The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.

 

            Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2002 meeting.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            During the public forum portion of the meeting, Mark Skiles, Economic Development Director, informed the commissioners that he sent a letter to Monsanto expressing the community’s regret that Monsanto is leaving Grant County.

 

            Sheldon Hightower, Lorine Myers, and Steve Johnson, Grant County Conservation District, presented their 2003 budget request.  They requested a one thousand dollar increase to $21,000.  The commissioners will consider their request.

 

            David Ediger, EMS Director, presented the lease/purchase agreement for the new ambulance that was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.  Discussion was held on the ambulance that was wrecked.  Jessica Navarette attended the meeting and Mr. Ediger requested that she be hired full time or at least receive the county’s health insurance benefit to enable her to stay in Grant County as a paramedic.  Later in the day, the commissioners made the decision not to add another full time position to the ambulance service.  They also declined to provide benefits to a part time position.

 

            Telephone discussion was held with Tom Job and Harry Bowen, KCAMP Insurance, regarding the wrecked ambulance.  A settlement of $55,000 less salvage value of $7,800, towing and storage of $1,500 and the deductible of $500 was agreed upon.  The county will receive a check for $46,700.  Terry Leicher, Lifeline, telephoned regarding the wrecked ambulance.  Commissioner Traster asked if he would be willing to repair the ambulance for an amount of around $61,000.  Mr. Leicher confirmed that he would draft an agreement for the commissioners stating a not to exceed amount.  The total cost, above insurance, to the county for repairing the ambulance will not exceed $14,300.  The ambulance will have a new cab and chassis.  The clerk will send a letter-authorizing Lifeline to start repairing the ambulance.

 

            Lynda Fort, Tourism Committee Member, updated the commissioners on activities of tourism.  She explained that the Tourism Board reviews bills before they are submitted to the county for payment.

 

            Frank Goldsby, Public Works Administrator, and Tom Kramer, Road Foreman, and interested contractors attended the bids opening for the covered arena project at the civic center.  Wolters Construction of Hugoton bid $50,074 for the base bid and bid $1,100 on alternate one; Keaton Glass and Metal bid $43,170.25 for the base bid and $984.50 for alternate one; and Malone Enterprises bid a base amount of $55,368, and $900 for alternate one.  Gene Schwein made the motion to approve Keaton Glass and Metal’s low base bid of $43,170.25 and the alternate of $984.50 for a total not to exceed $44,154.75.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  In other business, Mr. Goldsby presented an agreement for engineering on the cemetery road.  Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the agreement with Kirkham-Michael for a lump sum amount of $29,500.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  On behalf of the Fair Board, Mr. Goldsby asked if the county could purchase 36 rabbit cages at a cost of $1,000.  Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of the cages at a cost not to exceed $1,000 with the amount to be paid by the county general fund.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mr. Goldsby will have a plan and cost estimate done for replacing the concrete patio at the civic center.

 

            Ray Velasquez and other interested parties discussed a problem with the usage of the civic center for a Mothers’ Day dance.  They were concerned that a security officer backed out at the last minute and another one could not be found so the dance had to be moved to Jim Wilson’s Shop.  The group hopes this problem does not happen again.  The commissioners apologized for the inconvenience and said they would talk to the sheriff’s department regarding this.

 

            Loy Henderson, Undersheriff, requested approval to purchase six VHF radios for Sheriff department vehicles that would enable them to communicate with surrounding counties.  Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the low bid of $2,670 from Triple M Communications for six radios.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mr. Henderson also presented quotes for spike systems that could be used to stop a vehicle in a car chase.  Carl Higgs made the motion to accept the bid of $2,355 for five ZC – 1 15’ spike systems from OMB Police Supply.  Gene Schwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            Gene Schwein made the motion to approve the claims against the various funds of the county with the provision that the check for the lease payment on the new ambulance be held by the clerk’s office until the ambulance is delivered.  Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

            The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on June 4, 2002.

 

 

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                      Madison Traster, Chairman