Minutes, March 22, 2010

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 22, 2010

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 22^nd day of March 2010 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

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

Chairman Rush 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 March 15, 2010.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-1.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, reported there was nothing noteworthy on the financial reports.  They are making changes in the methodology on the profit and loss statement which will be reflected in later reports.  The budget process for 2011 has been started and customer satisfaction, reflected by the surveys, has held up real well.  Reflecting the times, there is an increasing emphasis on the financial management of the hospital as laid out by the Staudwater report.  The replacement of Dr. Whitmer's clinic in Wilson is being discussed but there has not been a decision.  Presently, Dr. Whitmer is using Dr. Kepka's clinic.  The mitigation grant has been accepted and has been sent to FEMA for their approval.

 

Carl Eyman, KWORCC, reviewed the experience mod for Ellsworth County which has continued to rise during the past two years.  The experience mod is affected by the number of accidents and the amount of the claims for a period covering three years.  Most of the county's accidents are in the slip and fall category and most of the accidents are from the Road & Bridge Department.  This is not unusual as the department has more employees and work with heavy equipment.

Roy Folk, Chairman of the LEPC Committee and Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, were present to discuss the TotalNotify System.  Other governmental entities were invited, but did not appear.  Mr. Olmsted, Nex-Tech, was not present.  A discussion was held but the Commissioners felt there was not enough interest at this time and could re-visit the issue at a later date.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Department, reported he had attended a construction meeting in Salina and the starting date for the work on the low road is April 12, 2010 with a 15 day completion schedule.

 

Marvin Bush reported he had finally come up with a date for picture of old time county truck he had given to the Commissioners.  In 1916, the Ellsworth Reporter reported that the county had ordered a white truck.  In November the truck was received and taken to Black Wolf for a demonstration.  The picture was probably taken in November of 1916.  They bent an axle in doing the demonstration and had it replaced.  The Commissioners accepted the truck "because it did what it was suppose to do" in January of 1917 and paid $5,800 for it.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #119 in the amount of $44.36.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

 

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

Minutes, March 15, 2010

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 15, 2010

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 15^th day of March 2010 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse. 

 

                                                            Members Present:

                                                            Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

                                                            Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

Chairman Rush 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 2-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 8, 2010.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-0.

 

Peggy Svaty, Clerk of the District Court, informed the Commissioners that they had received word from the State that court employees will be furloughed for three Fridays in April and one in May.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Ron Etchison and Jean Schoon, representing the Holyrood Senior Center, presented their budget request for 2011 of $9,508.55 a 12% increase. 

 

At the request of the County Clerk, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:23 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:30 a.m.  No action was taken.

 

Pam Hays and Brad Kratzer, Soil Conservation District, reported they were going to have "Roll Out the Rain Barrel" event in Ellsworth on March 25^th from 4-7p.m.  The barrel is used to collect rain water from the downspouts on a house and use it for watering flowers, gardens and etc.  The barrels will sell for $10.

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz had a request from Geary County to purchase Scott Anson's bulletproof vest.  Mr. Anson has moved to Geary County and is working for them.  Since the vests are fitted to the individual, it was agreed to sell the vest to Geary County for $250.  Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:42 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-0.  County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the executive session.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:50 a.m.  No action was taken.  Mr. Ploutz reported he had purchase two grill guards for the pickups at a cost of $550 each.

 

Dave Smith, Ellsworth City Police Chief, requested a $1,000 landfill waiver for the City of Ellsworth.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a $1,000 landfill waiver as requested.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-0.

 

Brent Goss, Extension Specialist, informed the Commissioners that Extension was holding a meeting on the 23^rd of March on pine wilt.  The disease has spread over the county and those trees infected need to cut down and burned by the 1^st of May in order to stop or slow down the disease.  He also was concerned that any pine trees infected brought into the landfill burn pile be burned immediately.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented paperwork for signature on the next bridge to be done through the State's five year bridge plan.  The bridge being replaced is at Black Wolf.

 

Gary Wacker, Hi-Plains Sands, discussed the bad roads in the county, especially on the routes that they haul materials.  He felt the county crew had done a good job keeping on top of them, but he felt that some parts of the road needed a more permanent solution.  Mr. Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, felt they were doing the best they could with the budget and manpower available to him.  After a constructive discussion, the Commissioners asked that Mr. Nondorf try to seek out the portions of the roads in question and schedule in depth repairs using a different material.

 

Roberta Waymaster, Technology Committee, updated the Commissioners on the website and purchase of the anti-virus for all county computers.  Since our webmaster, Bob Fitzgerald, is now working at the Road & Bridge Department, he does not have the time during the day to work on the website and answer requests.  She has checked with Mr. Nondorf, the head of the department, and he has approved Mr. Fitzgerald to come into the shop after hours to work on the website when needed.   As previously discussed, Mr. Fitzgerald will be paid $17.50 per hour and  not to exceed four hours each week at the present time.

 

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked the Commissioners to signs some grant papers and a contract for Nutrition Services.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #118 in the amount of $50.24.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 2-0.

 

The Commissioners authorized the use of the Courthouse for World Day of Prayer Services on May 6, 2010.

 

The Commissioners authorized the County Clerk to ask the two individual interested in the old garage doors declared surplus property at the EMS to submit sealed bids for their purchase.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

 

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

Minutes, March 8, 2010

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 8, 2010

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 8^th  day of March 2010 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

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

Chairman Rush 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 Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 1, 2010.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Jim Jackson, new Smoky Hill Economic Development Director, introduced himself to the Commissioners.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported he had signed a contract for carpet for the jail lobby at a cost of $801.36.  The new locks have been ordered and the changes should be done in April and the new pickup is close to being delivered.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, received word from the state that the second stimulus may not go through but they still have to continue as it would.  Therefore, the Commissioners need to select an inspection engineering firm.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #117 in the amount of $229.84.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Chairman Rush will contract the present leaseholder of the four acres of grass at the Ellsworth County Medical Center to see if he would be interested in continuing the lease.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a Proclamation Designating April 11-17 As National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

 

 

Minutes, March 1, 2010

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

March 1, 2010

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 1^st day of March 2010 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

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

Chairman Rush 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 February 22, 2010.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Rick Kempke, City Plumbing, gave the Commissioners a bid for just a heater at the landfill but explained, in his opinion, that unless the doors were replaced and skylights covered, they would not be gaining anything.  The skylights would cost $200 each and there are four of them and the doors would be $2,000 each.  The Commissioners thanked him for his concerns and will think about the proposal.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported he had sold the 1995 pickup with 126,000 miles at $1,103.  The next highest bid was $600.  He has one more to sell, but Sheriff Tracy Ploutz explained he could use it so Mr.Nondorf will talk with him about making the interdepartmental trade.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz presented a proposal in the amount of $794.49 from Wenz Interiors to carpet the dispatch area of the jail and requested that it come from the County Building Fund.  The Commissioners discussed carpeting the waiting area as well and asked that Mr. Ploutz get a bid for the additional work.    Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid form Wenz Interiors in the amount of $794.49 and authorized additional funding contingent upon the cost for the waiting area to be taken from the County Building Fund.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  Deputy Scott Anson has resigned to move to Junction City and he has hired Jerry Slaight to replace him.  He has hired Michael Schoenhofer, Wilson Police Chief, as investigator.  Since he will be a part-time employee the Commissioners waived any pre-employment physical.  Presently, he has two officers working for cities in the county on a part-time basis until those cities can hire a law enforcement officer.

 

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported on the problem they have been having with the firewall, but the problem has been solved.  She presented a contract for snow removal for $60 per occurrence.  Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the contract from HK Initiatives for snow removal at $60 per occurrence.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioners Kueser and Rush asked that reservation be made for them to attend the KCCA Conference, May 4-6, 2010.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the February payroll in the amount of $178,118.17.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the February accounts payable, $101,986.69 and prewritten warrants, $12,604.98 for a total amount of $114,591.67.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements #109-113 in the amount of $4,052.70.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

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

 

 

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

Minutes, February 22, 2010

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

FEBRUARY 22, 2010

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 22^nd day of February 2010 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

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

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

 

Commissioner Kueser 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 February 16, 2010.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Shirley Thagard, a property owner from Idaho, was in town on business and wanted to attend a Commission meeting.  She is the owner of the Alco building in Ellsworth.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, reported the January financials showed a monthly loss of $63,058 and a year-to-date loss of $707,533.  He presented the Commissioners with a summary of the Straudwater Associates' report and went through each bulleted item.  Most of the item addressed the need for increased revenues.  Also discussed, was the proposed $4 million bond issued scheduled for this year for expansion of the hospital.  It was agreed that it would not be on the ballot this year.  However, the plans would be reassessed and perhaps addressed in the spring of 2011.  At the request of Commissioner Oller, they are negotiating with Health Quest for lab services for employees in the county that have that insurance benefit.

 

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, and Timothy Vandall, Ellsworth City Administrator, met to discuss the TotalNotify system.  Both agreed that it would be a benefit for the county as well as the city.  However, at the present time, there did not seem to be a cost benefit for a joint contract.  It was suggested that an informational meeting be held with the representatives of Nex-Tech and invite all the cities in the county.  The Clerk was asked to contact Nex-Tech and set up a meeting sometime in March.

 

Dave Smith, Ellsworth Police Chief, requested to use both 2009 and 2010 landfill waivers granted to cities, if asked, to tear down two condemned properties in the City of Ellsworth.  The Commissioners debated whether the 2009 waiver could be granted in 2010.  Also, there is a question as to whether one of the buildings, a mobile home, can be taken and at the present time.  Also, we are not accepting concrete.  He was asked to contact the Landfill Supervisor, Teresa Shute, about the availability of landfill space and the mobile home and then come back to them for consideration of the two waivers.

 

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, and Larry J. Schieferecke, Kirkham Michael & Associates, met with the Commissioners on the application for the landfill expansion.  Mr. Schieferecke reported that the application would be to KDHE next week, however, it could be more than three months before it is approved.  KDHE has given permission to move the burn pit.  The Commissioners asked to be kept apprised of the progress of the application.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

The County Clerk presented the 2009 County Inventory.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #108 in the amount of $1,556.54.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. to go to the Landfill and Noxious Weed to look at requested repairs to the facilities.

 

 

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk