Holton attorney Lake named new Jackson County Counselor

Holton attorney J. Richard Lake has been hired to serve as the new legal counsel for the Jackson County Commissioners, it was reported.

While a service contract has not yet been finalized, it was reported that Lake will receive $1,000 a month to serve as the county counselor.

In the past, Lake served as the Jackson County Prosecutor.

Lake is replacing Shawna Miller, who recently resigned from the position. Miller will, however, continue to serve as the Jackson County Attorney, which is an elected position.

The role of the county counselor is varied and includes working closely with the county commissioners to write resolutions, review county contracts, research laws and prepare the county’s tax sale, among other legal issues

In her letter of resignation, Miller said her large caseload as county attorney prompted her resignation as county counselor.

Miller began serving as the county counselor in January and received a $12,000 increase in pay to fill the position previously held by Holton attorney Alex Morrissey.

Morrissey served as county counselor for six years, replacing her father, the late Ed Dunn.

Dunn had served as the county counselor since 1998.

In many counties, the county attorney also serves as the county counselor, it was reported.

In other business, according to the approved minutes from June 20, the commission:

• Met in executive session to discuss applications for the county counselor position and other personnel matters for 20 minutes. No action was taken back in open session.

• Approved a motion to appoint Governmental Assistance Services of Lawrence to serve as the grant administrator if KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center is awarded a block grant to renovate the former Moser buiding.

• Met in executive session for an hour to conduct an interview. No action was taken back in open session.

• Met in executive session for 45 minutes to conduct an interview. No action was taken back in open session.

• Met in executive session for 15 minutes to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken back in open session.

• Met in executive session for 10 minutes with Jackson County Appraiser Jason Claycamp to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken back in open session.

• Met with Eric Fritz, road and bridge department co-director, and Bryson Bain, shop manager, to discuss the purchase of new iron for a 50-foot by 60-foot tire room at the new shop.

Five companies were contacted to submit bids for the building and erecting of a steel frame.

Only one company, All-Steel Building Systems, LLC of Topeka, submitted a bid. The cost for a steel frame totaled $15,442 ($9,211 for the steel, $2,907 for the insulation and $3,324 for the sheeting).

No action was taken on the bid.

The commissioners also requested that Fritz and Bain look into purchasing millings to lay on the loose, dry rock and dirt on the main drive at the new shop to reduce dust.

• Met in executive session for 45 minutes to conduct an interview. No action was taken back in open session.

• Adjourned the special meeting at 3:30 p.m. All three commissioners were present.