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Atchison County Commission Video 2026-05-12
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Overview
This video is a recording of the Atchison County Commission meeting held on May 12, 2026. The meeting covers various administrative and operational topics, including approving meeting minutes and the agenda, budget discussions, and updates on GIS, road maintenance, and waste management. Key discussions involve a property owner's request for a new address on a minimum maintenance road, a policy review regarding concrete drive aprons, and addressing nuisance properties. The commission also authorizes discussions for new county cell phones, approves an interim road and bridge superintendent, and schedules future discussions on road projects and sales tax initiatives. The meeting concludes with an executive session to discuss personnel matters and wages, followed by a return to regular session and adjournment.
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Chapters
- The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.
- There were no public comments during the meeting.
- The minutes from the previous meeting (May 5th) were reviewed and approved with a minor correction.
- The current agenda was also reviewed and approved.
This establishes the formal start of the meeting and ensures that official records and the day's proceedings are properly authorized.
Approval of the minutes from the May 5th meeting.
- Commissioner Calhoun mentioned attending a chamber board meeting and progress on the county budget, congratulating local graduates.
- Commissioner [unspecified] attended an emergency management meeting, noting a planned October exercise and commending the professionalism of emergency responders.
- Personal notes included birthday wishes for a son and a chemistry final.
These comments provide insight into the commissioners' ongoing activities, community engagement, and personal reflections, offering a broader context for their work.
Attending an emergency management meeting led by U.L.I.P.C. director James Stewart.
- A property owner applied for an address on a vacant property adjacent to a cemetery.
- County policy generally doesn't address vacant properties, but the process involves a development permit, originally for floodplains.
- Minimum maintenance roads (low volume roads) are not typically addressed due to potential issues for emergency responders.
- The township agreed to extend maintenance 25 feet to allow the property owner access and an address on Rook's Road, requiring an amendment to the minimum maintenance ordinance.
This discussion clarifies the county's policies on road classifications, addressing procedures, and the implications for property development, especially concerning safety and liability.
Mr. Riley Lule's application for an address on a property south of St. Pat's Cemetery, requiring a change in road maintenance status.
- The current policy prohibits private property owners from extending concrete aprons to county road surfaces due to potential damage to snow plows and maintenance issues.
- Nutrient requested an exception to install a concrete section, raising concerns about liability for damage to county equipment.
- The discussion explored amending the policy, potentially for commercial properties only, requiring property owners to assume responsibility for any damage to county equipment or the concrete apron.
- The county will contact Nutrient to gauge their willingness to accept liability before a policy amendment is drafted.
This highlights the balance between property owner requests and the county's responsibility for maintaining road infrastructure and equipment, involving potential policy changes and liability considerations.
Nutrient's request for an exception to the policy prohibiting concrete aprons extending to the road surface.
- A letter will be sent regarding a property at 17440 Belleview Drive due to ongoing complaints about a consistently parked vehicle and trailer obstructing the road.
- A resident from 6169 Sher Road reported a property used as a junkyard, with visible junk and lack of required fencing, and was advised to contact the commission.
- The commission will investigate the Sher Road property, noting the address and owner.
This addresses citizen concerns about property maintenance and public safety, demonstrating the commission's role in enforcing local ordinances and responding to community complaints.
Complaints about a property on Sher Road being used as a junkyard without proper fencing.
- Authorization was granted for the IT director to discuss county-authorized cell phones with FirstNet.
- The countywide cleanup event was successful, collecting approximately 68 tons of waste, with some costs exempted.
- A plan to create an IT office space at EMS by adding a wall was approved, with costs split between emergency services capital improvement and IT rollover funds.
- The EMS sales tax and marketing will be discussed in a future workshop.
These updates cover essential operational decisions, resource allocation, and the successful execution of community services like the cleanup event.
The success of the countywide cleanup event, collecting 68 tons of waste.
- An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, wages, and potential right-of-way acquisition.
- Emily Sternsorf was named interim Road and Bridge Superintendent at $30/hour, effective the next pay period.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the Ottawa Road project timeline and a potential lease tractor for mowing.
- Future agenda items include further discussion on Ottawa Road, Nutrient's concrete apron policy, and a potential advisory group for emergency services response.
This section covers significant personnel decisions, future planning for infrastructure projects, and the ongoing management of county resources and services.
Naming Emily Sternsorf as interim Road and Bridge Superintendent.
Key takeaways
- County policies, like those for minimum maintenance roads and concrete aprons, are designed to balance public safety, liability, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Addressing property nuisances requires a systematic approach involving resident complaints, ordinance enforcement, and sometimes collaboration with external agencies.
- Effective budget management and resource allocation are crucial for essential county services, such as road maintenance and waste cleanup.
- The commission actively engages in planning for future infrastructure projects and operational improvements, such as cell phone services and road upgrades.
- Personnel decisions, including interim appointments and salary adjustments, are made to ensure continuity and efficient management of county departments.
- Policy exceptions, such as for concrete drive aprons, are carefully considered due to their potential to erode existing policies and create future challenges.
- Community feedback, like that regarding mowing practices, informs the commission's decisions on resource prioritization and service delivery.
Key terms
Minimum Maintenance RoadsLow Volume Roads (LVRs)Development PermitFloodplain Development PermitConcrete ApronRight-of-WayNuisance PropertyExecutive SessionInterim SuperintendentRoad Maintenance Agreement
Test your understanding
- What are the primary reasons a county might designate a road as 'minimum maintenance' status, and how does this affect property owners seeking addresses?
- How does the county's policy on concrete drive aprons aim to mitigate risks for both property owners and the county, and what are the potential consequences of granting exceptions?
- What steps does the county take to address nuisance properties, and what recourse do residents have when reporting such issues?
- Why did the commission approve an executive session, and what types of sensitive matters are typically discussed in such closed meetings?
- What factors should the commission consider when deciding whether to lease equipment, like a tractor for mowing, versus using existing county-owned assets?