LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS
July 10, 2017
The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was held in the commission meeting room of the courthouse Monday, July 10, 2017. Chairman Al Joe Wallace called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Terry Finch and Member Alexis Pflugh present. County Clerk Dawn Harlow was in attendance.
Others present for portions of the meeting: Katy Black, Jeannie Fern, John Tyson, Bev Fisher, Steve Schneider, Mary Powell, Mike Weigel, Dustin Florence, Kerry Jackson, Mona Gerstmann, Norman Mannel, Kelly Larson, Jennifer Huehl, Carol Torkelson, Keegan Bailey, Michel O’Hare, Robert Howe, Dwight Heller, Justine Dohl and Debora Zachgo.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read. Terry Finch moved to approve and adopt the minutes of the July 3, 2017 regular meeting as corrected, seconded by Alexis Pflugh. Motion carried.
The following correspondence was read: Memorandum from County Attorney Jennifer O’Hare regarding budgets subject to exemption from the tax lid.
The chairman recessed the meeting to the basement meeting room at 8:21 a.m.
The chairman reconvened the meeting at 8:25 a.m. in the basement meeting room.
Sheriff Mike Weigel with Undersheriff Dustin Florence reported that bats have been discovered in the law enforcement building and requested approval to contact the company that removed the bats from the courthouse. The board approved the request.
Landfill/Transfer Station Operator Kerry Jackson related that he has been requested to accept processed tires and that the landfill is not currently accepting the processed tires as he does not know how to appropriately charge. Discussion ensued on the best way to determine a price, the board suggested that a minimum fee be determined by determining the estimated weight of tires that have been previously disposed of at the landfill and the county’s cost per pound to dispose. Jackson will return with estimated costs at a later date.
Alexis Pflugh moved to approve the issuance of Cereal Malt Beverage License 2017-04, to the Sylvan Grove American Legion Post #359, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.
Economic Development Director Kelly Larson, with North Central Regional Planning Commission representatives Carol Torkelson and Keagen Bailey and Sylvan Grove City Clerk Jennifer Huehl, reported that the City of Sylvan Grove will be applying for a $300,000 CDBG Housing grant to provide rehabilitation and demolition of dilapidated homes. Larson discussed a 2015 application that was not previously approved, in which the County had agreed to waive up to $3,500 in construction/demolition fees, the remaining fees will be paid by the grant. Torkelson related that the City has already received pre-applications to complete six demolitions and nineteen rehabilitations.
Torkelson asked for the board’s support by considering waiving the construction/demolition fees in the amount of $3,500. The board agreed to waive the fees as requested and will have a letter of support prepared for approval at the July 17 regular meeting.
Director of Public Works Michel O’Hare with Road and Bridge Supervisor Robert Howe explained the Federal Funds Exchange Program, which provides ninety percent of the County’s allocation from the Federal government for road and bridge projects. Alexis Pflugh moved to approve and adopt Resolution 2017-15, pursuant to K.S.A. 68-590, authorizing the transfer of $5,963.90 from the Road Fund to the Special Highway Improvement Fund, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried. O’Hare reported that after reviewing the budget, he does not currently have the budget available to replace the drainage structures on N 30th Rd, however the county currently has a rail car, and he has contacted the company to determine if they would be willing to purchase the rail car or modify it for the County to reduce the project cost. The board discussed the proposal submitted by Kirkham Michael to provide engineering services on a contractual basis and whether the county should consider such an agreement and seek additional bids.
Commissioner Pflugh inquired about the status of the following: Mobile 311, concrete crushing project at the landfill, and road complaint forwarded by the board at the beginning of July; Plfugh provided pictures of road concerns within her district. O’Hare provided an update on Off-System bridge replacement project OS 145. Howe reported on the following topics: culvert project to replace failed stone arch bridge; and the gravel pit owner near Tipton has agreed to sell the County mined gravel at $6.75 per yard, currently plans on graveling a stretch of road. The board heard road concerns and comments from meeting attendees. Commissioner Pflugh suggested that the county utilize volunteers to assist the highway department to clean culverts and trim trees; Commissioner Finch related that prior to making a decision on requesting volunteers, liability concerns should be addressed.
Human Resource Officer Debora Zachgo provided additional estimates for health insurance premiums for 2018 and an example of the cost to county employees at the suggested rates as requested at the July 3 regular meeting.
The chairman recessed the meeting at 10:37 a.m.
The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 10:42 a.m.
Commissioner Pflugh discussed the ambulance director position, and inquired if there are plans to budget to have a full-time ambulance service director. Commissioner Pflugh provided a resolution creating a policy on filling open employment positions. Alexis Pflugh moved to have Human Resources due a revision of the proposed Resolution. Motion died for a lack of second.
Commissioner Pflugh provided a resolution for solicitors to obtain public funding. Alexis Pflugh moved that Lincoln County Board of Commissioners revise and adopt a resolution similar to what I have presented. Motion died for a lack of second.
Commissioner Pflugh provided a resolution that enacted term limits and continuing education requirements for commissioners. Alexis Pflugh moved that the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution with a term limit in position and minimum requirement of continuing education. Motion died for a lack of a second.
Alexis Pflugh moved to have the County Commissioners annually revisit job descriptions making any necessary revisions. Motion died for a lack of a second.
Clerk Harlow presented the 2018 budget requests that have been submitted by various departments.
Alexis Pflugh moved that we adopt parliamentary procedure. Motion died for a lack of second.
The chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:26 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2017 in the commission meeting room of the courthouse.
