Minutes, August 17, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

AUGUST 17, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 17^th day of August 2009 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse. 

 

                                                            Members Present:

                                                            Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

                                                            Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioners

                                                            Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

1.                  OPENING BUSINESS:

 

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

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda with an addition.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of August 10, 2009.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Duke Ranker and Jack Rathbun were present and asked for clarification on grave markers for veterans who did not belong to a legion.  The Commissioner explained their policy was to provide a grave marker for the families, upon their request, at a cost of $12.  Upon the purchase, they would be given Mr. Ranker's name if they wanted him to set it for them.

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, reported he had received estimates on the new radio system and he felt they were excessive and they could operate without them.  However, there might be a lease cost on the repeater on the tower.  He is still getting bids on repair of the sidewalk on the North side of the jail.

 

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reported he had been served on the lawsuit instigated by the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter and visited with the Commissioners about the controversy.  The Commissioners thanked Mr. Miller for his professionalism in handling the manner but felt the matter could have been resolved if the newspaper had communicated with them before seeking legal counsel.  The requested information has been forwarded to the newspaper.

 

At 10:00 a.m. Chairman Oller called the 2010 Budget Hearing to order.  No one was present for the hearing.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2010 Budget as printed.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, discussed the letter received by Saline County asking that we contribute to the cost of repairing a bridge that in located on the line with Ellsworth and Lincoln County.  They have applied for FEMA funds and if they are approved the County's cost would be $11,000.  Presently, the bridge is closed.  Mr. Nondorf asked the Commissioners to sign some documents related to the second stimulus project.  Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:12 a.m. until 11:25 a.m.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:25 a.m.  No action was taken.

 

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, reported on the year-end outcomes which were very favorable.  They were able to meet their 2008 goals and had a good cash carryover.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Kansas Department of Corrections Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan Quarterly and Year End Outcome Report and the FY 2010 Carryover Reimbursement Plan Budget Summary.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

3.                  OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

4.                  NEW BUSINESS:

 

Enel, owner of Smoky Hill Windfarms, asked to substitute Letters of Credit for the money being in held in escrow per our agreements.  The Escrow Agreement does provided that after the construction phase is completed, Letter of Credit could be substituted.  Commissioner Kueser moved to allow Enel to substitute Letters of Credit for the cash currently being held in the escrow accounts.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

5.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m.

 

 

______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk