The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present. Commissioner Elect, Marty Long, also attended the meeting.

 

            The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager; Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; Sean Gooding, EMS Director; Tom Kramer, Road Foreman; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; and Lance Babcock, Sheriff.

 

            Gene Schwein made the motion to disallow the following purchase orders until the appropriateness of them can be determined. (Purchase Order No. 3985, 3991 and 3995; all within the Park Fund.) Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2004 meeting with the correction of changing Mary Long to Marty Long and the claims against the various funds of the county with the exception of the three claims already addressed. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official, presented a resolution to establish urban area boundary lines, which was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.

 

            Madison Traster made motion to approve the purchase of right-of-way from Leo Romero for the cemetery corner project at a cost of $2,206. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Nancy Woods, Local Citizen, met with the commissioners. Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Dave Seibel, Grant County Recreation Commission, introduced their new director, Brent Walker. The commissioners mentioned differences in fiscal years and budgeting times between the county and recreation. The commissioners asked that budget requests be submitted to them by the end of June for the next year expenditures.

 

            Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, and Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, met with the commissioners. Approval was given to advertise for the position of Transfer Station Manager. Mr. Goldsby reported that documentation on all refrigerated appliances is now required and the refrigerant will have to be removed. The cost for equipment for this is about $1,300.00. All employees, except office staff, at the Transfer Station will need to be trained to use the equipment. Disposal of the material will be an additional cost. Madison Traster made the motion to purchase the equipment necessary for the evacuation of refrigerant at a cost of approximately $1,300.00. Discussion was held about closing at noon on Saturday from November 1 through March 1. It was decided that this could be done with public notification being done before it is implemented. Mr. Goldsby requested approval to look for a different pick-up for the Transfer Station. It was the consensus of the commissioners to wait until a pick-up can be rotated from another department. A used seat can be purchased to replace the worn one in the current pick-up. Gene Schwein made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator, presented an update on her department. She reported that her Bioterrorism and Preparedness Budget was approved by the state.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, requested approval to purchase a machine that makes identification cards. He explained that Douglas Campbell, County Attorney, has agreed to use diversion fund money for the purchase if the commissioners approve the request. The commissioners approved Sheriff Babcock’s request.

 

            Discussion was held on the county’s health insurance plan. Due to an error in records submitted by EPOCH to reinsurance companies, the reinsurance companies submitted new proposals. Madison Traster made the motion to use reinsurance carrier American United Life with the self funded portion to remain at $30,000.00 and to maintain the cost of $5.00 for the employees’ co-pay for generic prescriptions and to increase the employees’ co-pay for brand name prescription drugs from $10.00 to $25.00.

 

            Madison Traster made the motion to make an adjustment of $2500 in the Sheriff, Treasurer, Clerk and Register of Deeds wages to bring them more in line with other department head wages and to give a one-time bonus of $100 to all other full time county employees. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on December 21, 2004.

 

Linda McHenry, Clerk                                                    Carl Higgs, Chairman