The Barton County Commission on Monday approved two appointments to the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee. These are unpaid positions to advise and assist the commission with the care and management of the Golden Belt and Hillcrest Memorial Parks.

Chris Schartz, county works director, said there was one unexpired term that ends in July of 2027 and a full term that expires in July of 2029. Two people applied for the positions after public announcements were made via the Great Bend Tribune and social media.

Brooke Haulmark was appointed to the unexpired term and Nikki Seybert was appointed to the full term.

The board also approved a change to the budget line item for a computer purchase on Oct. 28. The commission had authorized the purchase of several computers from Bauer Computer. County Administrator Matt Patzner said a portion of the purchase was coded to the wrong line and switched to a different department. That meant Community Corrections was charged with a laptop that actually went to the 911 Communications department. The commissioners canceled a $2,214 encumbrance and then reassessed it to the proper department. 

The commissioners also named voting delegates for the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference, taking place Dec. 9-11 at Wichita. Commissioner Duane Reif will be the voting delegate, Tricia Schlessiger will be the first alternate and Shawn Hutchinson will be the second alternate.

Wrapping up the agenda meeting, County Counselor Patrick Hoffman and Health Department Director Karen Winkelman asked to meet with the board in executive session to discuss a matter protected by attorney-client privilege. County Administrator Patzner also joined the closed-door session. The original request for 20 minutes was extended for 10 more minutes and then 20 more. No action is taken in executive sessions. Upon returning to open session, the commissioners adjourned from the agenda meeting.

Several appointments were scheduled into the afternoon.