Minutes, March 24, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 24, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 24^th day of March 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 with an addition. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of March 10, 2008. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, presented payment request #4 from C. V. Cale for hospital construction. Upon the recommendation of the ECMC Board of Directors, Commissioner Kueser moved to approve payment request #4 from C. V. Cale in the amount of $102,543. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The financial report for February showed the hospital had a profit of $145,300 and a year-to-date loss of $131,805. The Sunflower Health Network will hold their annual meeting on April 24^th. Mr. Pearson explained they would be adding two measurements to their "dashboard" reports. The cash on hand measurement would show how many days cash was available to run the hospital with the optimum being around 70 days. The other measurement would be debt, but they have not yet come up with a way to set the measurement. The Commissioners briefly discussed board terms with Mr. Pearson.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Director, reported that C&B Trucking, Lincoln, KS who presently takes our recycables is going to take e-waste and we can go there without any cost. Mrs. Shute discussed the shortage of Roundup this year. Presently, she has 175 gallons and when that is gone, she is not sure if she can get more and if so, the price will probably be doubled. The Commissioners put a limit of 10 gallons to each customer until the market stabilizes.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioner discussed the term limits for the ECMC Hospital Board of Directors established with Resolution 99R13. Presently, after two 4-year terms, an individual is not eligible to serve on the board ever again. The Commissioners asked that the County Attorney prepare a new resolution stating that upon the completion of two 4-year terms an individual would be eligible for service again after being off the board for two years.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatement 162 in the amount of $324.24. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the transfer of Larry & JoEllen Schroeder and Randy Redding to the Rice County EMS service area as requested. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Permit Agreement For Use Of Public Road Right-Of Way with Smoky Hills Wind Project II, LLC. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve 224 donated hours of sick leave from various employees to Leo Oberle. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Per the request of Smoky Hills Wind Farm, the Commissioners asked the County Attorney, Joe Shepack, to look at their suggested improvements to our Resolution 07R03, A Resolution Establishing A Setback Requirement for Structures Exceeding 150 Feet. Mr. Shepack will review it and get back to the Commissioner by next week.

Commissioner Rush moved to purchase a cub cadet lawn mover and bagger from Choitz Bros. For $3,260. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The County Clerk discussed a generic evaluation form for their consideration. After review, the Commissioners felt that it would suffice and asked that she show it to Department Heads and get their input.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 17, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 17, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th day of March 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 as printed. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 10, 2008. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported that the mobile command unit is now being stored at the EMS Building. In regards to the county's representation on the NCK Homeland Security Regional Council, Mr. Bernard will be our representative and Sheriff Ploutz will be the alternate. The storm spotter class will be held on April 1, 2008 at the Kanopolis Community Center at 6:30 p.m.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatements 158 & 159 in the amount of $262.70. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to designate April as Fair Housing Month in Ellsworth County. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

 

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to extend the landfill lease for one year to Troy Kralik for $2,786.85 and schedule it for bidding in March 2009. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 10, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 10, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 10^th day of March 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 with additions. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

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

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported that Bill Salyers would be retiring on April 1^st and he would need to be replaced as our representative on the North Central Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council. Undersheriff, Tom Burtzloff, would be willing to serve but perhaps the Emergency Management Director, Kenny Bernard, should be consulted first. The Commissioners will contact Mr. Bernard and get back to him.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported back on her attempt to hire a paramedic. It appears, from her conversations with interested individuals, the 5-hour sleep time on the 24-hour shift where they were not paid and our low salary are going to be a problem in getting someone to actually apply for the job. She would like to have the 5-hour sleep time changed and pay for the whole 24-hour shift. In doing so, the Commissioner pointed out, it would make an approximate 20% increase in pay for the individuals and affect the budget for this year which is already set. Since we are in the progress of doing a salary schedule at the present time there was no action on the request.

Rob Fillion, Director of Smoky Hill Development Corporation, and Jonathan Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, presented the amended Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for approval. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and Interlocal Agreements. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, presented grant requests from the State of Kansas for signature. The requests were signed. Their server is going out and Mrs. Kasiska presented a purchase order in the amount of $1,869.49 for a replacement. Commissioner Rush moved to approve purchase order 1063 from the Health Department for purchase of a server in the amount of $1,869.49. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Kasiska reported her husband would be able to fix the carpet and the Commissioners asked that she get an estimate before starting the work.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported the dump truck was sold by bid for $25,000. He presented the Bridge Inspection Report completed by Kirkman Michael & Associates. A new portion of the inspection this year, due to the bridge failure in Minneapolis, is called "fracture critical". We have nine bridges in the county that is in that category and with the recent state mandates that could require additional inspection at $3,000 each every two years or close or replace the bridges. Some of them could be replaced if they had the time. We will have to wait to see how the state is going to enforce the mandates. Mr. Nondorf gave the Commissioners his list of equipment for replacement this year and it included a dump truck, 1981 mower and a welding truck.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatements 147-157 in the amount of $2,609.30. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, March 3, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 3, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 3^rd day of March 2008 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Vice-Chairman Oller called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of February 25, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Gerald & Barbara Pickering, The Dry Dock, asked for permission to extend their business hours until 2:00 a.m. on March 7, 2008. The doors will be locked at 12:00 Midnight and beer will be only sold to those at the private party. Commissioner Rush moved to allow The Dry Dock to extend their business hours on March 7, 2008 to 2:00 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, discussed a staffing problem. Presently, she and Gaye Woods are the only paramedics on staff as Terri Stone is out on work comp. With the service being an ALS service, doctors are expecting paramedics to staff the ambulance with patients needing the ALS service and she and Gaye are on call all the time. She will have two more paramedics once they finish their class and exams, but that will not be until December or January. The Commissioners suggested that she try and hire another paramedic as a solution to the problem.

Rob Fillion, Director of Smoky Hill Development Corporation, Inc. visited with the Commissioners on the language on "increments" that needed to be included in the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The Clerk will discuss the issue with the County Attorney and get back to Mr. Fillion. Upon the request of Mr. Fillion, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships from 10:44 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:00 a.m. No action was taken.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked to write-off old accounts in the amount of $740.12. Commissioner Rush approved the write-offs as requested. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. Also, the carpet on the walls in the office is still coming down and she has inquired about getting someone to fix it. So far, she has not been successful. Her husband, has offered to do the work. The Commissioners agreed to let him do but to get an estimate before proceeding.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 08R02, A Resolution Creating a "Neighborhood Revitalization Area" For all of Unincorporated Ellsworth County. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatements 144 & 145 in the amount of $155.46. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the February payroll in the amount of $159,175.76. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the February accounts payable for $182,673.10. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

The item "ECMC Board Term Policy" was tabled until all Commissioners were present.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

 

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes February 25, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 25^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 18 & 19, 2008. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, handed out the financial reports for January showing a loss of $76,000 for the month and $277,000 year-to-date. Mr. Pearson presented an application for payment from C.V. Cale, remodeling contractor, for $79,993. Upon the recommendation of the ECMC Board of Directors, Commissioner Rush moved to approve the invoice to C. V. Cale, in the amount of $79,993. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners were invited to attend the informal employee meetings to be held April 21-25. The remodeling project is moving forward and Mr. Pearson again visited with the Commissioners about future building projects.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed–Landfill Supervisor, reported she had contacted Rice County and we had already been included in their E-Waste grant proposal. They hope to have it up and running by May or June. As they are not yet operational, details and charges have to be worked out. Mrs. Shute was instructed to write a letter to Osborne County canceling our participation in their E-Waste program. Mrs. Shute inquired about purchasing an enclosed trailer to haul E-waste and also shredded paper. The Commissioners asked Mrs. Shute to inquire about a trailer that would meet her needs.

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, Jonathon Mitchell, Ellsworth City Administrator, Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Corp. Director, and Carl Miller, County Appraiser, met with the Commissioners to agree on the language of the Neighborhood Revitalization plan that has been presented for passage. Mr. Shepack expressed his concern that the plan does not contain the language specified in the statute. First, the Commissioner will have to pass a resolution making certain findings before any plan can be approved. It was agreed that Mr. Shepack would draw up the proper resolution and after it has been approved the Commissioners could then approve the plan and interlocal agreement.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, informed the Commissioners that due to the delay in getting the state's Ag values, he has asked for an extension to March 28^th to send out the change of value notices on real estate.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented contracts from the State of Kansas on the bridge south of Black Wolf for signature. In the contracts, it states the right-of-ways needed have been purchased, the utilities have been taken care and county funds are available for the project. The Commissioners signed all contracts presented. Mr. Nondorf again discussed the salary information he is gathering from different counties and municipalities.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve 2007 Abatement #142 in the amount of $10.82. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2007 Inventory as presented by the County Clerk with the notation that she has not yet received the Emergency Management inventory. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

__________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk