Minutes, January 22, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 22, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 22^nd 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of January 16, 2007. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The following people were present for the meeting: Kayla Gray, Jean Schwerdtfeger, Dorothy Choitz, Peggy Svaty, Stephen Donley, Mary Jo Huseman, Virgil Huseman, Don Nienke, Betty Nienke, Gordon Homeier, Lisa Lindsley, Wayne Bohl, Lester Pflughoeft, Eric Bohl, Tracy Ploutz, Peg Britton, Laura Warta and Gary Wacker.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Matt Gilhousen and Rob Freeman, representing TradeWind Energy, made themselves available to answer questions the Commissioners had about the Pilot agreement proposed by TradeWind Energy. The Commissioners expressed concerns about the county road and bridges that would be affected, the amount of in lieu of tax money being offered, a decommissioning clause and the setback needed from the county's right-of-way. Mr. Gilhousen and Mr. Freeman replied that they would be agreeable to an escrow account or bond to protect the county's infrastructure. In regards to the in lieu payment, they explained the project money was being divided between two counties and they felt the Ellsworth offer was in line with the amount being paid by other windfarm projects. In regards to a decommissioning agreement, Mr. Gilhousen stated that there were decommissioning clauses in the individual leasing contracts that should take care of that issue. The Commissioners felt, if needed, they could give a 500-foot set back from the right-of-way and Mr. Gilhousen felt that was workable. Mr. Freeman explained that with Lincoln County, they had two agreements; a Pilot Agreement and a Road Maintenance Agreement. They could do the same thing with Ellsworth County if they desired and will send a copy of the road agreement for their perusal. Mr. Gilhousen explained the interconnection sub-station will be located in Ellsworth County and would be owned by Midwest Energy. He is presently working on contracts for trucking and construction and will get the names of subcontractor to them once the contracts are let. They may have to have some driveways put in but their subcontractors will do them. As requested, Mr. Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, will supply them with a county road map and would be available for any questions or information needed during the project.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported he had put a state salt truck on hold.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District, reviewed the CDBG water/sewer projects ratings. Seventeen projects were funded and unfortunately, Post Rock Rural Water District was not one of them. However, the water district has been able to make some money this past year and will try to do what they can without the grant funds. It is possible they will try again in the next few years to get a CDBG water grant. Mr. Bailey thanked the Commissioners for their cooperation and sponsorship in the grant process.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, as requested by the Commissioners, discussed the number of automobile accident claims in the past three years as well as other liability. Sheriff Ploutz had talked with K-CAMP, our insurance carrier, and they felt that the automobile accidents were mostly deer accidents and unavoidable. On the liability issue, there is a potential claim out there and a reserve has to be held in case a claim is filed. Other than those two issues, Mr. Mann at K-CAMP felt Ellsworth County was doing well. The Commissioners encouraged Sheriff Ploutz to talk to the insurance company about any training that they feel would be helpful or needed. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation from 11:13 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. No action was taken,.

The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. Chairman Rush called the meeting to order. Garfield and Sherman Township were on the Agenda to address their resolutions to the Commissioners on industrial windfarm devopment in the Smoky Hills. Approximately 80 citizens were in attendance for the meeting. Attached is a list of those attending the meeting.

The following individuals, representing Garfield and Sherman Township addressed the Commissioners in opposition to the development of the industrial windfarm: Virgil Huseman, Garfield Township, Zack Grothusen, Garfield Township, Rob Manes, The Nature Conservancy of Kansas, Steve & Elizabeth Donley, Garfield Township, Ron Klatasky, Audubon Society of Kansas, Wayne and Scott Bohl, and Rose Bacon. Mary Jo Huseman, Joan Bohl, Melinda Boeken and Anne Grothusen gave other comments in opposition.

Those speaking in support of the industrial windfarm were: Jim Warta, Walter Schwerdtfeger, Lawrence Choitz, Don Kihn Don Svaty and Gordon Homeier. Mr. Homeier did ask those who were there in support of the windfarm to stand and a majority of those in attendance stood.

Chairman Rush thanked the citizens for their input and would take all the material under consideration in making their decisions. However, he did note that their decision had nothing to do whether or not the windfarm was constructed as that decision was between TradeWind Energy and the individual landowners.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Since Commissioners Kueser and Oller were not ready yet to make their appointments to the Smoky Hill Development Corp., the item was tabled until next week.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to donate $50 to each of the district high schools for their After Prom activities. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Health Department's Purchase Order 1062 for computers in the amount of $2,286.60. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 3:45 p.m.

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, January 16, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 16, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^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 as printed. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of January 8, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The following citizens were attendance during the meeting: Virgil Huseman, Wayne Bohl, Joan Bohl, Lester Pflughoeft, Paul Westerman, Steve Donley, Jim Warta, Raymond Thomas, Don Kihn and Gordon Homeier.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, handed out run stats for the December and year-end. This year they had 798 runs. The second new ambulance will be here sometime around the first of March and the one just replaced is ready for Kenny Bernard to take possession for an Emergency Management vehicle. Mrs. Maze discussed some of the transports for which Medicare will no longer reimburse.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported she will be purchasing three new computers when she receives her pandemic funding. Upon the request of Mrs. Kasiska, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:40 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to advance Lenora Henderson to step 11,f on the salary schedule effective January 1, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush acknowledged receipt of resolutions from Garfield and Sherman Townships with respect to industrial wind generating facility development. In that resolution the townships expressed a desire to meet with the Commissioners to express their views on the subject. Virgil Huseman, representing Garfield Township, asked if that meeting could be scheduled for the following week. The Commissioners agreed and the meeting will take place on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 1:30 p.m.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the renewal of the KWORCC and KCAMP insurance policies for 2007. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Sara Goss as a representative of Commissioner District #2 on the Smoky Hill Development Corporation. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Appointments for District #1 and #3 were tabled until next week.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners received a letter from the State of Kansas informing them the county sponsored Post Rock Rural Water grant application would not be funded.

Paul Westerman, Garfield Township, expressed some of his views on the proposed windfarm. Mr. Westerman questioned the finances of the company constructing the windfarm but is not for or against it.

Gordon Homeier addressed the Commissioners on the proposed windfarm for Ellsworth County. Mr. Homeier had questions regarding the legality of the Sherman Township Trustee who no longer lives in the township and about the resolution given to the Commissioners. The Commissioners advised him to talk with the Sherman Township about his concerns and advised him of the meeting next week at 1:30 p.m.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, reported to the Commissioners he had received an email from Tradewind Energy with site map showing the roads that would be used for the windfarm project. Mr. Shepack will check with the Road & Bridge Supervisor about the roads and bridges in the area and the liability amount that would be needed to repair if damaged.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 8, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 8, 2007

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 8^th of January 2007 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 Heitschmidt moved to approve the Minutes of December 26, 2006 and January 2, 2007. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner-elect, Albert W. Oller, was in attendance.

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS & APPOINTMENTS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Kermit Rush as Chairman of the Ellsworth County Commission for 2007. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion.

Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Terry L. Kueser as Vice-Chairman of the Ellsworth County Commission for 2007. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Rush presided over the remainder of the meeting.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2007 Appointments as follows:

Health Supervisor Ronda Kasiska

Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor Teresa Shute

Road & Bridge Supervisor Richard Nondorf

Purchasing Agent Janet Andrews

Health Officer Dr. Ronald Whitmer

County Coroners Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Jerzy Slomka

Special Deputy Coroner Shawn McGowan PA

Workman Compensation Physicians Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Jerzy Slomka

Shawn McGowan, PA

EMS Director Michelle Maze

EMS Medical Advisor Dr. Dennis Kepka

EMS Liaison Shawn McGowan PA

Emergency Management Director Kenny Bernard

Official Newspaper Ellsworth County Independent Reporter

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. APPOINTMENTS:

Upon the request of County Clerk, Jan Andrews, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, gave an amended report of the Special Law Enforcement Fund showing a balance as of December 31, 2006 of $2,278.38. He reported he did not expect to hear about the wireless grant until after January 31, 2007.

Kenny Bernard, EMS Director, presented a proposal from the LEPC Committee to have an incident stress management class for spiritual responders. The cost of the training would be $2,500 with the County, Health Dept, ECMC sharing the costs. Also, there would be a $20 fee for handouts. The county's portion would be $850 plus the handout fees if they wanted to pay for some of them. Commissioner Kueser moved to provide $1,050 for the CISM (Crisis Incident Stress Management) training with $850 as our cost-share amount and ten $20 handout fees. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of purchasing a generator for the Courthouse and Jail to be put between the two buildings. Mr. Bernard will do some checking with military surplus as well as new to see what would be available.

4. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS:

There were no old business items.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Kansas Association of Counties dues for 2007 in the amount of $1,564.54. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

6. OTHER BUSINESS:

At 12:00 Noon, Albert W. Oller, was sworn in as the new Commissioner for the 1^st District.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, introduced himself to Mr. Oller and shared some information on the Post Rock Rural Water District grant being sponsored by Ellsworth County.

7. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.

 

_________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Commissioner

Minutes, January 2, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 2, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 2^nd day of January 2007 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.

Virgil Huseman was present for the public form but did not wish to address the Commissioners.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roberta Waymaster, Technology Committee, Robert Fitzgerald, Webmaster and EMT and Michelle Maze, EMS Director, met with the Commissioner to discuss and find a solution to the current problem on the website. Since the Webmaster is also an EMT and the work is done during his time when occupied by EMS, some problems have developed. One, being in the remodeling of the office, the web computer is no longer in a secure place and there is not sufficient space for him to leave his computer work out when called out on an EMS run. Several options from having him work in Courthouse on his days off schedule or as suggested by Mrs. Maze, putting him on the second day shift whereby he would have office space and work a daily shift was discussed. The County Clerk was asked to research some FLSA issues and they would all get back together again.

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Michelle Maze, EMS Director, was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:45 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken. Mrs. Shute reported she had a request to sell water to a local farmer but she refused as she had no way to meter the water and metered water was available from cities in the county. The Commissioners agreed with her decision.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:30 a.m. until 10:40 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:40 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:00 a.m. until 11:10 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:10 a.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items on the Agenda.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 07R01, A Resolution Establishing The Rates of Compensation for 2007. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the December payroll in the amount of $176,854.55. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the December accounts payable in the amount of $114,284.37. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the renewal of a cereal malt beverage license for Service Oil Company. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 26, 2006

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 26, 2006

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 26^th of December 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 December 18, 2006. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Present for the Public Forum was Virgil Huseman and Steve Donley, but neither wanted to address the Commissioners at this time.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Janet Andrews, County Clerk, presented a proposal for office furniture to make another workspace for the new full-time position. Also, she would add a pedestal file to another workstation with the overall cost being $1,956. Commissioner Rush moved to allow the purchase as requested. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, thanked the Commissioners on behalf of his employees for the meat trays given to them for Christmas.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed with Mr. Huseman and Mr. Donley their desire to discuss with the County Attorney information they would like to have on the proposed windfarm to be located in Ellsworth and Lincoln County. One of the requested items would be a site map of the project and also, since most of the roads in the area are township roads, how they would deal with the township. Chairman Kueser reiterated that the county planned to go slow in the process to make sure the county was protected as well as possible. Mr. Huseman stated that he and others would like to share their vision and offer a resolution from Garfield Township. The Commissioners were receptive of such a meeting whenever they were ready.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve renewal of Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses for the following: Martin Oil Company, Smoky Hill Trading (Consumption on Premises), Smoky Hill Trading (In Unopened Containers). Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 06R16, A Resolution Exempting Ellsworth County, Kansas From Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, As Promulgated by FASB. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 06R17, A Resolution Transferring From The Road & Bridge Fund To The Special Machinery Fund and Resolution 06R18, A Resolution Transferring From The Health Fund To The Health Capital Outlay Fund. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the agreement transferring a lease from WestPlaines Energy (Aquila) to Mid-Kansas Electric Company, LLC. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the estimate from Nece Electric to improve the wiring in the Extension Office in the amount of $825.20. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve, as requested by Mr. Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, movements of Daron Stevenson, Jerrod Pruitt and Gerald Sipes to 8e on the pay scale. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:45 a.m. No action was taken.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:06 p.m.

 

___________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk