The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2005 meeting after adding that the commissioners also testified on Senate Bill 128 while in Topeka, and to approve the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Cindy Heaton, Transfer Station employee, explained her concerns with not following job description requirements when hiring for a new position, specifically regarding experience. Dee Dee Lane, Lane’s Recycling, expressed her concerns that the new Transfer Station Manager keep current on state laws and regulations regarding solid waste and attend state schools and conferences.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to appoint Judy Neatherlin as a representative from Grant County to Area Mental Health. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, gave an update on her office.

 

            Kristi Anderson and Justin Huslig, Grant County Recreation Commission, presented information on the Wellness Center at the swimming pool. The commissioners will consider offering this as part of the county’s employee wellness program.

 

            Bill Turman and Brian Burton, Nex-Tech, met with the commissioners. Mr. Burton explained that the county had maintenance on hardware directly through IBM but not on the software. Mr. Burton also stated that he cancelled the maintenance agreement for the old AS400 and printers that are scheduled for replacement. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the three-year maintenance program for the new IBM AS/400 at a cost not to exceed $17,159.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, reported on hazardous material emergency preparedness training grants he applied for in January. He received notification that the grants have been approved. There are six positions available for the Hazmat Technician

Training, and three positions for Highway Transportation Specialist Training. The commissioners signed the paperwork necessary to process the grants. Mr. Button reported that FEMA has approved the county’s mitigation plan. Mr. Button also gave an update on Safety Committee activities.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, talked about the purchase of a vehicle for his department. It was evident from the quotes he received that local dealerships aren’t able to compete with the price of a vehicle purchased from the Kansas Partnership program through the Kansas Highway Patrol. Vehicles through this program are only available to law enforcement officials for law enforcement usage. Carl Higgs made the motion to purchase a Ford Expedition at a cost not to exceed $22,802.77 from the Partnership program, which is $3,845 lower than the local bid, and pay Riley Ford $500 for vehicle preparation when it arrives. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held on the possibility of hiring another deputy.

 

            Loyetta Skeen, Clerk of the District Court, presented quotes for microphones and speakers for the courtroom. The commissioners advised Ms. Skeen to check references on both businesses and if they are both good, go with the lower one. The microphones and speakers will be purchased through the law library account and diversion funds if the county attorney approves the expenditures. If not, the commissioners agreed to pay for them through the general fund.

 

            The commissioners made the decision to contribute $200 each for two girls to attend Girl’s State through the American Legion Auxiliary.

 

            Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser, presented information on hardware for the new CAMA system. Marty Long made the motion to approve the quote not to exceed $7,052 from Nex-Tech for the necessary equipment to initiate the new CAMA system. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the customer care service gold plan from Nex-Tech for a prepaid service agreement at a cost of $6,000. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Due to concerns expressed by the state and Nex-Tech, discussion was held on locking the computer room door on the second level of the courthouse. The commissioners made the decision that this will be done. If necessary, the mailroom equipment and copier can be relocated to another area.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, met with the commissioners. Mr. Goldsby reported that the hiring committee selected David Wagner to fill the position of Transfer Station Manager. He also reported that Mr. Wagner’s starting rate was based on a 5% increase of his current rate of pay, and after 6 months of successful probation, he will receive an additional 5% increase. Discussion was held on the job description for the manager position. The commissioners asked Mr. Goldsby to update the job description to reflect the needs of the position at the present. Mr. Kramer requested approval to replace the position of Operator 1 at the road department. Due to a decrease in tonnage at the Transfer Station, the commissioners asked Mr. Kramer to think about transferring one of the drivers from the Transfer Station to the Road Department instead of hiring another person. Mr. Kramer received permission to solicit bids for a new flat bed pickup for his department. Quotes for a replacement overhead door for the road department shop were reviewed. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the low bid from Malone Enterprises not to exceed $7,965 for the door. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Carl Higgs made the motion to rescind the yield sign resolution at the old Warrendale School. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Marty Long made the motion to approve a resolution authorizing a stop sign at the corner of SE 10-30-37. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, Rob Oglevie, Ray Velsasquez, Richard Veach, and Marieta Hauser, Economic Development Board Members, and Bud Newberry, City Administrator, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on March 1, 2005.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Madison Traster, Chairman