Minutes, February 28, 2011

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

February 28, 2011

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 28^nd day of February 2011 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse. 

 

                                                            Members Present:

                                                            Albert W. Oller, 1^st District Commissioner

                                                            Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

                                                            Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

                                                           

                                                                                                                       

OPENING BUSINESS:

 

Chairman Kueser called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of February 22, 2011.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Billy Kryger, Pastor of the Smoky Hill Baptist Church in Ellsworth, was in attendance but did not ask to address the Commissioners.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

A Department Head meeting was held with all in attendance.  Sheriff Ploutz brought up the recent change in the handbook regarding the termination of an employee by an elected official.  The elected officials in the meeting felt that Section 1-2 (d) should be eliminated from the handbook due to the Nielander vs Lincoln County decision by the Kansas Supreme Court. It was suggested that the Commissioners call Attorney Bud Cowan who was involved in the case for an opinion.  The County Clerk discussed the KWORCC & KCAMP Online University.  The KWORCC is new and computer classes are available on safety.  It was the consensus of the group that an account be set up for usage.  There is no charge for any of the classes.  Mrs. Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, discussed the non-progress of the new landfill pit and Chairman Kueser will contact the engineering firm.  The County Clerk reminded everyone that if employees want to change any withholding, they must complete a new W-4.  Also, if any employee changes their address, they must report it so we can give it to the insurance company.  Mrs. Maze, EMS Director, reported she has been pleased with the process of putting equipment for sale on the Purple Wave Internet Site.  The bid for the ambulance is now up to $4,000.  Mrs. Sneath, Register of Deeds, reported that the Post Rock Wind Farm leases will be coming through next week.

 

 

Upon the request of Michelle Maze, EMS Director, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:25 a.m. until 9:40 a.m.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:40 a.m. and no action was taken.  Mrs. Maze reported she will be offering an EMT class in-house beginning March 7^th and the classes at the high school are going well.

 

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, met with the Commissioners to discuss the NACO free membership and the prescription card that is available for the county residents with the membership.  The card would give an average of 22% reduction on medications not covered by other insurance cards.  F&M Drugs is a participant in the program.  Before entering into such an agreement, the Commissioners asked Mrs. Kasiska to visit with Seitz Drugs.  When Mr. Masse, ECMC Administrator, met with the Commissioner later in the day, they asked that he look over the program for an opinion.

 

Upon the request of Sheriff Ploutz, Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 10:47 a.m. until 11:10 a.m.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:10 a.m. and no action was taken.

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, presented financial reports for the month of January showing a profit o $52,068 and a year-to-date loss of $358,814.  He then gave a comprehensive presentation on the financial health of the medical center.  The presentation included three main objectives:  To clearly define ECMC's cost reduction strategies and accomplishments; To identify historical trends contributing to the financial challenges; To roadmap additional action plans.  The Commissioners express their appreciation for the concise format of the report and complimented him and his staff on their work in reducing costs while maintaining the quality of service.  They visited briefly on the day care facility proposal with the community shelter.  Mr. Masse reported his Board has not discussed the matter in length as yet and agreed that more information need to be forthcoming before any decisions could be made.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

The Commissioners asked that Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director attend the meeting next week.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

The County Clerk, as required by statute, presented the 2010 Inventory. 

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the February payroll in the amount of $185,487.80.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

 

 

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk