C20110419 April 19, 2011
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 am with all members and the County Clerk present.
Nevada Galloway, landowner, met to discuss his adjacent neighbor and that possibly he was breaking city zoning codes and also allowing his land to blow. Richard Banes, City/County Inspector, attended this portion of the meeting. The commissioners expressed their desire to have code violations enforced. Later in the day Richard Banes returned to share information on his findings and let the commissioners know he will continue to research the complaint and get back with them.
Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the regular April 5 meeting, and the special April 8, 2011 meeting, along with the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Christopher Lund, President of City on a Hill Women's Intermediate Center, Scott City, Kansas, requested $5,000 annually from Grant County. Mr. Lund explained the center housed girls from many counties, including Grant, and the funds would be used to help with their treatment for substance abuse. Due to budget constraints the commissioners declined the request at this time.
Debbie Long, Clerk of the District Court, gave commissioners a tour of the District Court Office and thanked them for the new electronic retriever installed earlier this year.
Rita Gee, Treasurer, informed the commissioners she had transferred the remaining motor vehicle fund balance to general fund. Ms. Gee commented on the new motor vehicle system the state is implementing and let commissioners know it has been scheduled for a December release. Ms. Gee detailed the time study method she used to determine staffing needs in her office and commented she thought the Treasurer's Office was adequately staffed. Rita Gee reminded the commissioners she had cut her budget $5,000 last year and since the Treasurer?s budget was 85% wages, she was finding it hard to make further cuts this budget. The commissioners explained to Ms. Gee they were not looking to lay off employees with the budget cuts and they would like to have seen a different method used on the time study.
Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, informed the commissioners of the State Fire Marshall requirements for a fuel tank placement. The required fuel tank would need to be a different size than originally approved by the commissioners due to the state regulations. The new quote of $8,055 from Palmer Manufacturing was actually lower than the previously approved bid. Mr. McCauley said the tank should arrive in 10 to 12 weeks. Randy presented road crossing permits, which were reviewed and approved by the commissioners. Discussion was held on the safety and extension of Road K.
Marty Long made the motion to move De Lane from the Transfer Station Department and hire her as the new Grant County Purchasing Agent. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The job description was finalized and the commissioners will ask Ms. Lane to start her new position on May 4th. The new purchasing agent will be located within the courthouse, and discussion was held on the room to convert into her office. It was the consensus of the commissioners to have the position hourly and the wage to come out of the general fund. Ms. Lane will also be a floating employee for departments who are short on staff due to illness or vacation, and it was further agreed the wage would also come from general fund.
The commissioners recessed to meet at Nevada Galloway's property and then joined the City of Ulysses officials for lunch at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending from the city were: Daron Hall, City Administrator; Thadd Kistler, Mayor; and Council Members, John Battin, Dan Widder, Tim McCauley, Larry Velasquez, and Janet Stewart. General discussion was held.
David Black, County Attorney and John Crosby, Fire Chief, met with commissioners to present a resolution regulating open burning in Grant County. Marty Long made the motion to accept Resolution 11-04, a Resolution Regulating Open Burning in Grant County, Kansas. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Black asked the resolution to be published one time in the county official paper to make it known to citizens.
Commissioners asked David Black, County Attorney to work with the City/County Inspector to pursue a code violation in the 3 mile radius. The commissioners informed Mr. Black the Dove's Board was in the process of closing down, and would be returning the house located at 315 N. Main back to the county. The options to sell property were discussed and it was the consensus of the commissioners to list it with a real estate broker to auction by sealed bid.
Steve Spade, A-Lert Roof Systems Sales Representative, introduced himself and thanked the commissioners for letting his company replace the roof at the museum. He informed the commissioners the roof should be completed by the end of the week.
Marty Long made the motion to adjourn at 2:45 pm and to meet again in regular session on May 3, 2011. Carl Higgs seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
___________________________ ____________________________
Sheila Brown, County Clerk Linda McHenry, Chairman