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

 

            Gene Schwein made motion to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2004 minutes and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Faye Trent, Great Plains Development, and Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, met with the commissioners. Ms. Trent presented a micro loan application for the commissioners’ consideration. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the micro loan application for the Ulysses Photo Center/A1 Digital Images in the amount of $16,000. Gene Schwein seconded the motion. Following discussion the motion passed unanimously. Interest rates for the micro loans were discussed. At the present time the rate is 4%. The commissioners made the decision to leave the rate as is for now. It can be changed if interest rates increase substantially. Ms. Trent explained the services they will provide if they are given the contract to administer the revolving loan. The services include the following: Continuing making sure all the servicing items that are required for each loan are done, the insurance (to make sure the county is the loss payee and/or mortgagee if there is a building involved); They will require monthly financials from everyone in order to do a business analysis to see if there are any problems; Monthly notices will be sent out saying your payment is due (past due notices are sent at least two times); They will keep track of payments making sure everything is there (sometimes they even do the deposit for the county); and They will prepare semiannual reports throughout the life of the loan proceeds. Ms. Trent stated that it is the county’s responsibility to make sure all the procedures are done, no matter who is doing the work.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, discussed their 5-year plan and their 2005 budget request. The commissioners reviewed and approved three road-crossing permits for OXY USA, Inc. and one permit for Pioneer Natural Resources.

 

            Scott Nichols, Chamber Manager, and Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, asked what kind of arrangements could be made to help pay rent and utilities for them as the county did in the past. It was the consensus of the commissioners that this should be a part of the economic development budget request. Mr. Pflughoft informed the commissioners that he would like to administer the revolving loan for the Community Development Block Grant Micro Loan. The commissioners tabled a decision on who will administer the loan.

 

 

            Henry Helmke, Southwest Kansas Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Foundation, Inc. (SKADAF, Inc.), requested that the commissioners continue to fund that organization. He didn’t request a specific amount. SKADAF provided services to 3 people from Grant County during the past fiscal year.

 

            John Crosby, Fire Chief, gave an update on his department. He said he would like to put a fence back up and mark the fire station somehow so it will be distinguishable from the airport terminal. He stated that he is going to talk to the Airport Board regarding this. Mr. Crosby explained that he budgeted replacing some more windows next year. He said the department’s command unit is beginning to have problems. He said the next time an ambulance is purchased he would like to transfer the one that is being traded to the fire department for use as a command vehicle. He said they would be willing to pay the ambulance department the trade in amount. The commissioners said they could support this request. Mr. Crosby reported that the Mennonite community approached him about having a substation in Hickok. He estimates the cost for this to be five to six thousand dollars for the first year. The Mennonites would furnish the building and the county would provide a pumper truck for the present. Training will be done in conjunction with the rest of the fire department. When a new mini-pumper is purchased, the old one can be transferred to the substation. Mr. Crosby said he might have to purchase some new bunker gear, but he will try to use what they have. The commissioners authorized Mr. Crosby to proceed with plans to put a substation at or near Hickok since this would be beneficial to the fire department and county. Mr. Crosby requested approval to purchase 4 pagers and a radio. Gene Schwein made the motion to purchase one HT1250 at a cost of $736.25 and four pagers at a cost not to exceed $475 each. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Bobbie Lewis, Grant County Recreation Commission Director, presented a quote for materials to replace light poles at the Legion Field. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the Musco Lighting quote of $64,000 for the materials. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Jack Kincaid, local citizen, met with the commissioners to discuss the possibility of the county leasing the Berkley Medical Building. The commissioners explained that the building is too big for the county’s needs.

 

            Following a request from Linda McHenry, County Clerk and Election Officer, Madison Traster made the motion to approve paying election board head judges $150 for Election Day and their attendance at the mandated election worker school. Other election board workers and interpreters will receive $125 as compensation. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on August 3, 2004.

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Carl Higgs, Chairman