Minutes, April 2, 2012

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

April 2, 2012

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 2^nd day of April 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 with an addition.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 26, 2012. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roderic Rees, EMS Director, introduced his two new employees, Amber Dick and Jeremiah Brown.  Also, he presented a list of write-offs he would like to have approved.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve write-offs for the EMS Department in the amount of $1,016.80.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  An updated salary schedule was presented for the Commissioner's consideration.  Mr. Rees expressed his opinion that Ellsworth County's salaries for staff was lower that surrounding counties causing us to lose personnel after being trained and fulfilling their contract with the county.  Since the schedule did not include the dollar amount of the increases or the impact on budget, Mr. Rees was asked to come back with those figures.  Also, his proposal was based on years of service and our present schedule is based on steps and ranges.

 

Terry Robl, representing KanEquip, stated that they were interested in purchasing 75 feet of land back of the EMS building.  They are putting up a new building on adjacent property and would like to have that footage.  The Commissioners priced the property to them at $14,000.  Mr. Robl will present the offer and get back with them.  Mr. Robl explained that a barrier to divide the property would be put in place if they purchase the property.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to go into executive session to consult with County Attorney, Joe Shepack to discuss matters deemed to be privileged in the attorney-client relationship from 10:00 a.m. until 10:20 a.m.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0. Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Economic Development Director was included in the executive session.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:20 a.m. and no action was taken.

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported he had two Whelen Edge light bars that he has declared surplus property and would like to get rid of them.  In adherence to the county property, the County Clerk will notify other departments of the property and if they are interested, it will be transferred.  The Commissioners asked that she also notify the cities.  The Sheriff reported that the jail is overcrowded.  He has custody of 23 inmates with 20 in his jail, 2 at Rice County and 1 in Barton County.  Increasing the size of the jail was discussed and the Clerk was asked to make an inquiry with Architect, Fred Abercrombie, when he is here this week on other matters, about an approximate square foot cost for an addition to the jail.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the March payroll in the amount of $165,996.24.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve March accounts payable for $120,154.10 and prewritten warrants for $28,504.60 for a total of $148,658.70.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

 

 

____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk