On the agenda: Leavenworth Minutes — data center (Aug 12)

*******August 12, 2026 ********
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Culbertson, Commissioner Reid, Commissioner Dove and
Commissioner Stieben are present; Also present: Mark Loughry, County Administrator; Misty Brown,
County Counselor; Anne Marie Yatsula, Assistant County Counselor; Fran Keppler, County Clerk; Bill
Noll, Infrastructure and Construction Services

Commissioner Stieben recused himself from the canvass indicating Commissioner-Elect
Klasinski will take his place in the voting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Stieben and seconded by Commissioner Dove to adjourn
as the Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Board of County Canvassers.
Motion passed, 5-0.
Fran Keppler reported on the August 4, 2026 primary election and the audit.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove. to allow Ms.
Klasinski to serve on the Board of Canvassers in Commissioner Stieben’s place.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dove and seconded by Commissioner Culbertson to elect
Mike Smith as chair for the Board of Canvassers.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove to adjourn
as the Board of County Canvassers and convene at a later time.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove to reconvene
as the Board of County Commissioners.
Motion passed, 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Lynn Looney, Janette Labee-Holdeman and Ron Grossman commented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove that the
Board recess for a closed executive session to discuss confidential matters related to the legal
interest of the County which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship as
justified by K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) and that Board resume open meeting at 9:35 a.m. in the
meeting room of the Board. Present in the executive meeting will be Commissioners Mike
Smith, Jeff Culbertson, Vanessa Reid, Willie Dove, Mike Stieben, County Administrator Mark
Loughry, County Counselor Misty Brown and Assistant County Counselor Anne Marie Yatsula.
Motion passed, 5-0.

The Board returned to regular meeting at 9:35 a.m. No action was taken and no decisions were
made. The subject was limited to the matter related to non-elected personnel.
Public Commented continued: Lee Hungelbeeler, Jane Dent, Robin Perkins, Mary Brown and
Dee Karleskint commented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dove and seconded by Commissioner Smith convene as
the Board of County Canvassers.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reid and seconded by Commissioner Smith to accept the
provisional ballots.
Motion passed, 5-0.
Ms. Keppler indicated the races remained about the same with the provisionals.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dove and seconded by Commissioner Smith to accept the
official results for the August 4, 2026 primary election.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Culbertson to
adjourn as the Board of County Canvassers and convene as the Board of County
Commissioners.
Motion passed, 5-0.
Public Commented continued: Ann Trusty-Hulsey, Jim Karleskint, Joan Murnane, Jerry Pruitt,
Teresa Lynch Mashburn and Kelly Guthrie commented.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Stieben and seconded by Commissioner Dove requested
to add the animal cruelty resolution on the agenda for August 19, 2026 and allow proponent to
show a video demonstrating cruelty involved in the form of horse tripping and steer tailing and
possible violations of our current SUPs.
Motion passed, 4-1 Commissioner Reid voting nay.
Dennis Bixby commented.
The Board briefly discussed the sound system and call- in system for the Board room.
Mark Loughry updated the Board on the virtual town hall indicating he has scheduled a virtual
question and answer session for August 19th at 12:30 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Culbertson and seconded by Commissioner Dove to accept
the consent agenda for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Motion passed, 5-0.

Bill Noll requested the approval of a sale agreement for two dozers.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Culbertson to
allow Public Works to enter into a sale agreement for two CAT road and bridge dozers.
Motion passed, 5-0.
Anne Marie Yatsula presented the Multiple Occupancy Private Spaces Policy.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dove and seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve
the Multiple-Occupancy Private Spaces Policy creating administrative procedures for
compliance with Kansas laws requiring the designation of multiple-occupancy private spaces
in public buildings for use by only one sex.
Motion passed, 5-0.
Misty Brown presented Resolution 2026-13, disorganizing Fire District #1.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove to approve
Resolution 2026-13, disorganizing Fire District #1.
Motion passed, 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Stieben and seconded by Commissioner Smith to add a
moratorium discussion to the agenda for next week.
Motion passed, 4-1 Commissioner Reid voting nay.
Commissioner Stieben read accomplishments of the Board.
Commissioner Reid asked that Steven Skeet and Robert Owens recused themselves as members
of the Planning Commission if a data center application is brought forward.
Public Comment: Jim Karleskint, Joan Murnane, Ron Grossman, Jane Dent and Teresa Lynch
Mashburn commented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Dove to adjourn.
Motion passed, 5-0.
The Board adjourned at 11:19 a.m.