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C20080916                                                                                                     September 16, 2008   

 

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

 

Madison Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2008 minutes and the claims against the various funds of the county. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and following deletion of a duplicate voucher and clarification of a cell phone voucher, motion passed unanimously.

 

The decision was made to proceed with a tax sale this year. The clerk will notify the Treasurer and County Attorney regarding this.

 

Discussion was held on the pigeon problem at the courthouse. The economizers on the rooftop air conditioning units were turned off to eliminate a problem with pigeon waste collecting in the filters of the units.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to approve the purchase of a computer, HP Printer, cables and Ethernet card, configuration, testing, and set up for a total cost of $2300.00 from Henry M. Adkins & Son, Inc. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. This computer will be used solely for election purposes, including ballot design.

 

Marty Long made the motion to nominate Carl Higgs as the voting delegate for the annual KWORCC and KCAMP meeting in November and to nominate Madison Traster as alternate voting delegate. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, asked about changing the bid letting date for the bypass project from November 2008 to January 2009. He said the engineer recommended this in hopes that oil prices will be lower at that time. The commissioners authorized Mr. McCauley to try and change the date. Madison Traster made the motion to approve a resolution that certifies that all real property acquisitions and utility arrangements have been made regarding Project 34KA-0493-01 which is located at Road K from US-160 N 3.1 miles & W 1 mile to K-25. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. McCauley reported that an individual is interested in purchasing the county’s old fuel pumps, and a representative from Hoidale said they might be worth about $200 each. The commissioners approved selling the pumps for whatever he can get for them. In other business Mr. McCauley said a portable toilet would cost about $700.00. It could be used not only at the gravel pit when screening but also on road projects.

 

J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, met with the commissioners. Commissioner Traster asked how long the urinals have been in the Civic Center. Mr. Neufeld explained that the urinals themselves are old but self-flushing kits were recently added.

 

Larry Kepley, local citizen, reported that he served for a number of years on the Cimarron Advisory Committee and one of the things they worked with was weather modification. He believes from the scientific evidence that has been done the program is a good one. He believes hail suppression has been a benefit to us in decreasing hail insurance rates. Mr. Kepley said he is interested in seeing the program continue in the county. The commissioners said they had made the decision not to participate in the program in 2009 but they would look at it again when working on the 2010 budget.

 

Lynda Fort, local citizen, asked if the county would be able to help with funding the city’s centennial celebration next year. The request is for $8,000.00. Mrs. Fort did not want an answer at this time.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes for the purpose of discussing financial matters concerning the county and non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

The commissioners recessed for lunch with the City of Ulysses at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending from the city were: Thadd Kistler, Mayor; Daron Hall, City Manager; Mary Smith, City Clerk; and Council Members Ed Wiltse, Pete Woods and Scott Malone. Bind weed in the city was discussed. The commissioners said the county would be willing to treat the bind weed if the city could identify locations it is growing. Commissioner Traster asked if the corners that were added on Main Street several years ago could be removed. He also asked the council if the street lights could be timed to blink between certain hours of the night/day to make Main Street travel easier when there is virtually no traffic. The city will check on this.

 

Anita Quimby, Health Department Administrator, requested approval to increase the pay for the ARNP from $35/hr to $40/hr. There has been no increase in the rate of pay for this position for the past 9 years. The commissioners approved this request. Chairman Long informed Mrs. Quimby that there is discussion regarding the senior center and health department. He assured her she would be included in any discussion regarding changes with the building they are in. Mrs. Quimby explained that there is not a duplication of services provided by nurses in the health department and senior center. When questioned, she said her department could probably do the same work as the Sr. Center nurses but she would have to hire more help to do the job. Mrs. Quimby also said she and the staff at the Senior Citizen’s Center work well together.

 

J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, requested approval to purchase 12 roasters from Dave Seibel at a cost of $300.00. The commissioners approved his request.

 

Gene Pflughoft, Economic Development Director, met with the commissioners. 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 appoint Dr. Tim Cantrell to the Economic Development Board of Directors replacing Dave Jesse whose term is up. Carl Higgs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

The decision was made to have a silent auction, which is open to the public, for the sale of used courthouse computer equipment. The clerk will set the time, date and location for the auction and advertise it to the public.

 

Discussion was held on what to do with the old care home when it is vacated. No formal motion was made but it was the consensus of all three commissioners that the building should be demolished if no better plan is presented before that time.

 

The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on October 8, 2008.

 

 

 

__________________________                                            ______________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                               Marty Long, Chairman