Minutes, January 29, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 29, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 29^th day of January 2007 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 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 with changes. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of January 22, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Steve Donley and Gordon Homeier were in attendance.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, presented the financials for the month of January showing a year-to-date loss of $551,632. However, they will file an interim report with Medicare and most of that loss will be recouped with additional payment from Medicare. The quarterly "dashboard" report and the new policy on concealed weapons were distributed and reviewed. Two proposals for connecting the Century Building and the medical center by fiber optic cable were presented. The Board has decided they would like to go with Wilson Telephone Company, Inc. with an estimate of $19,201.46 Since this money will come from the revenue bond proceeds, Mr. Pearson questioned the procedure that would be used to disburse the funds. In the past the bills were presented to the Commissioners after the Board had approved them and payment was made by the County. In doing this the medical center did have any financial records of the transactions for their auditing purposes. Mr. Pearson asked if perhaps the medical center board could approve the bills, bring them to the Commissioners for approval, the hospital pay the bills and then the county reimburse them. The Commissioners asked the County Clerk to check the bond transcript and the auditors to see how to handle payment of expenses. A discussion was held on how to best advertise the two board vacancies. It was decided that Mr. Pearson would advertise an informational meeting and invite those interested to attend. From those that attend and are truly interested, the Commissioners and ECMC Board of Directors will garner a list of appointees for consideration. A discussion on new Medicare Part B transportation fees and medical necessity, was tabled until more information was forthcoming.

Tammy Kruse, Lincoln Township Clerk, reported the Kansas Department of Transportation is giving the township $15,000 for its roads since the township is in the middle of the K-156 road construction project. She felt that money would not be enough and asked it the Commissioners could help her with other resources or how these resources could be better utilized. The Commissioner wi11 meet with the Road & Bridge upervisor, Mr. Nondorf, to see if he might have suggestions.

Pat Kinnaird, Community Relations Specialist with Central Kansas Mental Health and Clara McCoy, Ellsworth County Board Member, gave the Commissioners a quarterly update on the activities of the organization.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented her Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Report for approval. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2006 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Report. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Also, since the mill levy for 2007 is below 1.500, the county is required to offer chemicals at a discount. Therefore, Commissioner Kueser moved to set the price for chemicals purchased through the county's Noxious Weed Department to 80/20. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, sought approval for the purchase of a computer for his office from the drug prosecution fund. Commissioner Rush moved to allow Mr. Shepack to purchase a computer not to exceed $2,685 from the drug prosecution fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Shepack also discussed a letter he had sent to the district judges asking that the county be allowed to charge a court appointed attorney fee of $50 for misdemeanor cases. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss attorney-client privileges from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:30 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

At the request of Commissioner Oller, Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Olin Svoboda as Commissioner District #1 representative to the Smoky Hill Development Corporation, Inc. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Kueser's appointment was tabled until next week.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 2006, 37 & 38 in the amount of $588.02. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 07R02, A Resolution Urging The Federal And State Government To Retain Drivers' License Renewals At The Local Level. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk