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

 

Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the February 6 and February 8, 2007 minutes and the claims against the various funds. Carl Higgs seconded his motion and following clarification of several vouchers it passed unanimously.

 

Rita Gee, Treasurer, asked the commissioners if they had heard from Gary Hathaway, Assistant County Attorney, regarding some property that was sold at the tax sale. An individual who purchased some of the property has not paid the first half taxes for 2006. Mr. Hathaway will talk to Judge Smith regarding this matter. Later in the morning, Ms. Hathaway said Judge Smith said the sale is valid and the individual can’t be forced to pay the first half taxes at this time. The 2006 taxes and any penalty and interest will have to be paid in full by May 10 when 2nd half payments are due.

 

Rod Kreie, and Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, met with the commissioners. Mr. Kreie, Nexsun Project Manager, reported that they will be applying for tax abatement on their ethanol plant and/or bio-diesel plant project.

 

Faye Trent, Great Plains Development, was present for a public meeting regarding the closure of the Community Development Block Grant Micro-Loan. She reported that $13,973 will have to be returned to the State since it was not used during the time allotted. Carl Higgs made the motion to de-obligate $13,973 from the CDBG Micro-loan Grant. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Dave Seibel, Recreation Commission Board Member, and Brent Walker, Recreation Director, met with the commissioners. Mr. Seibel said they are planning to construct a building next to the swimming pool and there is some concern about putting a building on ground that does not belong to them. The commissioners said a lease for that portion of ground or the entire park would be acceptable.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, and James O’Loughlin, Allied Information Solutions, Inc. presented an agreement for the board’s review.  Madison Traster made the motion to approve the agreement with Allied Information Solutions, Inc. spending $45,500 of grant money to provide digital orthoimagery and mapping products for the county’s Enhanced 911 system. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve his request to dispose of computer related equipment. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. A list of the equipment is attached as a part of this record.

 

            The commissioners recessed for lunch with the City of Ulysses at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending from the city were: Bud Newberry, City Manager; Ed Wiltse, Mayor; Scott Malone, Rod Kreie and Ann Papay, Council Members. The city reported they had met with the Recreation Commission and discussed softball fields. The city is eliminating the softball fields at Frazier Park, and the Recreation Commission has agreed to maintain new softball fields if the city and county will build them. Recreation is in the process of getting quotes for construction of new softball fields. Discussion was held on the addition to the Law Enforcement Center. Some changes had to be made to the plans after soil samples were tested.

 

            J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing contractual matters pertaining to the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Jerry Jo Deckert, Emergency Medical Service Director, reported that a grant for $1,000 has been received from the Kansas Board of EMS to help with training expenses. Ms. Deckert requested approval for 7 EMS personnel to attend a State EMS seminar March 29 – April 1, 2007. Madison Traster made the motion to approve Ms. Deckert’s request for 7 EMS personnel to attend the State EMS Seminar at a cost of $300 per individual. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Charlie Fields, Chamber of Commerce Board Member, reported that Carson & Barnes Circus will be in town June 14. He said they would prefer to have the circus at the fairgrounds east of the rodeo arena. The commissioners gave their approval for the chamber to have the circus at that site.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, reported that due to a shortage of KDOT personnel, we might not get our truck route project bid this year. Mr. Kramer also reported that FEMA has changed the scope of what they will pay for as regards the damage from the ice storm. Discussion was held on road damage due to flooding. The commissioners approved Mr. Kramer’s request to purchase junk crushed rock to help with emergency road patching. It was the consensus of the commissioners that whatever needs to be done to repair flood damaged roads would take precedence over other road projects. Following discussion the decision was made to repair a plow truck at the road department when there is time instead of taking it to an independent shop. For informational purposes only, Mr. Kramer reported that a Caterpillar salesman asked if the county would be interested in buying the new loader currently on loan at the Transfer Station. The commissioners said they wanted the current loader repaired correctly and then they’ll discuss the new loader.

 

            Madison Traster made motion to adjourn at 3:45 p.m. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and the commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on March 6, 2007.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                          Marty Long, Chairman