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: Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; and Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 13 and November 28, 2006 meetings and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and following clarification of several vouchers, the motion passed unanimously.

 

            As part of the public forum, Commissioner Long reported that David Dikeman was concerned that Cecil Simpson has posted public land with no hunting signs. The land in question is near the Transfer Station and is leased from the county by a private individual which gives him the right to post the property.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, John Duran, Road Foreman, Randy McCauley, Road Foreman, and Luie Diaz, Shop Foreman, met with the commissioners. Motor grader bids were opened. Bids were received from Foley Equipment Co., Murphy Tractor and Equipment Co., and Van Kepple Co. Mr. Kramer said all bidders met the minimum specifications. He presented cost information on equipment the county currently owns. Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the bid from Foley Equipment Co. for a 2007 Caterpillar Motor Grader at a cost with trade of $106,974.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, requested approval to dispose of a dishwasher, 26 dining room chairs and a 1983 Chevrolet pickup. Marty Long made the motion to approve the Hospital Board of Trustees’ disposing of the items as requested. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Bob Forsen, local designer, reported plans for the Law Enforcement Center expansion are nearly ready to send to the engineer. He asked what the commissioners’ thoughts are about a safe room for the dispatchers. Commissioner Long stated that if the room could be made tornado safe at a reasonable cost, the commissioners would be in favor of this. Mr. Forsen said this might not be possible due to the original construction of the building. He also reported that office modules comparable to those in the emergency management department cost about $2700 per office. He explained that wood cabinets could be built for $800 an office. Mr. Forsen said he will talk to the Sheriff and the Chief of Police regarding this. He said he would be meeting with the Sheriff, the Chief of Police and Pioneer Communications personnel to develop the communications portion of the plan. They will also discuss flooring material.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, met with the commissioners. At Ms. Deckert’s request Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes, the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Approval was given for the County Clerk to attend the Certified Public Managers Program in 2007.

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, presented a plan for trees at the parking lot at the fairgrounds. A drip system is being designed and poles will be obtained from Pioneer Electric to use as a barrier. Commissioner Higgs questioned the need for this due to the expense involved. Mr. Nuefeld presented quotes for burnishers to polish floors at the civic center. Battery and propane powered burnishers will be demonstrated before one is purchased. A quote for new counter tops in the kitchen was presented. The proposal was for $1,245.44 from Ulysses Building Supply, Inc. Steve Eddie’s quote to put a stainless counter top where the main sink is would be $2,980.00. The decision was made to approve the counter top from Ulysses Building Supply. Mr. Neufeld explained that water usage at the civic center, airport, ball fields, dog pound and road department is read from one meter. Mr. Nuefeld will track the usage and later it will be determined if anything needs to be done to distribute the charges to the various departments. Putting a loop in the system to provide better water service for all entities will also be examined. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 5 minutes for purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 5 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Bruce Schultz, BlueCross BlueShield Representative, explained the differences between the Comprehensive Major Medical Program and the Shared Pay Comprehensive Program. Following his presentation the commissioners made the decision to select Option 1 of the Shared Pay Comprehensive Program as the county’s insurance plan for 2007.

 

            Based on the request of the Treasurer and Clerk, Marty Long made the motion to amend Grant County’s policy on paying employees that all county employees’ payroll checks will be paid using direct electronic deposit to the bank of their choice. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 3:55 p.m. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Madison Traster, Chairman