C20100817 August 17, 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 August 3, 2010 meeting, with the change that Commissioner Traster was not at the meeting, and to approve the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, and representatives from Hall Brothers presented information on recycling 2' of pavement on the 5 mile west road. Mr. McCauley recommended using this method of repair, because of the number of cracks in the road. Later in the morning, Marty Long made the motion to change the method for improving the 5 mile west road, which was approved at the August 3, 2010 meeting, and accept the proposal from Hall Brothers to recycle 2' of pavement, size the material, add emulsion, paver lay down and compaction for a cost of $195,000. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
At 10:15 a.m. a tax sale of county property was held in the courtroom. David Black, County Attorney, explained the process to all in attendance. Each parcel was auctioned separately by Lance Babcock, Sheriff. All properties were sold.
Patty Richardson, Great Plains Development, presented a request for a micro-loan in the amount of $25,000 for Charles and Flor Field d/b/a Country Baskets & Gifts. Ms. Richardson said they, as well as the Economic Development Review Committee recommend approval of the loan. Marty Long made the motion to approve the micro-loan for Charles and Flor Field in the amount of $25,000, and to approve Great Plains Development, Inc. to apply for and administer a second mortgage with Start-Up Kansas. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Rita Gee, Treasurer, reminded the commissioners about the new motor vehicle system the state is implementing next year. She explained that everyone that works with the system has to be certified. Mrs. Gee also said she plans to close her office on September 22, 2010, to enable her entire staff to attend a meeting in Garden City regarding this matter.
The commissioners recessed for lunch with City of Ulysses officials at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending from the city were: Daron Hall, Administrator; Dana Cotherman, City Clerk; Thadd Kistler, Mayor; and Council Members, John Duran, Ann Papay, and Janet Stewart. General discussion was held.
The annual budget hearing was held at 1:15 p.m. Carl Johnson and Steve Johnson were in attendance, but not concerning the budget. David Black, County Attorney, was also present. Marty Long made the motion to accept the 2011 budget as presented. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Discussion was held on pursuing a special question regarding a 1% sales tax to be used for health care initiatives, to be placed on the ballot at the November, General Election. David Black, County Attorney, will continue working toward this.
Carl Johnson, Steve Johnson, and Karen Harbour, local citizens, stated that 64 years ago this September, several Grant County residents went together and bought a quarter of ground to start an airport. They would like to put a plaque at the airport with the names of those individuals, as well as pictures to commemorate, this. The commissioners approved the project, and suggested the Johnsons talk to the airport board to continue with this project. Carl Johnson said they would research the cost, and return to a later meeting with this information.
Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session with no action taken.
Pat LeClerc, Employee Benefit Specialists, presented information on life insurance quotes. Marty Long made the motion to change the county employee life insurance from Advance and Prudential to American United Life Insurance. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Later in the day, the decision was made to rescind the motion, and give the county's current insurance providers an opportunity to bid on the same insurance.
Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented a quote to upgrade emergency sirens to narrow band. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the quote from Blue Valley Public Safety, Inc. in the amount of $20,959.80 to upgrade the sirens. The money for this is to be paid from the Special Equipment Fund. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Bob Moore, Insurance Broker, expressed his displeasure at not having the opportunity to provide a quote on changing the county's term life insurance for employees.
Jolene Heckman, Dana Cotherman, Janet Stewart, and Alan Olson, DOVES, met with the commissioners. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session to discuss contractual matters regarding the DOVE house for 25 minutes. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Later in the day, Madison Traster made the motion to contribute $3500 to the DOVE's organization to help toward payroll expense. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
John Crosby and Jeff Baier, Fire Department, presented quotes for 2 thermal imagers Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of 2 thermal imagers, with upgrades, for a total cost of $10,750 from Weis Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Marty Long made the motion to pay Robert Passini (Bob Dale) $2500 for his consultation, work performed, and out of pocket expense remodeling the sound system at the civic center. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl Higgs, Chairman