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                                                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