IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
November 6, 2001
The Allen County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session at 8:30 a.m. with Chairperson Kent
Thompson, Commissioner Dick Works,
Commissioner Walt Regehr, Jr., and Sherrie
L. Riebel, County Clerk.
Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the
October 30, 2001 meeting.
John White, 31st Judicial Judge, Thomas
Saxton, Magistrate Judge, George Brown, Allen County Undersheriff,
discussed the latest design on the jail. Commissioners explained they were
leaning towards 42 beds plus 12 optional beds. Discussion followed. Judge
White discussed some legislature that is being looked at in terms of
inmates, day centers, work release and other options in keeping inmate
numbers down. Monies are currently collected for work release inmates.
Judge White explained surveys are leaning towards "keep the inmates
in jail that are a threat to the community, but lets do something with the
inmates that are not a threat, just law breakers." Judge Saxton
stated the jail is used as a sanction for some inmates to help them
through a trial time. Undersheriff Brown stated there are currently 12
inmates in the jail. Discussion followed on bed space and female
prisoners. The question came up on what was going to be done with the old
space. Judge White stated the court clerk’s area is very cramped now.
Commissioners discussed who was in charge of the jail.
Undersheriff Brown stated the responsibility is a shared one.
Michael McDonald, a concerned citizen, discussed the
south side of the intersection of 400 St and Hwy #54 intersection. He was
wondering if something could be done. He explained there is no shoulder
there, no signs, no line of sight and a current hedge row. It is a
dangerous intersection. He requested signs be put on the highway and on
the county roads. Commissioners stated that KDOT would be responsible for
the highway and the county would be responsible for the county road. They
will review the intersection and contact the state for Hwy #54.
Bill King, Public Works Director, discussed the chip
seal at the City of Humboldt this last summer. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Thompson signed a contract with Defenbaugh
for gas collection.
Bill discussed a call from Max Snodgrass on industrial
ideas at the airport. Discussion followed on the water pressure. Gary
Parker, Water District #8 representative, was present for discussion.
Bill discussed there is still a problem with the
automated fuel system at the landfill. He explained some of the problems.
Bill discussed a gate on the airport property denying
persons access to the land. He explained some of the problems.
Gary Parker thanked Bill for the outstanding job he has
done in the county. Discussion followed on trash trucks running stop signs
on county roads.
Mr. Parker discussed the Moran Community Center. He
explained some of the concerns from some citizens, storm shelter, large
community room, being a community building, parking, property ownership,
and several other concerns. Discussion followed on ownership of the
Presbyterian Church property and what could be done with the property.
Commissioner Works explained the county’s portion could only be for the
Senior Citizen Center, but the monies would have to be apportioned for the
center. It has not been decided as to what or where the center will go.
There was discussion on grants available. Mr. Parker explained how much
monies would be available if approved by the board of the Winslow Trust.
Commissioners discussed what type of building and issues concerning all
requests. No action taken.
John Feeback, Fagan Company, questioned the proposed
jail facility.
David Beck, Emergency Preparedness Director, discussed
an incident in Humboldt dealing with a suspicious package arriving at
Humboldt City Hall. Discussion followed on information dealing with
packages and who is qualified to cover and handle these situations. David
provided a response checklist for suspicious packages/envelopes and
Airborne Hazard, which has been provided for by Kansas Emergency
Management, a division of the Adjutant General’s Department. Discussion
followed on who in Allen County is responsible for the investigation. Bob
Johnson stated that the City of Iola commission has already provided a
mutual aid agreement. Discussion on what should have happened, what did
happen and what corrections will be made.
David reported there is still a problem in Neosho Falls
on calling 911 and where it is dispatched. He will coordinate a check with
citizens in that area.
David reported there would be an expense on half for
the Hazmat vehicle. Discussion followed.
Terry Krout, Humboldt General Transportation Senior
Service driver for SE-CAP, requested to take the Allen County Services to
the Elderly Van to Precious Moments Chapel in the Spring of 2002.
Discussion followed. Ms. Krout stated the health of the elderly is not
only on their physical health but also their mental health. No action was
taken.
Debra Morgan, Senior Services of Southeast Kansas
Director, and Vicki Carlson, Area Agency of Aging, discussed the
difference between the two corporations. They explained how the agencies
work, who does what and that neither are governmental agencies. Discussion
followed on the different funding available to the agency by county, state
and federal grants. Discussion followed on the costs of Meals on Wheels.
Ms. Morgan discussed how the funding from federal doesn’t increase but
the cost of inflation keeps going up. Ms. Morgan reported what other
counties are doing to cover the costs of the services. Ms. Morgan
explained that Allen County is the only county paying for the meals per
meal. Ms. Carlson stated Area Agency on Aging does not receive monies for
the meals in Allen County. Ms. Carlson explained they pay so much per meal
to the Senior Services of SEK. Meals are paid so much for individuals over
60 years of age. The actual meal cost is $3.36 per meal to supply.
Discussion followed. Ms. Morgan stated her actual cost is $2.48 per meal,
plus all the cost to get the meals to the individuals equal to $3.36. The
difference is made up by state and federal grants. Senior Services of
Southeast Kansas ‘ projected 2002 budget is 1.304 million dollars, which
are only the nutrients portion of the services (congregate meals, Meals on
Wheels). Ms. Carlson explained how the Area Agency on Aging works with the
Senior Services of Southeast Kansas, throughout 9 counties, they serve 41
sites, at 1,500 meals on a daily base. Allen County pays $2.48 per meal to
Senior Service of SEK.
Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, discussed an ad for
the Hillegass property. Commissioners approved the ad.
Alan discussed the SEK Mental Health Board compiling.
Discussion followed. No action taken.
No meeting on November 20, 2001 due to a Kansas Association of Counties
meeting in Wichita.
With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was
adjourned until November 13, 2001, at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission room of
the courthouse.
Commissioners approved the following documents:
a) Clerk's vouchers totaling $ 31,999.57
b) Clerk's Journal Entry #107
c) Abatement # 200100007 & 200100011,
value 68,632, $9,366.68, for tax roll of 2001
