C20090317 March
17, 2009
The Board of County Commissioners met in
regular session at 9:30 a.m. with all members and the County Clerk present.
Marty Long made the motion to
approve the minutes of the March 3, 2009 meeting and the claims against the
various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and following
clarification of several vouchers, motion passed unanimously.
Discussion was held on the
possibility of selling one of the lots included in the county’s property where
the DOVE’s house is located. Commissioner Long stated that he was not in favor
of selling the property because it is unknown what future needs the hospital might
have for this property. Commissioners Traster and Higgs concurred with this.
Discussion was held on requirements
for contracted labor. The clerk explained that a workmen’s comp audit showed
the courthouse cleaning service did not have their own work comp coverage. The
county was required to place this contractor on the county’s work comp plan.
The cleaning service at the health department does have their own coverage. The
clerk explained that the courthouse contractor had coverage at one time but evidently
let that coverage lapse. Since bids have not been taken since 2000, Marty Long
made the motion to advertise for bids for cleaning the courthouse. Madison
Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Madison Traster made the motion to
approve the request from the Clerk of the District Court to purchase an imaging
machine from Imaging Office Systems, Inc. at a cost of $4,851.00 to be paid
from the District Court Clerk’s fund. Marty Long seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously.
J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager,
presented quotes for replacing some of the tables and chairs at the Civic
Center. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the expenditure of $20,000
for the purchase of tables and chairs at the Civic Center. Marty Long seconded
the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Neufeld requested approval to
purchase new carpet and furniture for the business office at the Civic Center.
Marty Long made the motion to approve the expenditure of $3,263.00 for carpet
and office furniture. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
John Crosby, Fire Chief, met with
the commissioners. Discussion was held on using the old care home for training.
A letter from the county’s insurance carrier recommends that if any other
entity uses the building and/or grounds for training, they be required to
provide Grant County with proof of liability insurance and workers compensation
insurance for their protection as well as Grant County’s. The carrier also
recommended having other entities sign a hold harmless and indemnification
agreement. Commissioner Long asked that all emergency services who would like
to use the old care home for training come to a commissioner meeting to discuss
their plans regarding this. Mr. Crosby requested approval to purchase
extrication equipment costing $26,690.00. He said they should last 15 – 20
years. He said the only change he could see might be the need for insulated
cutters if the electric car becomes more popular. Mr. Crosby’s request was
discussed at length. Since BP donated $10,000 to the Fire Department in 2008
and the fact that vehicles are now made with material the old equipment can’t
easily cut through, Marty Long made the motion to approve the purchase of
extrication equipment from Weis Fire and Safety Equipment at a cost not to
exceed $26,690.00. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director,
requested permission to pay a portion of the cost for EMS Staff to attend the
State EMS Conference in Hutchinson. She recommends paying their registration
fee and 3 night’s motel for a total cost of approximately $420.00 per person.
Ms. Deckert said 3 people have expressed an interest in attending the
conference. She said they traditionally have 5 staff members attend the
meeting. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the expenditure of $2500.00
for the purpose of allowing EMT Staff to attend the State EMS Conference in
Hutchinson. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Dr. Ted Maple, local Dentist,
presented a request for the commissioners to reconsider his proposal to
purchase a lot adjacent to his Main Street office. He told them the extra space
is needed for expansion in the future. The commissioners explained that when
expansion becomes imminent they would consider this request. Until that time,
it will remain county property.
The commissioners recessed for
lunch with the City of Ulysses at Park View Assisted Living. Those attending
from the city were: Mayor, Thadd Kistler; Council Members, Ann Papay, John
Duran, John Battin and Ed Wiltse; Administrator, Daron Hall; and City Clerk,
Mary Smith. General discussion was held. No decisions were made.
Robin Hathaway, County Attorney,
requested approval to purchase two video cameras using diversion fund money.
Marty Long made the motion to allow the County Attorney to purchase a vehicle
camera for the county and one for the city at a total cost of $8,573.00 plus
shipping. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Marieta Hauser, Chamber of Commerce
Manager, presented information on the Western Kansas Job Site. She said it is a
site where city and county as well as businesses can post job openings. The
commissioners approved the county sending job openings to Marieta for
publication on the Western Kansas Job Site.
Marty Long made the motion to
adjourn at 1:28 p.m. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
_________________________ __________________________
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl
Higgs, Chairman