The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present. Commissioner Elect, Marty Long also attended the meeting.
Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 2, 2004 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion. Following clarification of several vouchers the motion passed unanimously.
Tom Fuhrmann, Appraiser, Terry Lawhon, Landmark Appraisal, and Ann Papay, Appraiser, met with the commissioners. Mr. Fuhrmann presented Grant County’s Appraisal Plan for 2005 which was reviewed and approved by the commissioners. The commissioners reviewed and approved a consulting agreement with Ann Papay for 2005 in the amount of $5,000.00. Terry Lawhon, Landmark Appraisal, presented a contract for appraisal of oil and gas properties in Grant County for 2005. The commissioners reviewed and approved the contract in the amount of $20,220.00. Mr. Fuhrmann explained that there have been many proposed changes to the gas and oil guide for next year.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney Elect, asked the commissioners what they expect from her as county attorney. She asked if they would like to have her attend commissioner meetings. The commissioners said she is welcome to attend all meetings but it is probably not necessary. Ms. Hathaway said she would like to attend the meetings at least initially for her benefit. The commissioners explained that there is a department head meeting the first meeting of each month that she is welcome to attend. Ms. Hathaway explained that she plans to retain the current county attorney secretary and Gary Hathaway as Assistant County Attorney. She asked about putting them on the county’s payroll as county employees and providing them with county benefits. The commissioners explained that there are no benefits for part-time employees. They also said they would prefer not to add employees to the county’s full time payroll. Ms. Hathaway explained that she does not intend to have a full office in the courthouse but she would like to have secure space for use when necessary.
Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented an award to Vivian Button as Outstanding Emergency Management Professional for 2004.
John Crosby, Fire Chief, reported problems with their air compressor that is used to fill their air packs. He is also checking on a maintenance agreement for this. Mr. Crosby requested approval to get specifications ready for a new tanker/pumper for 2005. He said they have applied for a grant the past two years and were turned down. This year they were denied due to financial need. Mr. Crosby said they would sell unit 221 when a new truck is purchased. He said they have 5 trucks that are 30 years old and they need to start replacing them. The commissioners approved his request to spec out a new tanker/pumper truck.
Ben Oliver, Gary Cheek, Jeff Trotman, Israel Longoria and Ginger Anthony met with the commissioners concerning the old Hotel Edwards at the museum site. The building has problems with some areas rotting. Mr. Cheek recommended that the balcony area be sloped and used for a roof over the lower porch. He also suggested having someone work on specifications for having the building repaired and then take bids for the project. Discussion was held on who could inspect the property. Gary Cheek said he would help Bob Forsen with checking the building enabling Mr. Forsen to draft plans for the project.
Sean Gooding, EMS Director, met with the commissioners. Gene Schwein made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session.
Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, and Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, met with the commissioners. Mr. Goldsby, talked about the cemetery road project. Some property will have to be acquired for right-of-way before the project can be pursued. Mr. Goldsby will have the county attorney proceed with acquiring the land. Mr. Kramer gave an update on the courthouse parking lot project.
Madison Traster made the motion to approve the 2005 Holiday calendar as presented for Grant County. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Brian Burton, Nex-Tech, presented information on network computer security.
Gene Schwein made motion to adopt a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy for Grant County in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 26. (The county has received federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation and, as a condition of receiving this assistance, the county has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.) Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Madison Traster made the motion to approve the county health insurance renewal proposed by EPOCH with the self-funded portion to remain at $30,000. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Lance Babcock, Sheriff, reported he has a jailer whose year of employment with the county is this month. He asked if that individual could carry part of his vacation into next year. The decision was made to allow Sheriff Babcock to do whatever would be best for his department regarding this.
The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on December 7, 2004.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl Higgs, Chairman