Minutes, February 19, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 19, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 19^th day of February 2008 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 Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of February 11, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Jon Halbgewachs, Engineer with Kirkham, Michael & Associates, updated the Commissioners on the projects within the county in which they are involved. The floor of the bridge north of the Dlabal Bridge has been poured and they will be framing the walls this week. They are working with the windfarm on their construction on 12^th and 15^th road. The county bridge inspection is almost completed. At the present time because of the time consuming paperwork involved, they are considering putting the bridge inspection contracts on the Internet. The engineering plans for the bridge west of Kanopolis are now being finalized for bid letting in 2009.

Richard Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented the documentation needed to purchase right-of-way for a bridge near Black Wolf. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the purchase of land for the right-of-way needed from Gladys Wagner and Frank Toman for $1,114. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Nondorf reported he had upgraded the phone system in the office as well as the cellular service and had purchased five low band radios. He has a 1995 Ford dump truck that he is advertising for sale by sealed bid. Lance Wiles has successfully completed his probation period and Mr. Nondorf asked that he be moved to 8-d. Commissioner Rush moved to advance Lance Wiles to 8-d on the salary schedule. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mr. Nondorf has been calling different counties to get salary information and has found there is a wide difference in what counties pay. When he is finished gathering the information he will submit it to the Austin Peter Group who are updating the county's schedule. The County Clerk stated that in her conversations with Becky Crowder, The Austin Peters Group, she has informed them of Great Plaines moving into the area and the competitive wages they will be offering and also asked that she get information on salaries from the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. She has confirmed that she will do that.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, discussed moving the mobile command unit to the EMS building. Also, he would like to have a hitch put on the unit and ECF will do it for materials only. The Commissioner approved the request for a hitch and will talk with the EMS Director again about moving the mobile unit into the EMS building. Mr. Bernard informed the Commissioners of a FEMA meeting on February 26^th for municipalities on the last disaster declaration.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed comp time for exempt personnel and noted that personnel listed as exempt cannot receive comp time or overtime pay.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatement #141 in the amount of $27.52. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Phase II Escrow Agreement with Smoky Hill Wind Project. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the request for donation of sick leave. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners signed a proclamation for the 40-year Anniversary of Fair Housing to be returned to the State's Fair Housing Task Force.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

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Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk