The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

           

            The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; J.D. Nuefeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; and Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2006 regular meeting and the August 24, 2006 special meeting as well as the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion. Following clarification of two vouchers, motion passed unanimously.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to appoint Carl Higgs as voting delegate for the annual KCAMP and KWORCC meetings and Marty Long as alternate voting delegate. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to adopt Resolution 06-08 authorizing and directing the calling of a question submitted election for the purpose of issuing bonds to provide part of the cost of improving the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Trendsetters Co-op/Main Street Project Members, Ginger Anthony, Tracy Teeter, Janice Battin, Jeani Gustafson and Cheryl Deyoe, gave an update on the Main Street revitalization plan. They reported that 140 of 200 shares have been sold and the retail store will open sometime after the first of the year. They are looking for additional Main Street property to lease for additional small shops.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, requested approval to purchase a computer for her secretary. Approval was given to purchase the computer from the Computer Alchemist at a cost of $1,100.00. Discussion was held on the tax foreclosure sale. In other business, Ms. Hathaway informed the board that she has not received anything from Great Plains Development regarding collection of a defaulted loan. She will contact Great Plains Development regarding this.  Discussion was held on zoning and planning issues. Ms. Hathaway said she has not received anything from the City/County Building Official regarding recent problems in the 3-mile area. She will contact Mr. Hampton concerning this.

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, presented road-crossing permits for the commissioners’ review and approval. Mr. Kramer reported complaints from landowners regarding prairie dog control. He stated that the problem is that some property owner’s control their prairie dogs but their neighbors don’t.  Mr. Kramer asked for commissioner input regarding this. He explained that prairie dog control material is purchased by the county and sold to farmers at cost. The commissioners asked Mr. Kramer to see if there might be a county policy from the past regarding this and also check on legislation regarding prairie dog control. Mr. Kramer explained that there is also inconsistency in the control of noxious weeds between property owners. Mr. Kramer will check with the county attorney regarding noxious weed laws. Discussion was held on a building for noxious weed storage. Mr. Kramer explained that he would like to have a building big enough to store chemical as well as the 2 noxious weed trucks. He said he would like to take bids toward the end of the year with an early spring construction timeline for the building. The commissioners approved Mr. Kramer’s timeline. Mr. Kramer will advertise for bids on the project and make sure all contractors have the same specifications on which to bid.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, reported that the 911 Grant Application was sent in. The grant request is $136,000 to help get necessary mapping completed. Sheriff Babcock said he needs to upgrade 2 computers in his department. Marty Long made the motion to approve the purchase of 2 computers at a cost not to exceed $2500 from the Computer Alchemist. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. At Sheriff Babcock’s request, Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes, the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Scott Nichols, Chamber of Commerce Manager and Tourism Committee Member, presented an update on tourism. He presented a picture of a billboard that will be used to advertise Ulysses/Grant County as a shortcut to the Rockies. The billboard will be on US 56 at the 144/160 interchange for SW bound traffic out of Dodge City. Mr. Nichols informed the commissioners the 2006 State of the State Kansas Economic Policy Conference will be October 26, 2006 at the University of Kansas and Pioneer Communications via a live video link. Mr. Nichols said the scouts plan to have Cub Mobile races September 30 on Hampton Road if there is no objection from the county. The commissioners had no problem with this and asked him to coordinate the event with Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager, presented a list of groups that have been exempt from paying rental fees at the civic center. The decision was made that the groups/organizations that are on the list of exempt events as presented by Mr. Neufeld would continue to be exempt with the exception of churches. It was noted that some churches were charged rental fees and some were not.  It was the consensus of the commissioners that all churches be charged for using the facility.  Any church wanting an exemption from fees to rent the auditorium can make a request to the county commissioners.  The decision was made that exempt organizations would be required to pay the deposit as is required by all individuals and groups who rent space at the Civic Center. Approval was given to purchase a computer for the secretary at the Civic Center. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 5 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Bob Moore, Insurance Agent, talked to the commissioners about having each employee complete a health questionnaire in order to receive better quotes from prospective health insurance providers. Following discussion, Mr. Moore said he would try to get quotes with the information he has.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, as well as some hospital board members and city officials met to view a video presentation promoting the hospital bond election.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to adjourn at 3:15 p.m. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman