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