Minutes, September 24, 2012

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

September 24, 2012

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 24^th day of September 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 Kueser moved to approve the Agenda.   Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve the Minutes of September 17, 2012.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

No one was present for the Public Forum.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Roger Masse, ECMC Administrator, presented the financial reports for August showing a loss of $178,002.  The problem is with the revenue side due to the fact that utilization has been down.  However, they are still in a strong cash position and a payment is due from Medicare for the 2011-2012 year.  The Health Exchange is now in operation although not to the full extent of the law.  Kansas is an opt-out state being that individual can opt-out having their information put into the exchange.  Ellsworth is not ready yet, but is working to be compliant.  Recruitment is still in progress and they have signed agreements with both pharmacies to manage the flow of inventory in the new drug plan.  Presently, they are a member of the Sunflower Network and received their employee insurance through them.  The rates for 2013 have hiked in excess of 60% and they are trying to find an alternative.  To discuss non-elected personnel, Commissioner Oller moved to go into executive session from 9:45 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. and no action was taken.

 

Roderic Rees, EMS Director, met with them at their request and Commissioner Oller moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel from 9:55 a.m. until 10:10 a.m.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:10 a.m.  Commissioner Rush moved to increase the salary of Terry Whitmer and Jerry Florian to $8.95 beginning September 23, 2012.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners saw that one of the ambulances was sitting at a repair shop and asked if it was the 2006 ambulance that is still having problems.  Mr. Rees acknowledged that it was in the shop again and was not certain what they were going to do to solve the problems.  They could retain the box and put it on a new chassis which would cost approximately $80,000 -$90,000 for the chassis and remount.  The Commissioners questioned if a new motor might solve the problem.  Mr. Rees will get back with them on possible solutions.  The ambulance listed on Purple Wave sold for $7,800.

 

Nancy Hysong, Appraiser Assistant, presented the 2013 Maintenance Specifications for signature.  The Commissioners reviewed the specifications and signed their approval.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

There were no old business items.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to sign a three year contract with the Kansas State Health Care Commissioner for employee health insurance.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:30 p.m.

 

 

___________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk