C20100316 March 16, 2010
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 agenda, Don Gaspar, General Manager of Santa Fe Trail Dairy, said they might reopen the dairy in July. He said he knows the dairy has been missed by businesses in the county. He asked that the county defer property taxes for the dairy, and provide some economic development relief. Taxes are about $96,000/year. He requested the county do whatever it can to help during the start-up process. Commissioner Traster said he would be willing to do whatever we legally can. The other commissioners agreed. Commissioner Long asked if the dairy has had an appeal with the county appraiser. Mr. Gaspar explained that they are in the process of doing this. Mr. Gaspar said their involvement with economic development has been one-sided, but they will ask the Economic Development Board for assistance.
Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2010 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion. The commissioners discussed a voucher regarding a 2008 mileage reimbursement. The commissioners directed the clerk to send a memo to department heads stating that reimbursements be processed within the budget year in which they are incurred. Following clarification of one other voucher, the motion passed unanimously.
The commissioners unanimously approved Cary Binney's request to have the National Day of Prayer on the courthouse steps May 6, 2010.
Marty Long made the motion to appoint Warren Baldwin to the Library Board of Trustees. Madison Traster seconded the, motion and it passed unanimously.
Marty Long made the motion to approve the purchase of 3 Steelcase Chairs from Southern Office Supply at a cost of $745 each to be paid from the special equipment fund. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, asked if he should order tile for both bathrooms and the hallway, to insure that it matches when the work is completed. The commissioners approved purchasing the tile for the entire project at this time. Mr. Neufeld reported that he has to replace the drinking fountain for the hallway near the main bathrooms. The cost for this will be about $750.00. Mr. Neufeld informed the commissioners that there were at least 7 leaks in 4 different rooms in the main building during the rain last week. He said he has been able to trace the source of the leaks. He recommended no action be taken at this time. Mr. Neufeld will check on a permanent board to display donation information.
David Graber, Transfer Station Manager, presented bids for a truck for the Transfer Station. Joe Moss attended this portion of the meeting. No action was taken at this time. Mr. Graber will check the specifications on both trucks, and present his findings at a later meeting.
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, presented ambulance licensure papers for Chairman Higgs' signature. Ms. Deckert reported she is purchasing new tires for an ambulance at a cost of $139.50 each.
Pat LeClerc, Group Benefit Specialists, gave a presentation about services her company offers. Included are: employee benefits program, group insurance, retirement planning, strategic planning, and other professional services. The decision was made to have Ms. LeClerc
submit a proposal at a later meeting.
Lance Babcock, Sheriff, requested permission to purchase a new black and white printer at a cost of about $1,200.00. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of an HP printer at a cost not to exceed $1,200.00, to be paid from the special equipment fund. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss legal matters. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session.
The commissioners recessed for lunch with City of Ulysses Officials. Those attending from the city were: Daron Hall, Administrator; and Council Members: Larry Velasquez, John Battin, Janet Stewart, and Ann Papay. General discussion was held. No decisions were made.
Art Frable, Bob Wilson Memorial Grant County Hospital, said that a transformer and generator need to be removed. Cindy Howard-Reeves said Pioneer Electric has offered the hospital $500 for the transformer, and will move it at no cost to the hospital. Madison Traster made the motion to allow the hospital to sell the transformer to Pioneer Electric for $500. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The hospital will give the generator to the county if the county will move it. Don Button said the generator could be used at the civic center for back-up in case of an emergency. He informed the commissioners the generator can be moved at no cost, however, the cost of installing it at the civic center might be sizeable. Mr. Frable said the actual cash value of the generator is $2,000. The commissioners agreed to take the generator, but no decision was made to proceed with installation of the generator at this time. Mr. Button will get an estimate of the total cost to install the generator. J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, also attended this portion of the meeting.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, presented the commissioners with her resignation. Her resignation is effective April 8, 2010.
Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 2:55 p.m. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
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Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl Higgs, Chairman