FEBRUARY 22, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 22, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 22nd day of February 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd 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 an addition.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of February 14, 2004 as presented.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

John Sherman, Scott Moore and Roberta Waymaster, members of the Countywide Website Committee, met with the Commissioners to discuss the concept of the site and how the county would be involved. The website’s front page would link to all the cities and county sites as well as area tourism venues. They would ask the county to host the site at the same cost they are paying now and each entity would have control of their own site. There would be some startup cost, but they could be divided between the entities. The Commissioners felt their plan had merit and asked them to pursue it further.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss acquisition of property with Mark Jensen and Linda Baburek, Union Pacific Railroad, from 9:35 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. No action was taken.

Chairman Rush opened the bids on the excess landfill property at 10:00 a.m. The bids were: David Kempke, $2,397; Troy Kralik, $3,100; and Donald Soukup, $2,642. Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid of $3,100 for the 100.30 acres submitted by Troy Kralik. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Mike Olson and Lisa Lindsley, representing Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc., wanted to give the Commissioners an update on the Welcome Home project. They are being inundated with calls from the newspaper article that appeared in USA Today and other papers that have picked up the story. The information will air on a Spanish network today and they expect to be very busy. On other projects, the two homes they are building are almost finished and one of them has been sold. Commissioner Kueser expressed his concern that Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. and Ellsworth City had overshadowed the County’s contributions in the newspaper articles. Also, he questioned if the lots in the other cities such as Kanopolis, Holyrood, Wilson and Lorraine were being given equal treatment in the information being disseminated. Mr. Olson assured him the other cities were being given equal treatment and would discuss his other concern with the Director, Anita Hoffhines.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Heitschmidt reported she had been to the Lorraine City Council regarding the lot the county owns. They are not interested in acquiring the lots but would like to see the old sidewalk taken up and a new one laid. Chairman Rush will visit with the Road & Bridge Department to see if they would be willing to take on the project.

The Commissioners reviewed several sick leave pool policies from other counties and felt they would like to go from a pool bank to individual to individual. The County Clerk will work on a policy to present to them and when finalized, present it to the department heads at their next meeting.

4: NEW BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush, Commissioner Heitschmidt and Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, will attend the NCKCHOA meeting at Junction City on March 24th.

The request for use of hours from the sick leave pool was tabled until the department head could be consulted.

In compliance with Kansas Statutes, the County Clerk presented the 2004 Ellsworth County Inventory. The County Attorney’s inventory is not included.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.


_________________________________
Janet L. Andrews
Ellsworth County Clerk

FEBRUARY 14, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 14, 2005

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

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd 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 an addition.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of February 7, 2005 as presented.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Co-Director, presented the number of runs made in January. There were ten more than this time last year.

David Kempke, Connie Warta, Jim Pruitt, Rosa Landon, Warren Campbell and Joyce Mullen, bus drivers for the school district, discussed the condition of the low road to Kanopolis during the recent snowstorm. They were not happy with the condition of road and asked something more could be done. One item they felt strongly about was a heavier treatment of salt and treating the road more often. The Commissioners thanked them for visiting with them about the problem and replied they would talk with Mr. Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, to see if any adjustments needed to be made in his program.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, discussed with the Commissioners the equipment he has purchased with the Kansas Highway Patrol Dept. of Justice grant. He will make a listing of all the equipment and what departments got it.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, presented Resolution 05R04, A Resolution Providing For Courthouse Security, Pursuant to K.S.A. 19-101a and 19-101d. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R04. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Clerk will see that signs are placed in prominent places in the Courthouse informing the public of this resolution.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The trees have been removed on the Lorraine property and the stumps treated. Commissioner Heitschmidt will meet with the Lorraine City Council on Tuesday about a new sidewalk and whether or not they would be interested in acquiring the property.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Lake Patrol Contract for 2005 from the Corp of Engineers.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioners signed the updated 2004 Comprehensive Solid Waste Plan having approved it in 2004.

Improvements for District Court Judge Svaty’s office were discussed. Approval was given to purchase carpeting and after all the files are removed, finish the painting of the office.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon


_________________________________________
Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

JANUARY 31, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 31, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 31st day of January 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner
Janet L. Andrews, County Clerk

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda a printed.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor asked the Commissioners to sign two easements for the Wagner Bridge. It is on the State’s five-year plan and will be bid in October of this year. The Road Dept. and Noxious Weed Dept. exchanged one truck and then a total of three trucks were sold by sealed bid. Mr. Nondorf inquired about the new pit the landfill intended to open. They will be needing dirt in the near future and could perhaps start digging the pit and use the dirt. He needs to check with Mrs. Shute as we are not sure the new pits have been approved by KDHE. Mr. Nondorf expressed an interest in buying a small piece of Union Pacific land if the Commissioners were going to be purchasing some other land from them. The equipment that Mr. Nondorf plans to replace this year is a Gallon blade, 95 Ford truck, a semi and a salt truck. The Commissioners gave Mr. Nondorf authority to purchase a salt truck whenever one becomes available.

Kevin Cowan, Gilmore & Bell, took the Commissioners through the temporary note to be issued on Friday, February 4. Citizens State Bank will be the lender and the interest rate will be 2.9%. The money will be used to build the 4-H barn.

Upon the request of Gaye Woods and Kevin Ludlum, EMS Co-Directors, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:42 a.m. until 10:47 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at l1:47 a.m. The Commissioners directed the County Clerk to move Lisa Herber to 11c on the salary scale and Deedra Stertz to 11e effective February 1, 2005. Also, Lisa Herber was to be given an incentive payment. Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve write-offs presented in the amount of $4,454.87. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Board of EMS inspected the service last week and there were only two minor corrections requested.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss acquisition of real property from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0. Included in the executive session were Mark Jensen, Union Pacific Railroad Representative, Joe Shepack, County Attorney, and Janet Andrews, County Clerk. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:30 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement 29 in the amount of $116.40.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R03, A Resolution Authorizing and Directing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of $75,000 Principal Amount of Temporary Notes, Series 2005.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the January payroll in the amount of $136,665.10.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT

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



Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

JANUARY 24, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 24, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth Commissioners convened this 24th day of January 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner
Janet L. Andrews, County Clerk

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as printed.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the Minutes of January 18 and January 21, 2005 as presented.
Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, Ellsworth County Medical Center Administrator, gave a “dash board” and financial report showing the hospital with a monthly loss of $66,689 and a year-to-date loss of $174,205. The Financial Services Director has left and they are contracting with Hays for part-time services until they are able to hire someone. The Board accepted bids on the remodeling of the old therapy space for $142,000. The laboratory and respiratory departments will be extended into that space.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz discussed some issues of the Saunders lawsuit. A voice-activated computer has been purchase for $1,521.94 and he has contracted with Evercom for prisoner telephone service until 2010. The Livescan fingerprint system has not been delivered yet and the new counter tops are expected this week.

Upon the request of Carl Miller, Appraiser, Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:25 a.m. until 10:40 a.m.
Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioners returned to open session at 10:40 a.m. No action was taken. The payments under protest for the first half of taxes have been completed. There were 20 real estate and 2 personal property. Oil and gas and personal property renditions were sent out last week and they are still waiting for 2005 Ag values. Change of value notices will go out on March 1, 2005.

A telephone conference with Kevin Cowan, Gilmore & Bell, was held to finalize the plans for the temporary note to be issued for the 4-H barn. Mr. Cowan will be here on the 31st with the necessary paperwork.

County Attorney, Joe Shepack, discussed the zoning seminar he attended in Wichita and the Union Pacific condemnation suit.

Jo Funk, Saline-Salina Health Department Sanitarian, gave the yearly reports on the LEPP program.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 26 & 28 in the amount of $121.52.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R02, Salary Compensation for 2005.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.



Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

JANUARY 21, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

RECESSED MEETING

JANUARY 21, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth Commissioners convened this 21st of January, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:
Lavel A. Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner
Janet L. Andrews, County Clerk

Chairman Rush called the recessed meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.

1. OTHER BUSINESS:

A salary schedule reflecting the requested percentages was given to the Commissioners for their review. An adjusted copy was given back to the Clerk to have ready for passage at the Monday meeting.

2. ADJOURNMENT:

With no other business to come before the Commissioners, the meeting was adjourned.



Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

JANUARY 18, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 18, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth Commissioners convened this 18th of January, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner
Janet L. Andrews, County Clerk

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as printed.
Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of January 10, 2005 as presented.
Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Kermit Rush as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Terry L. Kueser as Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Rush chaired the rest of the meeting.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approved the following list of appointments for 2005:

2005 APPOINTMENTS


Health Supervisor Pam Westerman
Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor Teresa Shute
Purchasing Officer Janet Andrews
Health Officer Dr. Ronald Whitmer
County Coroner Dr. Dennis Kepka
Dr. Ronald Whitmer
Dr. Jerry Slomka
Special Deputy Corner Shawn McGowan
Workman Compensation Physicians Dr. Ronald Whitmer Dr. Dennis Kepka
Dr. Jerry Slomka
EMS Co-Directors Kevin Ludlum
Gaye Woods
EMS Medical Advisor Dr. Dennis Kepka
EMS Liaison Shawn McGowan
Emergency Management Director Kenny Bernard
Road & Bridge Supervisor Richard Nondorf
Official Newspaper Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter


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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Shelby Soukup, Noxious Weed-Landfill Secretary, discussed a request by the City of Lorraine to use their $1,000 waiver of landfill fees for a city-wide cleanup in which furniture and tires would be brought into the landfill. These items do not meet the requirements of the waiver, which is for construction and demolition material, and would not be acceptable under the waiver. Mrs. Soukup will contract the city.

Roger Pearson, Bill Finke and Scott Moore with the Long Range Economic Development Leadership Committee, presented a power point presentation on the meetings held thus far and the goals and objectives set forth by the committee. They will have a public meeting in March and urged the Commissioners to attend with any questions they might have.

Kevin Ludlum and Gaye Woods, EMS Co-Directors, presented the end of the year run stats. They responded to 779 incidents in 2004. They also discussed the number of defibrillators in the county and where they were located.

Sheriff Ploutz had little to discuss with the Commissioners. He did ask that his part-time personnel be considered for the same raise as full-time staff.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Cereal Malt Beverage License for Simmon’s Bait & Tackle.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The excess landfill land lease is up on March 1, 2005. Commissioner Kueser moved to re-bid the landfill lease for three years contingent upon the present lessor, Donald Soukup, being notified of the county’s intent.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a donation of $50 to all the high schools in the county for their After Prom promotions.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting was recessed until Friday, January 21st at 1:30 p.m. to go over salary increases for 2005.



Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING