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