The Board of County Commissioners
met in regular session in the Commissioners’ Room at the courthouse with all
members and the county clerk present.
The monthly
department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Tom Kramer,
Road Foreman; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Todd Hampton,
City/County Code Enforcement Officer; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Sean Gooding,
EMS Director; Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Sherry Thompson, Health Department
Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser; Ron Lofland,
Transfer Station Manager; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; and Frank
Goldsby, Public Works Administrator.
Gene
Schwein made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 20 and April 26,
2004 meetings and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl
Higgs seconded the motion. Following clarification of several vouchers, the
motion passed.
Anita
Mason, RRISK, presented results of a survey that was done to gauge community
receptiveness to proposed changes. She also displayed a graph showing an
increase in teen pregnancies since funding for that portion of RRISK was
decreased. Ms. Mason pointed out that there is a packet of grant applications
available through KDHE but the ones we need are closed to Grant County. The
commissioners recommended that she talk to Sherry Thompson, Health Department
Administrator, to see if she could help write a letter to the state regarding
this. The commissioners said they would be willing to help by writing a letter
too.
Ric Dalke,
Maggie Myers, and Larry Rumburg, Area Mental Health Center, gave a report on
their programs and presented their 2005 budget request. Their request remains
the same as the past two years at $108,768.00. The commissioners will consider
the request.
John Crosby,
Fire Chief, reported that there was a water leak at the fire station driveway,
but it has been stopped. He said he would like to wait and see if they have any
more problems instead of doing more costly repairs at this time. Discussion was
held on revising the pay scale for the fire department. Mr. Crosby said he
would like to pay a different rate based on certifications. He estimates the
cost for this at less than $2,000 per year. Gene Schwein made the motion to
approve the new pay scale for firefighters. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and
it passed. A copy of the proposed pay scale additions is included as a part of
this record. In other business, Mr. Crosby reported that he received a $4,000
Fire and Emergency Training Network Grant. There will be a satellite dish
placed at the fire station and continuous training will be transmitted for use
by the fire department. He stated that he also applied for a grant for a new
tanker but he won’t hear about it for several months. Mr. Crosby stated that
Command Unit #225 has to be repaired because it is cracking where the box is
attached to the body. He also reported that he, Don Button and Jeff Baier are
going to school in Pueblo Colorado in November for specialized
hazardous-material training. The state will pay the $7,000 cost for this. Mr.
Crosby also reported that he will be requesting approval to purchase some CPR
mannequins for training the public in the evenings. He explained that they are
not in competition with the EMS because they are targeting a different group of
people.
Frank
Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, and Luie Diaz, Shop Foreman, presented
bids for a dump bed. Truck Parts and Equipment bid $15,497.00; Midwest Truck
bid $15,888.00; and Hays Mack bid $18,810.00. Gene Schwein made the motion to
approve the quote from Truck Parts and Equipment not to exceed $15,497.00. Carl
Higgs seconded the motion and it passed.
The
commissioners held a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. A burr oak tree was
planted in the courthouse yard and a plaque was placed near the tree.
Darl Henson, Extension Agent,
presented information on requirements necessary to meet local codes and
accessibility standards for remodeling the Commercial Building. As soon as the
plans and specifications are ready, Mr. Henson will contact the county clerk
who will arrange a special meeting of the commissioners so they can review the
plans.
Don Button,
Emergency Management Coordinator, presented an update on his department.
Due to a
complaint received from the public, discussion was held on the area southeast
of town that moves old trailers in and either rents or stores them. The clerk
will ask the county attorney if there is anything that can be done about the situation.
The
commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on May 18, 2004.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl
Higgs, Chairman