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            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: Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; Jerry Jo Deckert, Emergency Medical Service Director; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; and J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2006 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lonny Cameron, The EPOCH Group, presented health insurance usage reports and cost estimates for 2007.

 

            Michael Graham, Platinum Services, presented information on supplemental insurance plans. The commissioners authorized Mr. Graham to talk to county employees regarding his insurance.

 

            Darl Henson, Extension Agent, presented a water sampling and laboratory analysis results for Prairie View Farms, LLC. In other business, Mr. Henson asked if the Extension Council would be required to pay a deposit for use of Civic Center facilities. The commissioners said they would talk to the Civic Center manager later in the day.

 

            The commissioners recessed for lunch with the Care Home Board at Park View Assisted Living. General discussion was held.

 

            Julie Yarmer, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., presented a quote for health insurance. The commissioners will consider the quote.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager, met with the commissioners. Discussion was held on having dances at the Civic Center on Sunday. It was the consensus of all that there would be no Sunday night dances. Mr. Neufeld reported flooring in the South Room needs to be replaced. Some discussion was held on deposit fees. The consensus was that in order to maintain continuity, all organizations except those specifically excluded by the Civic Center policy should pay the deposit.

 

            Bob Moore, Insurance Agent, presented health insurance quotes from 2 companies. The commissioners will consider the quotes.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, presented the engineer’s traffic survey for the intersection of Hwy 160 and Stubb’s Road. The report shows there is not adequate traffic to warrant a traffic signal at that intersection. Approval was given to advertise to fill the position of truck driver due to retirement. Discussion was held on the handicap ramp north of the courthouse. It is difficult to see and it is hazardous in the winter when there is ice on it. Mr. Kramer will contact the city to see if they would be willing to help with this. He proposed putting dye in concrete and stamping it. Mr. Kramer discussed equipment needs. Approval was given to solicit bids on a new pick up and a grader. Approval was given to purchase an engine repair kit for the John Deere loader. Mr. Kramer reported there are some areas where there are narrow roads that can’t be properly maintained due to 30 foot right-of-ways. He said there are some platted roads that have never been opened which could be opened and used to help relieve this problem. It was the consensus of the commissioners that if there is a platted road, it could be opened for ease of maintenance.

 

            Pat LeClerc, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, presented insurance quotes. The commissioners will consider the quotes.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, requested approval to purchase a hydraulic Stryker Pro Lift Cot at a cost of $9,860.00. She also requested approval to purchase a lap top computer and projector to replace the old units. Ms. Deckert also requested approval to purchase 9 coats. She said the coats will not be replaced for 5 years. The coats cost $189.00 per coat at the present time. If they wait until a little later in the year, they will probably be able to save some on the cost of the coats. They have a fleece liner and outer shell that can be worn separately or together. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of the cot, the computer and projector from Dell and the coats. The motion died for lack of a second. Following discussion, Marty Long made the motion to purchase the Dell computer and projector at a cost of $1,548.00 plus shipping and handling and 9 coats at a cost not to exceed $189.00 per coat. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. At Ms. Deckert’s request, Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. After 15 minutes, the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Due to extenuating circumstances, the commissioners made the unanimous decision to allow David Harbour to transfer his unused vacation time to 2007.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session at 9:30 a.m. on November 28, 2006. The meeting was changed from the 21st due to the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting being held during that time.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman