Minutes, April 20, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

APRIL 20, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 20^th day of April 2009 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 Oller called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda as printed.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of April 13, 2009.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Bill Weber, Holyrood, expressed his concern with the proposed decision to take the ambulance out of Holyrood and replace it with a response vehicle.  The Commissioners explained that with the declining number of volunteers in the area, transfers in the ambulance were not always possible.  Also, the cost of replacing an ambulance has escalated and with the declining volunteers and runs, it was not economically feasible to retain an ambulance.  However, a response vehicle with the same equipment that is in an ambulance would be placed in Holyrood with transfers being made by the ambulance coming from Ellsworth.  The Commissioners stressed that they felt the service for Holyrood would not be compromised or lessened if this decision was made.

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, passed out his "dashboard" report for the last quarter and the financial report for March.  The financial report showed a loss of $111,380 for the month of March and a year-to-date loss of $719,490.  Mr. Pearson encouraged the Commissioners to make a decision on how the hospital additions were going to be funded so they could get their informational packets ready for the public and have public discussion.  The Commissioners will need to decide if they are going to finance the additions with a General Obligation Bond or Public Building Commission.  With the GO Bonds, an election would have to be held and with the PBC, one would not have to be held.  Also, if an election is decided, will it be a special one or held in 2010 with the regularly scheduled elections.  The Commissioners asked the County Clerk to contact Piper Jaffrey, Bond Counsel, and schedule a meeting.

 

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, presented her 2010 Comprehensive Plan for approval.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for Central Kansas Community Corrections as presented.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

 

Shawn Hellebust, Advertising Manager at the Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter, presented their plan to produce an Ellsworth County Resource Book for Residents & Visitors.  It will have information on towns, services, businesses and celebrations.  Commissioner Kueser moved to place a one-half page ad in the book at a cost of $169.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Economic Development, Inc. Director, and Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Yoakum stopped in to make contact again with the Commissioners.

 

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported they would be having an EMS Open House on June 6.  She is starting to work on salary schedules as previously discussed.  The following employees have finished 90-day probationary periods and she asked that their salary be moved accordingly:  Josh French 11d, Shawna Haase, 7d, Lois Herman 11d, Rick Soukup 7d, Terri Stone 7b, Derek Walter 11b.  Commissioner Rush moved to approve the recommendations of the EMS Director on the employees who have finished their 90-day probationary period.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioner congratulated Mrs. Maze on being named the EMS Employee of the Year by the VFW and asked that she attend the Holyrood City Council meeting that evening to help with the dialogue on the proposed changes in that city.

 

Upon the request of Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:05 a.m. until 11:20 a.m.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session.  The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:20 a.m.   Commissioner Rush moved to accept the recommendation of the LEPC Committee for representation on the NCK Homeland Security Regional Council with Commissioner Oller being the alternate.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

The Commissioners asked the County Clerk to respond to a letter from Steve Olson requesting the county allow him to purchase materials and an outside contractor to do the work on 30^th Rd south of Ave R and be reimbursed for both the materials and service.  Since the road is a township road, the Commissioners denied his request and asked that he contact the Empire Township Board.

 

3.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

Minutes, April 13, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

APRIL 13, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 13^th day of April 2009 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 Oller called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda as printed.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of April 6, 2009.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

Frank Princ discussed the open road the river in Wilson Township that his neighbors would like to have closed.  The area is used for parties and illegal dumping.  After the road is closed they would like to put up a fence.  The Commissioners had received a letter from the other landowners requesting the road closure and Mr. Princ would go along with the closing.  Since the road is governed by the township board, they would have to petition the road closure.  Mr. Princ will contact the Wilson Township Board to see if they will start the process.

 

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, met with the Commissioner to discuss the meeting that was held on Tuesday, April 7^th.  Also present at the Commission meeting were EMS personnel, Lois Herman, Gaye Woods, Joshua French, Rick Soukup, Roy Falk and Derek Walter.  Mrs. Maze reported the meeting went well even though Commissioners Rush and Kueser were unable to attend.  One item that came out of the meeting was the desire of the EMS staff to do away with the 5 hour sleep time and be paid for the full 24 hour shift.  Since this will create more schedule overtime, the hourly salary might have to be adjusted.  Mrs. Maze will prepare some schedules and cost for the Commissioner to review before making any decision on whether to go to a fully paid 24 hour shift.  The second item discussed at great length was the changing from a full ambulance being kept in Holyrood to having a response vehicle.  The Holyrood EMT's were divided on their acceptance of this change.  Mrs. Maze will meet with the Holyrood City Council and report back to the Commissioner.  The EMS was awarded a grant for a defibrillator valued at $23,000.  Upon the request of Mrs. Maze, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:35 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:45 a.m.  No action was taken.

 

David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District Manager, and Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission Director, reported the grant project had been completed.  Mr. Bailey thanked the Commissioners for their sponsorship of the grant.  The Commissioners explained that due to the amount of grant money received and the normal funding the county receives from the federal government, we are now subject to an OMB Single Audit.   Since the grant funding made us subject to the single audit, Post Rock Rural Water District will be responsible for the cost of the single audit.  Our auditing firm, Bartlett Settle and Edgerle has offered the county a contract for the audit at a maximum cost of $4,500.  Commissioner Rush moved to enter into a contract with Bartlett Settle & Edgerle for a single audit at a maximum cost of $4,500 to be paid by Post Rock Rural Water District.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented a contract for signature with Kirkham Michael & Associates for engineering for the overlay of the low road project.  Commissioner Kueser moved to enter into an agreement with Kirkham Michael & Associates for engineering services to prepare plans for the KDOT American Recovery & Reinvestment Act project to overlay the low road with asphalt pavement.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

3.                  OLD BUSINESS ITEMS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

4.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 6, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

APRIL 6, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 6^th day of April 2009 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 Oller 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 30, 2009.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

The Commissioners interviewed Donald Kozisek, an applicant for the position of Ellsworth County Hospital Center board member.  Mr. Kozisek stated that he felt the health care in Ellsworth County was outstanding and that his main purpose in apply for the appointment was to make a contribution to Ellsworth County.  The Commissioners thanked him for his time and will get back to him with their decision as there are three other applicants.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported he had received a letter stating that the company they purchased oil from had been bought and he might be able to purchase some sealing oil in the next two to three weeks.  Also, he attended a meeting on the stimulus projects the state will be bidding this fall, and the requirements for culverts, signs and engineering fees will have to be met by the county at their expense.  If the project comes in over budget, the county will also have to absorb those expenses.  He will keep them informed as more information becomes available.

 

Phyllis Dolezal, President, and Melvin McCary, Board Member, of the Ellsworth County Historical Society, asked for a waiver of landfill fees for some of the projects they are working on at the Museum.  Commissioner Rush moved to grant a landfill fee waiver for $1,000 for the year 2009 to the Ellsworth County Historical Society.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:00 a.m.  Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Donald Kozisek to a 4-year term on the Ellsworth County Medical Center Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2009.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Dave Haberman, Representative with ING, gave a presentation on the Kansas Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan and asked if the Commissioners if they offer the plan to their employees.  The Commissioners asked that he give information to the County Clerk to be given to the employees to see if they are interested in additional retirement plans.  If enough employees show an interest, they will contact him.

 

Upon the request of Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:30 a.m. until 10:40 a.m.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:40 a.m.  No action was taken.  Mr. Bernard discussed representation on the North Central Kansas Homeland Security Board.  He has an individual interested in serving in that capacity.

 

Dave Smith, Ellsworth City Police Chief, visited with the Commissioner about the recent formation of Crime Stoppers.  A Board is in place, by-laws are being written and as soon as that is done, they will be applying for their 501c tax status.  At a later date, he will visit with them about some funding from the county.   

 

3.                  OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

4.                  NEW BUSINESS:

 

Upon a request by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, Commissioner Kueser moved to proclaim April as Fair Housing Month.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the March payroll in the amount of $164,090.98.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve March accounts payable and prewritten warrants in the amount of $178,444.75.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

5.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes March 30, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 30, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 30^th day of March 2009 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 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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of March 23, 2009.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

Penny VonLehe, Dispatch Supervisor at the Sheriff's Office, first of all thanked the Commissioners for the new air-conditioner for the dispatch area.  Secondly, she asked that they sign a proclamation celebrating April 12-18 as National Safety Telecommunications Week.  The Commissioner signed the proclamation and will have it published.  Also, they will be having a reception on April 14^th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Sheriff's office.  Mrs. VonLehe reported that she will asking Dispatcher, Darla Odle, to assist her as supervisor so there is a backup and continuity in the position.

 

David Koralek, Treasurer of the Senior Center, discussed some of the financial data he had gathered on the cost of the meal at each center.  Also, in his survey of 17 counties, he had found that most of them were funding the Elderly Services with 2 mills.  He questioned the distribution of the funding between ECCA and the Senior Center but was told that the percentage of distribution was the one the two groups requested, not one that they decided upon.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported that through the government's stimulus program, the 2" overlay on the low road was selected as one of the projects to be funded.  He will be attending a meeting on Thursday in Salina about the project.  Ellsworth County will be responsible for $100,000 on the project.  Mr. Nondorf informed the Commissioner he will be looking for a couple of ¾ ton pickups to replace present route trucks.

 

3.                  OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

4.                  NEW BUSINESS:

 

The Commissioners, as requested, signed a form of support for the City of Kanopolis in their application for a grant from KDHE.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to re-appoint Russell Bunch, Kanopolis, as Commissioner District #3 representative, to the Smoky Hill Economic Development, Inc. Board of Directors.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve changes in G-8. Other Leave & Travel Expense in the Ellsworth County Handbook.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

5.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

 

 

 

_________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes 23, 2009

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 23, 2009

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of March 2009 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 Oller 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 Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 9, 2009.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of March 16, 2009.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

 

2.                  APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, distributed the February financial data showing a profit for the month of February of $13,228 and a year-to-date loss of $608,110.  Also, he distributed a new graph showing liquidity, productivity, efficiency and profitability that he will be submitting now instead of the income statement.  A discussion was held on the candidates interviewed for Mr. Pearson's position upon his retirement.

 

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, asked if a decision had been made to add the position of investigator for his department through the COPS grant program.  The Commissioners vetoed adding the position at this time.  Two bids were received to add an air-conditioner to the dispatch area.  One was for $3,050 and the other $3,676.76 plus there would be an additional cost for electrical work which Mr. Nece, Nece Electric, estimated at $675.  Mr. Ploutz also requested that the cost be paid from County Building rather than coming from his budget.  Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid from City Plumbing for $3,050 and an additional cost of approximately $675 for the electrical work to put additional air-conditioning in the dispatch area with the County Building Fund funding the project.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, presented 2008 response stats on each vehicle in the service and time of call out.  In response to the statistics, further discussion was held on changing Holyrood from a service using a full ambulance to a response vehicle.   Also, Mrs. Maze presented the total schedule for this year showing the scheduled overtime and an alternate schedule.  The alternate schedule would have more overtime, due to the fact that sleep time would be eliminated and employees would be paid for 24 hours rather than 17 hours.  An informational meeting with KEMSA members has been scheduled for April 7, 2009 at 6:00 for the Commissioner to discussion both these items.

 

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked the Commissioner to sign a grant application to be submitted to the State of Kansas.  Also, write-offs in the amount of $477.79 were presented for approval.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve write-offs in the amount of $477.79 for uncollectable accounts over 2-years old.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners also suggested that if accounts under $5 were not collected in six months, no further bills be sent.

 

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported new LEPC officers had been elected and that Roy Folk was now the new chairman.  The mitigation grant is almost completed and upon its completion, the county will have to pass some resolutions making it official.  The Storm Spotter meeting will be held April 7^th at the Ellsworth Fire Department.

 

3.                  OLD BUSINESS:

 

Commissioners Oller and Rush will be attending the North Central Highway meeting.

 

Landowners on both sides of Ave A have inquired about closing the road on Section 6-14-9.  Since it is on the county line with Lincoln County, it will have to be done simultaneously.  Lincoln County has a county-road system and in Ellsworth County, Columbia Township has jurisdiction.  The County Clerk will contact Columbia Township about the road.

 

4.                  NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements 119 & 122 in the amount of $73.86.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 09R02, A Resolution Authorizing The Ellsworth County Sheriff To Sell Property In Return For A Vendor Credit.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

5.                  ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk