Minutes, December 19, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 19, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 19^th day of December 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 December 12, 2005.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff, Tracy Ploutz, gave the Commissioner his yearly report on the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund showing an ending balance of $4,768.02. He has hired Marlene Rodriguez as a part-time dispatcher/jailer. The letter sent out to cellular and wireless carriers informing them we were ready with Phase I & II has brought results. In moving into Phase II of the program, it will be necessary to purchase the software for the mapping. Nine Nine One, Inc. will supply such software and installation at a cost of $4,000 - $5,000. The Commissioners asked that Sheriff Ploutz reconfirm that the cost would be a turnkey operation and all the expense necessary to get us compliant. If not, additional funding for the project may be necessary through the grant system.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, asked the Commissioners to clarify the carryover in his budget and where that carryover is directed. All carryover funds are used to finance the next year’s budget and if additional authority is not spent, those funds are transfer to the Capital Equipment Reserve Fund to purchase ambulances and other equipment needed. Mr. Ludlum passed out information on the Fair Labor Standard Act and in particular information on overtime. Mr. Ludlum has asked not to trade in an ambulance when he purchases a new one this year, leaving three ambulances in Ellsworth. The Commissioners questioned whether or not we needed the third ambulance and if we would have the personnel to staff it.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth County Administrator, passed out some information on the impact of KDOT’s Highway 156 project.

Jon Mollhagen, Moly Manufacturing, and John Sherman, Attorney, presented a proposal for expansion at Moly Manufacturing and asking for a tax exemption for that exemption. The present Tax Exemption Policy states "improvements" and Mr. Mollhagen’s expansion would be for equipment. Mr. Sherman and John Cyr, North Central Regional Planning Commission, felt the policy should be amended for clarification purposes. Therefore, Commissioner Kueser moved to amend the county’s Tax Exemption Policy, Criteria For Granting Of Tax Exemptions; VI. Nature of Improvement, A & C to included "improvements and/or equipment". Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Mollhagan is asking for an exemption on a value of $253,414 with the creation of four new jobs. The committee, as specified in the policy, will review the request and make their recommendation next week.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, requested an executive session. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:26 a.m. until 10:40 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:40 a.m. No action was taken. Mr. Bernard informed the Commissioners the Kansas Highway Patrol would be doing an audit on the Dept. of Justice grants sometime in 2006. They will be checking the equipment purchased and the training.

Pat Kinnaird, Central Kansas Mental Health, gave the Commissioners a quarterly update on their activities in the county. There were 32 admissions from Ellsworth County this past quarter.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, asked for authorization to purchase a new computer. Commissioner Kueser moved to authorize the purchase of a computer from Computer Solutions at a cost of $1,665.05. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, presented a bid from Kyler & Sons for the curb, driveway and sidewalk to the new garage. Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid from Kyler & Sons in the amount of $3,215. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Roger Peterson, Attorney representing the Ellsworth County Medical Center, discussed the back special taxes and 2005 taxes owed on the recently purchase Century Building. The City of Ellsworth will not abate the delinquent specials from 2003 and 2004. A tax exemption has been filed with the Board of Tax Appeals on the building, and the tax situation needs to be solved before their deliberations on the application. Commissioner Kueser moved to pay the 2003 and 2004 specials and three-fourths of the 2005 taxes and specials from the Hospital Bond fund with the remaining quarter of the 2005 specials to be paid by the ECMC. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, discussed on-going legal matters with the Commissioners.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the renewal of cereal malt beverage licenses for Venango Korner Mart, Service Oil Company and Simmons Bait & Tackle. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 2005, 36,37,38,41,45,46 & 47 for $1,379. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 12, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 12, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 12^th day of December, 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 Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of December 5, 2005. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

1. APPOINTMENTS:

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented Purchase Order 00059 for approval. Having approved the purchase of a truck the following week, the Commissioners signed the purchase order for the truck. On Monday a state inspector visited the landfill and pointed out the new rules of operation that will go into effect after the first of the year. One the changes is that they will have to push every 24-hours and the operator running the equipment will have to have a way to communicate while working. Therefore, Mrs. Shute was instructed to check out the cost of a cellular system.

Other changes are that Slechta will have to give weight tickets for the items he takes out of the landfill and the landfill operation plan will have to be amended to include recycling. Also, one of the computers at the Noxious Weed department is old and keeps locking up and she asked permission to purchase a new one. Before buying, it was suggested that she look at a computer the Appraiser’s office was no longer using. If it was not usable, then pursue the purchase of one.

Upon the request of Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to hire Sara Bohl as a part-time county health nurse effective January 1, 2006 at range 3, step k. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. The Commissioner discussed with Mrs. Kasiska the new garage and suggested she get bids for a concrete drive and sidewalk to the building.

Jo Funk, Sanitarian with the Saline-Salina County Health Department, gave a yearly report on the LEPP program.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, asked for an executive session. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive for the purpose of attorney-client privilege from 11:40 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 12:00 a.m. No action was taken.

1. OLD BUSINESS:

The old business item, Purchase Order 00059, was included with Mrs. Shute’s appointment.

2. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the renewal of the cereal malt beverage license for Smoky Hill Trading Post. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve Abatements 33-35 in the amount of $221.26. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the resignation of Steven Dlabal, Jr. as Clerk of Noble Township and appoint Steven Dlabal, Jr. as Trustee of Noble Township and Carmel L. Dlabal as Clerk of Noble Township. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

 

3. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners held a worksession on 2006 salaries. No action was taken.

Commissioner Kueser will contact Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, about the payment of the 2003 and 2004 delinquent street improvement taxes on the recently acquired Century Building.

Jerry Moran, 1^st District U. S. Representative, stopped in and visited with the Commissioners about any concerns they might have. Representative Moran commented on the success of county government versus the discord between the parties at the federal level.

4. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 5, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 5, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 5^th day of December 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 November 28, 2005.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Ploutz reported he was still planning on putting in closed circuit TV between the jail and the Courthouse. Also, to improve jail security, he plans on installing three more TV’s in the booking room at a cost of $1,400. He still does not have the cost of the closed circuit TV installation but will share that information when it becomes available. Sheriff Ploutz asked the Commissioners to approve the new job description of Dispatch Supervisor. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the job description of Dispatch Supervisor effective January 1, 2006 at the salary range 8, step g. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners discussed with Sheriff Ploutz his suggestion that they contact the hospital about free memberships for county employees to the Wellness Center. Presently, he thought the hospital employees have the benefit and they were considered county employees. The Commissioners will approach the Administrator about the suggestion.

Upon the request of Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:40 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. No action was taken.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, requested an executive session. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:55 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:15. No action was taken.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, passed out the financial reports from the last three months and the October run stats. Since the ambulance service now only has Med-Tech ambulances, Mr. Ludlum asked that if they could only bid Med-Tech this year. The Commissioners disagreed and asked that he have at least two ambulance bids before purchase. Mr. Ludlum also asked if they could have a trial period of three months for the proposed volunteer pay change. The Commissioners will discuss that along with other salary items before the first of the year.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, was not able to attend the meeting, however, Commissioner Kueser moved to purchase the gasoline chassis 2006 C-5500 truck from Holm Motor Company at a cost of $26,968.56. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the November payroll in the amount of $150,885.80. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the November accounts payable for $132,250.66. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 17,18,30,31 & 32 for $956.31 and Adds 19 through 28 for $340.43. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R18, A Resolution Exempting Ellsworth County From Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R19, A Resolution Transferring from the Road & Bridge Fund To Special Machinery Fund and Resolution 05R20, A Resolution Transferring From The Health Fund To the Health Capital Outlay Fund. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to give employees a Chamber gift certificate with a value of $20. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:20 a.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, November 28, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 28, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 28^th of November, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Kermit Rush, 1^st District Commissioner

Lavel Heitschmidt, 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 November 7 and November 14, 2005 as corrected. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, asked for a signature for the Department of Justice Grant. Also, he asked permission to use the Meeting Room in the Courthouse as a shelter when roads are closed due to bad weather. Here they would have a kitchen and would be close to eating-places. Emergency Management personnel would be on the premises at all times. Commissioner Kueser moved to allow Emergency Management to use the Courthouse Meeting Room and facilities as shelter when necessary. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported that for the month of October the hospital and clinic had a net profit of $13,343 and a profit of $974 year-to-date. There was a lengthy discussion on the charity care the hospital is hoping to implement and what funding would have to be forthcoming from the county.

Keith Ryan asked the Commissioners to purchase the World War II Veteran’s calendar for each of the county offices. The money from the sale of the calendars goes to the Flint Hills Foundation. Commissioner Kueser moved to purchase ten of the calendars at $5 each with the check being made payable to the Flint Hills Foundation. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Janet Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk & Election Officer, presented purchase order 00058 for 10 ES&S AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals at a cost of $48,800 for their approval. This purchase was necessary to be complainant with the federal Help America Vote Act. The State will pay $40,000 of the purchase cost. Mrs. Andrews also asked to retain $5,000 from her 2005 Election budget to be spent in 2006 on the purchase of this equipment. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Purchase Order 00058 for ten AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals and backup supplies in the amount of $48,800 and allow $5,000 to be held over from the 2005 Election budget to be expended in 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Andrews requested to use $15,500 from the Capital Equipment Fund to purchase a M650 scanner from EE&S using the old AIS 150 Ballot counter as a trade-in. Commissioner Rush moved to allow the purchase of an EE&S M650 scanner in the amount of $15,500 to be purchased from the Capital Equipment Fund. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. A proposal for consolidation of polling places was presented to better utilize the new mandated voter equipment. There were no objections to the proposed consolidation.

Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, discussed a letter that was written by the County Attorney to Greg Marsh, purchaser of the "old hospital" about her representation on behalf of the county. Mrs. Hoffhines also presented an Addendum to the Letter of Agreement between Hoffhines Marketing and the County. The Addendum clarifies income received from consulting, writing, and speaking engagements on the Kansas free land program is not covered under the agreement she has with the county. Commissioner Kueser asked Mrs. Hoffhines to discuss with Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. a name change. Since that organization is not a county organization, it does appear to the general public that it is a county entity. Mrs. Hoffhines will take the request back to her Board of Directors. It was suggested that Mrs. Hoffhines report on a regular basis on the Welcome Home activities.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported the Road & Bridge cut through the waterline when they digging the new pit. She suggested they move the waterline to avoid the same situation with the other platted pits are dug. She had two bids but only one bid for a one-inch line. The Commissioners authorize Mrs. Shute to get a bid from the other company on a one-inch line and to accept the lowest bid. Bids on a truck chassis to be used for a new spray truck were given to the Commissioners. One was for a diesel and the other regular gas. The decision on the purchase was tabled until next week. The Ellsworth Correctional Facility has agreed to build the truck bed.

Upon the request of County Attorney, Joe Shepack, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session for attorney-client privilege from 12:00 Noon until 12:10 p.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 12:10 p.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R17, A Resolution Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A General Warranty Deed Conveying The Old County Hospital To Equity Partners Funding, LLC). Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 2005, 9,10,12,14,15, & 16 in the amount of $672.03. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:25 a.m.

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk