Minutes, June 20, 2011

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

JUNE 20, 2011

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 20^th day of June 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 as printed.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of June 13, and June 15, 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 wish to address the Commissioners.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Mike Keeley, Chief Judge for the 20^th Judicial District, John Isern, District Court Administrator, Sabrina Chism, Court Services Administrator and Peggy Svaty, Ellsworth County District Court Clerk presented their 2012 budget of $80,000 which is the same as last year.  Judge Keeley reviewed the line items with the Commissioners and due to a population change, Ellsworth County will now be paying 11% of the district expenses.  Chairman Kueser asked about Courtroom security and asked if Judge Keeley was aware of any mandates that might be coming down from the state.  Judge Keeley replied that he knew of nothing in the works at this time.

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, reported that two positions on the ECMC Board of Directors were expiring July 1, 2011 and both individuals are willing to serve another term and according to term policy are eligible.  Commissioner Rush moved to appoint Clint Rogers and Lloyd Sprick to a four year term to the Ellsworth County Medical Center Board of Directors.  The new term will expire July 1, 2015.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.   ECMC has been one of eight facilities in the state chosen for a pilot project for primary care.  In meeting with Medicare attorneys, it has been concluded that the unoccupied space in the Century building can still be used as "construction in progress" for audit purposes this year.  Current financial reports were given out that showed a loss of $49,070 for the month of May.  Mr. Masse reviewed the 2012 budget request with the Commissioners showing that at the present time, they are asking for the same amount as last year, 2 mills.

 

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, presented her budgets for Landfill and Recycling for a combined total $132,950.  A new tractor was budgeted for the landfill; however, the Commissioners felt that purchase could be taken from the Capital Equipment Reserve.  If so, the actual request would be $82,950 and decrease from this year.  The requested Noxious Weed budget for 2012 is $232,450, an increase of 4.6%.  Mrs. Shute reported she had received an interlocal agreement from Rice County for the e-waste program.  Included in the grant is a charge of 10 cents per pound.  Presently, we are not being charged.  The Commissioners felt it would not make good sense to accept e-waste free and then be charged for disposal. Therefore, they asked Mrs. Shute to work up some fee that could be charged to cover the disposal fee.  There has been no word from the State on the landfill permits; however, she will continue to check with them.

 

Carl Miller, Appraiser, presented his 2012 budget of $118,600, an increase of 2%.  Also, he will be starting his 17% field checks for next year.  The copier in his office is 7 years old and needs to be replaced and he would like to do the same as he did the last time by negotiating for all three counties where he is the Appraiser; therefore, getting a better price.  The Commissioners agreed with his plan.

 

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, presenting is 2012 budget request of $803,375, an increase of 10%.

 

Carolee Miner, President/CEO of OCCK, Inc. presented their budget request for 2012.  Also present were Sheila Stout and Pat Wallerius.  They are requesting the same as last year $66,799.  Mrs. Miner explained that they have been able to do this by operating within available resources and seeking other forms of revenue.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the proposal from Orazem & Scalora Engineering, P.A. for services relating to the jail electrical system.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to offer the position of EMS Director to Roderic Rees.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners will meet with Mr. Rees next week to discuss salary.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

The Commissioners tabled the proposal for Wi-Fi for the Courthouse. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:55 a.m.

 

 

_______________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk