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            The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: John Duran, Road Foreman; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; Robin Hathaway, County Attorney; Lee Wright, Interim Transfer Station Manager; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; and Lance Babcock, Sheriff.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 18 and July 26, 2006 meetings and the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Jim Spencer, Waste Connections, and Henry Smith, Collectia, met with the commissioners to discuss the Transfer Station and landfill. Mr. Spencer presented an overview of Waste Connections. Various options the county could consider were offered. Options ranged from Waste Connections purchasing the facility to leasing all or part of the operation to simply using their Garden City landfill instead of Seward County’s. It was estimated that the county could save $56,000/year by changing disposal sites. Mr. Spencer explained that a certificate of indemnification would be issued to the county to limit the county’s liability if the county chooses to lease the property to them. Assurances were given that annual spring and fall cleanup periods could continue as well as allowing storm debris removal at no cost. Mr. Spencer also stated that fee increases could be handled contractually thus providing some control by the county.  The commissioners will meet with Mike Tabor, Seward County Landfill, at their next meeting. After investigating the matter fully, a decision will be made regarding the transfer station.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to adopt the same policy as Reno County for Donation of Accumulated Sick Leave. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Bob Forsen presented information on the patio cover/carport at the DOVES house. He provided a picture that showed the roof and decking need to be replaced. The estimated cost to repair the patio cover is $10,000.00. The commissioners recommended that Mr. Forsen redesign the patio cover. Mr. Forsen indicated that he could do that.

 

            Ulysses Bit ‘n Spur Club Members, Donnie Phelps, John Martin, David Higgs, Dennis Deyoe, and Jason Phelps, discussed consumption of beer at the rodeo grounds. It was decided that they would not request to have a beer garden or make any other changes. Rodeo participants will be reminded that bottled beer is not allowed on the premises.

 

            Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, requested approval to use diversion fund money to purchase a remote surveillance camera at an approximate cost of $1,986.00. Marty Long made the motion to use diversion fund money to purchase a remote surveillance camera for use by law enforcement at an approximate cost of $1,986.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners will meet with city council at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 to discuss funding for law enforcement expansion.

 

 

 

 

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to increase Natalie Ewing’s rate of pay to $12.50/hour during the interim until a new building and grounds manager is hired. This change will be retroactive to the manager’s termination date.  Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 4:00 p.m. to meet as a board of canvassers at 9:00 a.m. on August 4, 2006 to canvas the results of the August 1 Primary Election and they will meet at 10:30 a.m. on August 4, 2006 to make a final review of 2007 budget requests.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman