A new council has been established and budget requests have been taken under consideration by Lyon County Commissioners following their weekly action session Thursday.
Terresa Briggs of Healthier Lyon County was in attendance seeking approval of a resolution to establish the Lyon County Food and Farm Council. The Council’s main focus will be aiding communities located in food deserts, or have a lack of access to healthier food options.
Currently, the council consists of 11 members, whom Briggs says bring a lot of energy and excitement. In the coming months, Briggs says they are hoping to expand the membership to include a wider range of experts and individuals.
Briggs adds the next major step for the council will be the establishment of formal bylaws. It was noted during the meeting the Lyon County Commission will perform a full evaluation of activities for the council once every three years.
In other business, commissioners overheard requests from two local agencies for 2020 budget allocations. First up was the Emporia Public Library who submitted a request of $169,040.
Library Director Robin Newell says these funds will provide for a number of costs including covering the expense of the library’s new mobile hotspots. Last year the library purchased 30 of these units which are available to be checked out by library patrons.
According to Newell the cost of each unit is anywhere between $26-$30 a month, however, she states it is a worthy expense.
Following the library’s request, Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods presented the budget request for Main Street in the total of $25,000. Woods says the funds from the county allow Main Street to put on several of their community events including the annual Flatland Cruisers Car Show, festivities for the Glass Blown Open and Dirty Kanza and the recent Cinco De Mayo Celebration.
Woods adds it is important for these activities to continue thriving as Main Street’s success often results in success elsewhere in the community.
Both requests are identical to the previous year.
Commissioners have taken the requests under consideration and will render a decision at a later time.
Also during the meeting, Lyon County Engineer Chip Woods gained approval for a quote from APAC-Kansas for a 2″ overlay on Road 290 from Americus Road west 300 feet for a total of $10,994.81. Lyon County Assistant Counselor Michael Halleran also submitted the Title VI participation plan for commissioner’s approval.
The plan was approved 3-0. Five executive sessions also took place.
The Lyon County Commission will meet once again next Thursday at 8 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse.
