The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order on August 3, 2021, at 12:12 p.m. Board members present were Jerry Glasgow and Mike Mathes. Also present were Chief Doug Schmitt representing the Fire Department, Bob Oliva representing the Road Department, and Laurie Moody, Bookkeeper.
Guests in attendance
Lee Hendricks and Larkin Downing
Member Glasgow moved to accept the check register, the minutes from July 6, 2021 Board meeting, and the agenda, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member Mathes seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Public comment and communication
A “Thank You” card had been received from Larry Marken concerning the road work that had been completed on Button Road.
General
A request for a temporary alcohol permit was received from Mother Teresa Catholic Church for the dates September 11 and September 12, 2021, for their annual fundraising event. Member Mathes moved that we approve the permit and motion seconded by Member Glasgow. After further discussion, the motion carried 2-0.
Mr. Oliva presented a preliminary budget for 2022. Based on valuation increases, the budget will show an increase in funds from the Ad Valorem Tax. The revenue from the other taxes has increased slightly, while the mill levies have remained consistent.
The Road Department budget includes revenue increases consistent with the General budget increases, based on valuation.
Chief Schmitt presented the Fire Department budget which also included revenue increases consistent with the General budget increases, based on valuation.
Mr. Oliva will electronically submit the budget to the County. The RNR Hearing and the Budget Hearing will be held on September 7, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. The regular Board meeting will convene immediately following the Budget Hearing.
Chief Schmitt updated the Board on the status of the allocation of available ARPA funds. Shawnee County informed Chief Schmitt that the Township will need to apply directly to the State of Kansas SPARK Committee for any allocation of funds to the Township. The Township will send letters directly to all Committee members for their consideration. A similar letter will be sent to the Governor, representatives, and our senator.
Fire
Chief Schmitt presented the Fire Report which consisted of 627 calls to date this year, of which over 50% were Rescue and Emergency Medical Service calls. Chief Schmitt is continuing to seek out EMT programs and to encourage all new employees to obtain EMT training.
An Action item had been presented for the purchase of forty pairs of Wildland Pants. Due to the receipt of a grant from the Kansas Forest Service, the total cost to the Township will be $2,800. These funds will be drawn from the existing funds in the Special Fire Fund. Member Glasgow motioned that the Township purchase the equipment and Member Mathes seconded the motion. As there was no further discussion, the motion carried 2-0.
Road
Mr. Oliva reported that the milk barn has now been completely removed from the maintenance yard property.
This past month, the road crew finished a 2″ overlay on a section of Button Road and has been patching and chip sealing streets in numerous other areas.
Executive Session
not needed
There being no further business to come before the Board, Member Mathis made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member Glasgow and passed 2-0. Meeting adjourned at 12:42 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting will be held on September 7, 2021, at 12:15 p.m.
Approved by: Jerry Glasgow and Mike Mathes