Minutes, March 30, 2015

 

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

MARCH 30, 2015

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 30^th day of March 2015 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 March 23, 2015 as presented.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Mary Ann Fredrickson questioned the Commissioner on the Burn Ban Resolution.  She was concerned when the resolution stated the dire need for the burn ban and then there was an exception that allowed agricultural burns when permitted by the local fire chiefs.  When citizens know there is a burn ban in effect and then see smoke, they become concerned.  Commissioner Kueser explained why the agricultural exception was in the resolution; however, it could be taken out if there is agreement to do so.  Mrs. Frederickson also suggested that if a controlled burn permit is issued that surrounding property owners should be notified.  The Commissioners took her concerns under advisement.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

Jamie Rathbun and Dusti Betts, Extension Services, presented the Commissioners with some of the informational material being distributed by the Midway Extension District.  The newsletter, in particular, gives each specialist a portion of the newsletter to update and provide information in their particular field.  Mrs. Rathbun gave the Commissioner an up-dated rental agreement for consideration.  A discussion was held on rental of the 4-H barn in regards to the deposits, fee, and insurance and how the money was to be handled.  The Commissioner felt that Extension should take care of the rental of the facility but the money should come directly to the county.  Also, Commissioner Kueser felt that someone should be designated to oversee the maintenance of the barn and report back if anything needs to be done.  He is still checking on someone to fix the concrete curbing and a way to channel the water away from the downspouts.  Mrs. Rathbun will work on the rental agreement and bring it back for their approval.

 

Kayla Gourley, Noxious Weed-Landfill, upon the recommendation of her Supervisor, Teresa Shute, asked the Commissioners to consider a raise for Bradley Kratzer as he has finished his 90 day probationary period.  Commissioner Kueser moved to raise the salary for Bradley Kratzer to $13.50 per hour effect the new pay period.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Keith Haberer, Emergency Management Director, suggested that the Commissioners keep the burn ban effect at the present time.  The Commissioner discussed Mrs. Frederickson's concerns over the agricultural burn and Mr. Haberer said most counties do allow for such even though there is a burn ban.  He recently attended a Debris Management Class and our plan will have to be revised.  Also, all the cities in the county will need to have a plan.  They had a record turnout at the Storm Spotter class.  Forty-seven were in attendance.

 

Roderic Rees, EMS Director, asked the Commissioner to approve a write-off as the statute of limitations on collection has expired.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the submitted write-off in the amount of $168.42.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  Mr. Rees will also need a check for $220.00 for license renewal by the middle of the month.

 

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, discussed various projects that were in the works.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Rush moved to approve March account payables for $76,467.91 and prewritten warrants for $24,214.60 for a total of $100,672.51.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve March payroll in the amount of $132,469.70.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatement #351 in the amount of $93.13.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Oller adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.

 

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk