Minutes, December 17, 2007

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 17, 2007

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th of December 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 December 10, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Raymond Thomas was present and questioned the Sheriff's budget, expenditures and number of employees. Tasha Svaty, Ellsworth High School student, monitored the meeting for a government class.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, discussed the icy and snow-packed road conditions and how they were handling the situation. There are two bridge projects coming up, one east of Kanopolis and one out by Black Wolf. The Commissioners need to choose an inspection-engineering firm from the four applicants for these projects. They applicants are rated on criteria established by the State of Kansas. In regards to the question raised about wages that will be paid to workers who worked on December 11, 2007, it was decided later in the meeting, that all employees would be paid regular wages for that day. Two of the salt trucks are in the shop. Mr. Nondorf and Mrs. Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed with the Commissioner putting up a metal building that would house the recycling trailers and Road & Bridge machinery. An estimate in the amount of $45,000 was received from Trib Buildings that would meet their needs. Mr. Nondorf & Mrs. Shute asked if some of the funding for the building could come from the county building fund and the remainder from their individual budgets. The Commissioners felt the idea had merit and asked that they get at least two other bids before any decision is made.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported the tractor was at Robl's for repair and the Landfill is still without power. A small propane heater is being used to heat the building. C&B Trucking has a recycling center in Lincoln and have expressed an interest in buying Ellsworth County's recyclables. Presently, they are taken to Great Bend and the county does not receive any payment for them. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Shute, the Commissioners decided to try sending the recyclables to C&B Trucking in Lincoln beginning the first of year or the next time the bins are full and ready to go.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, presented a list of write-offs for approval. The Commissioners tabled their decision until further information is given. Commissioner Kueser moved to terminate the contract between Deedra Stertz and the County for Paramedic training without any obligation on her part. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, visited with the Commissioners about updating the county handbook and the Commissioner expressed their desire to have a policy immediately on handling weather emergencies and compensation.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The approval of the Permit Agreement for Use of Public Right-Of-Ways was tabled until requested information is received.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve payment of the Kansas League of Municipalities 2008 Annual Dues in the amount of $478.65. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve an amendment to the 2007 Audit Agreement with Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 07R10, A Proclamation Declaring A State of Local Emergency for Ellsworth County, Kansas as of December 11, 2007. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 07R11, A Resolution Exempting Ellsworth County, Kansas From Generally Accepted Accounting Principles As Promulgated by FASB, Resolution 07R12, A Resolution Transferring From The Road & Bridge Fund to the Special Machinery Fund, and Resolution 07R13, A Resolution Transferring From The Health Fund To The Health Capital Outlay Fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 41-62 in the amount of $42,989.08 and Added Taxes in the amount of $460.06. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 30.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the request from the City of Ellsworth to utilize $30,000 of county funds budgeted for airport improvements. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk