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