C20100105                                                                                                                   January 5, 2010

 

                The 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; Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator; Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds; Sheila Brown, Health Department Administrator; Rita Gee, Treasurer; John Crosby, Fire Chief; Jerry Jo Deckert, EMS Director; J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official; and Don Button, Emergency Management Coordinator.

 

                Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2009 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

                Sheila Brown, Health Department Administrator, met with the commissioners. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss financial matters concerning the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session. Ms. Brown requested approval to purchase 8 new chairs at a cost of $3,320.00 with health department funds and a new filing unit from bio-terrorism fund and county funds costing $13,315.00 Marty Long made the motion to approve the purchase of 8 chairs with county funds  and filing unit that will be reimbursed by bio terrorism funds. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

                Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, presented quotes for a new copier.  Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of a Sharp copier from Southern Office Supply at a cost of $6,410.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

                Scott Selee, Southwest Kansas Local Environmental Planning, and Todd Hampton, Board Member, met with the commissioners. Mr. Selee presented information on the environmental protection program. Mr. Selee explained that the money they receive from the state has been reduced, and they have reserves in the amount of $40,000.00. Within the next couple of years they will spend the reserves to maintain their current level of operation. Mr. Hampton explained that the board would like counties to be aware of this funding issue and the possibility of counties contributing to this worthwhile program, if it becomes necessary.

 

                Ben Gray, Manager, Finney County Landfill, asked about the letter that was sent to the commissioners in June regarding hauling trash to the Finney County Landfill. Commissioner Long explained that the letter was extremely vague. There was no contract time period and there was concern about the amount quoted since it was so much less than other contracts with their facility of which Grant County is aware. Mr. Gray explained that part of difference is because of the distance to haul to their facility. Concern was expressed that the rate might be low for a short time and then increased. Mr. Gray said he will relay the commissioners' concerns to his superior.

 

                Rita Gee, Treasurer, and Deb Fort, Deputy Treasurer, met with the commissioners. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed. After 30 minutes the commissioners recessed into executive session for 1 hour to discuss non-elected personnel. After 1 hour the meeting continued in open session.

               

                There was an issue brought before the commissioners due to clarification of the policy manual for sick leave usage. There was a compromise between the employee and the department head that half the time used would be credited to sick leave and half to vacation time. The issue will be brought up at a future department head meeting on January 18, 2009.

 

                Madison Traster made the motion to approve the purchase of a computer and software for the Transfer Station from the Computer Alchemist for a total not to exceed $2,195.00. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed.

 

                The commissioners made the decision to give county employees a 2% across the board cost of living increase for 2010.

 

                The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on January 19, 2009.

                 

  

__________________________                                                                  _________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                                                     Carl Higgs, Chairman