Minutes, May 21, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MAY 21, 2007

MINUTES

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 21^st day of May 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. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of May 14, 2007. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, reported the hospital had a profit of $522,441 for the month of April and a $266,926 year-to-date profit. The 2008 budget was presented. Although the financials are important, Mr. Pearson would like to spend more of his time with the Commissioners on strategic planning. Commissioner Kueser commented that he would like number of board members and term limits included in that discussion.

Upon the request of Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:32 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:00 a.m. and Commissioner Kueser moved to return to executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:15 a.m. Commissioners confirmed Sheriff Ploutz decision to terminate the employment of one of his employees.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed a charge account that was delinquent. The customer continues to use the free services at the landfill but has not made any payment on his Noxious Weed or Landfill account. The Commissioners agreed that she send him another request for payment and deny use of landfill services until the account is current.

Upon the request of Carl Miller, Appraiser, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:02 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:15 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved that upon the successful completion of a 90-day probation, Marie Ranker be moved to range 7; step d, on the salary scale retroactive to March 1, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Miller reported the motherboard went out in his 2000 computer and requested to purchase a replacement for $2,229. The Commissioners authorized the purchase. Mr. Miller noted he had 86 informal property tax hearings this year and he felt they went well. The deadline for filing an appeal has passed and to his knowledge, none have been filed. Ellsworth County is one of the 32 counties scheduled for conversion to the new CAMA system, Orien. It is a PC based system and the county's portion for software, hardware and miscellaneous items should be approximately $7,500. He has budged $4,000 this year and would like to make sure that amount can be carried over until next year if not needed in 2007. The additional funding needed will be budgeted in 2008. He has been talking with the Ellsworth City Administrator and Economic Development Director about neighborhood revitalization, so they may want to visit with the them. Commissioner Oller had some contact from a citizen Wilson about neighborhood revitalization and asked Mr. Miller to contact him. Mr. Miller plans to certify values to the County Clerk on Jun 4^th or 5^th.

Geneva Schneider, County Treasurer, gave the Commissioners a brief update on her department since being appointed County Treasurer. She expressed appreciation to all the other departments who have helped her and in particular her part-time staff who has filled during the illness of her full-time worker.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 2006-109 & 111 in the amount of $60.48. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 29^th as the 28^th is a holiday.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, May 14, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

May 14, 2007

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 14^th day of May 2007 with all members present.

Members Present:

Albert W Oller, 1^st Distsrict Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

 

1. Opening Business

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

Commissioner Terry Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Commissioner Albert W Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Terry Kueser moved to approve the minutes of May 7, 2007 as presented. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Ellsworth County Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, presented a purchase order for a 2005 Crown Victoria from the State of Kansas, at a cost of $13,900.00 dollars. Commissioner Kermit Rush moved to purchase the car. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kermit Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:15 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Terry Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Terry Kueser moved to go into executive session from 9:34 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Kermit Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Terry Kueser made a motion to approve abatements 2005-86 thru 88,101 in the amount of $271.84. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Albert Oller made a motion to accept the bid on baling grass land at $22.00 per acre from Jacob Svaty. Commissioner Terry Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. One bid was received.

Teresa Shute Noxious Weed Supervisor asked to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Terry Kueser made a motion to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:10a.m. Commissioner Albert Oller seconded the motion . Motion carried 3-0.

Don Kihn discussed the water conversion of Turkey Creek during our recent heavy rains. No decision was made.

Rick Nondorf Road Supervision discussed his visit with FEMA and some of the road damage in the recent rains.

Commissioner Kermit Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:00. Commissioner Rush, Oller and Kueser left to view the damaged roads.

 

 

 

Ona Crawford, Deputy County Clerk

Minutes, May 7, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MAY 7, 2007

MINUTES

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 7^th day of May 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 amended. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of April 30, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed the letter received from the Osborne County Commissioners proposing a pilot program for a regional E-Waste Collection site for televisions, video cassette recorders, stereos, radio, cell phones, electric games and more. The program will place a trailer at our collection site and when full, it will be replace with another trailer. Osborne County is applying for a grant that would fund the project for two years and if the county were interested in the project, they would like a letter stating our participation and support. Mrs. Shute felt the project was a good one and would like to participate for the two year granted program and then would look at any cost associated thereafter. The Commissioners agreed to participate and requested a letter be sent indicating their participation and support. Mrs. Shute reported she had received two letters from KDHE about the recent inspection made at the landfill and has corrected the items noted and sent back letters stating the corrections and her plan for continued compliance.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, has toured the county and the recent rains and flooding has played havoc on the roads and bridges. Many of the bridges are washed out as well as many county and township roads. He would like permission to access $50,000 from the Special Road & Machinery Fund to help defray the cost of materials to repair the damage. The Commissioners agreed those funds could be used. Also, the townships have the same problems and he discussed the possibility of getting help from FEMA. The Commissioners felt the first step would be to declare a state of disaster with the State Emergency Management Department and go from there. Mr. Nondorf will contact the townships today to make sure that any work they are doing on the roads and bridges are documented by pictures, descriptions and especially any cost involved in the repair. That way, if our declaration were added to the Greensburg federal declaration, FEMA funds would be forthcoming.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation with the County Attorney, Joe Shepack, from 9:45 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken.

Geneva Schneider was sworn in as the new Ellsworth County Treasurer.

Brent Goss, Extension Service, met with the Commissioner regarding drainage at the 4-H Barn. They requested that drain extension be put on the east side of the barn to get the water flow from the roof away from the building. Mr. Goss will check into it. He reported they had recently purchased 30 stock panels through donated funds. The Commissioners asked if they were going to continue some fund-raising projects to help maintain the facilities. Mr. Goss responded that the committed needed to meet and discuss that subject.

Kelley Rathbun asked the Commissioners to enforce the speed signs on Ave T that is being used as a detour road during the Highway 156 construction although it is not a designated detour route. The Commissioners responded that they had contacted the Sheriff's office and they were going to step up the patrol on that road. He also asked that a 24-inch tube be put in the old bridge to help move the water.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

After consultation with the County Attorney, the Commissioners felt there would be no problem with Tradewind Energy using the frontage road per the resolution. Also, the county has a road agreement with them for repair of any damage.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement 2006-83 in the amount of $290.82. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the April accounts payable in the amount of $272,281.20. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 07R05, A Proclamation Declaring At State of Local Disaster Emergency For Ellsworth County, Kansas. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:49 a.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 30, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

APRIL 30, 2007

MINUTES

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 30^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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of April 23, 2007. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported he had estimates on replacing the 4 monitors at $3,800. Commissioner Rush moved to allow the purchase of 4 monitors from the Equipment Reserve Fund within the $3,800 estimate. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. In regards to the cabinetry for the wireless 911 equipment, he has talked with Ralph Doubrava and has decided to go with him for the cabinets even though they might not be ready until August.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported that the five-year warranty on the termite control on the building was expiring and the cost of renewing the warranty would be $120 per year. The Commissioners agreed that she continue the warranty and have the new garage treated for pests since they do store paper work there.

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session with Michelle Maze, EMS Director, to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken. Mrs. Maze gave information to the Commissioners as to the cost of paying for the entire 24-hour shift rather that the way it is now with 5-hour sleep time. On a six-month average, she estimated the cost increase would be $36,427.10. Also, she thought if we kept the policy of sleep time, an agreement, for liability reasons, should be signed by each employee stating their understanding of the agreement. The Commissioners will check with the County Attorney before making any decisions.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported she had received a call from KDHE on Friday stating they had a problem with her compost pile. She would have to either windrow it or do away with it. She is to receive a letter from them stating what is expected to keep the compost pile. The Commissioners asked her, upon receipt of the letter, to investigate the alternatives and get prices on equipment.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement 2006-82 in the amount of $233.36. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the April payroll in the amount of $166,530.20. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Tina Davis, recently appointed ECMC Board Member, has declined the appointment as she has taken a job as Clinic Director. Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Rev. Lloyd Sprick to the ECMC Board of Directors. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk