June 20,
2006
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular
session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.
Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the
minutes of the June 6, 2006 meeting and the claims against the various funds of
the county. Marty Long seconded the motion. Commissioner Long asked that the
following be added to the minutes: Bob Dale, KULY Radio, expressed his concern
with the media’s lack of ability to get information from the Sheriff’s
Department and about press releases. The commissioners explained that they have
no control over what the Sheriff does but they would let him know they feel it
is important to communicate with the media. Following the addition to the
minutes the motion passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs made the motion to comply with the
state’s policy of permitting county employees to have July 3rd as a
holiday to give employees more time to spend with family and friends and to
reflect on the blessings of freedom we too often take for granted. Marty Long
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs made the motion to allow Sherry
Thompson, Health Department Administrator, to start her part time replacement
person at the rate of $8.25/hour. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
Ron Masson, Home Improvement Giving Helpers
(HIGH) Program, presented information on that program. He presented a request
of $10,000.00 from the county and insurance costing $1,945.00 that would cover
any damage done to a person’s home that is being worked on and any group that
would come in to clean up. Commissioner Long expressed his thoughts that the
program is a good program but he thinks it should be run with private donations
rather than taxing the people. The commissioners explained that the request
will be considered when the commissioners review all budget requests.
Marty Long made the motion to appoint Julie
Moral to the Southwest Area Agency on Aging Sub-Region Council replacing Jim
Anderson who resigned. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
Darl Henson, Keri Liddeke, Mary J. Sullivan,
Extension Agents, and Daron Cowan, presented their 2007 county appropriation
budget request of $178,800.00, which is a $14,000.00 increase over the current
appropriation.
Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, Steve
Alford, Mike Brewer, Board of Trustees Members, presented their budget request
for 2007, which remains the same as their current request of $1,080,000. The
request remains the same as the past 3 years.
Judy Alig, Communities in Schools (CIS), and
board members gave an update on CIS programs and presented their budget request
of $14,000 which is the same amount as this year.
The commissioners had their monthly luncheon
with the City of Ulysses at Park View Assisted Living with the following in
attendance: Ed Wiltse, Mayor; Bud Newberry, City Administrator; Scott Malone,
Ann Papay, and John Duran, Council Members. Judy Keusler and Michelle Komlofske
presented information on the Western Kansas Community Foundation. Ms. Komlofske
said they would accept a contribution if the city and/or county wished to
contribute but the presentation was also informational.
Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, John
Duran and Randy McCauley, Foremen, met with the commissioners. Mr. Kramer
explained that they are having a difficult time getting ethanol bids. Because
of this, he asked approval to purchase unleaded fuel if necessary. The
commissioners approved his request. Approval was given to have a stockpile on Ron
Ensz property at a cost of $250.00/year. Mr. Kramer reported that a mowing tractor
has a hole in the engine cylinder sleeve and has to be repaired. Approval was
given to sell the old Cummins engine for $3500.00. Approval was given to sell
the old parts from a pothole patching machine. Some discussion was held on the
road department’s budget for next year. Mr. Kramer said he would present his
budget request at the next regular meeting. Commissioner Long said he would
like Mr. Kramer to include an estimate to extend Road W from Road 3 to Road 5
in the budget request. Commissioner Higgs concurred with Commissioner Long’s
suggestion.
Billie Upshaw, Western Prairie Care Home
Administrator, and Marcy Stringham, Park View Assisted Living, met with the
commissioners. Also in attendance were board members, Kent Carmichael and Larry
Rumburg. They presented their budget request of $3,394,000.00 for 2007. It
was explained that if the bond issue passes on August 1, 2006, they will not
need this amount. If the bond issue doesn’t pass they will have to start
renovations of the existing facility. The State Fire Marshall has issued them a
temporary extension of time to make required fire code changes to see if the
bond issue passes.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, Rita Gee,
Treasurer, Steve Rice and Jim Grimes, Auditors, met with the commissioners.
Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 1 hour for the
purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and
it passed unanimously. After 1 hour, the meeting continued in open session.
Carl Higgs made motion to adjourn at 4:45 p.m.
Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Madison
Traster, Chairman