C20100216 February 16, 2010
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.
Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the February 2 & 8, 2010 meetings, and the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, was present for an auction of property that didn't sell at the tax sale on February 2, 2010. Each property had a minimum bid. Todd Frey and David Kinkelaar attended this portion of the meeting. They said they were not interested in bidding at this time. Since no one bid on the property, the decision was made to have an open auction August 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Hathaway explained that, if some property doesn't sell at that time, the county could try to sell it in conjunction with the next tax sale. She said the county could try to sell it every 6 months until all the property is sold.
The clerk asked if the commissioners want a cost proposal from Mike Anderson to repair the courthouse and museum roofs, or if they just want a recommendation of what needs to be done. Commissioner Higgs said they want a cost for the jobs. The other commissioners agreed with this.
Greg L. Adams, P.E., introduced himself and presented his qualifications to the commissioners. He is a registered civil engineer and is interested in working for various entities in this area. He said he would be willing to work up a proposal for the commissioners' consideration when a project is planned. He explained that he is KDOT certified for most inspections and he has done project management. He also has experience in procuring financial assistance through various grant programs. Commissioner Long told Mr. Adams that sharing an engineer with the city or another county had been discussed because there wasn't enough work to justify hiring a full-time engineer for the county. He recommended that Mr. Adams contact the city and surrounding counties and cities to act as a catalyst for this if there is a need.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, reported that there are statutes that allow permissive use of county property by non-county employees, but it is not advised. If the Bit and Spur has one or two permissive users, and this is recorded in the clerk?s office, those users are covered under the county's insurance. The commissioners approved allowing 2 Bit and Spur members to use county equipment. Mr. Neufeld will contact Bit and Spur to see who wants to use county equipment. Mr. Neufeld will notify the clerk who the authorized individuals are. In other business, discussion was held on repairing the women's restroom. Mr. Neufeld presented cost estimates for material and labor. Commissioner Long asked if civic center personnel would be doing the labor associated with the repairs. Mr. Neufeld responded that timing was the main issue. He said he had thought about hiring a retired teacher or two to help. He explained that wall tile would have to be done by a professional. Commissioner Traster recommended he talk to Randy McCauley to see if he has anyone that could do the work. The commissioners said the labor cost would not be a factor since the work would be done by county employees. Marty Long made the motion to authorize J.D. Neufeld to proceed with repairing the women?s restroom at an estimated material cost of $18,000.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
At the request of LaVonne Michael, Board on Aging Director, the commissioners appointed Virgie Smith as the county's representative to the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging Sub-Region Council, replacing Julie Moral.
Larry Sharp, Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP), met with the commissioners. He reported the county's four year loss ratio at 18%, which is below average. He said the 2009 average loss ratio was 52%. He explained that KCAMP's goal is 60% and anything over 80% puts them in the red. He said the four year average loss ratio for the pool is 64%. He mentioned that there may be liability issues that won't be settled for 2 or 3 years. He explained that the biggest portion of premium goes to law enforcement liability. Mr. Sharp informed the commissioners about 2 programs being offered to counties. One is a $2,000 risk management grant that could be used to update equipment for the sheriff's department or the road department. The other is called Government University, and provides free online training to county departments.
The commissioners recessed for lunch at Park View Assisted Living with City of Ulysses officials. Those attending from the city were: Daron Hall, City Manager; Dana Cotherman, City Clerk; Thadd Kistler, Mayor; and Council Members: Janet Stewart, John Battin, and Larry Velasquez. There was general discussion. No decisions were made.
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, requested approval to reimburse Jeff Baier and David Harbour for Paramedic training costs. The course cost for each was $5,400. Ms. Deckert proposed reimbursing them $600 in March and September, 2010; $600 in March and September, 2011; and $600 in March, 2012, for a total reimbursement of $3,000 each. If one or both of them would move to another service at some point during this time frame, they would not be paid any remaining amount. Marty Long made the motion to approve the reimbursement schedule for the two Paramedics, as outlined above. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Long suggested that this method of reimbursement be added as policy for the ambulance department. In other business Ms. Deckert requested approval to use $3,000 from her training fund, to be divided among EMS personnel attending the KEMTA Seminar March 18 & 21, 2010. The money would be used for 3 nights' motel and seminar registration fees. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the use of $3,000 training money for seminar expenses. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 1:45 p.m. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
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Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl Higgs, Chairman