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: Don Button,
Emergency Management Coordinator; Todd Hampton, City/County Building Official;
John Crosby, Fire Chief; Nancy Ramski, Civic Center Building and Grounds
Manager; Rita Gee, Treasurer; Lance Babcock, Sheriff; Sean Gooding, Emergency
Medical Service Director; and Mary K. Sullivan, Register of Deeds. Chairman
Higgs presented Sean Gooding with a certificate of appreciation from Lifeteam.
Madison
Traster made the motion to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2004 meeting and
the claims against the various funds of the county. Gene Schwein seconded the
motion. Following clarification of several vouchers, the motion passed
unanimously.
Don Button,
Emergency Management Coordinator, presented a draft of the Local Mitigation
Plan for the commissioners’ review. Mr. Button also talked about his 2005
budget request.
The
commissioners reviewed and approved one road-crossing permit for Kansas Natural
Gas and five road-crossing permits for Oxy USA, Inc.
Darl Henson
and Mary Sullivan, Extension Council Agents, explained plans if the Extension
Office and the Health Department relocate to the former Berkley Medical Supply
building. The decision was made not to purchase that building. Later in the
day, the commissioners went to the fairgrounds and viewed a potential site for
a new building to house the extension service. The commissioners authorized Mr.
Henson to contact Bob Forsen and have him develop plans for a 40 x 80 building.
LaVonne
Michael, Board on Aging Director, and Jim Anderson and Mollie Beard, Board on
Aging Board Members, presented their 2005 budget request. Their request is for
the same amount as this year’s budget. The commissioners discussed the
possibility of the health department relocating to the hospital if an expansion
is done there. Mrs. Michael said she thought that would be a good place for them.
Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Beard agreed. The commissioners explained that this would
not be done right away so the health department would have to remain where they
are until that time. Mrs. Michael, Mr. Anderson, and Mrs. Beard said they
understand, but they would appreciate knowing what the time line would be as
soon as the commissioners know more. Since the Senior Center has eight or ten
hospital beds, approval was given to sell several of them and dispose of old
lift chairs and equipment that are no longer usable.
Billie
Upshaw, Care Home Administrator, and Pam Gindlesberger, Board of Trustees
Member, presented their 2005 budget request. Discussion was held on capital
expenditures for the care home. They explained that they are planning to
replace some windows every year, they need a new van; and the air conditioning
system needs to be replaced.
Ginger
Anthony, Museum Curator, Cheryl Deyoe, and Robin Graber, Historical Society,
presented their 2005 budget request of $135,334. They also requested an employee
benefit package in the amount of $7,200. Discussion was held on repairs needed
at the old hotel. A request was made to asphalt the east drive and entrance to
the museum.
Scott
Nichols, Chamber Manager, gave an update on tourism.
Gene
Schwein made the motion to approve Appraiser, Tom Fuhrmann’s request to
purchase a new printer not to exceed $5,000 and two computers not to exceed
$2,800. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Discussion
was held on the pay rate for a new full time Sheriff’s department employee. Due
to his experience, the commissioners agreed to start the new full time jailer
at 87% of the median rate for that position. If he proves to be a good
employee, his rate of pay will increase to 90% of the median in 6 months.
The
commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on July 20, 2004.
Linda McHenry, County Clerk Carl
Higgs, Chairman