Minutes, June 25, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 25, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 25^th day of June 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. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of June 18, 2007. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Laura Warta was present for the Public Forum and presented her concerns that some citizens who are opponents of the windfarm in Ellsworth County, have been contacting the electrical companies expressing the view that Ellsworth County is not in favor of the windfarm. The Commissioners agreed that perhaps they did not speak for the majority of the county and certainly not for the elected body that represents the county. They proposed sending a letter to the companies expressing support for the project.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported they had a profit of $35,586 for the month of May and a year-to-date profit of $303,860. He presented a bill from Jones Gillam for architectural fees for this phase of remodeling the Century Building in the amount of $4,500. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the payment of $4,500 to Jones Gillam. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Health Fair will be June 30^th this year and it will be educational only. The medical center will be having a Rural Trauma Development Course this year and would like to invite the EMS staff. The remainder of Mr. Pearson's time was spent discussing the Strategic Plan Process and the pillar "People". Mr. Pearson also invited the Commissioners to attend their board meeting on July 18^th.

Janice Sneath, Register of Deeds, presented her budget for 2008 of $75,500, an increase of 5.5%.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, discussed the possibility of purchasing a bariatric cart for patients weighing over 500 lbs. According to Dr. Kepka, we have about fifteen patients in Ellsworth County that would meet that criteria. Now, most of those patients have to be taken to a facility in Wichita or Topeka and the way they transport them is on a mattress on the floor of the ambulance making it difficult to administer to them and an uncomfortable ride for the patient. The bariatric cot will hold 850 lbs. in the top position and 1,200 lbs. in the lower position. Mrs. Maze has one bid for $6,426 and is expecting another bid. The Commissioners asked that when she gets the other bid, to make the best decision. Upon the request of Mrs. Maze, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:02 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken.

Janet Andrews, County Clerk, presented the 2008 budget for the Clerk's office and Elections. She requested $93,273 for the Clerk's budget, an increase of $4,613 or 5.3% and $50,250 for Elections, an increase of $19,723 or 13%. The increase in election is due to the fact that 2008 is a big election year with two elections and the programming for elections have more than doubled since the federal HAVA law was passed.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported that the bridge on the Lincoln-Ellsworth County line is being put on the Lincoln County's State 80/20 Five-Year Plan. Since it is on the county-line, both counties will share the cost of the bridge. In the meantime, Lincoln County has put in an 11-foot culvert. The Commissioners signed paper work showing all the state requirements for our bridge in Wilson Township have been completed so the State can begin the bidding process. Mr. Nondorf reviewed his bid process for purchases of fuel in case they receive any complaints.

Judge Mike Keeley, John Isern, Court Administrator, and Sabrina Chism, Chief Court Service Officer, present the District Court budget for 2008 of $81,290 the same as last year. Judge Keeley gave the Commissioner a check for the Court bond system for $850. However, the legislature passed legislation this past year that will do away with that bonding system except in special circumstances.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, updated the Commissioner on the FEMA activities in the County. One individual has already received a check for some of the damages and will be able to apply for low interest loans for the rest of the repair. The City of Holyrood has reported they have had good service. Individuals are being urged to call in and get a FEMA case number whether they had damages from the first or second storm. Then, when and if the second storm is approved, they will activate the case number.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Chairman, Kermit Rush, will represent the county of the Long-Range Economic Development Leadership Group.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement 2006-113 in the amount of $71.96. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk