Minutes, July 17, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 17, 2006

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th day of July 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 July 10, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Janet Andrews, County Clerk, presented her 2007 budgets for the Clerk’s office and Elections. The Clerk’s budget was $88,660, an increase of $12,099 and the Election budget was $30,527 a decrease of $17,368. Mrs. Andrews discussed the new maintenance items in her budget due to the election equipment purchases that were mandated by the federal election law HAVA. Even though some of the equipment was purchased by the state through federal funds, the maintenance will have to be carried by the counties. The increase in the Clerk’s budget was due to a third position in the Clerk’s office staff.

Paula Schneider, Treasurer, presented her 2007 budget of $98,600, an increase of $2,373. Mrs. Schneider explained that the only item she increased was the salary line item. She may have to purchase a copier and printer but that will be out of the 2006 budget.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, and Gaye Woods, Paramedic, reported that the interviews held last week were successful and that two new employees were hired. They are Chris Cain, EMT-I, who would be hired at range 11step b, starting on August 14^th and Jerry Florian at range 11 step c, starting on August 7^th.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to renew the contract with the State of Kansas for Group Health Insurance for a three-year period. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

A budget worksession was held and the Commissioners gave their recommendations from the budgets they had received to the Clerk for preparation of the county budget.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews

Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 10, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 10, 2006

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 10^th of July 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 Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of July 3, 2006. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Rex Boley, Brent Goss and Michelle Brokes, representing the Extension Service, made a 2007 budget request of $98,500 an increase of $2,640 or 2.8%. The concession stand in the new 4-H barn will be almost completed before the fair and will be usable.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, present her 2007 budget request of $227,800 a decrease of $1,538. The Commissioners commended Mrs. Kasiska on her efforts to reduce costs.

Frank Princ, a Wilson Township citizen, asked the Commissioner to consider closing a road between Section 31 & 32 south of the river in Wilson Township. Since this road is a township road, the Commissioners asked that he contact them first and if they agreed, come back and start the legal proceeding to close the road.

Upon the request of Michelle Maze, EMS Director, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:10 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:20 a.m. No action was taken. Mrs. Maze presented her 2007 budget of $398,129 an increase of $15,229 or 4%. Also, Mrs. Maze suggested that the charges for ALS services be increased by $50. The County Commissioners agreed to raise the ALS services $50 effective August 1, 2006.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, discussed a bill from Bob Johnson for juvenile service, which he feels the county does not owe. The juvenile was in the care of JJA, however, JJA will not pay for the last day. He is going to turn the bill in for payment, but the County Attorney may not approve the payment. Sheriff Ploutz presented his 2007 budget of $723,234 plus a request from the County Building Fund of $25,000 and $40,000 for Juvenile Detention. The Sheriff’s budget would be an increase of $80,334 or 12.5%. The money from the County Building Fund would be used to redo the dispatch area when all the local E-911 changes are made. Mr. Ploutz reported he had gotten his first batch of prescriptions from Diamond Pharmaceuticals and felt the savings would be substantial.

The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon. At 1:30 p.m., Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, asked for clarification on employee Becky Bailey’s status and how his office was going to function during her leave of absence. The Commissioners reiterated that they would abide by the leave absence policy in the handbook, therefore giving Mrs. Bailey a three-month leave. After brief discussion of how that position would be filled in the meantime, the Appraiser and Clerk agreed to share an employee during this period. New employee, Shelly Vopat, agreed to that arrangement.


3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 06R8, An Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Entered Into As Between Ellsworth County and Saline County, Per K.S.A. 12-2901. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The Resolution Enacting A New Sanitary Code for Environmental Protection in Ellsworth County, Kansas was tabled until the County Attorney could review it more thoroughly.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the North Central Solid Waste Management Plan 2006 Annual Review. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 2:10 p.m.

 

 

____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, July 3, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 3, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 3^rd day of July 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 an addition. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of June 19 and June 26, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Pat Murray, Executive Director of the Central Kansas Mental Health Center, and Clara McCoy, Board Member, presented the organization’s 2007 budget request of $18,301, an increase of $533 or 3%. Mrs. Murray reported they are operating at a deficit so far this year, but hope to make some headway during the rest of the year.

The Commissioner discussed with Paula Schneider, Treasurer, several items from the management letter issued by the county’s auditor Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle.

Janice Sneath, Register of Deeds, presented her 2007 budget requests of $72,500 a 4.3% increase. The only item Mrs. Sneath increased was the salary line.

Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc., President, Lisa Lindsley, Executive Director, Anita Hoffhines, and Long Range Planning Board Members, Bill Finke, Doug Moeckel, John Sherman and Jonathan Mitchell, presented the Economic Development budget request for 2007. Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc is projecting a budget for 2007 of $82,610 of which they are requesting $50,000 from Ellsworth County. Another $24,610 of that budget would be solicited from the cities in the county. The intent would be to hire a full-time director and office staff. In the $50,000 from the county, $15,000 would be used for down-payment assistance for the Welcome Home Plan. John Sherman addressed the issue that the long range committee have not come up with an format for the organization they would like to have handle economic development for the county but felt the county should have considerable input into the organization and the makeup of the board. At the present time, the county only contracts with Hoffhines Marketing to handle the Welcome Home Plan and makes contributions to other entities as needed. The Commissioners will take their request into consideration.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, reported he had hired Ramiro Gutierrez and Ivan Hoosier as part-time dispatchers. Mr. Guiterrez will train later as a correction officer/jailer. Another individual is coming into day that might be hired as a part-time jailer. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:40 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:45 a.m. No action was taken. Use of the Taser is included in the new Use of Force Policy that is waiting to be approved by the County Attorney. All officers are certified in the use of the Tasers but they will not be used until the Use of Force Policy is approved. Sheriff Ploutz signed an agreement with Diamond Pharmaceutical that furnishes medication to all the State of Kansas prisons. He has talked with Seitz Drugs and they have agreed to work with him. The grant for E-911 funding is ready to submit.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reviewed the RE Appraisal/Sales Ratio Study with the Commissioners. The Study showed that the Appraiser had made substantial improvement in the commercial subclass and that Ellsworth County was in compliance in all classes. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:25 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:45 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to continue in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:45 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Attorney, Joe Shepack, and employee Becky Bailey were included in the executive session. Commissioners returned to open session at 12:00 Noon. Chairman Kueser announced that they had agreed that Becky Bailey would take a voluntary leave of absence without pay for an indefinite period of time.

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, passed out copies of the new sanitary code he had drafted and an Interlocal Agreement between Ellsworth and Saline County. Discussion on the issues was tabled until the Commissioners had time to review the documents.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the June payroll in the amount of $151,209.70. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the June accounts payable in the amount of $141,288.70 plus payment of $1,187.18 for the metal for the new 4-H barn. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutues, June 19, 2006

 

Minutes, June 25, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 26, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 26^th day of June, 2006 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

In the absence of Chairman, Terry L. Kueser, Vice-Chairman, Lavel Heitschmidt, 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 2-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, gave the Commissioner a financial report on the hospital and clinic showing a profit of $8,953 for the month of May and a year-to-date profit of $204,419. Mr. Pearson reported Dr. Slomka will be gone for a month and that will have a significant impact on future financials. The Board voted to purchase a new CAT system at a cost of $730,000 to be financed over the next five years. Since the radiology department generates 67% of the total hospital revenue, the Board felt it was a good investment. The amnesty program and medical access card program are ready to be implemented.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, had two items for the Commissioners. One, he requested the Commissioner include $30,000 in the 2007 budget for the airport as a match for a federal program. They have applied for a state grant and the city will match that program. Second, he asked the Commissioner to consider the zoning proposals made by Mr. Foster last week and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program for the City of Ellsworth. The Commissioner felt some changes were necessary for Neighborhood Revitalization Program in respect to the minimum amount of investment and the rate of abatement through the years. The Commissioners asked Mr. Mitchell to work with the Appraiser, Carl Miller, and the County Clerk on the program and they will reconsider it.

Gail Vance, representing Pride of the Prairie Leadership Program, requested $4,285 for the 2007 budget. This is the same as last year.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported the new spray truck is here and is working well. She represented her 2007 budget for Noxious Weed, Landfill and Recycling. The Landfill request was $87,610 and included the purchase of a tractor and the Noxious Weed, $164,390.

Administrative Judge, Mike Keeley, District Administrator, John Isern, Chief Court Service Officer, Sabrina Chism and Ellsworth District Court Clerk, Peggy Svaty, visited with the Commissioner on their 2007 budget. The request was for $81,290, an increase of $1,200. Also, Judge Keeley presented a check from the Court Bonding Fund to the Commissioners in the amount of $1,205.59. A discussion was held on the new law allowing the Board of Commissioner to set the jury fee. The Commissioner passed a resolution keeping the fee at $10 per day.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioner discussed the information received from Mr. Foster last week on zoning and asked the County Clerk to contact him and ask for a proposal for Ellsworth County and Ellsworth City with the cost of the plans divided out.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Welcome Home Down Payment Assistance for Kort and Becky Hawks in the amount of $3,000. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement 2005-137 in the amount of $30. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

As requested by Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle, County Auditors, the County Commissioners signed a letter of engagement for the 2007 budget designating the County Clerk, Janet Andrews, to assist in the preparation of the 2007 budget.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Heitschmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.

 

 

______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 12, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 12, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 12^th day of June 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 June 5 and June 6, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Carl Eyman, Deputy Administrator and Loss Prevention Specialist with KWORCC, discussed the workman’s compensation losses for the past five years. Even though we have had small claims, we have had numerous ones. He suggested instituting some safety classes to make the employees more aware of the hazards and taking necessary precautions.

Carolee Miner, Shelia Nelson-Stout and Pat Wallerius representing OCCK, Inc., presented their budget request for 2007. They would like to have a 2% increase for a total of $64,205. The Commissioners will take their request into consideration.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, presented the City of Ellsworth Neighborhood Revitalization Plan to the Commissioners. In order for the plan to be established, all taxing entities must agree on the rebate of taxes for those residential and commercial properties included in the plan. The Commissioners responded that they would like the County Appraiser to look at the proposal before they make any decision.

Gene Linton, representing the Ellsworth County Council on Aging, resented the 2007 Elder Service budget requests for 2007. Also, approximately twelve others representing both Senior Centers, ECCA and Holyrood were in attendance. The request for 2007 was $72,975, an increase of $12,975 or 21%. The increases will go to salaries and transportation. Mr. Harms also asked the Commissioners to consider a mill levy outside of the Elder Service budget for transportation. The Commissioners thanked those in attendance for the commitment of volunteer service and will give their requests due consideration.

Shelly Maze, EMS Director, passed out monthly financial stats and reported she has hired Shawna Haase as an EMT at range 11, step b. She has had a request from Salina Fire Service for help with standby at the Salina speedway. The Commissioners were in agreement that we needed our ambulances here at home not in Salina. The EMS received a grant to hold classes on pre-hospital trauma services. Service Director workshops have been postponed until July 11, 2006.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to consider the engineer proposals on the inspection of the Vopat Bridge and to get back to him with their results. The Annual Road Supervisor’s Report was presented. Presently, the crew is working on mowing and they just finished one bridge and will be starting another one. The overlaying is almost done and Mr. Nondorf discussed with them the increase in price for all petroleum products needed by his department.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, met briefly with the Commissioners and discussed the proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Plan submitted by the City of Ellsworth.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m. with the notation that the meeting on June 19^th will start at 8:00 a.m. to work on the engineer proposals.

 

___________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes June 5, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 5, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 5^th day 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 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 Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of May 30, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:05 a.m. until 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Shelly Maze was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:25 a.m. No action was taken.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, discussed the mounting medical expenses being incurred by the inmates. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation from 9:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:45 p.m. No action was taken.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Director, requested an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:55 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:10 p.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to terminate part-time Landfill employee, Bobby Bouileanu, in accordance with the Ellsworth County Employee Handbook. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Shute reported the new spray truck would be finished shortly and they have finished spraying the townships. Mr. Vanek is spraying early in the morning in order to get it done before the wind becomes a factor.

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

Pam Hays, Brad Kratzer and Phil Chegwidden, representing the Ellsworth County Soil Conservation District, presented their budget request for 2007 of $29,000. This is an increase of 3.2%.

Upon the request of County Attorney, Joe Shepack, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss a matter covered by attorney-client privilege from 11:26 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:45 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Barton County Resolution 2006-11, A Resolution Establishing District Coroner Procedures And Rescinding Resolution 1996-11, District Coroner Procedures Adopted February 5, 1996. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve May Accounts Payable in the amount of $165,216.98. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement 2005-136 in the amount of $162.44. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed the EMS Director position but tabled the decision until a later date.

6. ADJOURNMENT

At 1:20 p.m. Chairman Kueser recessed the meeting until Tuesday, June 6^th at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews , Ellsworth County Clerk