C20090407 April
7, 2009
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: Rita Gee, Treasurer; Don Button,
Emergency Management Coordinator; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager; Jerry Jo
Deckert, EMS Director; Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator; David
Graber, Transfer Station Manager; and Lance Babcock, Sheriff.
Marty Long made the motion to
approve the minutes of the March 17, 2009 minutes and the claims against the
various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
David Graber, Transfer Station
Manager, proposed keeping Saturday hours from 8:00 to noon on Saturdays year
round at the Transfer Station. The commissioners approved his proposal.
Randy McCauley, Road Department
Administrator, presented a road crossing permit that was reviewed and approved
by the commissioners.
Carl Higgs made the motion to
contribute $5,000 to the SW Kansas Honor Flight. This money will be used to
help fly Kansas World War II Veterans to Washington, D.C. in May to view the
monuments. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Minnie Fischer, El Ranchito
Manager, reported she is interested in opening an in-house Hispanic
Rehabilitation Clinic for alcoholics. Mrs. Fischer asked the commissioners to
consider renting the old care home building for this purpose. The commissioners
explained the problems with the old building and the reasons it needs to be
demolished. They commended Mrs. Fischer for her plans.
Larry Sharp, Kansas County
Association Multiline Pool Representative, presented information on continuing
education for Sheriff’s department personnel. KCAMP has an internet site that
has been approved for continuing education for law enforcement personnel.
Fifteen (15) hours of required training can be received this way at no cost to
counties associated with KCAMP. Premium costs that have risen are employment
related. Mr. Sharp said Grant County’s claim/loss ratio is about 40%, which is
very good.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager,
requested approval to sheet rock the east wall in his office. He said the cost
for this would be paid from his budget and his personnel will perform the
labor. The commissioners approved his request.
The commissioners recessed for
lunch with the Hospital Board of Trustees at Park View Assisted Living.
General discussion was held.
Lance Babcock, Sheriff, gave an
update on the municipal grant he received in the amount of $101,483 to upgrade
the base radio system at the Law Enforcement Center. He said the county will be
responsible for approximately $30,000 of the total cost, and this will be paid out
of the county’s 911 fund. Sheriff Babcock reported he has talked to EMS and
Fire regarding radios.
LaVonne Michael, Senior Center
Director, asked permission to solicit available stimulus funds to build a new
senior center. She said the first step is sending in an application indicating
an interest in the funds. Chairman Higgs said he has no problem with Mrs.
Michael pursuing the first step for a stimulus grant. Commissioner Traster said
he has no problem with pursuing this. Commissioner Long said he is concerned
that the funding will not be 100% and the size of the building might be
prohibitive. He also said he felt Mrs. Michael might be trying to get the
commissioners into a trap, but he did state he would be willing to pursue this
if he knows it would be funded 100% by stimulus funds. Commissioner Traster
cautioned that the senior citizens need to be realistic with the size of a
building requested. Commissioner Long said the commissioners need to be
included in all phases of the plans if a grant is pursued. The commissioners
asked Mrs. Michael if the grant would pay 100% of project costs or if the
county would be expected to cost-share with the federal government. They asked
what the maximum grant amount is. Mrs. Michael said she did not know the
answers to the commissioners’ questions at this time. She explained that the
original forms are just showing an interest in the grant and subsequent forms
would include details. The commissioners ask Mrs. Michael to get more
information for them before pursuing this stimulus grant.
Marty Long made the motion to
recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel
and financial matters concerning the county. Madison Traster seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in
open session.
Loyetta Skeen, Clerk of the
District Court, requested approval to purchase a new computer at a cost of
about $1,800.00. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of the
new computer with the cost to be paid from the Clerk of District Court fund.
Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney,
met with the commissioners. Madison Traster made the motion to recess into
executive session for 30 minutes for matters of attorney/client privilege.
Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the
meeting continued in open session.
The commissioners adjourned to meet
as a board of canvassers on April 10, 2009 9:00 a.m. to review the results of
the City/School General Election on April 7, 2009.
____________________________ ___________________________
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl
Higgs, Chairman