Minutes, April 17, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 17, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th day of April, 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 Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda with additions. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of April 10, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Robert Fitzgerald, EMS Department, and Alex Vodraska, Prairie Communications, visited with the Commissioner regarding the rebanding of the 800-communication system. Also present, were Jonathan Mitchell, Gaye Woods, Tracy Ploutz, Rick Martin and Ken Nelson. Mr. Vodraska explained that the county’s radios cannot be rebanded so new ones will have to be purchased. Because Nextel-Sprint is the company causing the need for changes, they will be responsible for the cost of the radios. The State of Kansas is included in all these changes and we can joint with them, sharing their legal representation and negotiators. At the present time, we need to establish verbally our "point of contact" and furnish a list of equipment that will need to be replaced. Commissioner Rush moved to join with the State of Kansas in the rebanding of our 800 system and to appoint Robert Fitzgerald and Alex Vodraska as our "point of contact" for the project. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Vodraska asked that the County Clerk be involved as needed.

At 9:30 a.m. a Department Head Meeting was held with the following in attendance: Gaye Woods, Janice Sneath, Nancy Hysong, Peggy Svaty, Tracy Ploutz, Rick Nondorf, Teresa Shute, Paula Schneider, Ronda Kasiska and Jan Andrews. The Commissioners reviewed the Agenda items. They encouraged county purchases be made within the county, if at all possible. There were three corrections to the Employee Handbook and one new policy discussed. There was a change made to the Ellsworth County Cell Phone Usage policy and with that change, it will be included in the Handbook. The new payroll system is now able to track vacation and sick leave and in a couple of months we will start using it on a monthly basis. A new time sheet was distributed and was approved for use when we start that phase. The IRS has said we can no longer give gift certificates to employees at Christmas because it is taxable to the employees. The group agreed that at the present time a $25 addition to the December paycheck would be added. If anyone thinks of something better, they should get back to the Commissioners. The Commissioners urged the department heads to revisit their page on our website and make changes to keep it current and interesting. It was decided to have a countywide silent auction on surplus equipment on June 7, 2006 at the EMS building. The Clerk will get a listing of all the equipment for an ad and other paper work that needs to be done. Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, thanked the many department that have assisted him when asked and felt the cooperation between the departments was good. The same sentiment was expressed by other department heads. Before leaving, Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, informed the Commissioners she had hired Gene Diaz for the part-time landfill attendant position.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, discussed the process of allowing burning in the city limits of Ellsworth. Now the individual wanting to burn calls the City Inspector and the City Inspector calls the Sheriff’s office to receive final approval. Mr. Mitchell suggested that the people only needed to call the Sheriff’s office for approval. The Commissioners informed Mr. Mitchell that decision was up the Ellsworth City Council.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to sponsor the Relay for Life team from the Health Department at a cost of $50. Commissioner Kueser moved to pay the sponsorship for the Relay for Life team from the county in the amount of $50. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Kasiska asked permission to have a county credit card for gasoline purchases and purchase of vaccines online. The Commissioners denied the request.

Pat Kinnaird and Clara McCoy, representing Central Kansas Mental Health, gave the Commissioners a quarterly update on the activities within the county. In the first quarter there were 32 new admissions from Ellsworth County.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, asked to purchase a Sharper Image germicidal air purifier for his office. In the summertime when the air-conditioner is on, the air is very dank and he would like to see if it would help. The Commissioners approved the purchase. Upon the request of Mr. Shepack, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session from 11:40 a.m. until 12 Noon to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 12 Noon. No action was taken.

5. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the application for rental of the Ellsworth County Community Barn. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The Commissioners approved a one-quarter page ad in the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter progress supplement and asked the County Clerk to submit the proposed ad.

1. NEW BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed Senate Bill 407 that would allow the County Commission to set jury pay at $10 to $50. Presently, the county pays $10 per day. Commissioner Rush moved to set the daily pay for jury duty at $10 per day. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The deadline for applications for EMS Director closed on April 14, 2006. The Commissioners extended the ad and application deadline to May 12, 2006 and added Wichita to the list of newspapers.

2. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 10, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 10, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 10^th day of April, 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 Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of April 4 and April 7, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz asked the Commissioners to approve the new job descriptions for Corrections Officer/Jailer and Detention Supervisor as approved by Austin Peters, Inc. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the new job descriptions for Corrections Officer/Jailer and Detention Supervisor. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried. Sheriff Ploutz has named Mike Wise to the position of Detention Supervisor effective April 10, 2006. The Commissioners questioned if the new Dispatcher Supervisor position was responsible for the Phase I & Phase II of the local E-911 implementation. Sheriff Ploutz replied that she is taking that responsibility and that they are on schedule.

David Raines, Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter, asked if the Commissioner would like to participate in the "The State of Ellsworth County-An Economic Profile 2006". The Commissioners will consider the request.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, asked the county to pay for the repairs on the runway at the airport. The approximate amount of the repairs is $7,500. Since the county does levy funds for that purpose, the Commissioners agreed to pay the costs. Mr. Mitchell presented a project proposal for Phase I of a Comprehensive Community Development Plan With Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. This would include the cities of Ellsworth, Wilson, Holyrood, Kanopolis, Lorraine and the unincorporated area of Ellsworth County. The projected cost would be $93,000. The Commissioners felt the cost and scope of the proposal was more than what was needed. Also, they needed to approach each city to make sure they wanted to be included in the plans. It was suggested that other firms be contacted, as well as other counties that had zoning, before any commitments are considered. Mr. Mitchell will get back to the Commissioners on May 8^th .

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported she had taken delivery on the new spray truck and had received three bids on the bed. After discussion, Commissioner Rush moved to accept the bid from Schultz Welding for a truck bed for $2,350. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Shute reported former employee Lyle Woodmansee had passed away. Geary County might be interested in purchasing the old spray truck. Mrs. Shute was authorized to accept an offer of $25,000 to $30,000 for the old truck.

Roberta Waymaster & Teresa Shute, representing the Technology Committee, reported it is time to renew the corporate Norton Anti-Virus. It will expire on May 7, 2006. She had asked for two bids but received only one which is $37 for each computer for a total of approximately $1,600. Labor will not be included as the county has employees that do the installation. The Commissioners instructed them to proceed with the purchase.

Amy Boxberger, Director of Central Kansas Community Corrections, presented and reviewed the 3-Year Comprehensive Plan. They are in the process of restructuring and will only supervise adult offenders. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 3-Year Comprehensive Plan for Central Kansas Community Corrections. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Gaye Woods, Interim EMS Director, and Rick Soukup, EMT, presented the Commissioners with two bids for an ambulance. Mr. Soukup reviewed the specs and item that could be deducted from the total cost of the ambulance. Commissioner Kueser moved to purchase a Med-Tech ambulance at a cost of $118,705. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, gave the Commissioners a copy of a zoning seminar being held in Wichita. Also, some properties that did not sell at the tax sale can now be offered to interested parties. He will prepare a letter to those who expressed interest and to adjacent property owners of those properities.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush shared with the other Commissioners a phone call he had received from Union Pacific about the purchase of railroad right-of-way when our lease expires September 1, 2006. Commissioner Rush will can the individual and ask that we get a good legal description of the property before any settlement is decided on.

At the County Clerk’s suggestion, it was agreed a copy of the draft Cell Phone Usage Policy be forwarded the department heads before the meeting on April 17^th.

The newly acquired space to be later turned into a parking lot was discussed. Commissioner Kueser will see what the cost would be to grave it. Item was tabled until that time.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements 93 & 94 in the amount of $194.76. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 7, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 7, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 7^th day of April, 2006 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse to canvass the votes from the Wilson City Election held on April 4, 2006.

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

2. CANVASS OF BALLOTS:

The results of the Wilson City Election held on April 4, 2006 whereby three Council Members would be elected was canvassed. The canvass resulted in no changes to the vote tally previously reported. There were four Provisional Ballots that were accepted and counted changing the total amount of votes for each candidate. However, the result of the election was not changed.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting 8:30 a.m.

 

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 3, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 3, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 3^rd day of April, 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 Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda with additions. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of March 27, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Chairman Kueser presented John Hammond, a retired employee with the Road & Bridge Department, with a plaque for 25 years of service with the county.

Gaye Woods, Paramedic, asked the Commissioners to sign a Power of Attorney giving her authority to purchase drugs for the ambulances. The Commissioners discussed their offer to her to be the Interim EMS Director and Mrs. Woods agreed to accept the position. Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Gaye Woods as the Interim EMS Director at a salary of $700 per month. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Ads for an EMS Director have been placed in the local paper, and Hutchinson, Salina and Great Bend papers. Mrs. Woods reported they are still working on the new ambulance bids. At a recent meeting they attended, it was suggested they have hazmat suits in the ambulance. The Commissioners suggested she contact Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director to see if he could purchase them through a grant.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the March accounts payable in the amount of $196,794.91. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Purchase Order 00060 for $1,115. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush reported that North Central Regional Planning Commission would be raising their dues to $3,500.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 27, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 27, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 27^th day of March, 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 Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of March 20, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

During the Public Forum portion of the Agenda, Shelly Maze presented her application for EMS Director to the Commissioners.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kevin Ludlum, EMS Director, presented the financial reports for January and February. Bid specs have been sent out to Med-Tech and Osage for a new ambulance and Shelly Maze is working on an education policy. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Ludlum for his service upon leaving and wished him success in his new endeavor.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reported on the zoning policies Stafford County had implemented and thought the cost was between $19,000-$20,000. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:03 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:15 a.m. and no action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 06R04, A Resolution Rescinding the Burn Ban Imposed By The Ellsworth County Commissioner in Resolution 06R02. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners noted that they would, however, review the situation on a week-to-week basis.

Commissioner Kueser moved to name Gaye Woods as interim EMS Director effective April 1, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The County Clerk was instructed to put a help-wanted ad for the EMS position in the local paper as well as the Salina, Great Bend and Hutchinson papers.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 06R03, A Resolution Approving The Granting Of A Tax Exemption On Economic Development Grounds To Moly Manufacturing. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the March payroll in the amount of $145,315.06. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Commissioner Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk