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:  Tom Kramer, Road Supervisor; Todd Hampton, Code Enforcement Officer; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Tom Martinez, Building and Grounds Manager; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; David Ediger, EMS Director; and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2001 meeting.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, presented quotes for a new vehicle.  The commissioners asked Lance to get clarification on a bid and a decision would be made. Later in the day, Sheriff Babcock and Undersheriff Loy Henderson returned to the meeting.  Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a F150 4x4 crew cab XLT pick up from Riley Ford at a cost of $27,994.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Lynda Fort, Tourism Board Member, reported that there is a conference March 21 & 22 at Salina that includes strategic planning on tourism for small communities.  She recommended that at least one commissioner attend the conference.

 

            Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, and Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, presented a road-crossing permit for BP Amoco that was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.  Mr. Kramer presented information on moving the road department’s radio antenna to Pioneer Communication’s tower.  He said there would be no rent charged for this.  Approval was given for Mr. Kramer to solicit bids for having this done.  Discussion was held on putting pumps on the county’s trailers to speed up water transfer time to fire trucks to enable the fire department to get a better rating.  The cost for this would be around $3000 for each trailer.  The commissioners will discuss this matter with the fire department for more clarification.  Mr. Goldsby presented information on a 1996 Bomag steel roller.  Approval was given for Mr. Kramer to go check the roller to determine what condition it’s in.

 

            Brad Welch, Appraiser, presented quotes for a new printer.  The printer that will meet his needs is a Xerox that will print 22 pages a minute.  The total cost of the printer will be divided among the counties Mr. Welch works in.  Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a printer with a two-year service agreement at a cost not to exceed $2,000.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented information on an extended warranty for his new vehicle.  Carl Higgs made the motion to approve purchasing the extended warranty at cost of $1130.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Approval was given to take sealed bids on the old 1985 Jimmy.  Mr. Button presented information on several meetings and classes.

 

            Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator, updated the commissioners on her department.  Approval was given to discontinue the car seat program currently being used by the health department and have a “car seat day” that is sponsored by the Highway Patrol.

 

            Tom Martinez, Building & Grounds Manager, presented information on room rentals for 2001.  Mr. Martinez asked about removing the larger locust tree on the east side of the civic center because the roots are growing under the center and will start cracking the concrete floor.  The commissioners will look at the site and make a decision on this.  Gene Schwein made the motion to tile the kitchen area, hall and storage area at a cost of $4,623.00 from Shop at Home carpet.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the claims against the various funds of the county.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion.  After reviewing several vouchers, the motion passed unanimously.

 

            The decision was made to renew the county’s health insurance with Standard Security and increase the specific coverage deductible to $30,000.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on January 15, 2002.

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Madison Traster, Chairman