March 24, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Sheriff Chad Anderson and Captain Justin Shaffer came in with the open door policy to speak about Governor Kehoe's Missouri Blue Shield Policy. This policy launched March 5, 2025. The resolution is for public safety funding, emphasizing the need to support those municipalities and counties that are committing to public safety. The resolution offers funds in the way of grants to those governing bodies that are pledging additional funds for law enforcement and public safety. Chad states specific needs include a $700,000 radio console upgrade and handheld radios for fire departments. The console is a patched together system that is nearing its end of life. The conversation also covered the impact of a removed half-cent use tax from law enforcement funding. This was later found to have been voted by the people to go into General Revenue in 1996 and given to law enforcement during their deficit years. Additionally, the discussion included the retirement of Hank the horse used in search and rescue operations and the possibility of leasing a replacement horse. Hank recently helped in the search and rescue request from Miami County Kansas and performed awesome. However he is showing signs of old age. Tom, the current horse caregiver has a candidate horse for replacement. He would need the training for police work.
Due to recent information the Truck previously bid from Max Motors the commission discussed how to move forward with the truck purchase.
John made the motion to cancel the purchase from Max Motors and approve the purchase from previous bid with Shawnee Mission. Trent seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
The commission worked on the resolution and how to support the funding.
Jana Rosier came in on her scheduled meeting to discuss reviving the Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) program in Bates County, which has been inactive since 2020. The city of Butler has contracted MarksNelson for economic development, focusing on rural communities. The program requires annual reports and follow-ups with companies receiving abatements. John Roberts from MarksNelson offered to assist in setting up the EEZ. The board needs to be reconstructed, with potential members including city, county, school, and banking representatives. The importance of regional collaboration and infrastructure development, such as high-speed internet and rail access, was emphasized. Jim was given John Roberts with MarksNelson contact number. The goal is to attract and retain businesses, creating jobs and economic growth. Jana stated “I’m passionate about all of our rural communities. We gotta just be proactive in our survival”. Follow up Appointment made for 4/16/2025.
Patricia Newkirk who was in attendance, as well as her husband Dale, spoke on a community that thrived in the early 1900's just outside of Tulsa all on its own. The greenwood district also known as the African American Wall Street. Dale volunteered to be a member of the EEZ board as he was a member in the past. Patricia also stated that she has been keeping up with the minutes and noted the advancement of some of the pending work. Patricia asked if the Commission has received any confirmation from the Treasury on being compliant. Jim replied no. He hasn’t been able to get back in contact with them. John mentioned they are continuing to work on the awarded entities documentation. The treasury is requiring each entity to have their own UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) and many do not have those as of yet. Jim has given them 2 weeks to get them to us.
County Coroner Jerret Reno along with his new Deputy Coroner Russ Whisenand came in on a late addition to the scheduled meeting for an update on the Indigent Cremation Policy. He has all the past materials and updated ones on the subject. Including the Community Foundation of the Ozarks which provides partial reimbursement. He wants to wait on placing any policy till he speaks with other County Coroners at their April training. He has a few questions to clear up and asked if the commission has any he should ask. They debated whether to store cremated remains or bury them, with a consensus leaning towards burial. The group also discussed the logistics of storing remains, including the capacity of graves and the use of a potter's field in Oak Hill Cemetery. They agreed to meet again in mid-April to finalize policies and address any remaining questions. Follow up Appointment made for 4/16/2025.
John spoke on the updated information about Rattlesnake Hill area in Lone Oak Township. The legal easement has been drawn up at Butler Abstract for all the affected property owners to sign. There is a $10 fee due at the time of signing. Trent will be going out to meet Becky Deluca and her husband tonight to discuss the process. He will also be contacting others in the area. The submission to MoDOT for acceptance is the next step. John has been in contact with MoDOT on these issues. John is also working on the Osage Park Area roads. He found the easement was set up in 1971 and signed by the Commission in 2010 but never turned over to Mound Township. They should be submitting this to MoDOT soon.
Work in progress
Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023
Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023
Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024
Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024
Missouri Blue Shield Resolution 3/24/2025
EEZ Board 3/26/2025
March 31, 2025
Memorandum to: Land Owners involved in Rattlesnake Hill Road Issue
Subject: Easements needed for Township to maintain roads
The County Commissioners have found how to take the "Private Drives" around Rattlesnake Hill and allow Lone Oak Township to accept them, receive CART funds for the roads and maintain the roads.
Each property owner will have to go to the Butler Abstract Office on the west side of the square and sign an easement release for the County to have the roads maintained by Lone Oak Township. There is a recording fee of $50.00 per property. The easement will be 40' wide, 20' each way from the center of the current road. This matches the county roads in the county.
The needed improvements of the roads will take some time. This is moving this issue forward and in a positive direction.
Any questions, set up time to meet with the Commissioners on Mondays or Wednesdays by contacting the County Clerk's Office at 660-679-3371.
Signed,
Bates County Commission
John Gray, Northern Commissioner
Jim Wheatley, Presiding Commissioner
Trent Nelson, Southern Commissioner
