Minutes, August 18, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 18, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 18^th day of August 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 August 11, 2008 as corrected. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Commissioner Rush discussed with Road & Bridge Supervisor, Rick Nondorf, the need to put some sand on Ave T. Mr. Nondorf reported they had sanded all the roads in the spring and would check out Ave T. Other items discussed were the parking lot in back of the Courthouse, the purchase of 1,000 tons of millings and the draining at the 4-H Barn. Upon the request of Mr. Nondorf, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:05 until 10:15 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:15 a.m. No action was taken.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, August 11, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 11, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 11^th day of August 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 August 4 and August 8, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported they did receive a grant for the lifescan fingerprint and palmprint machine. However, the grant of approximately $16,000 will not cover the entire cost of the machine. The Commissioners discussed charging a fee for doing civil fingerprints and it was decided to consult the County Attorney about a resolution establishing a fee of $10. Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:12 a.m. until 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Rush moved to continue in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:40 a.m. Sheriff Ploutz announced that Rick Harper had resigned his position as dispatcher effective today, August 11, 2008 and asked that dispatcher supervisor, Penny VonLehe be moved to range 8; step 11, as she will be assuming the extra duties performed by Mr. Harper. Commissioner Rush moved, upon the recommendation of Sheriff Ploutz, to move Penny VonLehe to range 8; step 11 effective August 26, 2008. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Chairman Kueser reported on the Juvenile Detention Center Board meeting he attended in Wakeeney. Our use of the facility was discussed with Sheriff Ploutz. Since he rarely uses the facility, the Clerk was asked to consult with the County Attorney about exactly what the county needs to do to be in compliant with the placements of juveniles and if we need to belong to a coalition.

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, reported their programs submitted for 2008-2009 were not fully funded by the State. Some of their new services that they have initiated can be funded through fees and hopefully new legislation in 2009. She asked that the Commissioner approve the final budgets as amended. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Amended Comprehensive Plan for 2008-2009, the Budget Summary for Year 2009 and the 2009 Carryover Reimbursement Plan. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

At 10:30 a.m., Chairman Kueser called the budget hearing to order. There were no citizens in attendance. Commissioner Rush moved to approve the 2009 County budget of $7,582,127. Commissioner Olla seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

 

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kuesar adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.

 

 

________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, August 8, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 8, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 8^th day of Augusut 2008 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse to canvass the ballots from the Primary Election held on August 4, 2008.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The Commissioners canvassed the ballots and found that the totals reported on election night were correct. There were thirteen Provisional Ballots. Ten of the Provisional Ballots were counted but they did not change the outcome of the election results reported on election eve.

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 8:20 a.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

Minutes, August 4, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

AUGUST 4, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 4^th day of August 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 Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of July 28, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

At the request of the Commissioners, Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, visited with them about the a request from the company establishing a windfarm in Cloud County to use the frontage road to haul the turbines from Kanopolis to Cloud County. The trucks will have a total weight of 282,000 lbs., but the reason for wanting to use the frontage road is the height of the loaded turbines. Mr. Nondorf explained that he is not able to get any materials for sealing or repairing roads and, therefore, would deny them a permit to use the road. The Commissioners agreed and instructed the County Clerk to contact them with their decision. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Nondorf for the work at the 4-H barn and reviewed some other work that needed to be done.

Chairman Kueser asked Brent Goss, Extension Services, if he had any questions about the county doing work at the 4-H Barn. Mr. Goss did not and expressed appreciation for the work that had been done. Also, Chairman Kueser asked why they had not gotten the drain extensions that been discussed on several occasions. Mr. Goss did not have a reason except that it had not been done and would see that it did get done. They discussed at length the drainage problems and Mr. Goss will check with the City of Ellsworth about the trees on the east side of the barn. If possible, they should be cut down to help with the draining and air flow to the barn. Mr. Goss identified a drainage problem around the concrete at the concession stand and reported they were still working on the handicap accessibility in the restrooms. The Commissioner will consult with Mr. Nondorf about the concrete at the concession stand.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements #227-229 in the amount of $87.80. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the July payroll in the amount of $160,600.58. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve July accounts payable in the amount of $106,172.58. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Purchase Order 00102 for the Health Department for $74.95. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the low bid from Reliant Roofing, LLC in the amount of $8,940 for the Noxious Weed building that was damaged in the hail storm. Commissioner Rush 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, July 28, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 28, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 28^th day of July 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 Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of July 21 & July 25, 2008. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, passed out the schedule of open forums he will be having with the hospital staff and invited the Commissioners to attend one. Also, Mr. Pearson passed out the monthly financials and "dashboard" reports. For the month of June they had a loss of $163,295 with a year-to-date loss of $407,278. The "dashboard" reports are somewhat skewed due to the fact they have changed how the surveys are sent. The Board of Directors has put a hold on renovations at the administrative building, training center and private rooms until December. In the meantime, they plan to do a telephone survey on the issue.

Mike Boyer, Lorraine City Clerk, Sue Ritter, Lorraine City Council President and Dennis Boyer, Lorraine City Councilmember, presented Resolution 2008-R-1 and petition signed by 43 citizens to the Commissioners requesting assistance from Ellsworth County Board of Commissioners for repair and maintenance of the paved roadways of the City of Lorraine. Also included in the information were pictures of the roads in question, budgetary information and a bid they had received to repair the roads. The Commissioners explained there was little they could do through the Road & Bridge Department as it was considered to be in competition with private enterprise. However, they would have the Supervisor visit with them and share some of his expertise or how they might be able to turn the paved roads in question back to gravel. Also, Commissioner Rush will talk with North Central Regional Planning Commission to see if they might be able to get a block grant to help. Mrs. Ritter stated the county owned a piece of property in the City and they would like to buy it. It was offered to the City about nine years ago and they refused it, but they have changed their mind. Commissioner Rush moved to deed the North half (1/2) of Lots 1-2 in block 25 in the City of Lorraine, Kansas to the City of Lorraine. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed buying a trailer for recycled paper and they agreed to the purchase. Also, she has received a letter from KDHE stating that at the time of their last inspection she was not in compliance. The issue was with the covering of the C/D pit. Due to the recent rains the cover had washed and there was some exposure on the sides. She will have it corrected and notify them so they can re-inspect the pit.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, updated the Commissioners on the grants she receives from the State each year. Sheriff Ploutz has approached her about doing meds at the jail. She did not know if county departments charged each other for services or how to go about this. She needs to talk in length with the Sheriff to see how much time it will involve and if she has questions after that, she will get back to them.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser will attend the Northwest Kansas Regional Detention Center Meeting at Wakeeney on August 6^th.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 08R05, A Resolution To Make An Annual Tax Levy Not To Exceed One Mil Upon All Tangible Property in Ellsworth, County, For The Purpose of Creating A Building Fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Jan Andrews, County Clerk, discussed the problems the Health Department is having with hiring a person to clean the building. Our insurance companies require they have workman's compensation insurance and liability insurance. However, workman compensation insurance is very expensive and is prohibitive unless you have multiple cleaning jobs. In checking with the insurance company, the county can carry the liability through their present insurance. The Commissioners agreed they would carry the workman's compensation insurance but not the general liability and the contract for cleaning services should reflect the arrangement.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

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

 

 

__________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

Minutes, July 21, 2008

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

JULY 21, 2008

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 21^st day of July 2008 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st 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 2-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Minutes of July 14 & July 15, 2008. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roberta Waymaster, Technology Committee, brought the Commissioners up-to-date on the county website. The quarterly reports show that the website is still getting new visitors and they are staying longer. After meeting with Globalink, our Internet Service Provider, Mrs. Waymaster shared with the Commissioners some of their suggestions on updating our site and make it more relevant. Those suggestions were to add blogger pages for the department heads, adding links to township maps or county maps, adding a favicon to the web page and to again advertise the availability of the website to the general public. The Commissioners agreed with all the suggestions. Mrs. Waymaster also reported that Bob Fitzgerald, our Webmaster, has worked on several county computers that had viruses and is presently making sure that the new antivirus is installed on all county computers.

3. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Regional Solid Waste Plan Update. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Kueser recessed the meeting until Friday, July 25, 2008 to meet with the auditor to formulate the 2009 budget.

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk