View Other Items in this Archive | View All Archives | Printable Version

C20090407                                                                                                                                           April 7, 2009

 

                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: Rita Gee, Treasurer; Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator; J.D. Neufeld,  Civic Center Manager; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator; David Graber, Transfer Station Manager; and Lance Babcock, Sheriff.

 

Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2009 minutes and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

David Graber, Transfer Station Manager, proposed keeping Saturday hours from 8:00 to noon on Saturdays year round at the Transfer Station. The commissioners approved his proposal.

 

Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented a road crossing permit that was reviewed and approved by the commissioners.

 

Carl Higgs made the motion to contribute $5,000 to the SW Kansas Honor Flight. This money will be used to help fly Kansas World War II Veterans to Washington, D.C. in May to view the monuments.  Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Minnie Fischer, El Ranchito Manager, reported she is interested in opening an in-house Hispanic Rehabilitation Clinic for alcoholics. Mrs. Fischer asked the commissioners to consider renting the old care home building for this purpose. The commissioners explained the problems with the old building and the reasons it needs to be demolished. They commended Mrs. Fischer for her plans.

 

Larry Sharp, Kansas County Association Multiline Pool Representative, presented information on continuing education for Sheriff’s department personnel. KCAMP has an internet site that has been approved for continuing education for law enforcement personnel. Fifteen (15) hours of required training can be received this way at no cost to counties associated with KCAMP. Premium costs that have risen are employment related. Mr. Sharp said Grant County’s claim/loss ratio is about 40%, which is very good.

 

J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, requested approval to sheet rock the east wall in his office. He said the cost for this would be paid from his budget and his personnel will perform the labor. The commissioners approved his request.

 

The commissioners recessed for lunch with the Hospital Board of Trustees at Park View Assisted Living.  General discussion was held.

 

Lance Babcock, Sheriff, gave an update on the municipal grant he received in the amount of $101,483 to upgrade the base radio system at the Law Enforcement Center. He said the county will be responsible for approximately $30,000 of the total cost, and this will be paid out of the county’s 911 fund. Sheriff Babcock reported he has talked to EMS and Fire regarding radios.

LaVonne Michael, Senior Center Director, asked permission to solicit available stimulus funds to build a new senior center. She said the first step is sending in an application indicating an interest in the funds. Chairman Higgs said he has no problem with Mrs. Michael pursuing the first step for a stimulus grant. Commissioner Traster said he has no problem with pursuing this. Commissioner Long said he is concerned that the funding will not be 100% and the size of the building might be prohibitive. He also said he felt Mrs. Michael might be trying to get the commissioners into a trap, but he did state he would be willing to pursue this if he knows it would be funded 100% by stimulus funds. Commissioner Traster cautioned that the senior citizens need to be realistic with the size of a building requested. Commissioner Long said the commissioners need to be included in all phases of the plans if a grant is pursued. The commissioners asked Mrs. Michael if the grant would pay 100% of project costs or if the county would be expected to cost-share with the federal government. They asked what the maximum grant amount is. Mrs. Michael said she did not know the answers to the commissioners’ questions at this time. She explained that the original forms are just showing an interest in the grant and subsequent forms would include details. The commissioners ask Mrs. Michael to get more information for them before pursuing this stimulus grant.

 

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

 

Loyetta Skeen, Clerk of the District Court, requested approval to purchase a new computer at a cost of about $1,800.00. Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of the new computer with the cost to be paid from the Clerk of District Court fund. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.    

 

Robin Hathaway, County Attorney, met with the commissioners. Madison Traster made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes for matters of attorney/client privilege. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. After 30 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

The commissioners adjourned to meet as a board of canvassers on April 10, 2009 9:00 a.m. to review the results of the City/School General Election on April 7, 2009.

 

 

____________________________                                                     ___________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                                                     Carl Higgs, Chairman