Short but productive county meeting

The Marion County Board of Commissioners met for their regular weekly meeting on Monday although it was shorter than usual. The agenda was light and the commissioners moved along right on schedule getting things done quickly and efficiently.

Department on Aging Coordinator Gayla Ratzlaff gave a department update and shared that they have received and been distributing 30 Farmer’s Market checks.

“The problem is just finding gardeners or farmers who want to be a part of the program and accept the checks,” said Ratzlaff.

Ratzlaff reported that since April she has met with 15 individuals about signing up for Social Security or Medicare. She has also offered a Tai Chi class once a week through the month of June.

The Department is looking to offer a Stay Strong Stay Healthy class late August through October with Renae Riedy, Chisholm District K-State Extension agent. They are also going to offer a Chronic Health Disease class starting mid-July in Hillsboro. And Ratzlaff is working on updating the Resource Guide to upload onto the Department on Aging webpage.

Ratzlaff said the Senior Citizens of Marion County Board met on June 17. The SCMC Board choose Pat K Henderson of Peabody as the Sensational Sunflower from Marion County. The 2nd Annual meeting will be held on Oct. 20 at the Hillsboro Senior Center. The program will be Derrick Doty of Manhattan who will provide a music and Kansas history program.

Ratzlaff reported 9 trips for the month of June. The trips were provided to: an individual from

Hillsboro to Hillsboro and Newton, an individual from Peabody to El Dorado and two individuals from

Marion to Newton. These trips were for medical appointments and shopping. The Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 28.

County Engineer Brice Goebel gave road and bridge updates. He said the wind farm is putting rock out on the roads and then will get going on the bases soon.

In other business, the board:

  •  officially approved and signed the resolution amending the mileage rate for county business conducted in personal vehicles. The rate will be 62.5 cents effective July 1.
  •  met in executive session to discuss personnel/performance of non-elected personnel. No action taken.
  •  met in executive session to discuss property acquisition. No action taken.

n met with Goebel in executive session regarding personnel performance. No action taken.

n met in executive session regarding litigation. Not action taken.

n heard citizen concerns regarding wind farms.

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