June 6, 2006

 

            The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with all members and the County Clerk present. The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; and Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2006 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Rita Gee, Treasurer, met with the commissioners. Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Lorine Myers and Steve Johnson, Grant County Conservation District, presented their 2007 budget request. Their request is for $35,000, which would be an $8,000 increase. The commissioners said they would consider the request when all budget requests are reviewed.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, and John Duran and Randy McCauley, met with the commissioners. Bids were opened for a new 4 wheeler for Noxious Weed. Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the low bid from Snow Ride Shop of Kendall in the amount not to exceed $5,113.96. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held on the cost for a van container to be used for storage of noxious weed chemicals. Commissioner Higgs asked if this is really going to meet the needs of the department. Mr. Kramer explained that a building could be better utilized, and that there are insulated doors from the EMS building that could be used in a building to help save money. The decision was made to pursue looking for a building that would accommodate chemical storage. Discussion was held on asphalt bids and Mr. Kramer presented his cost estimate for the asphalt. An update on the truck route project was also given.

 

            Mark Hinde, Southwest Developmental Services, Inc. and Mary Gleason, Grant County’s representative to SDSI Board of Directors, presented their 2007 budget request. Rebecca Clancy, Russell Child Development Center, presented their budget request too. Both of the above budget requests are based on usage by county residents. SDSI requested $42,000, which is a $3,500.00 increase. Russell Child Development requested $21,600.00, which is a $3,200.00 decrease. The commissioners will consider the requests.

 

            Bids were opened for 3 sump pumps for the Transfer Station. Dave’s Electrical, Inc. bid $4,286.00; Tatro Plumbing of Ulysses bid $4,412.00; and Tommy’s Plumbing and Heating bid  $6,431.90. Marty Long made the motion to accept the low bid from Dave’s Electrical, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $4,286.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, and John Duran and Randy McCauley, Road Foremen, attended the asphalt bid opening. Since the only bid received was within the road department’s budgeted amount,  Marty Long made the motion to accept the bid from J & R Sand Co., Inc. for a total amount of $974,202.70. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The asphalt will be used for surfacing the following roads: 9,915 tons will be used on Road 17, K-25 West 6.5 miles; and 4,575 tons will be used on Road V, Road 11 to Road 8. Stockpile amounts are 2,000 tons for the City of Ulysses and 1,000 tons for Grant County Road and Bridge. Mr. Kramer received approval to solicit quotes from Pete Earles and Kirkham Michael for testing the asphalt.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, met with the commissioners to open bids for the car they advertised to sell. Four bids were received. Marty Long made the motion to accept the high bid of $2,199.00 from Cathy Sanchez for the Grand Prix. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, John Crosby, Fire Chief, Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, and Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, met with the commissioners to discuss problems they are having with the base radio system. Sheriff Babcock explained the system is 5 years old and needs to be replaced. It was decided that bids will be taken on a new base system. The county’s E-911 Fund will be used to pay for the system. Discussion was held on pagers used by county departments.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, gave an update on her department. Ms. Deckert reminded the commissioners that she previously informed them the big ambulance is problematic for them. The main problem is that it has a short wheel base chassis with a long box mounted on it. She said she has been approached by someone interested in purchasing the vehicle. When a firm offer for the ambulance has been made, Ms. Deckert will bring it before the commissioners.

 

            Discussion was held on what percentage department heads should allow in their budget requests for wages in 2007. The commissioners decided that department heads should use their own judgment regarding this.

 

            The decision was made not to purchase the Chevy Lumina from the care home for employee use.

 

            Ginger Anthony, local citizen gave a press release regarding a co-op that has been formed in the hopes of opening a clothing store on Main Street. A copy of the press release is attached as part of this record.

 

            Bob Dale, KULY Radio, spoke to the commissioners about his concern with the media’s lack of ability to get information and press releases from the Sheriff’s Department. The commissioners explained that they have no control over what the Sheriff does but they would let him know that they feel it is important to communicate with the media.

 

            Alan Olson, Chief of Police, explained that during his years as an investigator he saw the need for a crime scene investigation unit. He asked about the possibility of using the old ambulance the county is planning on selling. The commissioners made the unanimous decision to give the old ambulance to the city. Some discussion was held on the proposed addition to the Law Enforcement Center.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The commissioners will meet again in regular session on June 20, 2006 at 9:30 a.m.      

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman