Minutes, April 23, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 23, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of April 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 April 16, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, gave the financial report for the month of March showing a profit of $139,109 and a year-to-date loss of $255,515. The hospital will be starting a Patient Safety Cultural Assessment this week. This assessment will identify error in patient care in the past and focus on preventative measures to reduce any potential errors. Architects have started the design phase for the space renovations in the hospital and Century Building. It should take about six to nine months to complete the design and bid process.

Pat Kinnaird, Central Kansas Mental Health, gave the Commissioners an update on the activities of the Mental Health Center in Ellsworth County. Since May is Mental Health Month, they are sponsoring presentations, screening and events to mark the occasion.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, presented a new policy to replace the present one on Memorial Money, Donated Money & Fund-Raisers Guidelines. Since the EMS does accept designated funds, a policy needed to be established to handle those donations. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Memorial Money, Donated Money & Fund-Raiser Guideline as presented and to approve the present voucher for radios from the Memorial Fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Maze requested approval for Shawna Haase to attend a billing seminar in Denver, Colorado for two days, May 17^th and 18^th. Commissioner Oller moved to send Shawna Haase to the EMS Agency Managers Seminar in Denver, Colorado on May 18, 2007. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, presented a bid for cabinetry for his dispatch office from Indoff, Inc. for $33,940.41. He had contacted Ralph Doubrava for a bid; however, Mr. Doubrava felt he couldn't get the material he would need to make such a bid. The Commissioner went to the dispatcher center to view the proposed changes. Upon return, the Commissioner gave Sheriff Ploutz the authority to work with Indoff, Inc. to get a more refined cost estimate.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented agreements to purchase small portions of land necessary to do the State Bridge project. The Commissioners discussed with Mr. Nondorf and Sheriff Ploutz, the complaints they are getting from citizens about the vehicles using the three-mile road and Ave T as detour routes. All of the Commissioners have driven the road as well as Mr. Nondorf, but at that time, there were no big trucks or vehicle traveling at excessive speed. Sheriff Ploutz will ask his deputies to patrol that area more frequently. Also, he suggested those with complaints to call him.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 16,2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

APRIL 16, 2007

MINUTES

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of April 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 Oller moved to approve the Minutes of April 9, 2007. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported that Shelby Soukup, Noxious Weed-Landfill Department, offered to man the health office while the health employees are taking NIMS training. There will be a tabletop exercise on Community Containment on June 13^th from 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at the Health Department. Mrs. Kasiska asked permission to write-off debts two years old or older in the amount of $655.50. A discussion was held on whether a letter from the County Attorney could be sent to delinquent accounts before being written off. The Commissioner will discuss this with the County Attorney and get back to Mrs. Kasiska. Commissioner Kueser moved to sponsor the Health Department Relay for Life Team at a cost of $60. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The county will only sponsor one relay team each year and that team will be designated on a first comes, first serve basis. The County Clerk discussed the possibility of purchasing a 1-800 number to be used in case of a county emergency. The cost would be $5 per month plus the usage. The County Clerk was asked to get more information before making a decision.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed the grass that was planted several years West of the hospital. It has gotten quite tall and could pose a fire hazard. Therefore, Commissioner Kueser moved to put the approximately 4 acres of grass out for sealed bid to be hayed for three years, 2007, 2008 & 2009, stipulating the baled hay must be removed within 30 days of completion. Bids will be accepted in the County Clerk's Office until 5:00 p.m., May 11, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The County Clerk reported she had contracted with Larry Griffith to removed the diseased tree and stump on the North side of the Courthouse and remove the stump from the Crab Apple tree that was removed last fall. Also, she had researched the Butterfield Overland Delivery route as asked and could not find any mention of it in the years of 1964 through 1969 in the Minutes.

Commissioner Rush has been approached by the Historical Society about using a tall ladder at the Sheriff's office to paint the ceiling of the museum. The Commissioners agreed they could use the ladder for a specified two-week period.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

_________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 9, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 9, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth Commissioners convened this 9^th day of April 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 March 26, March 27, April 2 and April 6, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Gerry Gebhardt, Kanopolis Councilmember, asked the Commissioners to waive the landfill fees for demolition from the city owned community building. The Commissioners approved the waiver of $1,000 per the county's policy.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, reported he had ordered digital cameras and voice recorders for each of the deputies and himself. The cost of the equipment would come from the Special Law Enforcement Fund. The 911 computer started having problems this weekend. He has contacted Nine Nine One, Inc. and will get an estimate on repair or replacement. The system is still working but not all of the components are operational.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, Roy Folk, City of Holyrood Maintenance Supervisor, and Matt Smith, Wildlife & Parks, met with the Commissioners to discuss the requested in-kind contribution to the renovation of the Holyrood Lake. Mr. Nondorf explained that he did not have the manpower or the time to remove the amount of silt they would like to have removed in a certain timeframe. Since an in-kind contribution would not be possible at this time, the Commissioners discussed the possibility of a monetary contribution to the project. Unfortunately, the budget for 2007 is already set, but the Commissioners will put that consideration in their 2008 budget file. Mr. Nondorf discussed the recent paperwork on the Five-Year State Plan for bridges. We are in line with the state's bid letting schedule and should have the funds necessary for 20% participation. Mr. Nondorf reported he had been inspected by KDHE and there were no violations.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, and Shawna Haase, EMT, went to the Medicare meeting last week and reported that within the next two years, they plan to go to all electronic banking. EMS Week is May 20-26 and they plan on having an open house on June 2, 2007. Also, they will do a poster and coloring contest for school aged children. On June 9^th, they will have a picnic at the Rick Soukup residence and give out service awards pins.

Jon Halbgewachs, Kirkham, Michael & Associates, introduced their new engineer, Larry Schiesercke, and updated the Commissioner on the bridge work that is in progress and the future projects. Also, they are trying to find the corner sections at the landfill in order to be complaint with KDHE regulations.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 07R04, A Resolution Authorizing The Noxious Weed Department To Maintain A Cash Drawer. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 6, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 6, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th day of April 2007 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ellsworth County Courthouse to canvass the ballots from the City/School General Election held on April 3, 2007.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

2. CANVASS OF BALLOTS:

The canvass was held and there were no changes to the totals reported on April 3, 2007. There were 12 Provisional Ballots and the Board of Commissioners defined that 7 of the ballots met the guideline for being countede. The seven ballots were counted and the vote totals changed to reflect those ballots. However, the results of the election did not change.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 9:10 a.m.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 2, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

APRIL 2, 2007

 

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, discussed the remodeling of the jail. At the present time he has one estimate but is getting another one. He and Penny VonLehe attend a monetary meeting on the E911 grant last week. The transmission has gone out on one of the patrol vehicles and he might be able to switch it out with the one from the vehicle that he selling. Sheriff Ploutz reported he was having trouble with vehicles not adhering to the designated detour routes set up for the Highway 156 construction. They are using township roads instead and causing road damage and traffic problems. Commissioner Kueser discussed the township roads being used for "mudding" after the recent rains. It, too, is causing considerable damage to the roads. Saline County has a resolution regarding "mudding" but he did not know if it was effective or enforceable.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented recycling reports for 2006 showing they recycled 60.69 tons. Mrs. Shute requested that Noxious Weed be allowed to increase their change drawer from $20 to $50. Mr. Shepack will draw up a resolution to that effect. KDHE inspected the landfill last week and found that trash from the filled pit was showing through and it might have to be covered. There was also a discussion regarding the fees being charged at the landfill and how much income would be lost if we did not charge private individuals.

Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth County Administrator, presented a proposal that included grants they will be receiving for the airport. The match for these grants for the city would be $51,000 and they would like to use some of the money the county levies for airport improvements. The Commissioners authorized payment of invoices for that intent up to $30,000.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation from 10:12 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Attorney, Joe Shepack, and Jan Andrews, County Clerk, were included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:30 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to return to executive session to discuss possible litigation from 10:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with Mr. Shepack and Mrs. Andrews included. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to sign a Letter of Engagement with Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, explained amendments to their 3-year comprehensive plan to be submitted to the State. These amendments include the Gateway to Recovery plan plus other intervention classes. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 3-Year Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Robert Koch, Mayor of Holyrood, discussed further with the Commissioners the renovation of the Holyrood Lake and asked the county to help with the project through removal of silt from the lake. They are applying for grants to help fund the project and it would help to show the county's involvement plus the City could use labor and machines used in removing the silt as an in-kind payment. The Commissioner will talk with Mr. Nondorf next week and get back to him as soon as possible.

The Commissioner recessed until 1:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m. Chairman Rush called the meeting to order.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Susan Roudybush was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 2:00 p.m. No action was taken.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 2:08 p.m. until 2:40 p.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Geneva Schneider was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 2:40 p.m. No action was taken.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Clint Rogers and Tina Davis for a four-member term to the Ellsworth County Medical Center Board of Directors effective July 1, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 78 & 80 in the amount of $87.92. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.


Commissioner Kueser moved to approve March payroll in the amount of $157,185.11. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve March account payables for $150,333.95. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews

Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 27, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 27, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 27^th of March 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 3:00 p.m. Others in attendance were Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, and citizens Steve Donley and Wayne Bohl.

2. OTHER BUSINESS:

The sole purpose of the meeting was to go over the finalized Road Agreement, Pilot Agreement and Escrow Agreement with Smoky Hills Wind Farms, LLC. After review by Mr. Shepack, changes were made to the Escrow agreement as to who would pay the escrow fees and how the accrued interest on the account is handled. Both parties decided that Smoky Hills Wind Farms would pay the escrow fees and any accrued interest would be part of the Deposit.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement with Smoky Hills Wind Farms, LLC as presented. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Road Maintenance Agreement with Smoky Hills Wind Farm, LLC as presented. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Escrow Agreement that pertains to the maintenance and repair of any road damaged during construction with Smoky Hills Wind Farm, LLC. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. ADJOURNEMENT

With no other business to become before the Commissioners, Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at approximately 4:00 p.m.

 

___________________________________

Janet L. Andrews

Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 26, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 26, 2007

The Board off Ellsworth County Commissiners met in regular session on March 26, 2007 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Chairman Kermit Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda with one addition. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioners Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 19, 2007. Commission Albert Oller seconded the motion, motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Form.

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, presented the income statement for the month of February which had a profit of $180,243.00. Commissioners also discussed term length and number of board members. The Board of County Commissioners received a list of six candidates to fill the two seats on the Hospital Board. They were Clint Rogers, Tina Davis, Lloyd Sprick, Gary Urbanek, Fonda Rush, Geri Ranker. The Board will make their decision next week.

Commissioner Terry Kueser made a motion to go into executive session for non-elected personnel from 9:40 a.m. until 9:50 a.m, Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 Ronda Kasiska was included in the executive session. The Commission returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Rush make a motion to hire Brenda Buehler effective April 2, 2007, range 3 ; step I. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0

Commissioner Kueser made motion to approve refunding warrants in the amount of $708.14, and abatements in the amount of $872.14. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser made a motion and Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion to sign Resolution 07-R04 supporting the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway.

City Administrator Jonathan Mitchell, along with Lisa Lindsley introduced the recently hired Smoky Hill Development Corporation Director Rob Fillion who will begin his new duties on May 1, 2007.

Commissioner Rush made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 a.m., Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion, motion carried 3-0. Rick Nondorf Road Supervisor and County Commissions viewed road and bridges.

 

_________________________________

Ona N Crawford, Deputy County Clerk

Minutes, March 19, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MARCH 19, 2007

MINUTES

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 19^th day of March 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 March 12, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Nick Slechta, Director of the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce, shared information with the Commissioner on the Prairie Trail Scenic Management Plan that will be asking for their support in form of a resolution next week. The Chamber has met with the group and at one time thought they might be included in the plan, but they were too far into the process to add other attractions. The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway goes from Canton, KS, North to Roxbury, West on Smoky Valley Road to US Hwy 81, North to KS Hwy 4 and Lindsborg, then West to KS Hwy 141 and ends at the T intersection of KS Hwy 140. Mr. Slechta urged the Commissioners to consider the resolution of support for the group.

Shelly Maze, EMS Director, met with the Commissioners at their request to discuss the county website that is maintained at her department by one of her employees. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:20 a.m. No action was taken.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, answered some of questions raised by constituents on the roads not designed as detour routes from the construction on Hwy 156, but are being used as such. At the present time, he is not concerned and when he has traveled the roads, he has not encountered major truck traffic. The Vopat Bridge has been completed and was inspected by the State last Friday. The bridge crew will be starting a bridge in Carneiro Township next week and after that they will replace one in Ellsworth Township. Commissioner Oller asked if the county could swap maintenance on a township road. Presently, Avenue N is maintained by the township and is heavily used while Ave Q is county maintained and has little use. Ave Q is a FAS road and he receives some assistance in the upkeep of the road. Avenue N does not have that designation and he is sure he did not want to trade one with assistance for one that does not. However, he will check out the request. They started hauling millings last week off Hwy 156. The Commissioners discussed the road agreement with Mr. Nondorf, in particular, the clause that would allow TradeWind Energy to subcontract work on county roads that might be damaged during the construction phase. Mr. Nondorf replied that that type of agreement was customary and he had no problem with it. The Clerk was instructed to contact TradeWind Energy and ask that the clause be retained in the agreement.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk