Minutes, January 17, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 17, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th day of January 2006 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commission

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Kueser 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 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of January 9, 2006 with corrections. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, was present at the Public Forum to appeal to the Commissioner to rescind their decision of last week on the amount of Welcome Home down payment assistance to the Vallier family and to change their resolution. The Commissioners did not make any changes and reminded Mrs. Hoffhines that the administration of the program must adhere to the parameters of the resolution.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, presented a list of uncollectable accounts to be written off. Commissioner Heitschmidt move to approve the list of write-offs in the amount of $8,076.54. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. Stats on runs for the month of December and the year of 2005 were given to the Commissioners. Mr. Ludlum is looking at purchasing laptops for the ambulances but does not have a price at this time. The Commissioners discussed the First Responder Class being offered by EMS and how the class is being handled financially. Even though the EMS is sponsoring the class, Shelly Maze will teach the class independently and the fees for the class with go directly through her. Mr. Ludlum presented and agreement between Mrs. Maze and the department specifying the arrangements for the class. Also, the department did not receive any grants toward the class.

A Department Head meeting was held at 11:00 a.m. with all members being present. Items that were discussed included use of cell phones, sexual harassment and meal reimbursements. Department heads were reminded of the procedure to follow if a sexual harassment complaint is filed. After an IRS Compliance Review, it was suggested that the county have a cell phone policy and change the way they reimburse meals for one-day meetings. In the past these meals have been reimbursed through accounts payable. Now, they will have to be reimbursed through payroll. Forms will be made available for day trip reimbursements and they will be turned in with the payroll. Mileage and trips where a hotel stay is required will still be reimbursed through accounts payable.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 06R02, A State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation (Burn Ban). Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 06R01, A Resolution Setting Compensation For Elected Officials And County Employees. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

The Commissioner discussed with Joe Shepack, County Attorney, the offer from Union Pacific for purchase of property covered by an existing lease that expires in September of 2006. Mr. Shepack will review the maps to ascertain the amount of right-of-way the county needs to purchase.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

 

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 16, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 16, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of January, 2006 for the purpose of a Pubic Hearing on the proposed tax exemption for Moly Manufacturing, Inc. located in Green Garden Township, Ellsworth County, Kansas.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

Others Present:

John Sherman, Attorney

Pat Mollhagen, Moly Manufacturing, Inc.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney

Janet Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Kueser called the hearing to order at 10:00 a.m.

2. HEARING

Other than the persons named above, there were no other individuals in attendance. With no input coming from the public, the Commissioners revisited the request for exemption. After the equipment for which the exemption is being sought arrives, a resolution will be drawn up for passage.

3: ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

 

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 9, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 9, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 9^th day of January 2006 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 Kueser 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 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of January 3, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Ward, Wilson, Ks presented information on some land they owned in Wilson Township that the acreage had been changed by the Appraiser’s office. Previously, the land was listed as 152.90 acres and this year was listed as 143.30 acres. They had talked with the Appraiser’s office and were told it was a correction line, however, the correction line did not extend through the township. The Commissioners will take up the issue with the Appraiser and someone will get back with them.

The Pride of the Prairie Youth Leadership Class met with the Commissioners and discussed their role in county government.

Kenny Bernard and Kevin Ludlum were scheduled to meet with the Commissioners, however, Mr. Ludlum was not able to attend. Mr. Bernard presented a Statement of Understanding Between the Ellsworth County Emergency Management and the North Central Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross. The main article covered in the agreement was the American Red Cross supplies that were to be placed in the Ellsworth County Emergency Management Trailer. The LEPC meetings will start again on January 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Courthouse Meeting Room. The Storm Spotter Training will be February 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kanopolis Community Room. Mr. Bernard will be attending a NIMS certification class in February enabling him to instruct other county personnel.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to authorize him to sell the old dump truck and semi that have been replaced by sealed bids, hire two employees and to pay half of the cost of a new excavator from the Special Machinery Fund. The Commissioners authorized all of the requests. The Commissioners signed a contract with Kirkham, Michael & Associates to do the 2006 bridge inspections. Mr. Nondorf informed the Commissioners that Mr. Haun, a route operator, would be taking a pickup home so he can go directly to the route when needed.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported he had a transmission go out of one of this cars this weekend and rather than repair it, he is going to send it to auction as it is. For a replacement he is looking into a Chevrolet truck to be purchased through the State Partners program at a cost of approximately $20,500. The Commissioners agreed with the purchase.

Upon the request of Joe Shepack, County Attorney, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation from 11:32 a.m. until 11:52 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:52 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The Commissioners tabled the decision on a burn ban.

Commissioner Rush moved to give $50 to Ellsworth High School, Wilson High School and Quivira Heights High School for their After Prom activities. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the renewal of the cereal malt beverage license for the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, visited with the Commissioners about the down payment assistance for the Vallier family. The original request is for $2,250, however, one of the students will only be here for two years not the three years stated necessary in the Resolution 03R14. Mrs. Hoffhines stated that at least one had been paid in 2003 for a student who was not here for the three years and she felt this set a precedent. Therefore, the full payment should be made to this family and the resolution changed to accommodate this family and others applicants. The Commissioners did not want to change the resolution and even though an error had been made previously, we should try and stick to the resolution rather than to the exception. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the down payment assistance for the Vallier family in the amount of $1,500 and for the Goddard family in the amount of $2,250. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting 12:20 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. However, a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, January 16, 2006 (a holiday) at 10:00 a.m. for the tax exemption requested by Moly Manufacturing.

 

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

Minutes, January 3, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 3, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 3^rd of January 2006 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of December 27, 2005. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS & APPOINTMENTS FOR 2006:

Commissioner Rush nominated Terry Kueser as Chairman and Lavel Heitschmidt, Vice-Chairman for 2006. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Kueser proceeded to chair the remainder of the meeting.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the following appointments for 2006:

Health Supervisor Ronda Kasiska

Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor Teresa Shute

Road & Bridge Supervisor Rick Nondorf

Purchasing Officer Janet Andrews

Health Officer Dr. Ronald Whitmer

County Coroner Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Jerzy Slomka

Special Deputy Coroner Shawn McGowan, PA

Workman Compensation Physicians Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Jerzy Slomka

EMS Director Kevin Ludlum

EMS Medical Advisor Dr. Dennis Kepka

EMS Liaison Shawn McGowan, PA

Emergency Management Director Kenny Bernard

Official Newspaper Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter

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

3. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported he might have to run a trench between the jail and Courthouse to accommodate the closed circuit TV system. He is meeting with the Wilson City Council this afternoon to discuss the paging system proposal by their fire department and get a commitment from them to reimburse the county for 50% of the cost.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session from 9:50 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Upon the request of County Attorney, Joe Shepack, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation from 10:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:45 a.m. No action was taken.

4. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve Resolution 05R22, A Resolution Amending The Bylaws & Interlocal Cooperation Agreement For The Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative For Counties. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the December payroll in the amount of $164,723.98. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the December accounts payable in the amount of $148,422.05. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the following dues for 2006: Kansas Association of Counties, $1,579.74; Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce, $200; and League of Kansas Municipalities, $479.82. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement 2005, #52 for $353.62. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 27, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 27, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 27^th day of December, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st 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 the approve the Agenda with an addition

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

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of December 19, 2005.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported for the month of November the Rural Health Clinic and Medical Center had a combined loss of $16,008 and a year-to-date loss of $15,903. The Medical Center received one of the two Kansas Excellent Awards given by the Kansas Award for Excellence Foundation. The Center also received other awards in different categories. Governor Sebelius will be in Salina on January 23^rd to present the award to the Salina Regional Health Center and efforts are ongoing to have her come to Ellsworth. The ECMC Board will be having a strategic retreat on February 3, 2006 and the Commissioners were invited to attend. Mr. Pearson showed a video presentation that was shown at the Kansas Excellent Awards ceremony. Commissioner Kueser asked Mr. Pearson to look into the possibility of Ellsworth county employees having access to the Wellness Center at the same discount as the Medical Center employees. Mr. Pearson will get back to them.

Doug Vlcek and Larry Langerman, representing the Wilson Fire Department, presented a proposal from Ka-Comm., Inc. to tie their paging system into the new system at the Sheriff’s office. When emergency management grants purchased new pagers for the cities, they only ordered 8 and in actuality needed 22. Although it was an error on their part, they are not compatible with the new system and something needs to be done. This proposal would be less expensive that buying additional pagers and work better for them. Mayor of Wilson, Eleanor Hunter, entered the meeting and did express a willingness of the City of Wilson to pick up some of the cost but would appreciate the county’s help. The Commissioners responded that they would check with the Emergency Management Director to see if some grant money is still available and get back to them.

Later in the meeting, the Commissioners talked via the telephone with Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, and he indicated there was no grant money available. Sheriff Ploutz, who was also in the meeting, reiterated the necessity of having this system set up as soon as possible and would be willing to fund the entire amount from his budget with the City of Wilson reimbursing the General Fund for their portion. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the proposal from Ka-Comm., Inc. in the amount of $4,280.79 from the Sheriff’s budget with the City of Wilson reimbursing the county for 50% of the expense. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Gene Linton, Jean Pflughoeft and Eleanor Hunter, representing Ellsworth County Council on Aging, reported they had a shortfall of funds for 2005 and had bills and payroll they would not be able to meet. To help with this temporary problem, Commissioner Kueser moved to pay the Senior Center bus insurance of $2,720. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Also, the County Clerk, will arrange to have the first tax distribution in January sent as soon as distributed.

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, asked permission to purchase a RAM software package for submitting runs to the State of Kansas at a cost of $6,445. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the purchase of the RAM software at a cost of $6,445. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Also, Mr. Ludlum requested to purchase a new color laser printer at a cost of approximately $476. This would eliminate the four other printers. The Commissioners approved the purchase. Mr. Ludlum was reminded that the old printers needed to be listed on the county’s website and if not sold offered to employees at the same price.

Sheriff, Tracy Ploutz, and County Attorney, Joe Shepack, visited with the Commissioner briefly about racial profiling and the new policies required by the legislature. Sheriff Ploutz informed the Commissioners that he had purchased three video monitors for the booking room and dispatch area at a cost of $1,407 and a closed circuit TV system for the courtroom for $6,990. Both purchases are from H & B Communications. When questioned if the closed circuit system was bid out, the Sheriff responded he did not take bids on this project. Sheriff Ploutz reported the work on the E-911 system was going smoothly.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, asked to reserve $10,000 from her 2005 budget to be spent on the new spray truck that is ordered but will not be billed until 2006. Commissioner Kueser moved to allow $10,000 from the Noxious Weed’s 2005 budget to be expended in 2006 for the new spray truck. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Discussion was held on the trash contract with Slechta Enterprise. Due to the fact the contract was last bid out in 1997, it was decided to take bids by April, the renewal date.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, visited with the Commissioner about the eminent domain proceeding on the Vopat land.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R21, A Resolution Whereby The County Agrees To Convey Certain Real Estate, Commonly Known As The "Old 4-H Barn" To Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the renewal of cereal malt beverage licenses for Cliff’s Service and Martin Oil. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 2005, 50 & 51 in the amount of $274.64. 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