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

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2003 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion.  Following clarification of one voucher, the motion passed unanimously.

 

            Faye Trent and John Wire, Great Plains Development, Inc. informed commissioners Grant County does not qualify for a Community Development Block Grant (CBDG/CI) to build a new Health Department.  Sherill Thompson joined the commissioners in questioning the reasoning behind some of the percent figures used to determine eligibility.  Ms Trent agreed to calling the state and making some inquiries and returning to see the commissioners at a later date.  Mr. Wire presented information packets on county projects using Great Plains Development grants and loans.  Madison Traster made the motion to pay membership of $1,581.80 to Great Plains Development, Inc.  Gene Schwein seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

 

            Ginger Anthony, Museum Curator and Board Member Robin Graber reported the roof on the Adobe Building and the Oil & Gas Addition are leaking.  The board will get estimates for the repair to the commissioners at a later date.

 

            Sheryl Egley and Amanda Sullivan, FFA Members asked the commissioners to participate in a fund raising dunking booth FFA is hosting at the County Fair.  Each commissioner gladly agreed to a thirty-minute slot.

 

            Scott Nichols, Chamber Director presented information and asked the commissioners to join him at the Kansas Prosperity Summit. The joint six county meeting will be held July 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the Pioneer Communications Media Room.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Foreman and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator presented three bids on a new 2003 wheel loader.  Van Kepple Company bid $137,500 for a Volvo L110 ($147,500 wheel loader and $10,000 trade in); Foley Equipment Company bid $148,100 for a Caterpillar 950G II ($164,600 wheel loader and $16,500 trade in); Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company bid $150,733 for a John Deere 644H ($159,633 wheel loader and $8,900 trade in).  Gene Schwein made the motion to accept the bid of $137,500 from Van Kepple Company for a Volvo L110.  Madison Traster seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Foreman requested promoting an Equipment Operator I to an Equipment Operator II.  The commissioners approved the Equipment Operator II promotion with the pay starting at 95% of the median for that position with the understanding he falls correctly into the pay plan at that time and there will not be an increase in 6 months.

 

            Sherill Thompson, Health Department Administrator informed the board on next years BT funding schedule, upcoming clinics and the bio terrorism grant.  She requested approval to increase immunizations fees to $10.00, pap annual exam fees to $40.00, county pap exam fees to $40.00 and lab drawing fees to $10.00.  The commissioners gave approval for the increase.

 

            Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director gave an update on Economic Development projects.  Mr. Pflughoft reported that he is helping several new businesses planning to locate in the community.

 

            Douglas Campbell, County Attorney reviewed the plan proposed to start an oil reclamation facility and found it to be consistent with the county’s solid waste management plan.  The commissioners gave their approval to High Plains Environmental, LLC to continue with the project.

 

            Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator explained the Southwest Regional Hospital Plan for bio terrorism preparedness that was developed with the cooperation of Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  Mr. Button informed the board he has applied for a Storm Ready Community Award from the National Weather Service.  Mr. Button invited the commissioners to attend a state funded LEPC Conference in Omaha, Nebraska.  He also asked Carl Higgs to give the welcome introduction at the Critical Incident Stress Management Class to be held in the Pioneer Communications Media Room, July 22.

 

            Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator returned to the meeting.  The commissioners reviewed and approved a road-crossing permit for Pioneer Communications.  Gene Schwein made the motion to recess into executive session for five minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel.  Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed.  After 5 minutes the meeting continued in open session. 

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on August 5, 2003.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                            Carl Higgs, Chairman