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                                                                                                            April 18, 2006

 

 

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 April 4, 2006 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion. Following clarification of two vouchers the motion passed unanimously.

 

Tom Kramer, Road and Bridge Administrator, attended the meeting. A hearing was held for public input into the county’s 5-year transportation plan for obligation funds that come from the federal government. Jerry Jo Deckert and Kellie Euliss attended the hearing. Mr. Kramer said one project on the plan is turning lanes south of town at the intersection of Rd 17 and K-25. The other project is turning lanes 8 miles north of town at Rocking E Feed Yard. Mr. Kramer made clear that these projects may be several years away and our priorities can change from year to year. He also said that the county accrues $81,000 per year in the State’s Transportation Fund. We currently have a negative balance over $400,000. Mr. Kramer explained that some counties have not been able to utilize their money due to matching fund requirements so our county has been able to use them.

 

Mr. Kramer presented his annual report to the commissioners.

 

In other business, Mr. Kramer reported that he has been checking on refrigerator van trailers for noxious weed chemical storage. There are some requirements that will have to be met in order for the unit to be covered by the county’s insurance carrier. Mr. Kramer explained that he would rather put up a pole barn that could be used to store noxious weed chemicals as well as noxious weed and road department seasonal equipment. The commissioners will discuss this. Approval was given for Mr. Kramer to solicit bids for a new mower.

 

Lance Babcock, Sheriff, presented bids for the 1999 pickup he is selling. Marty Long made the motion to accept the high bid of $3,000.00 from Darrel Kinsey. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

In other business discussion was held on space requirements at the Law Enforcement Center. Commissioner Long asked the sheriff if it would be possible to expand the building to the west by taking out a tree and adding administrative offices only, leaving the jail as is. Sheriff Babcock agreed that administrative space is a problem.

 

David Wagner, Transfer Station Manager, presented 2 quotes for installing 3 new sump pumps at the transfer station. Clarification will be made on pump specifications on one of the bids and Mr. Wagner will return. Quotes for repairing or replacing the 3 overhead doors were discussed. Marty Long made the motion to approve the bid from Kansas Doors in the amount of $1,880.00 to repair the doors. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held regarding transporting waste to Seward County when there is a wind advisory. Mr. Wagner wondered if the safety committee should set a safe speed for high profile vehicles. The commissioners said they did not think that would be necessary, and that David should use his judgment regarding this.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 1 hour to work on employee performance evaluations. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 1 hour the meeting continued in open session.

 

The commissioners met with the following city officials for lunch at Park View: Ed Wiltse, Mayor; Bud Newberry, City Administrator; and Council Members, John Duran, Thadd Kistler, and Ann Papay. Discussion was held on the possibility of adding administration offices on the west side of the Law Enforcement Center. The commissioners said they would consider this project for the 2007 budget. Discussion was held on the county’s proposed dog ordinance. Commissioner Long suggested that since the city knows what costs are associated with dog control, they put together an expense reimbursement proposal for the county.

 

Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, met with the commissioners. At Ms. Deckert’s request Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Ms. Deckert reported the remodeling project is nearly complete. She said the stairway entrance was not considered in the original bid. She presented a quote to finish that area. She also presented a quote for replacing a panel in a door. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the quote of $1,389.00 to finish the stairway entrance and $150.00 to replace the door panel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held on painting the outside of the building. More discussion on this will be held later. Ms. Deckert explained that she needs to purchase 3 tables and 50 classroom chairs. She estimates the cost for these to be around $4,000.00. She will do more checking on this. Discussion was held on the cost of coats purchased for EMS personnel. Ms. Deckert explained that the coats will last for several years and will be returned to the county if an employee terminates employment.

 

Dennis Deyoe, Fair Board, presented information showing that 1099’s do not have to be issued for livestock sold by 4-H youth at fair time.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 1 hour to continue working on employee performance evaluations. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 1 hour the meeting continued in open session.

 

Marty Long made the motion to approve Resolution 06-02 adopting the Kansas Act Against Discrimination and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.

 

Marty Long made the motion to appoint Thelma Bortz to the Library Board of Trustees. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 3:30 p.m. to meet again in regular session on May 2, 2006. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman