C20070705 July 5, 2007
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Marty Long and Commissioner Carl Higgs present. Linda McHenry, County Clerk, was also in attendance. Commissioner Madison Traster was absent.
The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Jerry Jo Deckert, Emergency Medical Service Director; Rita Gee, Treasurer; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; Randy McCauley, Road Foreman; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser; and Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator.
Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the June 19 and June 22, 2007 meetings and the claims against the various funds of the county. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed.
Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a color copier from Southern Office Supply at a cost of $11,560 plus $350 for 10 stations printer/scanning capability for the courthouse. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed.
Holly Mathes, Librarian, and Library Board of Trustees Members, Robert Thompson, Gloria Battin and Thelma Bortz, presented their 2008 budget request of $464,133.00 for operating expenses and $102,557.45 for employee benefits which is the same as their current appropriation. The commissioners will consider their request.
Lance Babcock, Sheriff, reported that he had to purchase a new computer and monitor to replace the 911 computer. He also reported that he is trying to get the antennae for paging emergency services repaired but new antennae might be required. Sheriff Babcock presented quotes for a new document shredder. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a shredder from GVC in the amount of $1,045.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed. Quotes for a new copier were reviewed. Carl Higgs made the motion to purchase a Canon 3025 copier from Key Office Supply at a cost of $6,231.33. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed.
Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser, presented his 2008 budget request. Mr. Fuhrmann gave explanations for line item changes on the request. He explained that there would be a need for a new color laser printer, and that the cost would be shared by 7 counties. He also explained that the professional services line item includes appraisal of the gas and helium plants.
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director, reported that one bid was received to install the generator that was purchased with grant money. Marty Long made the motion to approve the bid from Zeke’s Electric in the amount of $1,050.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed. Ms. Deckert reported she had tires replaced on one of the ambulances. She has learned that for safety concerns, tires should be replaced on ambulances every 3 ½ to 4 years. At Ms. Deckert’s request, Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Marty Long made the motion to pay the full time EMS employees at 85% of the median rate of pay for their positions as is spelled out in the employee pay plan effective with this pay period. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed. Discussion was held on increasing the part time staff’s wages too. A decision on this will be made later in the day. After reviewing the pay scale of other part time staff in the county the decision was made to leave the part time pay at its current rate.
Billie Upshaw, Western Prairie Care Home Administrator, and Board of Trustee Members, Pam Gindlesberger and Kent Carmichael, presented their 2008 budget request. It was decided that a better budget estimate could be done after the cost of the new care home is determined following the bid opening on July 10. The care home board will return with an updated request after that time.
Tom Kramer, Road Department Administrator, and Randy McCauley, Road Foreman, met to open bids for this year’s asphalt work. APAC bid $873,152.50 and Venture Corporation bid $839,501.90. After reviewing the bids Mr. Kramer said specifications were met and the bids fall within the amount budgeted for this year. He recommended the commissioners accept the low bid. Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the bid from Venture Corporation in the amount of $839,501.90. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed.
Larry Gustafson, Kroy and Galyn Nichols presented concerns regarding the proposed ethanol plant. The commissioners assured them it is the intentions of the county to include current businesses in any plans for that area. The commissioners said they would keep everyone informed when plans are discussed.
The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on July 17, 2007.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Marty Long, Chairman