C20080520 May
20, 2008
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular
session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.
During the public forum portion of the meeting,
Dennis Deyoe, local farmer, asked about the county’s involvement in the weather
modification program. He reported he has talked to several other people who are
questioning the program. Carl Higgs made the motion to contact weather
modification and request they discontinue flying Grant County for the remainder
of the year. Madison Traster seconded the motion and following discussion it
passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the
minutes of the May 6, 2008 minutes and the claims against the various funds of
the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and following clarification of
several vouchers motion passed unanimously.
Lorine Myers and Steve Johnson, Grant County
Conservation District, presented their annual report and 2009 budget request,
which remains the same as this year at $31,000.
Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator, and
members of the hospital staff and board met with the commissioners. It was
reported their planned construction budget overage is estimated between
$300,000 and $700,000. They requested the commissioners’ consideration of
budgeting to help defray part of this difference. Later in the day the
commissioners made the unanimous decision to budget $500,000 in the 2009 budget
as additional funding for the hospital.
Kevin Gray, Gray’s Yard Service, met to discuss
yard work at the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center. Mr. Gray reported that
all the irrigation was taken care of with the bid last year but no dirt work
was included. The commissioners made the decision to advertise for bids for the
dirt work with bids to be opened June 3 if possible.
The commissioners recessed for lunch with the City
of Ulysses. Those attending from the City were: Thadd Kistler, Mayor and
Council Members, Scott Malone, Ann Papay and John Battin. General discussion
was held. The commissioners reported that Tom Gray had talked to them about a
possible Jake Brake ordinance on West Highway 160. The council explained that state
highway property within the city limits has to be maintained by the city so
there are no plans to annex that particular area.
Lance Babcock, Sheriff, and John Kitsmiller,
Area Business Manager of Smart Public Software, gave a presentation on a
software package for the Sheriff’s Department and possibly the Police
Department, if they are interested. Sheriff Babcock has some grant money
available to pay part of the cost. Another company’s software will be reviewed
before any decision is made. Bids were opened for selling a 2003 Crown Victoria. The following bids were received: Carlos Perez bid $1,000.00; Justin Castle bid
$802.00; and James Biddle bid $501.00. Madison Traster made the motion to
accept the high bid from Carlos Perez of $1,000.00. Carl Higgs seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, met with the
commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for
20 minutes for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Madison Traster
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting
continued in open session.
Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented
a proposal for a used tractor. Carl Higgs made the motion to purchase a used
2007 John Deere 6603 tractor from BTI at a cost of $38,700 less $5,000 for
trade-in of a 1979 JD 4640 tractor for a total cost of $33,700. Madison Traster
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. McCauley received approval
to hire 2 individuals as summer help. Mr. McCauley reported that he has been
asked about filling holes on Road B. The commissioners confirmed their prior
decision to grind the road for now with a decision on oiling or resurfacing the
road at a later date depending on the price of oil and asphalt.
Faye Bollinger, local citizen, expressed her
opinion that the handball court should be left where it is. She, as well as about
a dozen other residents she talked to believe it is nice to look at and were
not in favor of tearing it down.
Scott Nichols, Grant County Recreation
Commission Director, and David Seibel, Recreation Commission Board Member, met
with the commissioners. Mr. Seibel explained they would be able to build one
new soccer field in the area of the handball court. With an additional field, scheduling
would be easier, the season could probably end sooner, and fields would be in
better condition. Mr. Seibel explained that inappropriate things are being done
at the handball court. Scott Nichols said he encourages anyone who has an
interest in recreation commission issues to call him. The recreation commission
will look at the various issues involving the handball court before a final
decision is made. The possibility of replacing the wall with one that could be
positioned so the area could be better utilized was discussed. Mrs. Bollinger
said she would be willing to chair a committee for designing a new mural if that
is the best option for all concerned.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, requested
approval to purchase a new skid steer loader. Madison Traster made the motion
to approve the purchase of a Bobcat Skid Steer Loader with a tiller attachment from
White Star Machinery at a cost of $27,214.95. Carl Higgs seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously.
The commissioners adjourned to meet again in
regular session on June 3, 2008.
_____________________________ ____________________________
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Marty
Long, Chairman