Minutes, October 23, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

OCTOBER 23, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd of October 2006 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Kueser was unable to attend due to the death of his father and Vice-Chairman Heitschmit had laryngitis, so Commissioner Rush chaired the meeting. Commissioner Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda with an addition. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of October 9 and October 16, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Linda Denning, President of the Chamber of Commerce, was present for the Public Forum and discussed the conflict with the date for the zoning meeting with the Chamber’s Christmas Parade. She felt the Chamber should support the zoning meeting and asked if the meeting date could be changed. However, the speaker and building have been committed so it would not be possible to change the meeting at this point. Mrs. Denning will talk with the Chamber members and see if they would be willing to change their activity.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported a monthly profit of $34,550 and a year-to-date loss of $117,000. Other reports given to the Commissioners were the quarterly "dashboard" report, the audit for 2005 and 2006 and an audit trend report. The amnesty period for reduction on payment of overdue accounts was extended through October. They have not had much response on their Medical Access Card program. They recently received notification that their grant application to purchase equipment for the video conferencing center in the amount of $297,045 was approved. Mr. Pearson reported that Rick Stitt and his associates had made an offer to purchase the Century Building from the hospital for $900,000 but the ECMC Board decided the offer did not meet the hospital needs and rejected the offer.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, advised the Commissioners they were holding a meth awareness program at the High School on October 25. All high schools in the area will be attending the meeting. There will be an adult meeting on the subject the same evening at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Pandemic Flu informational meeting on October 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mrs. Kasiska presented a new contract between Rice and Ellsworth County for the Family Planning Program. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the contract between Rice and Ellsworth County for the Family Planning Program. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. The Health Department will receive $13,727 in Bio-terrorism grant funds for 2006-2007. This is less than last year, however, the Pandemic flu money has been increased. So far, they have given 100 flu shots.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported they had a carbon monoxide problem in the bay area and it has been traced to the furnace. She has contact B&B Plumbing and City Plumbing to get estimates to replace the furnace. At the present time, the furnace is shut off.

John Sherman, Attorney representing Moly Manufacturing, Inc., asked the Commissioner to approve the resolution granting an economic development tax exemption to Moly Manufacturing. Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 06R12, A Resolution Approving The Granting Of a Tax Exemption On Economic Development Grounds to Moly Manufacturing. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Raymond Thomas entered the meeting at 10:55 a.m. but did not wish to speak with the Commissioners

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, asked the Commissioners to pass a Use of Force Policy. The policy has been reviewed by KCAMP, our insurance carrier, and he has made the suggested changes. The County Attorney, Mr. Shepack, has been given the policy but he has not responded. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Use of Force Policy. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The appointment of District Coroners was tabled until next week.

The release of lien on the Welcome Home house was signed.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Commissioner Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk