Minutes, October 3, 2011

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

OCTOBER 3, 2011

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 3^rd day of October 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 Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of September 26, 2011.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session from 9:05 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. with the County Attorney, Joe Shepack, to consult on matters deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioner returned to open session at 9:20 a.m.  No action was taken.

 

Roberta Waymaster, Chairman of the Technology Committee, resigned her position on the Committee.  She thanked the Commissioner for the opportunity to serve in that capacity but felt it was time for her to step down.  The Commissioners thanked Mrs. Waymaster for her invaluable help in setting up the county's first website and the progress that had been made over the years.

 

Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Economic Development Director, Curt Glaser, First Bank Kansas, and Tim Vandall, Ellsworth City Administrator, met with the Commissioners to discuss whether the Neighborhood Revitilaztion Program will be extended to those who choose to build in the TIF District.  In formulation of the new NR program, the Commissioners agreed that the TIF District would be included in the NR program.

 

Tim Vandall, Ellsworth City Administrator, reported they had gotten two bids on the repair of the roof on the old recreation center.  As of now, it looks like the council is favoring the bid from Reliant Roofing for $10,000.  Since the extension does use the building for the fair, the council wanted to know if the county would contribute to the repair.  When asked if the council had any amount in mind, Mr. Vandall replied that any amount would be appreciated but the amount of $3,500 was discussed.  Commissioner Oller asked what kind of roof was bid but Mr. Vandall did not have that information with him.  Commissioner Oller suggested another roofing company that he might contact for a price comparision.  Commissioner  Kueser moved to provide $2,500 to the City of Ellsworth for the repair of the roof on the recreation center.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  Mr. Vandall also discussed landfill fees for abandoned structures.

 

Don Hanson updated the Commissioner on the proposed addition of Ellsworth to the Prairie Trail.  About eight years ago,  Ellsworth asked to be added to the trail, but it was not accepted.  Now, the board of the Prairie Trail is interested in including Ellsworth.  It will take several years to accomplish it and at that time letters of support will be needed from governmental enities.  The Commissioners expressed their support of the project and would welcome the opportunity to support the project.

 

Brent VanBuren, Tracy Ploutz, Dave Smith, Rod Rees and Bob Doepp were present to hear a presentation from Brent Van Buren on what equipment and software was necessary to bring the county in line with the new state digital radio system. The approximate cost to upgrade all the mobiles and portables in the county would be $23,000.  To upgrade the dispatch center and provide a second dispatch station in case of emergency would be $10,500.  The dispatch center upgrade can be taken from the 911 funds, however, the other cost cannot.  Commissioner Oller moved to approve the funding of the upgrades need in the approximate amount of $23,000.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  Commissioner Rush moved to approve the upgrade of the dispatch station and take the cost of the upgrade from the 911 funds.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  At a later date, the repeater on the tower will need to be moved to another location.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to appoint Keith Haberer, Emergency Management Director, as a representative to the North Central Regional Homeland Security Council.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the September Payroll in the amount of $174,833.10.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the September accounts payable in the amount of $238,683.02 and Prewritten Warrants for $26,342.32 for a total of $265,025.33.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Kueser adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

 

 

____________________________________________-

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk