Minutes, March 14, 2016

 

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

                                                                                 

MINUTES

 

MARCH 14, 2016

 

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 14^th day of March 2016 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 Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

 

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Agenda.   Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Commissioner Oller moved to approve the Minutes of March 7, 2016.  Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

OPEN FORUM:

 

Frank Toman was present to discuss the proposed road closure in Black Wolf Township as he would not be here for the hearing on the 21^st of March.  He wanted assurance that the road being closed would not be blocked from entrance after the closure as it is a secondary entrance to his property. He has talked with township board and they had no such plans. The Commissioners stated the road being closed would go back to the adjacent owners and they would have no jurisdiction.

 

Kenton Janssen wanted to clarify some of the burn ban policies.  Commissioners discussed some of the upcoming regulations that would be put into effect when enacted.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz, asked the Commissioners to take the expense of replacing the garage doors at the jail from the County Building Fund.  Commissioner Kueser moved to pay for the garage doors at the jail in the amount of $2,283 from the County Building Fund.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  Presently, he is considering hiring a deputy who is a certified law enforcement officer being trained by Rice County less than a year ago.  According to state law, if he is hired by another in-state sheriff's office, the training fees have to be reimbursed to the original training county.  He has contacted Rice County and they will be asking reimbursement of $8,000 for that training.  Sheriff Ploutz will advise the Commissioners if this individual is hired.  With the increase of jail population, Sheriff Ploutz reported he would be asking, in this budget for 2017, for the space, considered the exercise area, to be turned into a four man holding cell.

 

Rod Rees, EMS Director, presented write-offs in the amount of $2,619.15.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve write-offs for $2,619.15 as recommended.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  At the request of Mr. Rees, Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session from 9:50 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 10:00 a.m.  Commissioner Kueser moved to raise the salary of employee Liliana Delgado to $11.68 per hour and Amy Eck to $10.63 due to completion of training officer certification.  This increase will be retroactive to February 24, 2016.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Scott Johnson and Ron Larson from Marquette discussed their proposal for a recreation district to be formed for the purpose of upkeep on the Marquette recreation facility.  McPherson County would be the lead county with taxes being levied on landowners in the old Marquette school district.  Presently, they see perhaps a three mill levy.  They have talked with several landowners in that district and they seem to have no objection. The County Commissioners will be kept apprised of any progress.

 

Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Economic Development Director, asked the Commissioners to consider an amendment to the present Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization.  The amendment would be Plan E.  Plan E would have a minimum increment of $1,500,001 investment and would include Ellsworth County, City of Ellsworth (including properties located within 1,000 feet of city limits) and USD #327.  This would also be a more aggressive plan which would be for ten years with 100% the first year and lower percentages in subsequent years.  Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 2016R03, A Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing for an Amendment to the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan on March 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.  Commissioner Rush seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

Ronda Kasiska, Health Supervisor, asked Chairman Rush to sign the 2016 grant requests from the state in the amount of $35,057.  Chairman Rush signed the applications.  

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Commissioner Kueser moved to rescind the emergency burn ban put into effect on March 11, 2016.  Commissioner Oller seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.

 

 

_______________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Clerk