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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: David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; John Crosby, Fire Chief; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager; Randy McCauley, Road Foreman; Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; and Rita Gee, Treasurer.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2007 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

           

Madison Traster made the motion to establish a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 40 CFR Part 26 for the Ulysses Airport. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Foreman, and Todd Randles and Gene White, local citizens, met with the commissioners. Mr. Randles requested a road from the intersection of Road 9 and M, South to Mr. Randles’ house, a distance of 1,000’ more or less. Madison Traster made the motion to build the road as requested. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            In other business, Randy McCauley asked permission to solicit asphalt bids for this year. Approval was given for this. Discussion was held on a resolution banning the use of jake brakes on Road I. The commissioners approved the idea and asked that Mr. McCauley determine if this can be done by motion or if it requires a written resolution.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss contractual matters. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, requested approval to dispose of a pop machine, a stove/oven, and a convection oven. Madison Traster made the motion to allow the hospital to dispose of the 3 items. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Ohlen asked if the wooden storage facility would be moved. The commissioners informed him they had discussed the matter with the road department administrator and it would be moved as soon as they have the time. Discussion was held on placing a concrete slab at a site to move a metal storage shed. It was explained that Loren Wright, County Surveyor is working on a plat for the property where the building will be put, which is on county property near the road department. Chairman Long informed Mr. Ohlen the county made the decision not to utilize the services of George K. Baum as consultant for issuance of the hospital bonds. The clerk will contact bond counsel to let them know of this decision. She will also ask about insuring the bonds.

 

            Bob Forsen, Consultant, gave an update on the Law Enforcement Center project. Mr. Forsen said he will send the plans to Salina for printing and he should have them back by Tuesday of next week. He hopes to have bids submitted so they can be opened at the commissioners’ meeting on June 19. The commissioners approved the time schedule.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to approve renewal of a pre-paid service gold package from Nex-Tech at a cost of $6,000.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. This is the same package which was purchased in 2005 and it is just running out.

 

            Kevin Gray, Gray’s Yard Service, met with the commissioners. Mr. Gray reported he has contacted “dig safe” and with the commissioners’ approval he will start the sprinkler project right away. Discussion was held on a drainage line for the basement for the LEC addition. Due to this being part of the plans for the new addition, the decision was made to wait until the law enforcement addition is built to complete that portion of the sprinkler job.

 

            Steve Shadden, 26th Judicial District of Kansas Juvenile Corrections & Prevention Services, and Judy Alig, Communities in Schools Director, met with the commissioners. Mr. Shadden requested the county provide the 10% match required for intake and screening of juvenile offenders. He explained that Seward County provided the match 2 years ago and the City of Liberal paid the match last year. Madison Traster made the motion to contribute $619 as matching funds for the federal grant monies. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Shadden said Grant County would not be asked again until 2010.

 

            The commissioners approved paying Garden City Community College the total amount of tuition and fees for the Firefighter I course in the amount of $3,650.00. The county will be reimbursed for this cost through the state.

 

            Donnie Phelps, Bit & Spur, requested approval to repair their announcer’s booth at a cost of $1440.00. Madison Traster made the motion to approve repairing the announcer’s booth at a cost of $1440.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to set aside one (1) mill for the WEKANDO coalition. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. This money will remain in Grant County funds until such time as the coalition approves a project.

 

            Discussion was held on the new storage building for law enforcement vehicle and miscellaneous storage. Carl Higgs made the motion to participate with the city in the construction of a building for confiscated vehicles by contributing $30,000, providing the site for the building, and doing dirt work for the site. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on May 15, 2007.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Marty Long, Chairman