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C20070918                                                                                                     September 18, 2007

 

            The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, Thadd Kistler, Mayor, Leroy Rodriguez, Pioneer Electric, and Tom Vick, Pioneer Communications, attended the public forum portion of the meeting. Discussion was held on Road H regarding utility relocation and drainage. The commissioners said they are waiting to get the traffic study so it can be turned over to Kirkham Michael, Engineering Consultant, who will develop a plan for the county.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to accept the minutes of the September 4, 2007 meeting and the claims against the various fund of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Loyetta Skeen, Clerk of the District Court, presented a quote for acoustical work as well as a back up recorder for the little court room. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the quote for speakers, cable, microphones, an FTR Reporter Deck2, travel and labor from R.E.C. Enterprises at a cost not to exceed $8,026.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, presented a department update. Ms. Deckert reported that 5 staff members plan to attend paramedic training through Barton County Community College. Classes will be done primarily on-line. She said she would be back at a later date to talk about a cost share for these students. Ms. Deckert reported she will be buying uniform shirts for all staff members at a cost of about $30 per shirt.

 

            Marty Long nominated Madison Traster as voting delegate for the annual KAC meeting. Carl Higgs seconded the nomination and it passed. It was decided Marty Long will be the 1st Alternate and Carl Higgs will be the 2nd Alternate.

 

            The commissioners made the unanimous decision to change the second meeting in November from the 20th to the 27th due to a conflict with the annual Kansas Association of Counties. Madison Traster made the motion to increase the appointed attorney fees to $70.00 an hour from the current rate of $50.00 an hour.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing contractual matters. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            One bid was received for replacing heating and air conditioner for the courtroom. Madison Traster made the motion to accept the bid of $13,511.00 from Ross of Ulysses for replacing heating and air conditioning. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, reported he had an air conditioner go out. He presented bids from Ross of Ulysses and Webber Refrigeration. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the low bid from Webber Refrigeration for an Amana 5 ton unit at a cost not to exceed $2,174.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. A quote from Pioneer Communications was reviewed. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the quote from Pioneer Communications in the amount of $7,019.00 for expanding the ACS Partner System at the Law Enforcement Center. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the low bid of $3,518.97 from Nex-tech for firewall protection at the Law Enforcement Center. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners approved the Community Corrections Year-End Outcomes report and also their Statewide Performance Measures.

 

            Penny Noyes and several DOVES Board Members proposed moving their offices to the back part of the old Duckwall’s building. There is grant money available that would help them pay rent for at least 5 years and probably longer, but it does not allow purchasing office space. The commissioners asked them to determine exactly how much space they need and come to the October 2 meeting with that information. The commissioners will get an estimate for remodeling the area needed and make a decision at that time.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented road-crossing permits which were reviewed and approved by the commissioners. Discussion was held on plans for the noxious weed chemical storage building. Approval was given to solicit bids on a new road grader.

 

            Marty Long made motion to recess into executive session for 5 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 5 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Rita Gee, Treasurer, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss financial matters regarding the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Mrs. Gee presented information on properties that qualify for a tax sale. The commissioners agreed they would prefer having a tax sale every year in order to keep the delinquency rolls at a minimum.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, presented the contract for construction of the new care home which was then approved by the commissioners. The commissioners authorized the county attorney to begin the process of a tax foreclosure sale on delinquent real estate. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 8 minutes for the purpose of discussing financial matters concerning the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. to allow the commissioners to attend ground breaking ceremonies for the new care home and the ethanol plant. They will meet again in regular session on October 2, 2007.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________                          ____________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Marty Long, Chairman