C20070807 August 7, 2007
The Board of County Commissioners 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: Lance Babcock, Sheriff; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Jerry Jo Deckert, Emergency Medical Service Director; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Building and Grounds Manager; Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator; and Dan Bynum, Road Foreman.
Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2007 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion. Following clarification of several vouchers motion passed unanimously.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, reported that he has been asked to Chair the Cimarron Basin Advisory Board to the State Water Board. He asked the commissioners if they would approve this. Commissioner Traster expressed his opinion that it is important to have any influence we can concerning water. Chairman Long concurred. Commissioner Higgs said he agreed as long as Mr. Neufeld has the time to do the job. The commissioners approved accepting the position providing he has the time. Discussion was held on the bill for arena lighting. Carl Higgs made the motion to change the claim against Park Maintenance for $584.80 from Dave’s Electric and pay it out of the Courthouse General Fund. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, requested approval to purchase some items from the diversion fund. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of 2 Watch Guard video cameras from the diversion fund not to exceed $10,040.00. One camera will be installed in a sheriff department vehicle and one will be placed in a police department vehicle. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of 10 digital cameras along with a docking station printer at a total cost not to exceed $3,000 for the City of Ulysses Police Department out of the diversion fund. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The commissioners approved Health Department Administrator Anita Alvarado’s request to replace the vacant position in her department.
Ginger Anthony, Museum Director, and Verna Long, Quilt Guild, reported they are having an exhibit at the museum beginning in September. They requested approval to borrow some poles and bases from the civic center to hang the quilts for display. The commissioners approved their request.
David Yohn, High Plains Energy, LLC, proposed purchasing 2 acres of land owned by Grant County located in the SE quarter of Section 25, R37W, T28S for the purpose of expanding their current propane from bulk delivery to filling small propane cylinders for backyard grill use. More importantly, it would allow them to move their large propane storage unit which is currently within the city limits. Madison Traster made the motion to sell High Plains Energy two (2) acres for a price of $750.00 per acre. Said property is located at the intersection of Road M and Road 12. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Bill Purnell, local contractor, reported a cost overrun on work for Bit & Spur at the fairgrounds. The overage was because more rotten wood had to be replaced than was expected. He said the cost would be $200 more than originally bid so the total bill would be $1300.00. The commissioners approved the extra charges.
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; Bud Newberry, City Administrator; Alan Olson, Police Chief, and Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, Lance Babcock, Sheriff, and Loy Henderson, Undersheriff met with the commissioners to talk about the dispatch service in the county. Ms. Deckert explained that a conversation between the sheriff and her had occurred about a month ago that led to talking about the possibility of dispatch having a budget for repairs, etc. Mr. Newberry explained that the procedures used by dispatchers for the different departments need to be different to meet the needs of those departments. He explained that the city is willing to do whatever is necessary to see that improvements are made. John Crosby, Fire Chief, said he would like to see all emergency services get together and come up with a procedures manual for dispatcher use. He said he would like to see a little more consistency in dispatching. He also explained that he has no idea what to budget for any expenses on the paging system. He said they all need to work together. Don Button said his main problem is with consistency. He thinks there needs to be remedial training for dispatchers. Alan Olson said he would like to have someone over the dispatchers who would insure that procedures are followed. He said he would like to have someone they could communicate with to see that issues are addressed. Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, said it would appear to her that it would be a wise thing to look at making dispatch a separate department. Jerry Jo Deckert said dispatch is the vital link that makes it possible for the emergency departments to help the community. She mentioned the possibility of having an oversight committee for the dispatchers. Sheriff Babcock explained that dispatch has a protocol they go by. He stated there was many times one person is sitting at the dispatch desk when there is a lot of activity and some things might not get done. Chairman Long said he would like the group to try meeting to see if things could be worked out. Mr. Newberry mentioned that the city’s budget is set for next year anyway. He said he would like to see commitment from all emergency departments to get together and meet as a group to discuss issues. All in attendance committed to attending a meeting. County Attorney, Robin Hathaway, will schedule and facilitate meeting the meeting.
Todd Hampton, Building Official, and Natalie Anguiano, Procedures Assistant, presented a replat of Lot 4, Block 1, Old Town Estates Subdivision which was reviewed by the commissioners. Following clarification of drainage issues Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the replat. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented road crossing permits which were reviewed and approved by the commissioners. Mr. McCauley requested permission to contract with Kirkham Michael for testing the asphalt for quality this year. The commissioners approved his request. Mr. McCauley requested approval to purchase a snow plow. He explained that a truck that was traded had a snow plow that went with the truck. The commissioners asked him to see what the circumstances were regarding this. Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 10 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Madison Traster made the motion to increase the rate of pay of Road Department Office Manager Bonnie Rose to the median rate of pay for that position of $12.70/hour due to increased budgetary and noxious weed responsibilities and to increase the rate of pay of Shop Foreman Luie Diaz to the median for that position of $15.98/hour.
Dennis Deyoe, Fair Board, and Donnie Phelps, Bit & Spur Club, presented quotes for bleachers for the rodeo arena. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of bleachers from Heartland Seating, Inc. and a concrete base at a cost not to exceed $42,000.00. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on August 21, 2007.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Marty Long, Chairman