C20100615                                                                                                                                                      June 15, 2010

 

                The 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 June 1, 2010, meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

                Terry Lawhon and Tom Fuhrmann, Landmark Appraisal, met to notify the commissioners that their contract will automatically renew unless the commissioners choose to terminate it. They also invited questions from the commissioners. Following general discussion, the commissioners agreed to renew the contract.

 

                Extension council representatives, Mary Sullivan, Cathy Cavasos, Lynda Fort, and  Lori Deyoe, presented their 2011 budget request of $187,000, which is the same as this year.

 

                David Black, County Attorney, presented information on continuation of the last tax sale. He explained that the commissioners can take sealed bids for the property, they can have an open bid sale, or the property can be sold at auction. He said there is no minimum bid required. The commissioners made the decision to require no minimum bid and to forgive delinquent taxes through 2009.  The decision was made to have an auction of the property. It will be the buyer's responsibility to evaluate the title for the property. The county attorney will email an updated listing to the clerk for publication.

 

                Bill Rogers, Economic Development Committee Chairman, met with the commissioners. Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss financial matters of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. After 15 minutes, the meeting continued in open session.

 

                Randy McCauley, Road Department Administrator, and J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, discussed the cost to seal the Civic Center parking lot. The estimated cost for this is $21,750. Later in the day, Marty Long made the motion to approve sealing the parking lot with the cost to be paid from the road department fund, the park maintenance fund, and  the courthouse general fund, if necessary. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. McCauley presented his 2011 budget request, which is $290,950 less than 2010. Discussion was held on contracting for fuel in 2011. In other business, the commissioners approved soliciting bids for a new tow behind air compressor to replace a 1970 model.  The commissioners reviewed and approved two road crossing permits.

 

                Rita Gee, Treasurer, informed the commissioners that she is enhancing the treasurer's part of the website with a motor vehicle tax estimator. When this is implemented, the public will have the ability to estimate the fees for tagging a new vehicle.

 

                The commissioners recessed for lunch with City of Ulysses officials. Those attending from the city were: Mayor, Thadd Kistler; Council Members, Ann Papay, Tim McCauley, and John Battin; City Manager, Daron Hall; and City Clerk, Dana Cotherman.

 

                Steve Johnson, Leonard Wilson and Lorine Myers, Grant County Conservation District, presented their 2011 budget request of $34,000, which is a $3,000 increase.

 

                J.D. Neufeld, Civic Center Manager, asked if he should begin ordering material to repair the men's restroom.  The estimated cost to complete it is $15,000. The commissioners authorized Mr. Neufeld to continue with the repairs. In other business, discussion was held on refurbishing the existing entrance sign to the Civic Center. The commissioners tabled a decision on refurbishing the sign. Mr. Neufeld presented his 2011 budget request. He explained that he budgeted for tables and chairs to complete the replacement process. He said he understands what we are facing, and those purchases could be put off for another year.

 

                Sarah Nagel, Communities in Schools, presented information about that program. She requested continued support from the county. Ms. Nagel explained that they have lost two sources of funding. The request remains the same as this year at $14,000.

 

                Marty Long made a motion to appoint Mary Cott to the Southwest Area Agency on Aging Sub-Region Council. Madison Traster seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

                Ginger Anthony, Museum, presented their budget request of $142,000, which is the same as this year. Mrs. Anthony reported there is some money in their special fund that is used for projects. Commissioner Long recommended that some of the money be used to construct a retaining wall at the centennial display east of town. Discussion was held on problems with the roof at the museum. The commissioners will ask Steve Spade, A-Lert Roof Systems, to look at the roof, and submit a quote to replace it, if that is possible with his system.

 

                Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss financial matters. After 20 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

                Madison Traster made the motion to adjourn at 4:05 p.m. Marty Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

 

 

______________________________                                                   _____________________________

Linda McHenry, County Clerk                                                                     Carl Higgs, Chairman