March 14, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 14, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 14^th day of March 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda with a deletion.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 7, 2005 with a minor correction and the Minutes of March 8, 2005 as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Carol Lee Miner, Shelia Nelson-Stout and Pat Wallerius, representing OCCK, Inc., visited with the Commissioners about the Center and the many services they provide. Due to the economy and the state funding reductions, Ms. Miner reviewed the many cuts and correction that have been made to make those services more efficient. Mr. Wallerius explained the new transportation system that provides transportation to anyone needing the service. They have a fleet of 22 vans that travel to nine counties to provide transportation to jobs, doctor appointments, and etc. The charge is minimal and the funding for the program is sponsored through the Sunflower Health Network and KDOT. The service is available to Ellsworth County citizens and is being used on a regular basis.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District, informed the Commissioners they would like to submit a grant proposal for funds to make the Post Rock Water District operations compliant with new water regulations and to insure the availability of water to the district. Due to the fact that Ellsworth County has a substantial portion of land in the district, they would like for the county to again be the sponsor for the grant. The Commissioners agreed they would be able to sponsor the grant. Mr. McKinney and Mr. Bailey will come back to the Commissioners when they are ready to proceed.

Paul Westerman, resident, voiced his compliant and concern over some recent roadwork done on the Lincoln-Ellsworth county line road.

A Department Head meeting was held at 10:00 a.m. with the following attending: Pam Westerman, Nancy Hysong, Teresa Shute, Kevin Ludlum, Gaye Woods, Tracy Ploutz, Paula Schneider, Peggy Svaty, Rick Nondorf and Janet Andrews. The Commissioners reviewed their proposed policy change for transfer of sick leave pool. The new policy makes it an individual to individual transfer rather than creating an accumulated pool. Each department gave a brief synopsis of their department’s activities.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported that in 2004, 119,328 lbs. had been recycled compared to 73,421 lbs. in 2003. Three bids have been received for the replacement of the windows in the Noxious Weed building. Due to the difference in the bids, the issued was tabled until next week in order to get more information. Mrs. Shute asked if she could contact ECF to see if they would be able to make the metal bins she uses for recycling and the Commissioners urged her to do so. Free landfill days were discussed with no decision being made.

Kevin Ludlum & Gaye Woods, EMS Co-Directors, were called out on an emergency transfer and were not able to keep their appointment with the Commissioners.

Carl Eyman, KWORC, gave the Commissioners some graphs and charts showing workers compensation usage for the county. Although we did not have a sizable number of claims, two of them were large. At the present time our experience mode is below one but may climb due to the large claims. Mr. Eyman discussed the safety classes they provide to the county and the Commissioners asked that he contact the EMS about offering two of the classes.

Brent Goss, Extension Service, reported the concrete footings for the new building has been completed and the erection of the building should take place on April 1, 2005.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items on the Agenda.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 46,47,49, & 50 in the amount of $340.12.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R06, Amending Resolution 04R08, A Resolution Approving The Granting Of A Tax Exemption On Economic Development Grounds to Moly Manufacturing.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Rush will attend the Board Source Training Session sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce in Wichita.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk