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.

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, August 13, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 13, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 13^{th 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 Oller moved to approve the Minutes of August 6, 2007. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, asked for authorization to hire two employees as Chadd Stevenson resigned and Joe Ranker left last month. The Commissioners granted the authority. The Commissioners discussed some of the drainage problems they were having at the 4-H Barn and asked if he could haul some dirt to help with the problem. Mr. Nondorf will put the request on his list.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported the generator will kick on but he has not been able to get an estimate on a new one yet. Staffing wise, he is now down one jailer and one deputy.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, gave the Commissioners an update on the tractor-trailer truck accident last week. One of the trucks involved was an oil tanker so it posed a hazardous situation. State agencies were called in on the accident and mutual aid partners responded. Everything was handled well and has been properly reported.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, presented a copy of the updated Hospital Transfers of Patient policy for their perusal. The policy was reviewed and one change was requested. It will be discussed with the medical staff at ECMC on Tuesday, August 14 to get their input before adoption.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 04R07, A Resolution Establishing A County Park Pursuant to KSA 19-2801, Et. Seq. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

 

 

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, August 6, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 6, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th 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 July 23 and July 30, 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 an individual sent by KDHE regarding the mold problem inspected the jail. The only recommendation was to keep doing what they were presently doing with their cleaning procedures. He has gotten estimates on the two police vehicles that were damaged last weekend, and both can be repaired. The generator is still not operating. The Commissioners asked that he get some estimates for the cost of a new generator before doing extensive repairs to the present one.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, discussed the progress or lack thereof on the overlaying of roads. The weather and materials available have affected the progress. The information for selecting an engineering firm for inspection of the State/county Bridge #27C4241-01 was given to the Commissioners for completion. The next bridge the state will let for bids will be east of Kanopolis and with that one he is having trouble buying additional right-of-way because the owner has walnut trees and has placed the value of the trees extremely high. In all there will be sixteen trees that have to be cut out. He will work with the family attorney to see if some agreement can be reached. Mr. Nondorf presented four bids for a new motor grader all with standard equipment. The bids were as follows: Case, $126,445, Komatsu, $101,877 and John Deere, $115,995. The fourth bid was from Caterpillar, but because of the new operational system, he did not want to consider it. Upon the recommendation of Mr. Nondorf, Commissioner Oller moved to authorize purchase of a 2007 Komatsu motor grader at a cost of $101,877 with the trade-in of a 1996 Galion. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported she had gotten permission from the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter to do the editorial this week in the paper and presented the Commissioners with a copy of her editorial. Her editorial was in response to the one last week on transfers from the Ellsworth County Medical Center. The Commissioners agreed with her response. Mrs. Maze is working on a new policy regarding transfers and upon completion, the Commissioner will set up a meeting with the medical staff at ECMC before adoption.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the July accounts payable in the amount of $131,692.21. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The County Clerk presented a schedule for 2008 Holidays for approval. With Christmas being on a Thursday, it was discussed that instead of a one-half day holiday on Christmas Eve to make the 26^th of December as an additional day of holiday. Commissioner Kueser moved to eliminate the one-half day holiday on Christmas Eve and give the 26^th day of December as a full day of holiday for 2008. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. This effects 2008 only and holiday schedules for the ensuring years will be decided on a year to year basis.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 30, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 30, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 30^th day of July 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.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Joe Shepack, Ellsworth County Attorney, reviewed the fence viewing statues with the Commissioners. The Commissioners have had two verbal requests regarding fence disputes, but Mr. Shepack indicated the requests have to be in writing before they can be acted upon.

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, presented their budget for 2008 for approval. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Central Kansas Community Corrections budget for 2008 of $345,790 funded by the State of Kansas. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Boxberger discussed a grant application that would help treat offenders in their community rather than outsourcing the services.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported that she had contacted other EMS services in the state about how they handled transfers. They, too, have the same problems and handle it pretty much the way we do. She would like to rework our policy on transfers to make it more cohesive, but the essentially it would not change. The Commissioners asked that she draw up a rough draft and they would arrange a meeting with the hospital to discuss it.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, told the Commissioners he was having problems with the building and equipment at the jail. The generator did not test fire and now won't fire. He is working with Nece Electric and Hugo Repairs on a solution for the generator. Also, the switch on the sump pump would not switch on and it has been repaired. He has always had problems with mold on the south backside of the jail and in the shower area and an inmate, on being released, reported it to KDHE. They had tried very hard to keep it in check but they can not discern where it is coming from. KDHE suggested someone to come out and check the situation and they will be here Thursday. Sheriff Ploutz presented bids for cabinetwork by Ralph Doubrava of $3,920 for all oak and $5,880 for laminate. The Commissioners approved the bid of $3,920. Two part-time employees, Darla Odle and Sara Tanius have been hired. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:32 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Jan Andrews, County Clerk, was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:45 a.m. Sheriff Ploutz reported he had received the resignation of Jim Tyree as Deputy and he had accepted the resignation. Sheriff Ploutz requested another executive session and Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:15 a.m. No action was taken.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported he would be finished overlaying in about two days. He has been contacted by the Yankee Run Homeowner Association about road maintenance on a road established by a resolution passed in 1993. When he has more time and has been able to research it more thoroughly, he would like to talk with them about rescinding the resolution.

Randy Hofmeier and Jerry Pugh, Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle, presented the 2008 budget as requested and reviewed it with them. The Commissioners made no changes and Commissioner Kueser moved to publish the 2008 budget with a hearing date of August 20, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the July payroll in the amount of $166,793.60.

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

The County Clerk discussed a request she had from a firm, Heavy Haul Loadtote, Inc., to us the frontage road to move freight over 17 feet tall. They would be willing to purchase a permit to use the road. The road is protected by a resolution for local traffic only. The Commissioners declined to issue a permit.

5. ADJOUNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.

 

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, July 23, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 23, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of July 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 Oller moved to approve the Minutes of July 16, 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 Center had a profit of $78,976 for the month of June and a year-to-date profit of $382,836. "Dashboard" reports were handed out and the annual employee satisfaction meetings will be held August 6-10. Remodeling plans are being started and it appears the administrative offices will be able to move to the office space in the Century Building without much remodeling. Since Mr. Rush and Mr. Kueser were not able to attend the Board Meeting, the discussion on transfer by the EMS was continued.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, asked the Commissioners to sign the necessary papers for the EMT-I classes. Also, they discussed the conversation they had with Mr. Pearson regarding the transfers.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District, asked the Commissioners to sign documents for the grant awarded to Post Rock. Commissioner Rush moved to adopt the Procurement Procedures and Code of Conduct In The Procurement Of Goods And Services for the Post Rock Rural Water Grant. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported that Ellsworth County was included in the declaration for the second storm on May 23 & 24. Also, the deadline for reporting damages has been extended to August 7, 2007. All counties are to have Hazard Mitigation Plans. The county can apply for a grant of $45,000 to hire Brakes & Associates to formulate such a plan. Since all counties are required to have this plan, the State is offering these grants to the make sure all counties are in compliance. Commissioner Kueser moved to apply for a grant through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for a Hazard Mitigation Grant. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon the request of Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Brent Goss, Extension Service, discussed the future use of Ellsworth City's Recreation Center for 4-H activities. There has been conversations at the city level about closing the building and using it only for storage. Since the county was encouraged to build the new 4-H barn in that vicinity so the building could be used for the fair, they suggested he talk with the City Administration about a long-term agreement for future use.

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 and 11:40 a.m.

 

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk