Ellsworth County Commission Minutes

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Minutes, April 19, 2010

2010-04-28T08:07:00.001-05:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

April 19, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 19^th day of April 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 April 12, 2010 with a correction. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Amy Boxberger, Central Kansas Community Corrections, presented her Comprehensive Plan and Budget Request for 2011. Since there might be a cut in State funding, she has proposed two budgets; one using the current allocations and one with a 7% reduction. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the submission of the Comprehensive Plan and Budget Request for 2011 for Central Kansas Community Corrections. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.

Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Oller moved to appoint Commissioner Terry Kueser to another term on the Central Kansas Community Corrections Advisory Board. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon the request of Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session from 9:28 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:45 a.m. No action was taken. Sheriff Ploutz presented a invoice from Computer Solutions in the amount of $1,327 for a new computer for the 911 mapping system that he would like to have taken from the 911 fund. The Commissioners agreed that the invoice can be paid through the 911 fund.

Upon the request of Michelle Maze, EMS Director, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:00 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:10 a.m. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Maze and successful completion of the probationary period, Commissioner Kueser moved to move Derek Walter to 10b and Gaye Woods to 4e on the salary schedule effective April 1, 2010. The probationary period for Kathy Engelland has been extended for 60 days. Mrs. Maze reported that Josh French has resigned effective April 29^th and that she has emailed all part-time employees that a fulltime position is available. So far, she has had three that have expressed an interest. They are still on schedule to have an EMIT class in the high school this year. Nine students have shown an interest and six is needed in order to have the class. The class will begin in August, 2010 and will be through Barton Junior College with Mrs. Maze being the instructor. With the passage of HB 262, the State will change all the present certifications. In most cases, additional classes will be needed for recertification. She and her training officers will be teaching those classes. The Commissioner discussed with Mrs. Maze the possibility of trading the 1994 Crown Victoria for a Chevrolet Tahoe from the Highway Patrol used car program. They are already wired for radios and that alone would be a savings.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner discussed Resolution 2010R02, A Resolution Amending Existing Resolution 2001-R-03, Outlawing Burning Under Certain Circumstance And Providing For Criminal Penalties for Violations. The County Clerk was asked to give the resolution back to the County Attorney for changes and once those changes were made, to send it to the area fire chiefs for their input. The time for input will be from date of mailing until April 30^th. If nothing is heard by that time the resolution will be scheduled for passage at their regular meeting on May 3, 2010.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 12, 2010

2010-04-19T14:24:00.001-05:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

April 12, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 12^th day of April 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 April 5, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, asked permission to hire a seasonal worker as she has done in the past. Permission was granted. She has received permission from KDHE to move the burn pit and will proceed to do so. However, she has not heard anything more on our application to expand the landfill. The new burn pit and CD pit will probably need to be fenced and when that is done an adjustment of the lease on the unused landfill land will need to be made. The new sign for the landfill has been completed by the inmates at Ellsworth Correctional Facility and they did an excellent job.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, presented papers to sign on the purchase of the new Chevrolet Equinox. She ordered it in silver and it should arrive in six to eight weeks.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed the letter received from Saline County about the replacement of Eff Creek Bridge over Mulberry Creek. Since it borders on Saline, Ellsworth and Lincoln Counties, all three counties will have to share the cost of the bridge. FEMA will cover 75% of the cost of the bridge, KEM will cover 10% and the remaining cost will be split between the three counties in proportion to their respective valuations. Presently, it appears Ellsworth County's cost would be $10,011.39. Since Mr. Cable, Saline County Engineer, asked the counties to respond if they had any questions or comments, the Commissioners asked the County Clerk to email Mr. Cable their concerns that the closing and bidding of the bridge was done unilaterally, however, we are being asked to participate in the funding of the bridge.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Commissioners reviewed the 2011 budget request from the Wilson Senior Center for $17,000, the same as last year. Their requested will be taken under consideration when formulating the 2011 Budget.

Commissioner Oller moved to place a ¼ page ad in the Ellsworth County Independent Reporter progress supplement at a cost of $169.95. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, April 5, 2010

2010-04-12T15:00:00.001-05:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

April 5, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 5^th day of April 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 March 29, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported she had found a Chevrolet Equinox that she interested in trading for the Ford Explorer. It is a 2010 model at a cost of $21,066 and with the trade-in; the total cost would be $18,566. Commissioner Kueser moved to allow the purchase of a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with trade-in for $18,566. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, discussed building bridges out of the Special Bridge Fund. At the present time, it will be five years before we are eligible for a bridge through the State's 20/80 bridge program and there are other bridges in the county that need to be replaced. He has talked with Kirkham, Michael & Associates and they can design a bridge and contract it out. The approximate cost would be around $300,000 and we have the money available through our Special Bridge Fund. At the present time, he is considering a bridge at 11^th Rd and Highway 140. Commissioner Kueser moved to have Mr. Nondorf move forward on the bridge replacement as requested. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Oller moved to appoint Olen Svoboda as the 1^st District representative to the Board of Directors for the Smoky Hill Development Corp. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements 126 & 127 in the amount of $410.76. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve March accounts payable, $101,444.29 and prewritten checks, $56,302.40 for a total of $157,746.69. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Rush signed a Proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m. and the Commissioners accompanied Mr. Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, for a tour of roads and bridges.

