The Board
of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members
and the County Clerk present.
Marty Long
made the motion to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2005 meeting and the
claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously.
David
Wagner, Transfer Station Manager, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works
Administrator, met with the commissioners. Mr. Wagner talked to the
commissioners about transferring Unit #107 from the Transfer Station to the
Civic Center. The commissioners approved the transfer. The decision was made to
stop taking tornado damage trash at no cost July 1. Mr. Wagner reviewed his
5-year plan and 2006 budget request. Discussion was held on the possibility of
purchasing a mower for Transfer Station use or purchasing mowers for the Road
Department and transferring one of their used mowers to the Transfer Station.
It was decided to wait until next year and do the transfer of equipment.
Robert
Ohlen, Chief Executive Official for the Hospital, and Jackie Day, Chief
Financial Officer, presented their budget request for 2006. They requested the
same mill rate as 2005. The commissioners will consider their request. Marty
Long made the motion to approve the disposal of surplus hospital equipment as
the hospital board deems appropriate. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously.
Judy Alig,
Cindy Davis, and Ed Wiltse, Communities in Schools, gave a report and presented
their 2006 budget request of $14,000.
Ron Masson
and Cindy Davis, High Program (Home Improvement Giving Helpers), presented
information on that organization and requested a contribution for immediate
assistance. A decision on this was tabled until a later date.
Ginger
Anthony, Museum Director, and Historical Society Board Members, Robin Graber,
Ben Oliver, and Jeff Trotman met with the commissioners. Gary Cheek also
attended the meeting. Mr. Cheek presented a drawing describing repairs needed
for the balcony and porch at the old hotel at the museum site. The estimated
cost for this project is $33,500.00. Carl Higgs made the motion to proceed with
remodeling the old Edwards Hotel at a cost not to exceed $33,500.00. Marty Long
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mrs. Anthony presented their
2006 budget request, which remains the same as this year at $135,333.64. They
also asked the commissioners to consider budgeting $7,200.00 for employee
benefits.
Tom Kramer,
Road Foreman, presented bids for a reclaimer. After reviewing bids Marty Long
made the motion to approve the low bid for a used 2002 Caterpillar Reclaimer
from Foley Tractor at a cost not to exceed $200,530.00 with trade in of the
county’s old reclaimer. Discussion was held on road projects for next year.
Rita Gee,
Treasurer, briefly discussed her budget with the commissioners. Approval was
given for her to replace a person who is retiring in her office.
Tourism
Council Members, Scott Nichols, Jeff Trotman, Ginger Anthony and Lynda Fort
presented by-law updates for their group. The commissioners approved the
updated by-laws.
Michelle
Weinberg, Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of The High Plains,
and Lynda Fort, Advocate, presented information on that organization. Mrs. Fort
explained that there is a need for a caseworker in Grant County. She asked if
the county would consider budgeting money to help pay the cost for this. A
decision on this was tabled.
Tammy Vaden
and Iris Schwindt, concerned citizens, asked if the area they live in is
affected by the ordinances within the 3-mile limit of the city. The
commissioners recommended that they talk to the City Council about this.
Carl Higgs
made the motion to appoint Tom Fuhrmann as County Appraiser for the next 4
years. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs
made the motion to designate Marty Long as voting delegate for the purpose of
voting the official ballot for the Kansas representative to the governing board
of the National Association of Counties. Madison Traster seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously.
The
commissioners reviewed and approved a road-crossing permit for Pioneer
Communications.
Marty Long
made the motion to adjourn. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Madison
Traster, Chairman