Minutes, March 5, 2012

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

MARCH 5, 2012

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 5^th day of March 2012 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 Oller 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 February 27, 2012. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Mary Ann Frederickson, a Garfield resident, spoke of her concerns about notification of public safety and risks occurring within the county.  With all the economic development impact in the community and young families moving back to the rural areas, she asked if a reverse 911 system had been discussed.  The community in Garfield, due to a recent event in the area, has decided to start a "calling tree" emanating from the Sheriff's office.  The Commissioners replied that they had looked at an emergency system for notification but the cost was extremely high and at that time could not balance the need of the system with the cost.  However, they would be willing to take another look at it.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Bob Fitzgerald met with the Commissioners, at their request,  to discuss the county website   At a recent department head meeting, the department heads felt that the website was not meeting their needs.  It took too long for anything to be put on the website and they would like to have the ability to post schedules and information on it.  The Commissioners posed the question whether it was time to look into a professional web service or continue as we have.  Mr. Fitzgerald asked that he be able to meet with the Technology Committee again and see what direction they felt the county should pursue.  If they should choose a web service, then they could also investigate such services and make a recommendation.

 

Roderic Rees, EMS Director, presented an agreement between the City of Holyrood and the county to use the fire chief vehicle for a first response vehicle and the county pays $35 per run.  It was suggested to have the County Attorney look at the document and that perhaps the document should be signed by the Commissioners and Mayor of the City of Holyrood.  Mr. Rees reported he has three applicants for the open position and will be doing interviews this week.  The estimated repair on the ambulance discussed last week is $3,500.  After County Attorney reviewed the agreement with Holyrood, Commission Kueser moved to enter into an agreement with the City of Holyrood for use of the fire chief vehicle for first response at a rate of $35 for each run.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Upon the request of Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session from 11:05 a.m. until 11:35 a.m.  to consult with the Joe Shepack, County Attorney, about matters deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:35 a.m.  Commissioner Kueser moved to continue in executive session for the same reasons stated above from 11:35 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 12:00 Noon and no action was taken.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

The Commissioners requested the County Clerk to send out the new proposed burn ban that includes permitting to all the fire chiefs.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the February accounts payable in the amount of $125,800.47 and pre-written warrants for $34,955.16 for a total of $160,755.63.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to proclaim March 12-16 as Flood Safety Awareness Week.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush will attend the North Central County Highway Officials Association Meeting on April 12^th at Council Grove.

 

Commissioner Oller moved to approve Abatement #98 for $54.90.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

The Commissioners requested the County Clerk to send a letter to the Chairman and all committee members of the Taxation Committee reiterating their opposition to Senate Bill 317.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.

 

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk