Minutes, July 22, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 22, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened in recessed session on the 22^nd day of July 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 1:00 p.m.

2. OTHER BUSINESS:

Randy Hofmeier and Jerry Pugh with our auditing firm of Bartlett Settle & Edgerle presented the 2006 budget as requested by the Commissioners. Commissioner Kueser moved to publish the 2006 County budget and have a budget hearing on the 15^th of August, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to increase the commitment to the Ellsworth County Medical Center’s operational budget to 2 mils. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 2:45 p.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, July 18, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 18, 2005

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

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the Agenda as printed.

Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of July 11 and July 13, 2005 as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported the county would be getting $77,000 next year from the Department of Justice bio-terrorism grant. So far, about $40,000 of that money has been earmarked for a portable decontamination unit for the hospital. It would be used outside of the hospital emergency room to decontaminate anyone going in the hospital in case of county emergency. This would keep the whole hospital from becoming contaminated and having to shut down. The grant money is less due to the fact that the money is being redirected to more populated areas. Mr. Bernard asked to have the next ambulance that was to be traded in and use it as a control unit. However, Mr. Ludlum, the EMS Director who was in the meeting, declared that they were not trading it in. They plan on using it as a spare ambulance in case of a breakdown on other units. Mr. Bernard is still working on the local E-911 trunking. When the system is ready, dispatchers will have to take some training and since that department is not his, Mr. Bernard questioned how would this be accomplished. The Commissioners will visit with the Sheriff about his concerns.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, presented a proposal for Paramedic, Shelly Maze, to take schooling to become a EMS Certified Instructor and asked the Commissioner if the county would pay the tuition cost and her wages while attending. The cost of the course would be $800 and approximately 15 days of schooling. The advantage of having a trained instructor on staff would to be able to offer the classes in Ellsworth instead of traveling to Great Bend. The Commissioners expressed some concern on the cost of the schooling, paying the employee to go to school and after completion the employee receiving compensation for conducting the classes when county funds were used to pay for the tuition and attendance. The request was tabled until the next meeting when a full board would be present. Three bids were submitted for repair and coating of the EMS roof. However, this approval was also tabled until a full board would be present. Mr. Ludlum reported he had hired Timothy Batt as a volunteer EMT.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, reported he had hired Linda Kyler as a part-time dispatcher. He is also looking for a part-time jailer. The Commissioner discussed the training of dispatch personnel when the new local E-911 system is finalized. Sheriff Ploutz replied that he would work with Mr. Bernard whenever he was ready.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Welcome Home soft lien for Raymond & Emile Penner in the amount of $2,250.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Kueser recessed the meeting to Friday, July 22, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. to meet with the auditors on the 2006 budget.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 13, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 13, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened in recessed session this 13^rd day of July 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 2:00 p.m.

2. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners reviewed five engineering proposal for the inspection of the construction of the Wagner Bridge. Being a state/county project, all companies had to be ranked in accordance with the criteria furnished by the Kansas Department of Transporation. After review, they were ranked as follows: Kirkham Michael & Associates (1), Bucher,Willis & Ratliff (2), BG Consultants, Inc. (3), Kaw Valley Engineering (4) and Earles Engineering (5).

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, met with the Commissioner to discuss acquisition of property. Commissioner Kueser moved to give the Ellsworth County Attorney a check for $3,000 to be used for potential acquisition of property. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

 

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 11, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 11, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 11^th day of July, 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 as presented.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of the regular meeting on July 5, and the recessed meeting of July 6, 2005.

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

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Dan Curtis, Project Coordinator of the Central Prairie RC&D, Ellsworth Council members, Kenton Janzen, Stanton Janssen and Phil Chegwidden, County NRCS contact, met with the Commissioner and reviewed the many ongoing projects of the RC&D. Presently, they are working with the Ellsworth Fire Department on a Haul Water Project that could reduce the insurance premiums of many of the rural residents. Farm safety, recycling, wildlife feeding the hungry and grant writing workshops are current projects in which they are sponsoring. The county membership dues are $800 per year and Mr. Janzen asked the county to split that membership with the Conservation District as they did last year. Commissioner Kueser moved to contribute $400 toward the County dues to the Central Prairie RC&D. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon the request of Carl Miller, commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:10 a.m. until 10:25 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:25 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Carl Miller pursuant to K.S.A. 19-430 Ellsworth County Appraiser for a term of four years or until a successor may be appointed. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon the request of Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:58 a.m. until 11:05 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:58 a.m. Mr. Ludlum announced that Terry Stone would be hired as an EMT/RN and would enter the salary scale at range 7, step c. Paramedic, Shelly Maze, attended a workshop that will enable her to teach first responder classes.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, discussed what he believed the inability of the Board of Tax Appeals to hear cases in a timely manner. We are currently waiting on several decisions that could affect two or three years tax payments. He also discussed the down payment assistance being given through the Welcome Home Plan and what might need to be changed depending on what the legislature does next year.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, gave the Commissioners the paper work necessary for selection of a construction engineer on the 80/20 state funded Wagner bridge project. The department will start sealing this week and should be finished in about three weeks. During that time the graders will not be on the roads. The bridge in Garfield Township has been completed and they will start another bridge south of Wilson. He has made arrangement to tear down four houses, two in Ellsworth and two in Wilson. Kanopolis has got gotten back to him.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Robin Boisvert to another four-year term, expiring on July 1, 2009, on the Ellsworth County Medical Center Board of Directors.

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

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush recessed the meeting until Wednesday, July 13^th at 2:00 p.m. to work on the selection of construction engineers for the Wagner Bridge project.

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 6, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 6, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioner convened this 6^th day of July 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse. This is a recessed meeting from the original meeting held on the 5^th of July 2005.

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 1:30 p.m.

2. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss acquisition of property from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Roger Pearson, Ellsworth County Medical Center Administrator, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 2:30 p.m. No action was taken.

The Commissioners held a worksession on budget requests for 2006.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 5, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 5, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 5^th of July 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 as presented.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of June 27, 2005 as presented.

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

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Barry Koetkemeyer, Pride of the Prairie Leadership Program, presented a 2006 budget request of $4,285 an increase of $405. Last year they had fifteen students in the youth program and six in the adult. They are hoping to increase the participation in the adult program this year.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, presented his budget request for 2006 in the amount of $387,100, an increase of $10,700. Included in the budget is the purchase of a truck to replace their car.

Pat Bender, President of the Ellsworth Historical Society, requested $23,000 for 2006. This is a decrease of $1,000.

Administrative personnel from the 20^th Judicial District, Judge Mike Keeley, Administrator, John Isern, Chief Court Administrator, Sabrina Chism, and Ellsworth County Clerk of the District Court, Peggy Svaty, presented their budget for 2006. The budget request remained the same as last year, $80,090. Judge Keeley also presented the Commissioners with a check from the court-bonding fund for $1,722.50.

Paula Schneider, Ellsworth County Treasurer, requested $96,312 for the 2006 budget. This was an increase of $2,812 or 3%.

County Attorney, Joe Shepack, visited with the Commissioner about a sundry of items relating to county business.

Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, discussed the fact that the hours contracted for the Welcome Home Program have been expended already for this year and that only $1,500 remains for down payment assistance. In the contract, approximately $1,675 earmarked for seminars and copies has not been expended and the Commissioners allowed those dollars to be converted to hours for the Welcome Home Program. Therefore, remaining in the contract is 22.5 hours for former hospital project and 84 hours for the Welcome Home Plan. The Commissioners did not feel they could come up with additional down payment assistance money for this year.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the June payroll in the amount of $145,872.67.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the June accounts payable in the amount of $382,719.42.

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

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush recessed the meeting until Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at 1:30 p.m.

 

____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, June 27, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 27, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 27^th of June 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 as printed.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of June 20 and June 23, 2005 as presented.

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

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, presented a policy on Racial Profiling for the Commissioners approval. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office Ellsworth County, Kansas Racial Profiling Policy. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Sheriff Ploutz also wanted to go on record that he has used Central Kansas Mental Health on many occasions and has no problem with their services.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, presented write-offs for approval. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve EMS write-offs for six months in the amount of $11,321.28. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Ludlum also handed out financial reports for the month of May. An estimate for waterproofing the EMS roof was received from Yutzy Roofing Service out of Hutchinson. The Commissioners asked that he get at least one or two more bids. The Paramedic applicant that had been interested in working in Ellsworth has decided not to come to Ellsworth. The Commissioners approved using the education incentive policies already in place and a $1,000 one time moving expense to gain a Paramedic.

Dave Rose, Mid West eServices, Inc. and Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, presented a proposal for purchase of the former hospital from a Professor Ashu Sharma. His proposals for influx of county money to help him establish a research center were not agreeable with the Commissioners. It was reiterated that the county has a building they wanted to sell at a very attractive price with no other involvement. Mrs. Hoffhines presented a budget for contracted services for economic development for 2006 in the amount of $65,550.

Les Harmon, Central Kansas Community Corrections, presented budgets for community corrections for 2006 of $399,166. Their budget needs were $442,616 so about $25 had to be cut from the programs. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2006 Carryover Reimbursement Plan and the Community Corrections Plan. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed the recent waiver of landfill fees granted to ECF. She wanted to know if tires were included in that waiver. We have to pay to get rid of the tires and as of now, the cost of getting rid of them is more than we are charging for the tires. It was agreed to let matters stand as is for ECF at the present time and if necessary, the waiver can be renegotiated for next year. It was also agreed that the price of tires coming into the landfill would be raised to the cost of them going out of the landfill.

As requested by the County Attorney, Joe Shepack, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session for attorney-client privilege from 11:30 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:50 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Venango Korner road will have to be addressed by Empire Township as it part of their township.

The EMS incentives were address with Mr. Ludlum in his appointment with the Commissioners.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #59 for $12.00.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a donation of $200 to ECCA to help defray the expense of their Silver Haired Legislator.

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

It was agreed that Ellsworth County would host Rice County for our bi-annual meeting on July 25, 2005 at Orozco’s.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon. Due to the July 4^th holiday being on Monday, the next meeting will be Tuesday, July 5^th.

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 23, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 23, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of June 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session at 8:05 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. David Thornton was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 8:45 a.m. No action was taken.

2. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 20, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 20, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 20^th day of June 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

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 as presented.

Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of June 13, 2005 as presented.

Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, Ellsworth County Medical Center Administrator, reported they had a profit for the fourth consecutive month and a year-to-date loss of $20,027. At the last Board Meeting they had a proposal from a prospective buyer of the Century building to lease the building to them and upon his death the building would be deeded to the hospital. Mr. Pearson reported the Board had declined the proposal due to the cost and terms of the lease. He and the Board are still looking at ways to help fund the new building project.

Clara McCoy and Pat Murray, representing Central Kansas Mental Health Center, presented their budget request for 2006 of $18,301, an increase of 3%. The Commissioners discussed some complaints from the Sheriff and County Attorney on request for services. Details of those complaints will be gathered and forwarded to Mrs. Murray so they can be addressed.

Al Oller, Holyrood, met with the Commissioners at their request to discuss the Holyrood senior citizens services. In talking with ECCA officers, they had expressed concern that the tax money being allocated to Holyrood was being co-mingled with the Legion money. Also, in order to receive funding, an advisory committee needed to be formed. Mr. Oller reported the money was segregated and he would work to get a committee in place. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Oller for his cooperation and commended him and others in the community who worked so hard to get the services started in Holyrood.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented his 2006 budget request of $1,593,317 an increase of $72,397. He finally received a letter from KDHE giving him permission to tear down some houses. He has talked with Kanopolis, Wilson and Ellsworth. So far Wilson has responded with one house.

Sam Cline, Warden, and Johnnie Goddard, Deputy Warden of Ellsworth Correctional Facility, asked the Commissioners to waive landfill fees for the facility. Mr. Cline reported the facility had donated over $445,000 to the community in man-hours for various projects and would like to trade some of the value for landfill services. The Commissioners explained they did have a waiver for cities in the county in the amount of $1,000 per year and would be happy to extend the same service to them. After a brief discussion, Mr. Cline felt that arrangement would be sufficient and, if down the road, other arrangements need to be made, they will meet with them again. Commissioner Kueser moved to waive landfill fees in the amount of $1,000 per year to the Ellsworth Correction Facility effective as of today, June 20, 2005. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Jim Allman, Southwestern Bell, presented a proposal for telephone service and DSL line for the Courthouse. The cost for the lines we have now plus a DSL line would be approximately $15 per month higher. However, due to the fact that in the last week he had been in contact with the Health Department and EMS, he would like to meet with them and discuss their needs before making a final proposal.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed one of the applications received for the Appraiser position and made an appointment to meet with him on Thursday, the 23^rd at 8:00 a.m.

EMS incentives were tabled until another time.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a Welcome Home Soft Lien agreement in the amount of $1,500. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush recessed the meeting to June 23, 2005 at 8:00 a.m.

 

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 16, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 6, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th of June 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 an addition.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of May 31, 2005 as presented.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, presented an update on the Foreign Animal Disease Tactical Plan for the county. A recent revision to the plan designates the new 4-H barn as the holding area if cattle trucks have to be taken off the highway. Mr. Bernard is working with SBC on Local E-911 Phase I and Phase II. The Clerk will be sending out letters this month to the wireless vendors in our county requesting information necessary for the completion of the project. Presently, he is working with the hospital to help them be better informed on overall decontamination.

Pam Hays, Phil Chegwidden, Brad Kratzer and Bernard Habiger, representing Ellsworth County Conservation District, presented their budget request for 2006. They requested $28,100 an increase of $10 from the previous year. They reported they would be buying a John Deer no-till drill to lease out to area farmers. The Commissioners thanked them for keeping their request in line with last years and will take that into consideration when formulating the 2006 budget.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, presented his 2006 budget of $667,481 an increase of $43,306. This includes a new secretarial position and a 4% raise for employees. The Commissioner questioned if he had received a report the jail audit and if so, they would like to receive it. Although Sheriff Ploutz has not had time to read the report, as soon as he can, he will comply with their request. A policy on racial profiling has been completed and given to the County Attorney for review. Upon completion of the review, it will be submitted to the Commissioners for their approval.

Pam Westerman, Health Supervisor, and Ronda Kasiska, Health Nurse, presented the Health budget for 2006 of $230,662. This is an increase of $5,189. The Commissioners asked that information be gathered on putting a garage north of the health building. It would be used to house their van and also give them additional storage space. Due to the resignation of Pam Westerman as Health Supervisor effective July 1, 2005, Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Ronda Kasiska as the new County Health Supervisor. Pam Westerman will remain on staff as a County Health Nurse. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Westerman reported there will be tabletop exercise on bio-terrorism with three counties participating in Russell on August 16, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. and she invited the Commissioners to participate.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, presented a budget for the Appraiser’s office for 2006 of $108,670, an increase of $9,620. Some leeway in the budget is due to the fact that Mr. Miller will be leaving and we will have to hire a new appraiser. The amount could be adjusted if necessary before the budget is set.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the May accounts payable in the amount of $145,138.16.

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

Commissioner Rush moved to donate $150 to the 4-H Activity Fund.

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

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The County Clerk reported she had placed the ad for an Appraiser on the Appraiser’s Association website and in the KAC County Comments. The Commissioners decided to wait a few weeks before placing other ads. Also, the Clerk asked permission to pursue a DSL line for Internet service for the Courthouse. Permission was given.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 6, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 6, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th of June 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 an addition.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of May 31, 2005 as presented.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, presented an update on the Foreign Animal Disease Tactical Plan for the county. A recent revision to the plan designates the new 4-H barn as the holding area if cattle trucks have to be taken off the highway. Mr. Bernard is working with SBC on Local E-911 Phase I and Phase II. The Clerk will be sending out letters this month to the wireless vendors in our county requesting information necessary for the completion of the project. Presently, he is working with the hospital to help them be better informed on overall decontamination.

Pam Hays, Phil Chegwidden, Brad Kratzer and Bernard Habiger, representing Ellsworth County Conservation District, presented their budget request for 2006. They requested $28,100 an increase of $10 from the previous year. They reported they would be buying a John Deer no-till drill to lease out to area farmers. The Commissioners thanked them for keeping their request in line with last years and will take that into consideration when formulating the 2006 budget.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, presented his 2006 budget of $667,481 an increase of $43,306. This includes a new secretarial position and a 4% raise for employees. The Commissioner questioned if he had received a report the jail audit and if so, they would like to receive it. Although Sheriff Ploutz has not had time to read the report, as soon as he can, he will comply with their request. A policy on racial profiling has been completed and given to the County Attorney for review. Upon completion of the review, it will be submitted to the Commissioners for their approval.

Pam Westerman, Health Supervisor, and Ronda Kasiska, Health Nurse, presented the Health budget for 2006 of $230,662. This is an increase of $5,189. The Commissioners asked that information be gathered on putting a garage north of the health building. It would be used to house their van and also give them additional storage space. Due to the resignation of Pam Westerman as Health Supervisor effective July 1, 2005, Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Ronda Kasiska as the new County Health Supervisor. Pam Westerman will remain on staff as a County Health Nurse. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Westerman reported there will be tabletop exercise on bio-terrorism with three counties participating in Russell on August 16, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. and she invited the Commissioners to participate.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, presented a budget for the Appraiser’s office for 2006 of $108,670, an increase of $9,620. Some leeway in the budget is due to the fact that Mr. Miller will be leaving and we will have to hire a new appraiser. The amount could be adjusted if necessary before the budget is set.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the May accounts payable in the amount of $145,138.16.

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

Commissioner Rush moved to donate $150 to the 4-H Activity Fund.

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

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The County Clerk reported she had placed the ad for an Appraiser on the Appraiser’s Association website and in the KAC County Comments. The Commissioners decided to wait a few weeks before placing other ads. Also, the Clerk asked permission to pursue a DSL line for Internet service for the Courthouse. Permission was given.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, May 31, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MAY 31, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 31^st of May, 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:

Commissioner 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 May 23, 2005 as presented.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Michelle Brokes, Bent Goss and Rex Boley, representing the Extension Council, presented their budget request for 2006 in the amount of $97,000. This is a decrease of $1,000 from 2005. They discussed how they had eliminated one secretarial position but had increases in liability and travel expenses. The Commissioner will consider their request when they make the final budget.

Upon a request by Carl Miller, County Appraiser, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:00 a.m. and Commissioner Kueser moved to continue the executive session for non-elected personnel until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. Chairman Rush announced that the Appraiser, Carl Miller, would be leaving to accept a part-time appraiser position at Pawnee County. However, he will turn in a budget for 2006 and continue until a new appraiser is hired. Mr. Miller will also work with the Commissioners in the hiring process of a new appraiser.

Paul Westerman, an Ellsworth County resident, discussed the article in the local paper about the Ellsworth County Medical Center looking at the Century building for additional space. Also, he requested that the "Minimum Maintenance" sign on the south side of the county-line road be removed.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the May payroll in the amount of $144,231.80.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement 2004-56 in the amount of $13.50.

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

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

Minutes, May 16, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MAY 16, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of May 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 as printed.

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of May 9, 2005 as presented.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

At 9:05 a.m. a hearing was held on the State & County Five-Year Program. Richard Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, was the only one in attendance for the hearing. The hearing was closed at 9:15 a.m. Mr. Nondorf asked the Commissioner to write-off a balance due from former employee, Daniel Dinkie, on a lost weedeater. Commissioner Kueser moved to write-off $197.88 owed by Daniel Dinkie on a weedeater. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner asked Mr. Nondorf if he would be willing to help with the drainage at the new 4-H barn. He will look at it and see what would be needed. Also, they wanted him to continue to pursue information on the building of a storage shed for sand and salt for county roads.

County Clerk, Jan Andrews, presented her budgets for 2006. She requested $76,561, an increase of $244 in the Clerk’s budget and $47,875, an increase of $13,875 for the Election budget. The increase in the Election budget is due to the purchase of electronic voting equipment mandated by the Federal Election bill, HAVA. The Commissioners will take these requests under consideration when formulating the budget. The software maintenance agreement is up in June on the AS400. We can renew it for one year at a cost of $1,200 or three years for $3,240. The Commissioners agreed to renew the software maintenance contract for three years. Mrs. Andrews asked the Commissioner to authorize her paying for the concrete to complete the handicap parking space at the Kanopolis Library. When making the handicap assessment on the polling places used in the county for elections, the Kanopolis Library was not in compliance. The City has put in a sidewalk from the library to the alley where the handicap-parking place will be located. They are willing to form the parking pad and lay the concrete. Commissioner Kueser moved to authorize payment of the concrete for the handicap-parking place at the Kanopolis Library from the Election budget. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to go into executive session to discuss acquisition of land from 11:10 a.m. until 11:20 am. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The County Clerk was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:20 a.m.

John Sherman, Attorney for the Ellsworth County Health Foundation, asked the Commissioner to sign a corrective deed on the property sold to the Foundation.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, reported they were having an open house for preschoolers today. Also, he asked permission to put in a woman’s shower in the building. It would entail cutting some of the concrete flooring and walls in the restroom area plus two showerheads and plumbing. Ralph Doubrava has given them a quote $540 to cut through the concrete and the other work will be done by them and volunteer, Roy Folk. Commissioner Kueser moved to authorize payment of $540 to Ralph Doubrava for work on the EMS shower. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0. Mr. Ludlum has had a request from the Ellsworth Fire Dept. to paint the rescue truck red to match their other emergency equipment. The Commissioner agreed to their request. Monthly run reports were passed out showing the runs are down by ten from the previous year.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk.