Lyon County Commissioners approved an agreement during their action session Thursday morning which will seek to increase services provided to senior citizens.
The North-Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging has been in talks with Lyon County for the past three months to create a contract for their agency to overtake services for senior citizens. The services would include SHICK counselling, distribution of commodity boxes from the Kansas Food Bank and being a hub of information for senior citizens and caregivers.
Lyon County Commission Chairman Rollie Martin explains there were several factors which led to the agreement.
NCFHAAA Executive Director Julie Govert-Walter explains the agreement will not change services currently available, but rather enhance them.
The NCFHAAA has also applied for the RSVP grant which is a federal grant allowing the recipient to hire a coordinator for volunteer services. Lyon County had used a federal grant for years but decided against applying for the upcoming grant cycle. The Area Agency is now applying on behalf of Lyon County. Both Govert-Walter and Martin agree the more volunteers that are available the stronger services offered by the agency will be.
Work is currently ongoing at the Friendship Center in Emporia located at 221 W. Logan Ave where the services and operations will be stationed. Commissioners approved the agreement 3-0. As a part of the agreement, the agency will be required to update the County Commission on a quarterly basis.
The agreement will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
In other business commissioners also received quotes by County Facilities Director Mark McKenna for two ATVs which will be used to help clear snow and ice throughout the winter. No action was taken on this item as it was tabled for further discussion at the commission’s next meeting.
Commissioners also considered a resolution to adopt the 2018 solid waste management plan. Commissioners approved the resolution 3-0.
The Commission’s next meeting will take place Thur. 29, 2018 at 8 a.m. in the Lyon County Courthouse.
