C20100420                                                                                                      April 20, 2010

 

                The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

                Marty Long made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2010 meeting, and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

                Steve Spade, A-Lert Roofing Systems, presented information about his company's sloped, metal roofs. The roofs are rated for 56 years, and are built to Corps of Engineer standards, which is a higher standard than normal building codes. An estimated time frame to receive materials after a contract is signed is 8 weeks. The estimated time to complete construction of new roof on the courthouse is 3 & 4 weeks. The clerk will check references before the next commissioner meeting.

               

                Joe Hurla, Business Development Manager for 360 Energy Solutions, gave a presentation about an energy grant, which is available through the federal government. Mr. Hurla's company would perform an energy audit of county facilities selected by the commissioners. Based on the audit, recommendations would be made for energy saving measures. A grant application would be made, and the county's portion of $250,000 would be $100,000. 360 Energy Solutions would work on a contingency basis. The commissioners decided not to participate in the program.

 

                Kristy Frazee, Chief Deputy County Clerk, gave a proposal for revision of the accounts payable process. The revision has 4 levels, and the estimated time for completion is one year. Each level in the process is a stand alone procedure, and will benefit the county. If at any time, the decision is made not to continue to the next level, there will be no harm done. The proposal was approved by the commissioners. Implementation of the first level will begin immediately.

 

                Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, reported the purchase of a new welder for his department. The commissioners reviewed, and approved road crossing permits for Atmos Energy, Pioneer Communications, BP, and a local farmer. The commissioners reviewed the in-kind contribution the road department made by its construction of a pad for the Centennial Committee's project east of Ulysses. Mr.  McCauley said the city and county are going to work together to take care of a drainage problem on Osage Street. The county is involved in this because the north half of the road is in the county and the south half is in the city.

 

                Lance Babcock, Sheriff, presented information about juvenile detention costs. The county has a contract with the detention center, at a cost of $145/day, for 161 days in a year. If the county exceeds the contracted amount, the price increases to $155/day. Sheriff Babcock requested the county bill parents for the cost of keeping their children in the facility. Marty Long made a motion to authorize the Sheriff to set up a new policy, enabling the county to charge parents for the cost of detaining their children at the juvenile detention center. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The sheriff will talk to the county attorney regarding this.

 

                The commissioners recessed for lunch with City of Ulysses officials. Those attending from the city were: Daron Hall, Administrator; Dana Cotherman, City Clerk; Thadd Kistler, Mayor; and Council Members:  Ann Papay, John Battin, and Janet Stewart. General discussion was held. No decisions were made.

 

                David Black, County Attorney, introduced his assistant, Jessica Akers, to the commissioners. Mr. Black said he is aware of the pay structure for the former county attorney, and he is willing to work under the same arrangement. He said he would try to stop in at 1:15 on commissioner meeting days to answer any questions the board might have. Discussion ensued about the possibility of assessing juvenile detention costs back to parents. Mr. Black will talk to other counties that already do this, and develop a plan for Grant County.

 

                Sheila Brown, Health Department Administrator, presented a quote for improving the phone system at the health department. The senior center and health department phone systems are connected, and since the senior citizens are getting a new system, some of the hardware at the health department has to be upgraded. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the phone system upgrade for the health department, at a cost of $1,005.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

                Tom Hauser, Airport Board Member, reported that his board is hoping to promote the airport a little more. They would like the FBO to offer a plane for rent or lessons. He stated that former FBOs provided a plane for these purposes. He also said the airport board might have to increase the FBO's compensation from $2,000/month to $2,500/month to make it possible. Mr. Hauser also said the airport's loaner vehicle needs to be replaced. The current vehicle was donated by Pioneer Communications, and he hopes for another donated vehicle instead of having to purchase one.

 

Tom Fuhrmann, County Appraiser, talked to the commissioners about tax abatements and agricultural land values. He will call the state to learn what he can about economic development tax abatements for dairies. He will email his findings to the commissioners.

 

The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session, on May 4, 2010, at 9:00 a.m., in the commissioners' room at the courthouse.

 

 

 

 

 

___________________________                                                 ________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                                                     Carl Higgs, Chairman