The Board
of County Commissioner met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with all members and
the County Clerk present.
The monthly
department head meeting was held with the following in attendance: Frank
Goldsby, Public Works Administrator; Tom Kramer, Road Foreman; Lance Babcock,
Sheriff; David Wagner, Transfer Station Manager; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Todd
Hampton, City/County Building Official; Sherry Thompson, Health Department
Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Building and Grounds
Manager; and Jerry Jo Deckert, Interim Emergency Medical Services Director.
Marty Long
made the motion to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2005 meeting and the
claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously.
Tom Kramer,
Road Foreman, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, met to discuss a
problem that occurred when a county employee hauled gravel for personal use and
damaged an electric transformer and wiring. The employee involved in the
accident said he would pay for all damages. It was noted that the county has a
policy that provides some gravel to county residents at no charge. It was also
noted that private vehicles usually haul the gravel; however, there are times
when the county uses their trucks for this purpose. The decision was made that
gravel will no longer be hauled with county trucks for personal use.
Tom
Fuhrmann, Appraiser, presented information on proposed electronic processing of
gas & oil renditions and royalty owner division orders. The commissioners
said they would be willing to consider paying part of the cost for this. Mr.
Fuhrmann also reported that there has been nothing from the Supreme Court on
the BP 2000 case at this time. He reported that mediation might be required for
tax years 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004. Mr. Fuhrmann reported that the new BP
tax agent has said he would like to meet and settle the 2005 value on the BP
plant. The commissioners agreed that they would reappoint Tom as county appraiser
in July.
Brian
Burton, Nex-Tech, presented information on anti virus and spy ware protection
for the computers in the courthouse. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the
security agreement proposal for courthouse computers from Nex-Tech at a cost of
$295 per month. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Carl Higgs
made the motion to send a letter to the governor encouraging her to sign into
law House Bill No. 2390. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
Tom Kramer,
Road Foreman, and Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, met with the
commissioners. Marty Long made the motion to contract with Kirkham Michael to
provide and estimate for the five-year project. Carl Higgs seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously. Public notice will be given that the Moscow Bridge
is open. Marty Long made the motion to hire seasonal help for the road
department. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Jerry
Jo Deckert, Interim EMS Director, met with the commissioners. Carl Higgs made
motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes for the purpose of
discussing personnel matters. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open
session. The commissioners made the decision to increase Ms. Deckert’s hourly
rate of pay $2.00 per hour while she is serving as Interim Director for the
EMS. When a new director is hired, her rate of pay will be lowered by $2.00 per
hour.
Several
residents met with the commissioners to express their concerns with 3 miles of
Road B being torn out. They expressed the belief that patching the road once a
year would suffice. The commissioners explained that they have changed their
plans for the road. The north mile and the south mile will remain as they are.
The middle mile will be ground and will be sealed making an oil road. No new
asphalt is planned for the road at this time.
Carl Higgs
made the motion to approve participating in the Grant County Pride Edition of
the Ulysses News at a cost of $630.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously.
The
commissioners reviewed and approved a road-crossing permit for Pioneer
Communications.
Commissioner
Higgs and Commissioner Long would like to thank Commissioner Traster for
traveling to Topeka in support of HB 2390. They sincerely appreciate all his
time and hard work on the successful passage of the bill, which if signed by
the governor will benefit not only Grant County but also many other counties in
the state.
Marty Long
made the motion to adjourn. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
The
commissioners will meet on Friday, April 8, 2005 to canvass the results of the
General City/School Election held today.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Madison
Traster, Chairman