________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews

Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 29, 2010

2010-04-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

March 29, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 29^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 22, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, reported the new pickup is in and ready for signage. Also, he has accepted a proposal from Shawn McGowan, PA for health care at the jail for $1,310 a month. This will also include a nurse or CNA to give medication to the inmates. He stated this service would greatly limit the liability for him and the employees. The contract will be effective April 1, 2010. The Commissioners discussed with the Sheriff the calls they had been receiving concerning the county's burn policy. The Sheriff, too, has received calls but he has been abiding by the resolution we have in place. It was decided the Commissioners would meet with the fire chiefs at their earliest convenience to discuss the policy and see if they would want to be the contact person for a controlled burn.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, discussed buying a new vehicle and whether they wanted her to use the present vehicle as a trade-in or sell it through the bid process. She has looked at a used Edge with 16,000 miles on it and they want $24,300 and she has tried a Pontiac Vibe with 1,400 miles for $18,995. After much discussion, the Commissioners asked Mrs. Kasiska to check out some new vehicles and to use the present vehicle as a trade-in.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 120-125 in the amount of $1,015.10. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The appointment of a board member to the Smoky Hill Development Corp. was tabled until next week.

Commissioners Rush and Oller will be attending the North Central Highway Meeting, April 7^th in McPherson.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the March accounts payable in the amount of $162,173.10. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, March 22, 2010

2010-03-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

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

2010-03-23T11:37:00.001-05:00

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

2010-03-16T11:44:00.001-05:00

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

2010-03-12T13:54:00.001-06:00

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

2010-03-03T14:27:00.001-06:00

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

Minutes, February 16, 2010

2010-02-26T08:47:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 16, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 16^th day of February 2010 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

OPENING BUSINESS:

Vice-Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

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

Gerald Pauley and Lois Wenz, Holyrood, questioned the Commissioner about their proposed sale of delinquent property that includes Iowa Trails. Mr. Pauley has had conversations with the owner of the delinquent property and has made an offer to purchase some of the parcels. However, the owner has not gotten back to him. Also, the parcel that the old train station sits on is being renovated by a historical group and Mrs. Wenz was concerned what would happen with that. Both Mrs. Wenz and Mr. Pauley will try and contact the owner of Iowa Trails.

APPOINTMENTS:

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented a proposal for weatherization and insulation to the landfill which included new doors, heaters and light fixture and replacement of a door at the Noxious Weed for a total of $10,739. The Commissioners expressed some concerns about the projects and tabled any decision until they could look at the buildings. They schedule an appointment to look at the projects next week at 11:00 a.m.

Jo Funk, Sanitarian with the Salina-Saline Health Department, presented a year-end reports for the LEPP program. These reports included water testing, sewer and lagoon permits and testing for the unincorporated areas of the county and inspection of wells. Also, Mrs. Funk discussed the new fees implemented for services since the State has cut funding. She will be meeting with the County Attorney, Mr. Shepack, today to see if the new Sanitary Code for the LEPP area can be expedited with KDHE.

OLD BUSINESS:

The item, TotalNotify System, was tabled until next week.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 02R10, A Resolution Authorizing A Tax Foreclosure Proceeding In Ellsworth County District Court. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Tim Davies with Marshall Motors visited with the Commissioners about the purchase of vehicles.

ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m.

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, February 8, 2010

2010-02-17T10:51:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 8, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 8^th day of February 2010 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

OPENING BUSINESS:

Vice-Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Minutes of February 1, 2010. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Glenn Vessey, a Kanopolis citizen, questioned whether the county would have any responsibility for the curbing and guttering on Missouri street in Kanopolis as it maintained by the county. He is in the process of putting a new sidewalk to his house and it was suggested that at that time the curb and guttering could be repaired and perhaps he could get some help from the county. The Commissioner will talk with Mr. Nondorf, the Road & Bridge Supervisor and get back to him.

APPOINTMENTS:

Joe Shepack, County Attorney, discussed the Iowa Trails delinquent property. The Commissioners had asked about doing a delinquent tax sale on the parcels as they are at least four years delinquent. Mr. Shepack has checked the legal descriptions and they are fairly simple and could be sold as one tract. He will check with the Treasurer and see what other property could be added to the sale. The next step would be a Resolution authorizing the delinquent tax sale which he will prepare.

Commissioner Kueser called Mr. Nondorf at the Road & Bridge Department about Mr. Vessey's visit and Mr. Nondorf will respond to him concerning the curb and guttering on Missouri Street in Kanopolis.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners briefly discussed the TotalNotify System, but tabled it until Commissioner Rush would be available.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #104 in the amount of $179.74. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Cereal Malt Beverage license for Tower Harbor Marina. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

___________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, February 1, 2010

2010-02-08T12:07:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 1, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 1^st 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 January 25, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Sylvia O'Neal, representing the FCE, thanked the Commissioner for their support last year and reported they had a record turnout for the Open Class Fair. This year she is requesting support in the amount of $500. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the request of $500 in support of the Open Class Fair. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session with Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:17 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:30 a.m. and no action was taken. As requested, the Commissioners signed the Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Report to be sent to the State of Kansas. A request has been made to store rain collection barrels to be sold at a later date in the landfill building. The request was granted.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported he had gotten the new Dodge truck and wanted to offer two 1995 trucks for sale by sealed bid. Both are ½ ton, two wheel drives trucks with one having $135,000 miles and the other 126,000 miles. The Commissioners authorized sale of the two pickups. Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:55 a.m. until 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:05 a.m. and no action was taken.

Marvin Bush inquired about the establishment of a Historic Preservation Grant in 1997. The Commissioners explained that it was a one year budget item not an establishment of a permanent or binding grant. Mr. Bush has nominated the Holyrood Train Station to be put on the National Register of Historical Places and consideration will be given to that request at the Kansas Historical Society meeting on February 20. This discussion brought up the fact that the entity, Iowa Trails that owns the Holyrood Train Station is four years delinquent on taxes on all their properties.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, gave copies of the letter he will be sending to the individuals that will be removed from the Neighborhood Revitalization program due to the fact they did not adhere to the program by letting their property tax go delinquent. Also, Mr. Miller has requested a 30-day extension on sending out values due to the new Orion system. Commissioner Kueser went into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:40 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:50 a.m. and no action was taken.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported she had contacted B&B Plumbing about the air flow of the heating and cooling system if the remodeling of the outer office was to be done and they felt there would be no problem. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve remodeling the Health Department by Ralph Doubrava at a cost to the county of $13,986.25 to be taken from the Health Capital Outlay fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Commissioners again discussed the TotalNotify System with Sheriff Tracy Ploutz. Sheriff Ploutz thought the product would be beneficial to the county. The County Clerk has not received the information from Nex-tech that was to be sent. When the information is received, it will be put on the Agenda again. Sheriff Ploutz reported the new tumblers for the lock at the jail had been ordered.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement 106 in the amount of $182.28. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the January payroll in the amount of $108,502.90. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve January accounts payable for $539,810.88 and prewritten warrants of $37,508.15 for a total of $577,319.03. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The Dodge City Census Office requested use of the meeting room for the entire week of February 8-12 for classes. The Commissioners approved the request for use of the facility but only during the hour the Courthouse is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

_________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 25, 2010

2010-02-02T08:08:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 25, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 25^th day of January 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. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of January 19, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, presented financial reports for the month of December showing a monthly loss of over $200,000. Revenues and utilization are down; however, it is that way statewide. Straudwater & Associates will be having their reviews on the draft strategic plan on February 2^nd and the Commissioners are invited to attend. The grant request for the storm shelter will be submitted today. Presently, Dr. Whitmer is still using Dr. Kepka's office in Wilson and will be doing so until Wilson City makes some decision about the clean up of the Opera House. The hospital auxiliary is buying a bariatric lift for the hospital. It will be mobile so it can be moved from room to room. The patient satisfaction surveys are showing that 78.8% would likely recommend ECMC.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported that Unit 111 from Holyrood has been down and it will cost approximately $2,200 to fix. She would like to do away with the ambulance and crown Victoria and purchase a new response vehicle. The Blazer has been fully equipped and has been moved to Holyrood to use as response vehicle and it appears to be meeting the needs of the community. She asked the Commissioners to sign a Kraft Grant that she is submitting to purchase monitors. She has a bid from Kansas Doors, Inc. to replace the wash bay door and install photo eyes on all the doors in the amount of $4,125. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the proposal from Kansas Doors, Inc. for $4,125. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Jim Olmsted & Doug Kuntz, Nex-Tech, explained the TotalNotify System which is a mass notification system for emergencies. Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director and Sheriff Ploutz were present for the presentation. The system would use our GIS maps with an overlay of telephone numbers to notify county residents of emergencies. The system would also have other applications. The Commissioners tabled any decision until they could meet with other county entities.

Upon the request of Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:05 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:15 a.m. No action was taken.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, presented the name of Cynthia Lamia to be hired as a nurse at the Health Department. The Commissioners agreed on a salary range of 3 and step k.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 102 & 103 in the amount of $54.38. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Daniel Brett Rolfs as Trustee of Green Garden Township. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Upon a written opinion from the County Attorney, the Commissioners decided not to join Barton County in a lawsuit against the State of Kansas on HB 2372.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 10R01, A Resolution Setting 2010 Compensation for County Employees. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon to attend a meeting with a contractor at the Health Department for information on the modifications to the Health Department building.

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 19, 2010

2010-01-27T14:52:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 19, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 19^th day of January 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 January 11, 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

APPOINTMENTS:

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, met with the Commissioners to discuss the Assistant Director position. Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:30 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. and Commissioner Kueser moved to continue the executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:53 a.m. until 10:00 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 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Kueser moved to establish a salary for the EMS position of Assistant Director at range 4, step d and to make the position an exempt position. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Maze will offer the position to Gaye Woods. Mrs. Maze submitted three proposals for a new telephone system. They were from Nex-Tech $2,653, H&B $2,752 and Wilson Communications $3,984.44. The Nex-Tech proposal included cordless phones that were not included in the other bids. The Commissioner felt with the paging system built into the system, cordless phones costing $300 were not needed. Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid of H&B in the amount $2,752 for a DSX40 NEC telephone system. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. One of the overhead doors is in need of repair or maybe replacement. Not knowing if it can be repaired, the Commissioners authorized replacement of door if within $3,600.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, introduced Jill Nichols, Rice County Coordinator of Economic Development, who explained the Rice County e-waste system and asked if Ellsworth County would like to join their e-waste group. Ellsworth County was included in the original grant for the program, but up until now, has not utilized the service. They would provide the trailer and Ellsworth County would transport the e-waste to Rice County for disposal. Also, they may conduct some collection events during the year. Presently, there would be no cost to the county for the service, however, the grant is up for renewal in 2011 and there could be some fees attached at that time. Commissioner Kueser moved to join Rice County's e-waste program for 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported an accident that happen on a job between two county vehicles. If the insurance company determines the accident was 100% fault of the employee, they will notify the county and they ask that the employee be notified. It appears that the bridge in Saline County that touches in Ellsworth County and Lincoln County, has gotten funding for replacement and that both Ellsworth and Lincoln County will be asked to pay percentage wise the amount that FEMA and the State does not cover. NCRS is going to be moving 2,700 tons of rock on the 3-mile road and Mr. Nondorf has given permission to use the road with special conditions. The state is requiring counties to have spill control plans in place and Kirkham Michael has been working on our plan for the past year. He has had meetings with the employees and had them sign a sheet showing they have had training on the control spill plan. He also has notified the county departments that use the gasoline pumps. He has asked those departments using the county fuel pumps to adhere to the rules of turning their engines off while fueling. If spills continue, departments will be cut off from using the pumps.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, and Ralph Doubrava, Contractor, met with the Commissioners to discuss modification mainly to the reception area of the Health building. They would like to have cubicle like partitions at the reception desk to protect the privacy of the public. Also, they would like to have a wall extended into the reception office to make the one exam room private as it is now visible from the reception area and a door put in the back hallway. The Wick program will pay $4,963 on the project and leaving a projected $13,086 to be taken from the Health Capital Outlay fund. To get a better perspective of the changes, the Commissioner will go to the Health Department next Monday and view the proposed changes.

Chairman Rush left the meeting at 11:45 p.m. and Vice-Chairman Kueser chaired the remaining meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Approval of the Job Description and salary range for the EMS Assistant Director was done during the appointment session with the EMS Director.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 94,99,100 &101 in the amount of $569.14. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m.

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, January 11, 2010

2010-01-21T08:29:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 11, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 11^th day of January 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 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 December 28, 2009 and January 4, 2010. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS & APPOINTMENTS FOR 2010:

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Kermit Rush as Chairman of the Ellsworth County Board of Commissioners for 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Terry Kueser as Vice-Chairman of the Ellsworth County Board of Commissioners for 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the following list of appointments for 2010:

Health Supervisor Ronda Kasiska

Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor Teresa Shute

Road & Bridge Supervisor Richard Nondorf

Purchasing Officer Janet Andrews

Health Officer Dr. Ronald Whitmer

County Coroners Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Jerzy Smolka

Special Deputy Coroner Shawn McGowan, PA

Workman compensation Physicians Dr. Ronald Whitmer

Dr. Dennis Kepka

Dr. Jerzy Slomka

Shawn McGowan, PA

EMS Director Michelle Maze

EMS Medical Advisor Dr. Dennis Kepka

EMS Liaison Shawn McGowan

Emergency Management Director Kenny Bernard

Official Newspaper Ellsworth County Independent

Reporter

Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Rush, newly elected Chairman, presided over the remaining meeting.

APPOINTMENTS:

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported landfill employee, Gene Diaz, was quitting due to health reasons and she had placed an ad in the paper to fill the part-time position. A new sign is needed for the landfill and she had contacted the Ellsworth Correctional Facility to see if they could make the sign. The County would only have to pay for the materials. Rice County has their e-waste up and running and they would like to talk with the Commissioners about sending our e-waste to Rice County as Ellsworth County was included in their grant submission. An appointment was made for next Monday.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:30 a.m. until 10:25 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:25 a.m. No action was taken.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, presented his 2009 evaluations. Also, two taxpayers who qualified for the Neighborhood Revitalization program did not pay their taxes by the due date making them delinquent. According to the NR program, if a taxpayer in the program is delinquent, they are automatically removed from the program. The Commissioners discussed the issue and decided to adhere to the plan document. Mr. Miller will notify the taxpayers of the decision.

Upon the request of Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 11:10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioner returned to open session at 11:30 a.m. No action was taken. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the job description, position and salary range for Investigator for the Sheriff Department. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. OLD BUSINESS:

The approval of the job description for EMS Billing Clerk and Assistant Director was tabled until next week when they will schedule an appointment with the EMS Director, Michelle Maze.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 78,93,95-98 in the amount of $672.96. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the revised G-9. Inclement Weather section in the Personnel Policy to include closing of the Courthouse. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

After review of the KCAMP Risk Avoidance Grant Program, the County Clerk was asked to give the information to all department heads.

Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the resignation of Melvin Splitter, Trustee of Green Garden Township. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

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

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

January 4, 2010

2010-01-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

JANUARY 4, 2010

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 4^th day of January 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 Oller called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of December 28^th 2009. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Josh Beckman, Kirkham, Michael & Associates, reported back that the landfill expansion application and requested drawing had not been sent to the state as yet. He will be working on the drawing this week and the application should be finished by the end of next week. The Commissioners asked to let them know when the application was sent in so they could follow-up with the State and move the process along. The current pit is filling up fast and in the spring, more roofing will be coming to the landfill.

APPOINTMENTS:

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, informed the Commissioners the Storm Spotter's meeting for Ellsworth County would be April 1 at the Holyrood Fire Station at 6:00 p.m. More information will be distributed closer to the date of the meeting. The mobile command unit has been completely updated. The base unit in the dispatchers at the Sheriff's office is being updated to digital.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, presented two firm proposals to change the locks at the jail to a 2-key system. The labor would be $4,825 and the new tumblers $2,802.75. Commissioner Kueser authorized the proposals to change the locks at the jail to a 2-key system at a cost of $7,627.75 to be taken from the County Building Fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Sheriff Ploutz also discussed a section in the policy book that does away with holiday pay if an employee calls in sick the day before or after a holiday. They can be paid for the day, but they would have to use a sick day. The Commissioners expressed their view that the policy was appropriate but appreciated his opinion.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, reported they had 713 page outs this year and will get final figures for the year to them in the next couple of weeks. Employee Derek Walter has successfully completed his Paramedic certification and will be moved to 10a $9.47 effective January 1, 2010. The new billing clerk started today. The Holyrood ambulance is in Ellsworth right now and they have been using the ALS unit and seem to be very pleased with it.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the 2010 Ellsworth/Kanopolis Chamber dues of $200. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the December payroll in the amount of $207,448.41. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the December accounts payable and prewritten checks for a total of $203,389.13. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #86 for $68.88. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a 2010 Cereal Malt Beverage license for Martin Oil Company. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve of Letter of Support for Wireless 911 Grant Funding. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 28, 2009

2010-01-14T08:28:00.000-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 28, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 28^th day of December 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

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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of December 21^st 2009. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Josh Beckman, Kirkham, Michael & Associates, asked about the repair of a bridge that Saline County had proposed to rebuild and had asked that Ellsworth County and Lincoln County share the expense as it was one that touched on all three counties. The Commissioners felt the project was dead because it was being funded mostly by state money. Also, there are some reservations as to whether the bridge is actually in Ellsworth County. Mr. Beckman was asked to check on the progress of the expansion of the landfill documentation and ascertain whether it had been forwarded to the State for approval.

APPOINTMENTS:

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, reported he had an audit of the locks in the jail. He would like to change the lock system so that there would be only two keys for the entire jail system. The cost of changing out 31 doors would be approximately $4,825 and then there would be a cost of $3,000 for the tumblers. Upon the completion, he would have a maintenance contract to have the locks checked each year and repaired if necessary. Also, he would like to have the initial cost of rekeying the locks come from the County Building fund and then he would budget the yearly maintenance. The Commissioners asked that Sheriff Ploutz come back with a firm bid for the proposal. Mr. Ploutz presented the Commissioner with a report showing the income and expenditures for 2009 for the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund. The fund had a balance of $576.55.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 82-75 in the amount of $307.50. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

__________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 21, 2009

2010-01-14T08:25:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 21, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 21^st day of December 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

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 Rush moved to approve the Minutes of December 14^th 2009. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, reported the combine loss for the rural health center and hospital for November was $35,000 with a year-to-date loss of $321,859. However, they have applied for some Medicare adjustments which have not been approved as yet. Their satisfaction surveys still show a high percentage of approval with eight out of ten being survey saying they would recommend the facility. The assessment team will be back on February 2 & 3 and will conduct some training as well as continue their assessment. They are still working on the shelter grant funding.

Tim Vandall, Ellsworth City Administrator, and Dave Smith, Ellsworth City Chief of Police, met with the Commissioner to ask them to waive the tipping fees for a trailer they plan to tear down and bring into the landfill. The Commissioners explained that they could not accept a trailer since it is metal and if they wanted to put it in the metal pile; they would have to break it up. The properties in the City that they would like to clean up are tax delinquent, and they questioned when those properties would go up for a tax sale. As a rule, the County Attorney does not put properties that are a liability to the county up for a tax sale. However, the Commissioner expressed their desire to work with the city on these properties.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, visited with the Commissioners about the job description for his new position of Investigator. It has been sent to Austin Peters to have it evaluated and put in our salary/range scale. Sheriff Ploutz discussed purchasing a 4-wheel drive vehicle in 2010 for himself and having the one he presently drives put into the patrol fleet. During the recent storm, they certainly felt the need to have another 4-wheel vehicle.

Michelle Maze, EMS Director, discussed her two new job descriptions, Billing Clerk and Assistant Director. They, too, have been forwarded to Austin Peters for evaluation and placement in salary/range scale. She has interview for the billing clerk position and has hired Kathy Engeland to start January 4^thand Gaye Woods will fill the sport of Assistant Director at a salaries to be yet determined. r.

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, reported the H1N1 flu shots are now available to the public and she is having two clinics this week. She has received additional funding for the HIN1 flu and has sent in a request to purchase a generator for approximately $7,600 with these funds. In total she has received $24,606 from the H1N1 funding stream and with the generator will have spent $11,420. Previously, she purchased a refrigerator to store vaccines. The remaining funds will be used to offset expenses. Mrs. Kasiska also expressed concerns about the pay scale, in particular the one for nurses. She feels she is not able to hire a full time nurse at our salary level and asked the Commissioners to consider raising it. With the budgets being set for this year and the fact that they would find it hard to justify making changes to only one position and not others, they felt they could not address it this year, but they would put it on their agenda before making budget for 2011.

OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2010 KAC dues in the amount of $1,613.80. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 73-75 & 79-81 in the amount of $1,121.08. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Due to the snow storm on December 9^ththe Courthouse did not open until 12 Noon. Therefore, all employees who worked those three hours will be compensated by having three hours added to their vacation benefit.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 12:10.

_____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 14, 2009

2009-12-22T08:11:00.000-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 14, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 14^th day of December 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 Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of December 7, 2009 with corrections. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

APPOINTMENTS:

Lech Wisniewski, Partnership Specialist with the US 2010 Census, discussed the 2010 census and the importance of Ellsworth County having a good count. In the last census there was only a 61% response from Ellsworth County and that resulted in Ellsworth County losing 39% of tax money that could have been allocated to them. The Smoky Hill Economic Development group had offered to spearhead the Complete County Committee for Ellsworth County but now that the director is leaving, he is not sure if that support is still there. He has been working with come County Clerks to get places set up for the Q & A Centers and then places that will have the forms available for those that did not get contacted by mail or individually. The Commissioners pledged their support of the efforts.

Jo Funk, Sanitarian with the Saline-Salina Health Department, brought Christmas treats for the Commissioners and discussed the recent decision by the State of disallow them to inspect restaurants in Salina. They will now all be done by the State.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Week-Landfill Supervisor, presented a proposal by Robson's for new furniture for the outside office in the amount of $1,850. Although there was no motion, the Commissioners approved the purchase. Mrs. Shute also reported that the Road & Bridge Department was sanding the roads at the landfill.

OLD BUSINESS:

After much discussion, Commissioner Rush moved to approve the payment of the North Central Flint Hills Agency On Aging Administration Fees for 2010 in the amount of $1,501. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the request for After Prom Donations for all three high schools for $100 each to be taken from the Special Alcohol Fund. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Cereal Malt Beverage license renewal for on premise and off premise for the Dry Dock and give them permission to remain open until 2:00 a.m. January 1, 2010. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the 2010 League of Kansas Municipalities dues in the amount of $478.75. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatement #71 in the amount of $80.54. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Cereal Malt Beverage renewal for the Service Oil Company. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:45 p.m.

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, December 7, 2009

2009-12-16T14:48:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

DECEMBER 7, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 2^nd day of December 2009 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

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

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Agenda with an addition. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of November 30, 2009. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Rob Fillion and Curt Glaser, Smoky Hill Development Corp., visited with the Commissioners clarifying that the entire amount of the county's economic development budget was dedicated to them. At the present time with the fringe benefits added to the salary, they are over the $45,000 allotted to them. Since Mr. Fillion has resigned as Director and they have not hired anyone yet, but have hired Mr. Fillion on an hourly basis as needed and would like the county to pay the salary and then they would reimburse the county for any amount over the $45,000. The Commissioners agreed to the proposal. Also, in hiring a new director, they would like to continue the arrangement of the salary being run through the county's payroll system and they would continue to reimburse the county for anything over $45,000 including salary and benefits (Insurance, Kpers, FICA, Unemployment). That was agreeable with the Commissioners.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the November accounts payable for $271,613.86 and prewritten warrants of $22,830.12 for a total payment of $294,443.98. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to pay the 2009 and 2010 dues for a total of $1,000 to the Central Prairie RC&D. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the three year audit contract, 2009, 2010 and 2011, with Lindberg Vogel Pierce Faris, Chartered. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Bylaws and Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with KCAMP, Resolution 09R12. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the renewal of a Cereal Malt Beverage License for D&S Convenience Shop. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to give $25 to full time employees through the payroll system for a Christmas bonus. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, November 30, 2009

2009-12-07T14:50:00.003-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 30, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 30^th day of November 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 November 23, 2009. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, discussed the 2008 audit report with the Commissioners. They are expecting a Medicare adjustment of approximately $460,000 for the fiscal year 2008. In light of the audit report, Mr. Masse felt that there should be some concentration on the financial aspect of the hospital. Hopefully, the strategic assessment will help with that effort. The building project is still being reviewed with staff and the architects and they are still continuing with medical recruitment. As of October, 2009, there was a year-to-date loss of $388,960 and the cases of H1N1 as decreased.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz asked to add a part-time staff position of investigator. The Commissioners asked that he write up a job description for the position and the impact on his budget. Right now, he is looking at $10 per hour but he will need to see where the job description falls within the salary schedule. He will not begin the new position until January 1, 2010. Sheriff Ploutz's second request was to have an audit of the locks at the jail and see what needs to be repaired. The repairs could cost upward of $3,000 which he would like to have taken out of the building fund. Also, he would like to have a yearly maintenance contract for the locks which would be absorbed by his budget. The Commissioner approved the audit, but to get back to them before doing any actual work. The third request was to contract for advance health care for the jail facility. They, too, would do an audit of the expenses to see if they could save money by the services being contracted. They would use a local doctor and would have a nurse on site to administer the medications. The Commissioners agreed to the audit and then come back to them before entering into any contract.

Larry Sharp, KCAMP Insurance, visited with the Commissioners about the county's insurance performance. The loss ratio average for the last year was 84% but the insurance premiums are based on a 4-year average and the county's 4-year average is 47%. Also, the premiums are based on additions and deletions of property to the list. Mr. Sharp reported that KCAMP now has a Law Enforcement Training Course on line and that if utilized could help the law enforcement officers get they training they need plus college credit without the travel.

Carl Miller, Appraiser, reviewed with the Commissioners concerns of citizens at an area of the lake. In one of the housing developments, plans are underway to building a mini-warehouse right in the middle of area of recently built or updated cabins. This, of course, brings up the conversation of zoning and he wondered if the Commissioners had thought about raising the issue again. At the present time, the Commissioners responded they had such a bad reaction at the last exploration of the topic, that they had not reconsidered it. Due to an experience with a co-worker at another county, Mr. Miller asked the Commissioners to look at the funeral leave policy in the handbook and consider either increasing it or making it more flexible for the loss of a mother, father, child or spouse. Now it states 24 hours, but if you are the one making the arrangements or have to travel to a different location, that is not enough time. The Commissioners felt that additional time could be taken from the employee's vacation time; however, they will look at the policy. Additional software for personal property will have to be purchased for the conversion to the Orion appraisal system. The cost will be approximately $550. Mr. Miller asked for an opinion on church exempt property. A BOTA exemption was granted to the Assembly of God Church for property purchased in 2005. The property has never been developed and appears not to be used for the intended request of the exempt. This year he did put the platted portion back on the tax roll and has received a complaint. Given several options to consider, the Commissioner asked that the church resubmit their exemption and the appraiser ask for a hearing.

OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Kenneth Parks to represent Ellsworth County on the Board of Directors of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency of Aging, Inc. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Shawn McGowan as Ellsworth County Special Coroner for 2010. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements 23,24,31,32,&33 in the amount of $1,059.98. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the November payroll in the amount of $180,032.83. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

__________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, November 30, 2009

2009-12-07T14:50:00.001-06:00

Minutes, November 23, 2009

2009-12-01T08:06:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 23, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 23^rd day of November 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 November 9, 2009. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Josh Beckman, Kirkham Michael & Associates, was present for the Public Forum to give the Commissioners an update on several projects they are working on for the county. The low road project, a state stimulus project, was bid and Venture received the bid. The other stimulus project, the Salt Mine Road, is contingent upon funds being available. It will be bid in March, but if the funding is not there, the contracts will not be awarded. They will be starting the bridge inspections per the contract with the county and they plan to talk with the Road & Bridge Supervisor to see if he wanted to move the bridge on the low road up on the State's schedule. Presently, it is to be bid in 2013.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Upon the request of Michelle Maze, EMS Director, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:10 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Maze reported Terri Stone had resigned and she would like to realign the positions at the EMS. Presently, she has two vacant EMT positions and she does not want to fill those positions but instead make one of those positions an assistant director and the other a full-time billing clerk. Commissioner Rush moved to allow the realignment of EMT positions to one full time billing clerk and an assistant director and address her schedule accordingly. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported the following three items: A hazmat training exercise has been scheduled with Homeland Security; that Homeland Security, through a grant of $8,228, has funded an 800 radio update for the Sheriff's office and one radio; and the GPS units for the fire and EMS departments will be updated.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented two bids for the roofing of the Noxious Weed building that was damaged in the recent hail storm and adding guttering. The bid from Reliant Roofing, LLC was $10,479.20 and BC Roofing was $9,710.55. Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid from BC Roofing in the amount of $9,710.55 contingent upon being able to lock up that price for the work being done in 2010. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Kueser moved to allow the $10,742 insurance payment for the roof this year to be carried over and expended from the 2009 budget in 2010. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to change the Policy Statement for Ellsworth County Markers for Veteran's Graves to read: "There will be no charge to the families requesting the marker". Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed a request from the Ellsworth County Council on Aging for additional funding. They are out of money and do not have enough money to make the November and December payroll. Commissioner Rush moved to give ECCA a one time donation of $3,000 from the General Fund to finish out the year. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 09R08, A Resolution Transferring From The Road & Bridge Department To The Special Machinery Fund; Resolution 09R09, A Resolution Transferring From The Health Fund To The Health Capital Outlay Fund; and Resolution 09R10, A Resolution Transferring From The General Fund To The Equipment Reserve Fund. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Resolution 09R11, A Resolution Exempting Ellsworth County, Kansas From Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, As Promulgated by F.A.S.B. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Oller moved to approve a two cereal malt beverage licenses for Smoky Hill Trading Post, one for on premises and one for off premises. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Abatements 1-11, 13,15,16 & 21 in the amount of $17,142.84. Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Rush moved to approve Adds 6,7,9,12,14 & 18 in the amount of $991.36. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

The appointment of a representative to the North Central-Flint Hills Area on Aging, Inc. was tabled until next week.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m.

___________________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

Minutes, November 9, 2009

2009-11-23T13:49:00.001-06:00

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 9, 2009

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 9^th day of November 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 Oller moved to approve the Minutes of November 2, 2009. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the open forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

EMS Director, Michelle Maze, discussed the county's position on letting certified EMT's under 18 years of age drive an ambulance. Presently, any new EMT who is hired by the county has to take a training course before being allowed to drive an ambulance. The Commissioners asked that Mrs. Maze write a policy regarding the training before being allowed to drive an ambulance with an age specification of 18 years. In regards to the Home Depot grant received, the Commissioners asked that it be used on the existing training room as they see no need for an additional training room at this time. Also, in the future, they would like to be informed of the intent to apply for a grant before rather than after the grant is received. Mrs. Maze was commended on her efforts for securing the grant.

Robert Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Corporation, LLC Director, announced that he had submitted his resignation to his board effective December 4, 2009. They have accepted his resignation and have started a search for a new director. He plans to help a friend with his political campaign in Colorado. The Commissioners congratulated him on his new position and thanked him for all he has done for Ellsworth County.

Leonard Haverkamp and Duke Ranker, representing the veteran organizations, again discussed grave markers for veterans who do not belong to one of the legion organizations. It is the legion policy to put grave markers out for those that are members only. The Commissioners have a policy that any family who does not have a marker can request one from the county for one-half of the cost of the marker which has been $12. Mr. Haverkamp requested that the county pay the full cost of the marker. The Clerk was asked to put the item on the Agenda for the next meeting.

Chairman Oller left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Vice-Chairman Rush chaired the remaining meeting.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, brought pictures of the fire damaged Opera House in Wilson and discussed what assistance they might be able to render if asked. If the structure facing Old Highway 40 is unsafe, he may have to take it down as Old 40 is a county road. However, he will wait until he is called upon. He has furnished the barricades being used to block off the area.

Joseph Beem, a citizen of Ellsworth County who is renovating the old jail building, had been told that the county had some slate they would like to get rid of and he was interested in it. The Commissioners told him it was marble, not slate, and suggested he go to the Noxious Weed Department where it is being stored to make sure it is something he would want and then come back to the County Clerk with a bid.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

There were no new business items.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Vice-Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk