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

 

            Ann Papay, Appraiser, and Ken Lawhon, Terry Lawhon, and Tom Fuhrmann, Landmark Appraisal, met with the commissioners. Gene Schwein made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Ray Velasquez and Jose and Barbara Olivas asked the commissioners to waive the fees for use of the Civic Center for Cinco de Mayo. They explained that they are a non-profit organization and there is no charge to attend the celebration. The commissioners agreed to waive the fees.

 

            Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, talked to the commissioners about the city/county exercise being held on Saturday. He presented an update on his department. Discussion was held on the 1988 ambulance currently in possession of the Emergency Management Department. Since the county no longer has any need for the ambulance, Gene Schwein made the motion to approve its sale to Kiowa County for $2500 where it will be used as a communications vehicle. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Ron Lofland, Transfer Station Manager, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, talked to the commissioners about the annual spring clean up. It will start Saturday and continue through next week. Discussion was held on the letter from Gere’s of Garden City requesting a letter of support and commitment for their grant proposal. It was agreed that Mr. Lofland would submit a letter of support to the company. Bids for a new heater for the shop at the Transfer Station were opened. Webber Refrigeration and Heating bid $1,580; Ross of Ulysses bid $1,232.04 for one unit and $1,094.60 for one unit; and Maupin’s Electric bid $999.30. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the low bid from Maupin’s not to exceed $999.30. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 1 and April 4, 2003 meetings. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, met with the commissioners. Discussion was held on the civic center being closed on Good Friday. Discussion was held on adding six skylights to the covered arena. Malone Enterprises declined to bid on the project. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the bid from Grant County Implement not to exceed $1,807. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mrs. Ramski requested approval to join the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club through the Civic Center. The commissioners approved her request. Approval was given to solicit bids for a sidewalk at the Civic Center.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, and Loy Henderson, reported that the juvenile detention center is changing their billing procedures. The county will prepay based on prior usage. An informational packet regarding this is being sent to the commissioners.

 

            Loy Henderson requested approval to have the fees waived for the monthly meeting of the Cowboy Church. The commissioners approved his request.

            Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, met with the board. Mr. Kramer presented four quotes on used tractors. Gene Schwein made the motion to accept bid # 2 from Grant County Implement not to exceed $27,400 with trade. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Discussion was held on asphalt inspection for this year. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the quote from Kirkham Michael for 2003 asphalt inspection. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Goldsby reported that Leland Shapland is giving up the county ground he farms. He said two individuals are interested in the ground. The decision was made to lease the property to Jerry Klein. Discussion was held on purchasing ½” crushed rock for a road project. Approval was given to purchase the bigger rock. Approval was also given to solicit bids for sealing sand.

 

            Scott Nichols, Chamber Manager, Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, and Lynda Fort, Ginger Anthony, and Yogi Patel, Tourism Committee Members presented an update on Tourism. Mr. Pflughoft reported that he is trying to find out what he can do to help existing businesses in the community. He is planning to start an entrepreneurship class in the near future.

Gene Schwein made a motion to appoint Betty Woodruff to the Tourism Board of Directors replacing Shari Davison who moved. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Approval was given to use the parking lot north of the courthouse for the citywide garage sale if necessary.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on May 6, 2003.

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Carl Higgs, Chairman