of $709,329.27 for a paving project (an administrative change Durst said he will sign). He also proposed additional dust control on Leroy Fifth Road, estimating about $6,000 for materials to improve visibility and reduce dust near residences.

Emergency-management staff provided updates on the county's radio tower program. Martin (Emergency Management) reported shelter buildings for each tower site have been ordered, the old tower north of Gridley was removed and scrapped, geological borings and soil assessments are expected this week, and a National Environmental Policy Act review returned "clear with no impact" for the selected sites. "The NEPA report came back and no issues there," Martin said. He also said the county secured permission from the county fire board to put all three tower sites on the county fiber network, which will reduce recurring circuit costs.

The board handled personnel and administrative items at the start of the meeting. Commissioners accepted the resignation of Shawn Douglas as trustee of Burlington Township and appointed Mark Griffith to fill that trustee vacancy until the term expires in January 2029; the board then appointed Shawn Douglas to fill Burlington Township's treasurer vacancy until January 2029. Those motions were moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

The board conducted two executive sessions concerning non‑elected personnel and job performance under the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KSA 75-4319). County officials said no action was taken during the July 28 meeting as a result of those executive sessions; commissioners indicated a personnel reimbursement tied to the health department’s tuition-reimbursement program will be brought back for action at a future meeting. County Counselor Wade Buie and Health Department Administrator Amelia Marchant participated in the executive sessions.

Other business included routine vouchers and administrative items; the board adjourned at 12:06 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes of the July 21, 2025 meeting: moved by Barker, seconded by Peterson; outcome: approved. - Motion to accept resignation of Shawn Douglas as Burlington Township trustee and appoint Mark Griffith as trustee (term to Jan. 2029): moved, seconded; outcome: approved. - Motion to appoint Shawn Douglas as treasurer of Burlington Township (term to Jan. 2029): moved by Abendroth, seconded by Peterson; outcome: approved. - Motion to accept Mikko Sullivan quote dated 05/07/2025 and authorize Coffey County payment of $26,679 with Wolf Creek paying the remainder for Coffey County Lake walkway replacement (funds from economic development budget): moved by Commissioner Casey, seconded by Commissioner Barker; outcome: approved. - Motion to solicit formal bids for assorted tires (estimated $35,000) to be paid from Road & Bridge fund: moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Peterson; outcome: approved. - Motion to approve Blackstone Environmental 2025 engineering services for Coffey County Landfill (estimated $15,000) to be paid from Solid Waste fund: moved by Commissioner Barker, seconded by Abendroth; outcome: approved.

No legislative ordinances, resolutions, or bond measures were introduced or adopted at this meeting.