Minutes, November 13, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 13, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 13^th day of November 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

CANVASS OF BALLOT OF GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 2006

Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The Commissioners canvassed the totals for the General Election held on November 7, 2006. A tie write-in vote for Ash Creek Township Clerk between Lloyd Prochaska and Davd Koralek, Jr. resulted in a toss of the coin. Mr. Koralek won the toss and will be issued a Certificate of Election. If he should refuse the Certificate, then Mr. Prochaska will be issued one. After the canvass, all total reported on election night remained the same. There were 23 Provisional Ballots of which 17 were deemed to be valid and were counted. The total votes for each candidate were adjusted to reflect the Provisional Ballots, however, the outcome of each race was not affected.

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Barbara and Jerry Pickering requested to have their cereal malt beverage license transferred from Venango Korner to the Dry Dock. They will be closing Venango Korner. Commissioner Rush moved to transfer the cereal malt beverage license for Venango Korner to the Dry Dock. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Shelly Maze, EMS Director, and Rick Soukup, EMT, reported the new ambulance passed inspection and will be received this week. Mr. Soukup discussed with the Commissioners the new EPA regulations for diesel engines scheduled for 2008 and the cost increase associated with these new regulations. We have another ambulance scheduled for early 2007 and if another one were ordered before 2008, there would be a cost savings. The Commissioners felt that they could not commit to another purchase at this time. Mrs. Maze reported the new furnace system is partially completed. Also, she would like to replace six cardiac monitors at a cost of $88,000. There is an option to lease the monitors instead of purchase and the Commissioners asked that she bring that information back to them. EMT, Terri Stone, has enrolled in a MICT class. Upon the request of Mrs. Maze, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:35 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:35 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved, upon a successful completion of his 90-day probation period, to moved Christopher Cain to 11;c on the salary scale. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon the request of Carl Miller, Appraiser, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:55 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 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 11:00 a.m. Mr. Miller announced he had hired Marie Ranker for the position of Office Deputy II.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, visited with the Commissioners about the upcoming zoning meeting.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m. There will be no meeting on November 20^th due to the fact that two Commissioners will be attending the KAC Annual Meeting.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

November 13, 2006

Minutes, November 6, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 6, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th day of November 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 as printed. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of October 30, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Upon the request of Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:05 a.m. until 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:25 a.m. No action was taken.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported that Reece Construction had gotten the contract for the Vopat Bridge with a bid of $139,188 which was lower than expected. Our 20% portion of the bridge would be $30,700 and the Commissioners signed the contract agreement with Reece Construction. There are three Ellsworth County bridges scheduled for bid letting in 2008 and Mr. Nondorf is trying to get the dates moved to one in October of 2007 one in early 2008 and the last one late in 2008. Mr. Nondorf has found a pickup to replace the one he drives at the same cost he paid in 2002 of $24,818.

Shelly Maze, EMS Director, reported that after reviewing her budget, she felt that some of the cost of the new furnace system could come from here budget. Upon the request of Mrs. Maze, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:06 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:20 a.m. Commissioner moved upon a successful 90-day evaluation to moved Jerry Florian to step 11; d. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Mrs. Maze questioned if the new free wellness center membership was available to the part-time employees. After a brief discussion and consideration, it was decided to offer the benefit to full-time employees only at this time. Mrs. Maze asked what the policy was on Christmas parties and the Commissioners replied that the county did not pay for any Christmas parties. If she wanted to have one it would have to be a potluck. Mrs. Maze has been having monthly training meetings and has found that if she provides a meal for the meeting, the attendance is better. Therefore, she is requesting the county furnish the cost of the meat for the meetings out of the training fund. The Commissioners agreed on the funding.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the October payroll in the amount of $153,930.58. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the October accounts payable in the amount of $193,497.65. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser and Heitschmidt will be attending the dinner sponsored by Kirkman, Michael & Associates on November 19, 2006.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 6, 2006

 

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.

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, October 16, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

October 16, 2006

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of October 2006 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

 

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Commissioner Terry Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kermit Rush moved to approve the Agenda with an added appointment. Commissioner Lavel Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Ellsworth County Sheriff, Tracy Ploutz, informed the County Commissioners he had hired a new part-time dispatcher at a rate of $7.50 cents per hour. Upon the request of the Sheriff, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:05 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director reported she had changed cell phone provider, from U.S. Cellular to Alltel, and a reduction in the number of phones from 8 to 5, one for each ambulance.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Discussion was held on the zoning meeting that is to be held in November.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Terry Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

 

_____________________________________

Ona Crawford, Deputy Clerk

Minutes, October 9, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

OCTOBER 9, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 9^th day 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:

Vice-Chairman 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.

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

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Gene Linton, Virginia Boots and Mildred Janzen, representing the ECCA, met with the Commissioners to discuss their financial problems. The public transportation bus has had to have major repairs leaving them with a cash flow problem. Some of the money spent on the bus will be reimbursed by KDOT, however, it usually take a couple of months to get the money. In the meantime, to meet expenses, they have borrowed $4,000. The Commissioners discussed with them some of their expenses such as rent to the Senior Center, charge for bus service and the ECCA match to the North Central Flint-Hills Agency on Aging. Mr. Linton suggested that perhaps some of the Senior Care Act money could be channeled locally rather than being sent to the state. The Senior Care Act is committed for this year, but that might be a consideration for the 2008 budget. Mr. Linton suggested that they try to renegotiate the rent with the Senior Center and the county will pay the ECCA match to North Central. Mr. Linton and Mrs. Boots will meet with the Kanopolis and Ellsworth Councils to see if they would be willing to give some support to the public transportation services and perhaps an increase in the fee for services might be considered. The distribution of the money the county allocates to the Services for the Elderly was reviewed. The Commissioners approved the following allocation schedule: 30% to the Ellsworth Senior Center, 30% to ECCA, 27% Wilson Senior Center and 13% to Holyrood and the distribution will be done by the County Clerk.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Wellness Center Agreement with ECMC. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

The County Clerk reported Mr. Foster had suggested November 13^th or 27^th for the public meeting on zoning. Also, the high school has been contacted to reserve the Performing Art Center for the meeting. The Commissioners agreed upon November 27^th as date for the meeting. Upon confirmation of the meeting place, the Clerk will start advertising the meeting.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Lavel Heitschmidt as delegate and Terry Kueser as alternate to the KCAMP Annual Meeting. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Heitschmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.

 

___________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, October 2, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

OCTOBER 2, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 2^nd day of October 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 September 25, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roberta Waymaster, Technology Committee, reported that the Committee had met and had decided $17.50 per hour was a fair wage for tech services. Commissioner Rush moved to establish a fee of $17.50 per hour for technical assistance provided by the technology committee for work done during off-hours. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to sign the agreements with the State of Kansas on the engineering on the Vopat Bridge. He is still in the market for a salt truck and will try to get one from the State Surplus Program. If he finds one, he will put a hold on it immediately. He will have a cost estimate on returning the seven-mile road the road below the dam back to gravel. That estimate will also have a comparison of the maintenance on the roads. Mr. Nondorf’s truck has about 130,000 miles on it so he will be looking to replace it this year. The Commissioners were invited to come out and see the new excavator.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported the carpet had been laid in two rooms and tomorrow they will finish the job. They did a little remodeling by taking out a couple of desks and installing countertops making a workstation for the EMTs to use to file their paper work. The foundation has been repaired and she is contacting the high school about some shrubs to plant around the foundation. The November date for delivery of the new ambulance is still viable. Upon the request of Mrs. Maze, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:45 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Rush moved upon a successful evaluation to moved Shawna Haase to range 11, step c on the salary schedule effective September 28, 2006. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

John Murray, Barbara Kice, and Rick Stitt, representing Liberty Technologies, Inc., met with the Commissioners to discuss the possible acquisition of the Century Bldg. The County purchased the building for future use by the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Murray reported that the ECMC Administrator had set a non-negotiable sale price of $1.2 million for the building, which they feel is extreme considering the price the county paid for the building. Mr. Murray presented several options for satisfying the revenue bonds used for the purchase of the building. However, the Commissioners did not feel they were viable options. The Commissioner explained that this was an ECMC Board decision and they should get an appointment with them and present their proposal to them.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, asked if there was a possibility of bidding on a 1992 ambulance in Hesston for use as a mobile emergency command center. He though it might be able to be purchased for $5,000 to $6,000. The Commissioners stated a new ambulance will be purchased in 2008 and they suggested that perhaps instead of trading it in, they could keep it for emergency management use. Before we do anything on the Hesston ambulance, the Commissioners will check with EMS Director to see what ambulance is schedule for trade-in in 2008 and if it could be used for that purpose.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser reported he was unable to contact Mr. Bahr at the ECMC about the wellness center contract. The issue was tabled until next week.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the September payroll in the amount of $156,813.04. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the September accounts payable in the amount of $138,194.94. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:05 a.m.

 

 

______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk