Minutes, June 25, 2012

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

June 25, 2012

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 25^th day of June 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 Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of June 18 & June 21, 2012.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Ray and Doug Frehse asked the Commissioner to consider lifting the burn ban so they could burn some stubble.  The Commissioners were reluctant to do so but will check with the area fire chiefs for a recommendation.  They will be contacted about any decision that is made.

 

Terersa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported the spray truck was having transmission problems.  Mr. Houston has looked at it and suggested they take it to Salina and have it inspected.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, distributed monthly financials that showed a loss and a substantial loss for the year, however, there are adjustments to be made.  They have been able to hold the line on expenses but revenues have been down.  Mr. Masse handed the Commissioners a letter of consideration from the Board of Directors requesting an additional mill in funding.  Mr. Masse then presented their 2012-2013 budget requesting two mills.  The budget does not contain the additional one mill being asked for consideration from the Board.  Wilson has deferred to the Board as to whatever they want to do about the clinic in Wilson, however, they are still reviewing their options.

 

Pam Hays, Charlie Kootz and Brad Kratzer, representing the Ellsworth County Soil Conservation District, presented their 2013 budget request of $31,000, an increase of $2,000.  They hope to trade-in their no-till drill for a new model this fall.  The Commissioner will take their request into consideration.

 

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz explained to the Commissioners that he had requested the architects working on the jail project not come last week as he would not be able to there.  After contacting them about it, they felt there was a miscommunication.  A discussion was held on the presented plans and it was agreed it was all preliminary at this time.  Sheriff Ploutz has sent a letter to the special prosecutor on an open case in which the Commissioners had expressed some concern.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented his 2013 budget request of $2,026,698.41, an increase of $48,019.41.  Mr. Nondorf also sent over the 2012 Bridge Inspection Report from Kirkham, Michael & Associates.  We have nine bridges that are considered "fractured, critical bridges" and according to federal mandates, now have to be inspected every year at a cost of $2,000 each.  The Rice Bridge is one of those nine.  A couple of the bridges might be able to be closed and one might be able to be added to a state program for replacement.  Although not on the "fractured, critical" list, the Wilson Bridge needs to have some repairs made and it will cost upward of $100,000.  The Commissioner will make time for a tour of the bridges discussed before any decisions are made.  The State inspected his department last week and there were no deficiencies.  They are still working on bridges, doing some overlay work and will start sealing soon.

 

Keith Haberer, Emergency Management Director, reported the Russell County burn ban was still in effect.  Because of low attendance, the CERT class has been postponed until the fall.  Mr. Haberer asked if the old ambulance could be used by the CERT TEAM to assist firefighter with water on runs.  At the present time, it is being listed for sale on Purple Wave, however, the mobile command unit could be used for that purpose as it needs to be started and used on a more regular basis.  The debris management plan is in the works and the state says it will handle any animal disposal in an emergency.  A planning workshop will be held October 24/25 at the Crisis Center in Salina and they would like to have at least one Commissioner attend the workshop.  Commissioner Kueser expressed an interest in attending.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

After consultation with the Fire Chiefs, the burn ban was left on.  Mr. Frehse was notified.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

There were no new business items.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.

 

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk