Minutes, November 26, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 26, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 26^th of November 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 a correction. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of November 13, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported that Larry Sawyer would be retiring December 31, 2007 completing 29 years of service. They will be holding a reception on December 31^st at 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sheriff Ploutz would like to present him with a communication badge rather than a plaque and the Commissioners agreed would be more appropriate. At the Sheriff's conference, he saw a demonstration of a catch net and is going to purchase one. The net is located and deployed from a flashlight and after deployment, is no longer usable. However, refills for the flashlight can be purchased. The cost of the item is $500 with the refills being approximately $50 each. Jerry Slaight has been hired as a deputy effective January 2, 2008.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented, for signature, contracts between the county and the State of Kansas for the construction engineering of the Dlabal Bridge. The Bridge was let on November 14^th for $286,000 which is lower than expected. Our share of that cost would be 20%. The Commissioners signed the contract.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District, presented a Materials & Labor Procurement Consideration and a Request for Release of Funds and Certification. Mr. McKinney discussed the Environment Assessment in which there were no comments of concern.

All of these documents will be submitted to the State.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reported he had heard from the State Board of Tax Appeals and they had approved the exemption filed by the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society for the years 2005, 2006 & 2007. Although the taxes for those years were not paid, the value of the property will come off of the tax rolls. The tax dollars lost for the three years would be approximately $100,000. Mr. Miller shared the revised Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. This plan has lower percentages, a simplified plan, and lower number of years for rebates. Also, it includes a disaster plan that would protect the county in that instant. He and Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development, Inc. will be going to all cities and school boards to explain the plan and ask if they wish to be a participant. An estimate of $4,575 to update the office furniture in two of the appraiser's office was presented for approval. Commissioner Oller moved to authorize the expenditure of $4,575 to update two offices. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, and Shawn McGowan P.A., EMS Liaison for the Medical Director, requested an executive session. Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:27 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Commissioner Kueser 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:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatements in the amount of $1,197.48. Commissioner Kueser 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