SOLDIER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
The regular monthly meeting of the Soldier Township Board was called to order by Mike Mathes (presiding officer and clerk) on July 11, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. Other board members present were Karl McNorton (Trustee) and Jerry Glasgow (Treasurer). Also present were Bob Oliva (Township Business Administrator/Road Superintendent), Doug Schmitt (Fire Chief), John Tipton (Co-Road Superintendent), and Laurie Moody (Bookkeeper).
Guests in attendance were – Lee Hendricks (Legal Counsel) and Chad Lady
Member McNorton made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from the June 6, 2023 board meeting, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. There were no additions to the presented agenda.
Public comment and communication – none
General – Mr. Oliva presented a brief review of the expense report to date. All actual expenditures are in line with the budgeted expenditures.
Mr. Oliva informed the Board that he had received estimated pricing from Senne Company for the construction of the shop maintenance building. The bid amount exceeded expectations, so additional time is necessary to negotiate the pricing. It may be necessary to hold a special meeting to address this further after negotiations are complete.
After review and discussion of the initial 2024 budget, a motion was made by Member McNorton to approve the intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. The motion was seconded by Member Glasgow. Motion carried 3-0. It will be published in The Topeka Metro News and on www.soldiertownship.com.
The Board was presented with Resolution 23-01 for review. After discussion, Member McNorton made a motion to approve Resolution 23-01, amending the rate of compensation to members of the Township Board. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. It will be published in The Topeka Metro News and on www.soldiertownship.com.
Fire Chief Schmitt announced the approval of a matching grant through Kansas Forest Service for a QTAC Model 85EMS UTV Fire Skid Unit. This would be used primarily for EMS stand-by assignments at public events. After discussion, Member Mathis made a motion to approve the purchase of the Skid Unit for $5,495, with our share being $2,747. Member Glasgow seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Chief Schmitt presented the official fire report. The department went through a complete audit with ISO who analyzed all aspects of the department, the water supply, and dispatch capabilities. Very positive feedback was received, and the rating given was 3. :
Road –John Tipton, Co-Road Superintendent, presented the road report. Paving has continued in the Urban Hills sub-division. The second crossroad tube was installed on Indian Creek Road, with the asphalt overlay yet to be done. And we currently have one open position for an Operator 1.
Executive Session: Member Mathes made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel for 15 minutes, with the attorney and the board present. Motion was seconded by Member McNorton. Motion carried 3-0.
All board members and Lee Hendricks (legal counsel) remained in the room. Executive Session commenced at 12:30 p.m. The Board returned to open session at 12:45 p.m. with no binding action having been taken.
With no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Member Mathes to adjourn the meeting. Member McNorton seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 12:15 p.m.