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C20080520                                                                                                     May 20, 2008

 

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

 

            During the public forum portion of the meeting, Dennis Deyoe, local farmer, asked about the county’s involvement in the weather modification program. He reported he has talked to several other people who are questioning the program. Carl Higgs made the motion to contact weather modification and request they discontinue flying Grant County for the remainder of the year. Madison Traster seconded the motion and following discussion it passed unanimously.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 minutes and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and following clarification of several vouchers motion passed unanimously.

 

            Lorine Myers and Steve Johnson, Grant County Conservation District, presented their annual report and 2009 budget request, which remains the same as this year at $31,000.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, and members of the hospital staff and board met with the commissioners. It was reported their planned construction budget overage is estimated between $300,000 and $700,000. They requested the commissioners’ consideration of budgeting to help defray part of this difference. Later in the day the commissioners made the unanimous decision to budget $500,000 in the 2009 budget as additional funding for the hospital.

 

            Kevin Gray, Gray’s Yard Service, met to discuss yard work at the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center. Mr. Gray reported that all the irrigation was taken care of with the bid last year but no dirt work was included. The commissioners made the decision to advertise for bids for the dirt work with bids to be opened June 3 if possible.

 

            The commissioners recessed for lunch with the City of Ulysses. Those attending from the City were: Thadd Kistler, Mayor and Council Members, Scott Malone, Ann Papay and John Battin. General discussion was held. The commissioners reported that Tom Gray had talked to them about a possible Jake Brake ordinance on West Highway 160. The council explained that state highway property within the city limits has to be maintained by the city so there are no plans to annex that particular area.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, and John Kitsmiller, Area Business Manager of Smart Public Software, gave a presentation on a software package for the Sheriff’s Department and possibly the Police Department, if they are interested. Sheriff Babcock has some grant money available to pay part of the cost. Another company’s software will be reviewed before any decision is made. Bids were opened for selling a 2003 Crown Victoria. The following bids were received: Carlos Perez bid $1,000.00; Justin Castle bid $802.00; and James Biddle bid $501.00. Madison Traster made the motion to accept the high bid from Carlos Perez of $1,000.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented a proposal for a used tractor. Carl Higgs made the motion to purchase a used 2007 John Deere 6603 tractor from BTI at a cost of $38,700 less $5,000 for trade-in of a 1979 JD 4640 tractor for a total cost of $33,700. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. McCauley received approval to hire 2 individuals as summer help. Mr. McCauley reported that he has been asked about filling holes on Road B. The commissioners confirmed their prior decision to grind the road for now with a decision on oiling or resurfacing the road at a later date depending on the price of oil and asphalt.

 

            Faye Bollinger, local citizen, expressed her opinion that the handball court should be left where it is. She, as well as about a dozen other residents she talked to believe it is nice to look at and were not in favor of tearing it down.

 

            Scott Nichols, Grant County Recreation Commission Director, and David Seibel, Recreation Commission Board Member, met with the commissioners. Mr. Seibel explained they would be able to build one new soccer field in the area of the handball court. With an additional field, scheduling would be easier, the season could probably end sooner, and fields would be in better condition. Mr. Seibel explained that inappropriate things are being done at the handball court. Scott Nichols said he encourages anyone who has an interest in recreation commission issues to call him. The recreation commission will look at the various issues involving the handball court before a final decision is made. The possibility of replacing the wall with one that could be positioned so the area could be better utilized was discussed. Mrs. Bollinger said she would be willing to chair a committee for designing a new mural if that is the best option for all concerned.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, requested approval to purchase a new skid steer loader. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of a Bobcat Skid Steer Loader with a tiller attachment from White Star Machinery at a cost of $27,214.95. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on June 3, 2008.

 

 

 

_____________________________                          ____________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Marty Long, Chairman