The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

            During public forum session of the meeting, Penny Noyes, DOVES, requested approval to hold the annual men’s rally on the courthouse yard October 23. The commissioners approved her request.

 

            In other public forum business, Arlin Alexander and Danny Alexander presented their thoughts on possible road improvements in the northeast part of the county.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2005 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county, including the payment of maintenance for the 911 system and the cost for mediation of the BP AMOCO tax appeal case. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and following clarification of several vouchers the motion passed unanimously.

 

            Sherry Hoppenstedt, local citizen, asked about the warning light on the Grant County Feeders road being replaced. She was informed that the overhead light will not be replaced but the plan is to put lights on the stop signs like the state has been doing at some of its intersections.

 

            Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manger, reported that a full time maintenance person resigned. She requested approval to advertise to replace the individual. The commissioners approved her request. Mrs. Ramski reported that a lawn mower was stolen from her department and asked approval to replace the mower after the first of the year. Approval was given for this.

 

            Faye Trent, Great Plains Development, Inc., presented a loan application through the CDBG Micro Loan program for the commissioners’ approval. Marty Long made the motion to approve the micro loan to Robert and Jennifer Hartman d/b/a Creative Creations in the amount of $25,000.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mrs. Trent stated that the interest rate currently being charged by the county is 4%. She asked if the county wants to consider increasing the interest rate to 6%. Following discussion the decision was made to leave the rate at 4%.

 

            David Wagner, Transfer Station Manager, presented information on used tires. He presented quotes from Resource Management and Champlain Tire. Mr. Wagner would like to change from using Resource Management to Champlain Tire because they recycle the used tires whereas the other company simply cuts them up and buries them. If this is done, the county’s fees for tire removal will increase a little, but the consumer will pay the charge. Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the quote from Champlain Tire for tire removal. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, reported that the city attorney said the city is committed to paying part of the expense for a tax foreclosure sale. Ms. Hathaway answered questions the commissioners had regarding a tax sale. Marty Long made the motion to authorize the County Attorney to initiate a tax foreclosure and Sheriff’s sale of qualifying delinquent property to be completed within the next 6 months. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Hathaway will send a letter to individuals whose property qualifies for the tax foreclosure and Sheriff’s sale to give them an opportunity to pay the delinquent taxes.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, presented an update on her department. She has Bob Forsen working on a plan to redo bathrooms, meeting area, etc. at the ambulance station.

 

            Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser, presented a copy of the letter regarding Kansas Geological Survey Oil and Gas Software/Simplified On Line Automated Reporting. Due to the benefit to the county, Carl Higgs made the motion to approve paying Grant County’s portion of the cost for the Oil and Gas Software to the University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc. in the amount of $2,376.56. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, reported that the showers and bunks are finished in the jail. He also said he had processed a grant for 10 kevlar vests. Five vests are for city officers and five are for county officers. Sheriff Babcock informed the board that he has some windows that need to be replaced and the roof is starting to give him some problems at the Law Enforcement Center.

 

            The commissioners gave approval for Cub Scout 186 to use a small portion of Hampton Road for their annual derby on September 24 from 12:00 t0 3:00 p.m.

 

Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, reported that the crack sealing material quote that was approved at the last meeting does not meet specifications. Due to this fact, Marty Long made the motion to accept the next bid for crack sealing material from Carter-Waters at a cost not to exceed $15,923.52. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Kramer presented quotes for a plasma cutter. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a plasma cutter from Ulysses All Pro Auto Parts at a cost not to exceed $3,447.17. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held on taking bids for a motor grader. If a new grader is purchased, Mr. Kramer would like to keep the old grader so there would be an extra grader to use for road maintenance when necessary and for snow removal during the winter. The commissioners reviewed and approved a road-crossing permit for Pioneer Communications.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to adjourn at 4:25 p.m. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                        Madison Traster, Chairman