C20110614 June 14, 2011
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 am with all members and the County Clerk present.
Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the regular June 7 meeting, along with the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Marty Long made the motion to ban the sale and discharge of fireworks within Grant County this year due to the extreme fire hazard. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs made the motion to add the Excessive Noise clause in the Civic Center rental contract. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The clause reads, "Excessive Noise from the building event will not be allowed and may be the cause of a criminal prosecution and/or a shutting down of the event by the Grant County Sheriff. Excessive noise is defined as any noise after 10:00 pm that is measured at 50 decibels on a decibel meter outside of 50 feet from the County property line."
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director presented the Ambulance 2012 budget request for $556,279. Ms. Deckert explained the cost breakdown of the mandatory transition training for all EMS staff except Paramedics to meet new statewide certification standards.
Hope Alvarez, Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services Director; and Board Members, Jack Cooley, Jerry Jo Deckert, Alice Greenlee, Linda Billings, Bob Houck; and Sadie Madden, Crisis Advocate, explained how their non-profit organization serviced communities. They are serving 7 counties by providing safety and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The organization is funded through federal and state grants and also holds fund raisers periodically. Ms. Alvarez requested approval from the commissioners to work in Grant County and provide services twice a week through an outreach office. The commissioners welcomed the organization and asked them to introduce themselves to the local law enforcement.
Tom Fuhrmann, County Appraiser, discussed a letter received from an attorney concerning a potential lawsuit. A taxpayer had filed with the State Board of Tax Appeals through the payment under protest method and the attorney is asking to represent Grant County in the matter. It was the consensus of the commissioners not to use the attorney and they will contact our county attorney when a need arises for such services.
John Crosby, Fire Chief; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; and Jeff Baier, Fire Fighter, presented information on a new building that would house EMS, Emergency Management and Fire. Jerry Jo Deckert and John Crosby gave details on their buildings and the need for extensive updating to keep them functional. The group asked to proceed with the planning and a 75/25 grant request from the state for a new building. It was the consensus of commissioners to allow the emergency services to proceed with the initial search for the layout, funding and location of a new building.
Kevin Shapland and Dennis Deyoe, Fair Board Members, presented a 2012 Fair budget request for $68,325, the same as last year. Discussion was held on the need for hot water in the concession stand at the Bit and Spur Rodeo Arena. The Fair Board will work with the Bit and Spur Club to resolve the concession stand water issue.
DeDe Lane, Purchasing Agent, shared details from CivicPlus concerning her request for website training. The cost would be $2,150 and the training would be in Ulysses on June 30th and July 1. Carl Higgs made the motion to contract with CivicPlus for the two day training at a cost of $2,150. Marty Long seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Sheila Brown, County Clerk presented 3 quotes for a new desk for the Treasurer's Office and requested the purchase be taken from the special equipment fund. Ms. Brown explained to commissioners her need for a new desk that is suitable for computer use, and the treasurer?s need for a new desk to fit with the motor vehicle system changes. Ms. Brown told the commissioners the treasurer and clerk will coordinate together and the new desk will go to the treasurer and the existing desk will be moved to the clerk, and the clerk's desk will move to the Transfer Station to replace the one taken by the Purchasing Agent. Marty Long made the motion to purchase a desk for the Treasurer from Southern Office Supply at a cost not to exceed $1,769 to be paid out of the special equipment fund. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Sarah Nagel, Communities in Schools Director; Janet Long, Margaret Nightengale, Greg Davis, and Todd Kahle, Board Members, presented their 2012 budget request of $14,000, the same as last year. Ms. Nagel shared information about the program and the need for county funds. The commissioners will consider their request.
Leslie Mangels, Economic Development Director, met with commissioners to discuss their 2012 budget. Economic Development would like to utilize existing incentive funds in place of county appropriations for 2012. Marty Long made the motion to allow Economic Development to move $100,000 from the economic development reserve operation fund to economic development general operating fund effective January 1, 2012. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Ms. Magels reported on the upcoming community meeting to educate the public on economic development in our community and also the meeting was designed for questions and input from the public.
Kristy Frazee, Health Department Administrator, presented a 2012 budget request for $396,775, which is down $41,317 from last year. Marty Long made the motion to go into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Janet Stewart, Doves Board Member, reported on the Doves House. The Doves Board organized an auction for July 9th to get rid of the contents of the house. The Doves Board also set the end of July as the target date to vacate the house. It was the consensus of the commissioners to sale the house at 315 N. Main by sealed bid on September 20th. The clerk was asked to notify the county attorney to prepare the sale.
A Road & Bridge road crossing permit was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.
JD Neufeld, Civic Center Manager and DeDe Lane, Purchasing Agent presented seven quotes for 280 banquet style chairs for the Civic Center South Room. Marty Long made the motion to purchase 280 dome top banquet style chairs from Hertz Furniture Systems at a cost of $8,260 from the special equipment fund. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Neufeld presented a 2012 budget request of $283,900 and his long range plan for the Civic Center facility.
Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 2:25 pm and to meet again in regular session on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
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Sheila Brown, County Clerk Linda McHenry, Chairman