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 March 7, 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), Chad Lady, and Dustin Evans.
Member Glasgow made a motion to approve the check register and the minutes from the February 7, 2023 Board meeting, as presented, with no additions or amendments. Member McNorton seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. There were no additions to the agenda.
Public comment and communication – There were no public comments or communication.
General – Mr. Oliva updated on the progress being made in the design of the new road maintenance building. He expects to have an estimated cost by April 21, 2023. At that time, he will begin the process of seeking funding for the building. Requests For Proposals (RFPs) will be submitted to the following banks: CoreFirst, UMB Bank, Silver Lake Bank, Kaw Valley Bank, Capital Federal Bank, KS Bank, and USBancorp (U.S. Bank).
Mr. Oliva summarized the budgetary expenses. Invoices have been received and payment processed for the commercial, liability, and workers compensation insurances. These expenses were less than what had been budgeted. All other expenditures are in line with the budget.
Mr. Oliva presented a request for purchase from Kansas Federal Surplus of a 2009 Jeep Patriot to be used for Township business transportation. It was moved by Karl McNorton and seconded by Member Glasgow to purchase the 2009 Jeep Patriot for $6,000.00. Motion passed 3-0.
Fire
Chief Schmitt presented the written fire report. The road department is starting the process of clearing the newly purchased land for the future firehouse. The fire department is also hosting a chain saw class as part of the SCAFFA school in March. They will be cutting down trees on the property as part of the class. Both of these activities are saving the Township money by not having to hire outside companies to clear the land.
There have been several building and appliance repairs needed this past month at the firehouse, resulting in unexpected repair expenses.
The Nurse Navigation has been approved and it is estimated they will be going live with the program in about 60 days.
The annual awards banquet was held on February 24, 2023. The following awards were presented: “Rookie of the Year” to Elijah Tipton, “Officer of the Year” to Kaleb Mize, and “Firefighter of the Year” to both Joel Stuke and Cole Searles.
The firefighters are organizing a Pancake Feed to be held on March 25, 2023, at the Optimist.
Road –
Mr. Tipton presented the written road report, updating on the status of work performed during the month of February. One employee submitted his resignation, so the department will be accepting applications again for the position of Operator 1.
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
The next monthly Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 12:15 p.m.