Minutes, August 20, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 20, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 20th day of August 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 August 13, 2007. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported a loss of 94,961 for the month of July, however, the cash flow for the first month of the new fiscal year was good. Great Plaines will come in next week to start their work and then an audit report will be available in October. The design work is almost done for the remodeling of hospital space. They have looked over the administration space in the Century Building and it appears that little work will need to be done there. Mr. Pearson discussed in the near future the need to go to all private rooms versus semi-private rooms. If so, that could mean an expansion of the hospital.

Roberta Waymaster, Technology Committee, reported the LEPC Committee had requested to utilize the website for their minutes. The Committee felt it was a good idea and the Commissioners agreed. Also, the Commissioners authorized a link to the Smoky Hill Economic Development, Inc. site from our website.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, having been to a KEMSA meeting, discussed our situation on transfers with other services and found that many of them had the same problem. The State Director of KBEMS will not come out to meet with the medical staff and Commissioners as suggested. Their scope of services is only emergency and does not deal with transfers. Mrs. Maze will meet with Dr. Kepka, the Medical Advisor, and see where to go from here. Also, Mrs. Maze will discuss with Dr. Kepka a contract between ECMC and the EMS for transfers. Mrs. Maze asked for permission to close in an area upstairs in the EMS building where they keep supplies. The cost of materials would be between $500-$600 and they would do the work. The Commissioners agreed as long as they do the work. When question about their generator, Mrs. Maze responded that theirs is on a weekly start up.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported wood on the eaves of the building was flaking and needed to be replaced. She had a bid for doing those services but after talking with the Commissioners it was suggested she might try using tin instead of wood and asked that she get other bids. The cost of chemicals was discussed and it was decided to go up to 85%, which would include a 10% cost of handling and storage. She has received correspondence from the state asking that an engineer look at the present pit and have them draw up plans for correcting the problems. She has contacted Kirkham, Michael & Associates for those plans.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to sign an Emergency Preparedness Contact with the State of Kansas for grant purposes. The contract was signed.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, advised the Commissioner the roof at the County Shop was leaking rather badly and asked it a new one could be put on out of the County Building fund. He has one estimate for approximately $18,680 but Commissioners asked that he seek a few other bids. Mr. Nondorf reported they were finished with the overlaying and were starting patchwork.

3. OLD BUSINESS

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The County Clerk discussed the LUCA program, a program that allows state and local governments to review and update the Census Bureau's address list. There are three options for participation with the third option being the least time consuming of the three. The program is a voluntary one; however, they are urging everyone to participate. The County Clerk felt that she had the time and staff to participate in the third option if that was agreeable with them. The Commissioners agreed that option was sufficient.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:45 p.m.

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk