Saline County and the City of Salina appear to be closer to an expo center lease agreement.
During the Saline County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen announced that the county had received a letter from the city concerning the lease proposal and improvements the city asked the county to make. Vidricksen said that with minor clarifications, the county commission would accept the city's proposal. According to information from the county, the city's legal counsel will be drafting an appropriate lease for the county's consideration.
Other business before the county commission Tuesday includes the following, according to information provided by the county.
Commissioners approved a facility use agreement with Hermes Healthcare for its continued use of the senior center in providing foot care services.
Commissioners signed a resolution adopting the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan covers 12 counties in the north-central region and outlines the most probably natural and manmade disasters that could occur in the area. By adoption of this plan, Saline County will be eligible to apply for grants that specifically cover mitigation projects. This also allows for Saline County to become eligible to apply for public assistance dollars should a disaster occur.
GIS presented a cost share agreement from the City of Salina for approval by the county commission. This agreement allows for the City of Salina to pay $20,600 toward the cost of an aerial flight to enhance mapping capabilities in Salina and Saline County. The total cost of the flight and mapping software is $115,587 and several entities are providing funds to cover this cost including the county Road and Bridge Department, the Noxious Weed Department, the Saline County Appraiser's Office, and land record funds.
Rick Lamer, Livestock and Expo Center director, updated commissioners. Lamer told commissioners that there were a total of 298 event days in 2019 that brought in a total of $91,927 in rental income. There are several upcoming events in March that will keep staff very busy including Equifest, the Carden Circus, and the Mid-America Farm Show, he said.
Commissioners approved a maintenance agreement with Hickman Environmental Service for bi-annual pump maintenance for Kipp Sewer District No. 1. The approval of this agreement also brought a modification to the Wastewater Operator Agreement that adjusted monthly compensation for the current wastewater operator.