Alex Rice did not show up for his scheduled meeting.
Josh Framel with Clearway came in at his scheduled meeting to update the Commission on the Swan Solar Project in Bates County. John had gone to see the Pine Forest Solar project they are building in Texas. A 300-megawatt project covering 650 acres employs 250 people during construction and 8-10 during operations. Weather monitoring equipment is on site which serves to alert for protection procedures. This will send the tracking panels vertically for hail protection. Safety measures include a detailed site map, fire suppression and remote disconnect switches. They discussed the different tax payment options possible. Josh states that the company would also take care of the fees for the Bond Counsels needed in the Chapter 100 process. GilmoreBell in Kansas City is being considered. After the Chapter 100 application is submitted, public hearings will be planned to address community concerns and ensure transparency. The project aims to balance economic benefits with environmental considerations.
Work in progress
Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 updates current
Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 updates current
Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024
Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024 updates current
Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley)
EEZ Board 3/26/2025
June 2, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
The Commission received an email from the US Treasury stating they are withdrawing the recoupment of the ARPA funds as all reporting was completed and accepted.
Vanessa Kennedy, Samantha Blum and Emily Gilkey with Code 1 Wellness came in on their scheduled meeting to discuss funding for a Rural Community Opioid Education Summit. They are trying to bridge the gap left between addiction, mental health crisis, and the legal systems. There is a lack of knowledge of where an individual can reach out for help. Code 1 originally set out to have a resource for First Responders as they have specific needs. In the rural areas the first responders have a lack of coverage and support for dealing with the traumas they experience in the course of their jobs. Vanessa states with a wellness program in place for first responders’ other insurance premiums can go down for the cities. They have a list of resources available for a list of community needs including critical incidents. They have grown in the Adrian community that is accepting and supporting their efforts. They have opened their focus to the public. When trying to gain support and participation from other medical professionals they have met with push back and determent. Her efforts with Bates County Memorial Hospital were turned away. She mentioned a forum they attended where there was a lot of talk but no follow-through or action afterwards. BCMH has its own set of issues and public opinion leading them to have community surveys and meetings. “it is people that have said, hey, if, if I have a heart attack, don't call Bates County. I'm serious. I mean multiple, not just one or two, but I mean multiple, do not send me to Bates County.” stated John. “They are working on it, or they are trying to work on that aspect.” John further states. Trent mentioned an abandoned boy’s home in Rich Hill that might fit Vanessa’s goal of having an inpatient facility for detoxing and mental health. The Commission informed them that Judge Highley has taken on forming the Opioid Board. Conversations with her would be needed.
Shane Balk with iNetVisions came in on this scheduled meeting to discuss upgrading the county's telecommunications infrastructure. Lumen's current $85,635 annual cost for internet and phone services was highlighted, with a proposed $84,560 annual cost if Lumen is retained. Shane proposed moving to an in-house phone system, saving $30,000 annually, and using SIP trunks for $600 monthly. For internet, Conexon and Starlink were considered, offering significant cost reductions. Fiber connections between buildings were proposed, with an initial cost of $170,000 and a payback period of 26 months. RFP will be published for bid on the project.