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C20071218                                                                                                     December 18, 2007

 

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

 

            David Seibel, Grant County Recreation Commission Board Member, informed the commissioners their director resigned. Mr. Seibel gave an update on their building project. He asked if the county could help with the dirt work for the project which would provide an estimated cost savings of $9,000.00. Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, attended this portion of the meeting. He said his department would be willing to help with this if the commissioners approve. The commissioners gave their approval for the road department doing the dirt work for GCRC. Mr. Seibel said they would pay for the material. Mr. Seibel also stated Grant County Recreation would remember this and be willing to help the county when needed.

 

            Rita Gee, Treasurer, explained the former policy on holding an accounts payable check for delinquent personal property. She said she wasn’t sure this was applicable to real property.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2007 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county accept for the voucher to Grant County Gazette until clarification of the statutes regarding holding payment for unpaid taxes. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to transfer the unexpended balances of the various funds to special funds as allowed by statute. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Doug Yoder, Care Home Consultant, presented information from Atmos Energy for a gas main at a cost of $6,700.00. Mr. Yoder explained there is $15,000 budgeted for utility work. He reported that a phone system and cable quote from Pioneer Communications is coming in lower than the budgeted amount of $80,000.00. He also informed the commissioners that when dirt work started they ran into spongy soil. The estimate to fix this was $55,000.00. The actual cost was $19,800.00. Mr. Yoder will return in 2 - 3 months with another update.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve paying installation and training costs for software in the amount of $1,107.00 for the Clerk of the District Court’s office. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Approval for the software was given at the last meeting. The installation and training quote was received after that meeting.

 

            The commissioners approved the Community Corrections Act Agencies Application for FY 2007 Unexpended Funds.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, met with the commissioners. Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Discussion was held on a possible policy regarding holding a vendor’s accounts payable check due to unpaid property taxes. The statutes regarding this apply to unpaid personal property taxes. The decision was made to pay the voucher from the Gazette.

 

            Bob Moore, Insurance Agent, reported that vision and dental rates are unchanged this year. He talked about flexible spending accounts and said he can set one up for the county. He explained that if the company administers the program there would be a $450.00 set up fee and $5/month per person per month. No decision was made at this time.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager, presented quotes for ductwork materials for the Commercial Building. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the bid to furnish and install two “spiral duct” systems in the commercial building at a cost not to exceed $5,775.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners discussed the old Duckwall building. It was the consensus of the commissioners that the county needs to purchase the building before any more work is done there.

 

            The commissioners recessed for lunch with the City of Ulysses at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending from the city were: Council Members, Ann Papay, Scott Malone, Pete Woods, John Battin and John Duran. General discussion was held. It was the consensus of the council members that it is their intention to address the drainage issue involving the hospital in 2008.

 

            David Kinkelaar, Local businessman, and Scott Nichols, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, presented information on liquor by the drink. Mr. Kinkelaar explained that there have been wine tasting, etc. that have been done in the past that can no longer be done because the state is starting to scrutinize these functions and since Grant County is not a liquor by the drink county, the wine functions can not be done. Discussion was held on the possibility of placing the issue on the ballot at the next General Election in November 2008.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, requested approval to purchase one advanced airway manikin, two airway management trainer manikins, and one cricothyrotomy trainer at a total cost of $4,648.53. Chairman Long asked what equipment was being used now. It was explained that the current equipment is old and needs to be replaced. Ms. Deckert reported a grant has been received from the state in the amount of $14,640.00 to be used for the EMT class. The money will be received after the first of the year. She asked approval to apply for another grant program through the State Board of EMS for another training manikin, which costs $3,900.00. She also would like to apply for grant money to help pay expenses for 3 paramedic students who are part-time employees. The commissioners approved her grant requests. Ms. Deckert said they are doing very well with their vehicles. Carl Higgs made the motion to purchase four manikins at a cost not to exceed $4,648.53. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, asked if the commissioners would sign the paperwork for the road project, and it will be finalized when the land is acquired. The commissioners agreed to this. Mr. McCauley talked about engineering costs of $15,000 to design a box culvert for drainage. The decision was made to table this for the present. Due to the road contractor taking longer to complete the asphalt contract Kirkham Michael is asking for an increase of $1,428.00 for testing services. The commissioners did not approve the increase. Mr. McCauley will talk to Kirkham Michael regarding this matter.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, requested approval to purchase 50 chairs and 10 tables for the meeting room in the new addition of the Law Enforcement Center, 6 chairs for the deputies, and 6 visitor’s chairs. Sheriff Babcock informed the commissioners the city has purchase equipment for the interview rooms, which will be used by both entities. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the furniture outlined above at a cost of $5,370.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Nancy Woods, USD 214 Member, presented information on the Ulysses Career Learning Academy. She is asking for a letter of support from the commissioners for this project. Madison Traster made the motion to support this program. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Linda McHenry, County Clerk, requested approval to proceed with a wellness plan for county employees and their spouses. She proposed the county pay 60% of the cost for employees and their spouses to join the Grant County Recreation Wellness Center. If there is 30% participation the cost to the county would be $7,200.00. The employee would have to sign a paper saying if they did not attend the required number of sessions per month, the county could withhold its share from the employee’s paycheck. She also requested the county continue paying the cost for employees to swim but also include spouses in this. The estimated cost for this is $2,500.00. Chairman Long asked that a weight loss incentive program be included in plans for a wellness program. The clerk will work on this and have a plan with agreement document ready by the first meeting in February.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on January 4, 2008.

 

 

 

_____________________________                                      _____________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Marty Long, Chairman