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