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C20080701                                                                                                     July 1, 2008

 

            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: Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser; Anita Alvarado, Health Department Administrator; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; John Crosby, Fire Chief; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; and Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2008 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Rita Gee, Treasurer, Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser, Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds and Linda McHenry, Clerk, expressed their favorable opinion of the Nex-Tech proposal for contracting for hardware and technology support. Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the Investment Proposal for $2,375/month for 5 years with the cost to be paid through the courthouse general data processing fund.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, and David Graber, Transfer Station Manager, met with the commissioners. Chairman Long called the Public Hearing on the County’s 5-Year Transportation Plan to order. No one from the general public attended the hearing. The plan was approved as presented. In other business bids were opened for a new loader for the road department. Murphy Tractor and Equipment bid $186,831 for a John Deere 644J or $164,331 with trade in of the Transfer Station’s 1983 Loader or $162,831 for trade in of the Road Department’s 1987 loader. G. W. Van Keppel Company bid $185,915 for a new Volvo L-110F or $153,915 with trade of the 1983 loader or $167,915 with trade of the 1987 loader. Foley Equipment bid $186,324 for a Caterpillar 950H Loader or $156,624 with trade of the 1983 loader or $160,124 with trade of the 1987 loader. Carl Higgs made the motion to trade the 1983 loader for the Volvo L-110 from GW Van Keppel Co. for a total cost of $153,915.  Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Holly Mathes, Librarian, and Board of Trustee Members, Robert Thompson, Gloria Battin, and Thelma Bortz presented their 2009 budget request. The request for operating expenses is $523,281 and the request for employee benefits is $137,594.71. They are requesting an increase to help with maintenance as well as heated sidewalks on the north and possibly east entrance of the Library.

 

            Carl Higgs made motion to approve the tax abatement for Nexsun Energy as outlined by the county’s current economic development incentive policy. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, and Board of Trustee Members, Mike Brewer and Steve Alford, presented their 2009 budget request of $1,049,840.

 

            Lewis Moore, Local Citizen, presented a petition with signatures of nearly 300 people who want the speed limit on Highway 160 decreased. The commissioners told Mr. Moore they would communicate these concerns to the state. Mr. Moore expressed his opinion that reversing the stop signs on Patterson Avenue and Stubbs Road was a mistake. He also said he is concerned about the highway traffic speed on the south and west sides of Ulysses. Later in the day Commissioner Traster made the motion that the commissioners send a letter to the state regarding Mr. Moore’s request to lower the speed limit from 50 mph to 35 mph going west out of town.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manger, presented concrete quotes for replacing the fire lane and constructing a 10 x 10 slab for a porch on the south side of the south room. The commissioners tabled a decision on this.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, requested approval to purchase 8 digital cameras for the Sheriff’s Department at a cost of $1,600.00 with the cost to be paid with diversion money. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of the cameras at a cost of $1600.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Hathaway informed the commissioners that due to a Supreme Court decision, juveniles will be able to request trial by jury. Chairman Long reminded Ms. Hathaway that the commission plans to put liquor by the drink on ballot at the November General Election. Ms. Hathaway said she would get the resolution for this done as soon as possible. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Chairman Long reported that in regards to the condemnation proceedings against Tammy Reese, she has agreed to accept the county’s offer. Carl Higgs made the motion to pay Tammy Reese $7,500 for .22 acres and a temporary easement in connection with the truck route intersection north of town. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, reviewed his Noxious Weed and Road Department 2009 budget requests. Mr. McCauley will bring a revised road and bridge budget request to the next commissioner meeting.

           

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the new Contract for Maintenance Appraisal with Landmark Appraisal in the amount of $84,240.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners will have a budget workshop on July 24, 2008 beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the county’s auditor, Steve Rice.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on July 15, 2008.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________                                      _____________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Marty Long, Chairman