Minutes, June 23, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 23, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of June 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of June 16, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, asked for approval of payment request #7 from C.V. Cale on the hospital-remodeling project. Commissioner Kueser moved, upon the recommendation of the ECMC Hospital Board, to approve payment request #7 in the amount of $51,064 of which $50,179.46 is to come from the Series 2005 Revenue Bond account with the remainder being paid by ECMC. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Prospective board members were interviewed last Wednesday, and the Commissioners will appoint to fill the vacancies. The financial reports for May showed a loss of $115,408 and year-to-date a loss of $243,983. Mr. Pearson went over the 2009 budget and asked the Commissioner to fund $154,000 of that budget.

Gary and Cheryl Dirks, property owners, John Klenda, Attorney, Jo Funk, Sanitarian with the Salina-Saline Health Department, Mark Kinderknecht, former owner of the property and Ronda Kasiska, Ellsworth County Health Supervisor met with the Commissioners for a hearing on a Sanitary Code violation. Mr. Klenda, representing the Dirks, agreed on the sited violations and the fees and corrective actions will be taken. However, an issue remained with the division of the property. Mr. & Mrs. Dirks asked for a waiver on the Sanitary Code where by lots 88 & 31 could be divided into 4 lots. After a lengthy discussion with all participants, Commissioner Rush moved to issue a variance to Gary and Cheryl Dirks that would allow Lots 88 & 31 in Smoky Hill Village to be divided into four lots. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried. The waiver was granted with the assurance from the owners that separate septic holding tanks would be located on all four lots.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reported that he had started his inspection of the 17% of the properties required by the State of Kansas. He will be taking pictures of the structures, as the new CAMA system will have a place to store the pictures of the property with the appraisal data. Mr. Miller presented his 2009 budget request of $117,100, an increase of $3,580 or 3%.

Chairman Kueser presented a plaque to Charles Strouse, retired Road & Bridge employee, in appreciation for his 13 years of service to the citizens of Ellsworth County.

Judge Mike Keeley, Peggy Svaty, Clerk of Ellsworth District Court, and John Isern and Sabrina Chism, District Court Administrative Office in Great Bend, presented their 2009 budget request of $81,000. This is 290 less that last year.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:05 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:20 a.m.

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Richard Booher to a 4-year term on the ECMC Board of Directors with the term expiring in 2012. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Anthony Lamia, Jr. to the position of Trivoli Township Clerk. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes, June 16, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 16, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of June 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of June 9, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Extension Specialists, Brent Goss and Jamie Rathbun, Extension Board Members, Jean Schwerdtfeger and Troy Soukup, presented the 2009 Extension Service budget request of $105,764. This is an increase of $4,309 or 4%. K-State has increased their funding by 2%. The Commissioners will take their request into consideration. Chairman Kueser asked that they contact OCCK, Inc. and have them inspect the handicap facilities at the 4-H barn and get their recommendations before they start construction.

Phyllis Dolezal, Janice Essick, Melvin McCary and Don Urbanek, representing the Ellsworth County Historical Society, requested $30,000 for their 2009 budget. This is a $3,000 increase or 12%. The Commissioners thanked them and all their volunteers for the tremendous amount of hours they spend on keeping the facilities in good shape and preserving the county's history.

Clara McCoy, Ellsworth County's representative, and Pat Murray, Executive Director, of Central Kansas Mental Health Foundation, visited with the Commissioners about their 2009 budget request. They are requesting $19,416 an increase of $566 or 3%.

At 10:30 a.m., Rob Freeman, Darin McNeal and Matt Gilhousen, TradeWind Energy, via a telephone conference, visited with the Commissioners about the Development Impact Fee Agreement they proposed to change the distribution of the Pilot Fee for Phase II. County Attorney, Joe Shepack, was also in the discussion. Mr. Freeman and his associates would rather see the original pilot agreement amended rather than drafting a new one. They will send an amendment for the Commissioner's consideration.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

The Clerk reported they had received a letter from FEMA informing the county that an ad would be placed in the local newspaper stating that the preliminary flood plain maps are available for review and comment. She will make them available and take any complaints or appeals and submit them to FEMA. The appeal process is 90 days.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement #210 in the amount of $178.08. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.

 

_________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, June 9, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 9, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 9^th day of June 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of May 27, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Members of the ECCA Board and Director, Virginia Boots, presented their budget request for 2009 of $69,876, an increase of approximately 8.5%. Mrs. Boots reported she had visited with the Ellsworth City Council about getting some donations for the bus transportation cost and they will consider it for the 2009 budget.

Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development, Inc. and Curt Glaser, IDEAL Real Estate, were present for the bid opening on county property on Aylward Avenue advertised for sale. Chairman Kueser opened the one bid received from Blackwolf Investments Co., dba IDEAL Real Estate for $5,000 contingent upon actions on zoning and vacating of alley by the City of Ellsworth and successful closing on purchase of adjoining lots. Mr. Glaser explained the bid was lower than previously discussed as he was unaware of the city specials on the property of approximately $4,500 a year. Commissioner Rush moved to accept the bid from Blackwolf Investments Co. in the amount of $5,000 contingent upon a contract being drawn up and accepted by both parties. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Lawrence Rush, Trustee of Buckeye Cemetery, explained they had been removing trees off cemetery property and asked if the Noxious Weed Department could spray the area to prevent weeds. The Commissioners agreed they could spray the area at the expense of the cemetery. It was suggested he call Teresa Shute at the Noxious Weed and arrange for the service.

Pam Hays, Phil Chegwidden, Brad Kratzer and Glenn Walker, representing the Ellsworth County Soil Conservation District, presented their 2009 budget request of $29,000, the same as last year. Mrs. Hays reported they would be purchasing a new grass drill this year.

Carolee Miner, Shelia Nelson-Stout and Pat Wallerius, representing OCCK, Inc. presented their budget request for 2009. They would like to have a 2% increase for a total of $66,799. Mrs. Stout reported on the their workforce program and Mr. Wallerius discussed the transportation system they provide that covers Ellsworth County. The Commissioners asked that he contact the Ellsworth Senior Center to see if they could cover some of their transportation needs.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported she had hired two new EMT's, Joshua French and Lois Herman. Also, she hired Kathy Ludlum as a part-time employee. Also, they have a demo electric cot at the EMS building that they are interested in purchasing. Mrs. Maze asked the Commissioners to come up to the EMS after the meeting to see the cot. They retail for approximately $13,000 but would cut down on back strain and injury for employees.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements #196-198 in the amount of $43.03. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m.

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, June 2, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JUNE 2, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 2^nd day of June 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 May 27, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Upon the request of employee, Susan Roudybush, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:23 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Treasurer, Geneva Schneider was included in the executive session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, met with the Commissioners and they discussed the possibility of his department going to four ten hour days during the summer months. Mr. Nondorf said that had been thought of before, but he did not feel it was much of a savings for the county. However, he will continue to think about it and discuss it with the staff. Upon the request of Mr. Nondorf, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:50 a.m. until 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was called in before the session ended. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:05 a.m. No action was taken. Mr. Nondorf reported they had built 90 bridges since 1997 and he went over the state's Five Year Plan. They will start overlaying next week and he is working on his 2009 budget.

Commissioner Rush left the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, had three people indicate they would be interested in the ECMC Board position to be appointed in July. They are Deneen Shively, Richard Booher and Tom Boley. He will meet with them and if they are still interested after that, an interview will be held on June 16^th with the Commissioners in attendance.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the May accounts payable in the amount of $330,709.02 and prewritten warrants for $279.93. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the May payroll in the amount of $153,588.34. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

 

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes, May 27, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MAY 27, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 27^th day of May 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 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 May 19, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session with Geneva Schneider, County Treasurer, to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:02 a.m. until 9:12 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:12 a.m. No action was taken.

Brent Goss, Extension Service, reported that the bathrooms at the newly constructed 4-H barn need to be made handicap accessible. The Commissioners questioned why they were not done at the time of construction when they were indicated in the architectural drawings. Mr. Goss didn't have a direct answer; however, something needs to be done now. The Commissioners asked that he get back to them with an estimate for the work and make sure the projected work meets the handicap standards.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented her Annual Noxious Weed Management plan for signature. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2008 Noxious Weed Management Plan. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Shute reported she is having trouble with her chemical budget. So far this year she has spent all except $20,000 of her budget and she is almost out of chemicals. She does have an excess of Round-Up, however, because of the perceived short supply of the chemical, the County had put a limit on the sale of it. The Commissioners agreed to lift the limit on the sale of Round-Up and if the budget is depleted, we will just not be able to sell anymore chemical. The County Clerk suggested that next year we put a line item in the budget for chemicals and chemical reimbursements.

Geneva Schneider, County Treasurer, reported two of her computers are down and she will need to replace them out of the special auto fund. She has had them for over ten years.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Development Impact Fee Agreement between Ellsworth County and Smoky Hills Wind Farm, LLC. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The Commissioner discussed with the County Clerk the legal descriptions requested by TradeWind Energy for their Phase II work. She has contacted Kirkham Michael & Associates and they are to get back with an estimate for the work.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve for payment Invoice 1654 from Jones Gillam in the amount of $1,142.50. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve for payment Invoice Request #6 from C.V. Cale in the amount of $69,956. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.

 

 

____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk