The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with Chairman Madison Traster and Members Carl Higgs and Marty Long present. Sheila Brown, Chief Deputy Clerk was in attendance in the absence of Linda McHenry, County Clerk.

 

            The monthly department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Tom Kramer, Road Foreman; Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Sherry Thompson, Health Department Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Manager; Ramon Clinesmith, Noxious Weed Director; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; and Lance Babcock, Sheriff.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2005 meeting.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Marty Long made the motion to approve the claims against the various funds of the county with the deletion of the IBM and Nex-Tech billing until further information can be gathered.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Dinah Baker, local citizen expressed concerns with the Ulysses Family Physicians Clinic.  The commissioners informed Mrs. Baker they would speak to the County Attorney on this matter.

 

            Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator and Tom Kramer, Road Foreman met with the commissioners.  Discussion was held on purchasing a semi-tractor truck.  Three road-crossing permits for Pioneer Communications were approved.  Mr. Kramer requested permission to write a letter of commitment to purchase a one-year supply of sealing aggregate from Jack Pepper.  The commissioners approved the request.  Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Brian Burton, Nex-Tech Representative presented a request to extend the AS400 maintenance agreement.  Discussion was held on all billings from IBM and Nex-Tech.  Mr. Burton will gather additional information and return to the next commissioner meeting.

 

            Bud Newberry, City Administrator, Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, Rod Kreie, City Council/Economic Development Board Member, and Ed Wiltse, Mayor met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 45 minutes for the purpose of discussing contractual matters. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 45 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff requested that the commissioners consider allowing him to hire another deputy.  The commissioners agreed to review the employee benefit fund and give Lance an answer next meeting.

           

The regular County Commissioner Meeting scheduled for February 15th was changed to February 22nd so the County Commissioners may attend County Government Day, the KPLG meeting in Topeka and testify on Senate Bill 128.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Marty Long and passed unanimously.

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                                  Madison Traster, Chairman