Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
October 5, 2004

The Allen County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. with Chairperson Kent Thompson, Commissioner Walt Regehr Jr., Commissioner Dick Works and Sherrie L. Riebel, County Clerk.

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the September 28, 2004 meeting.

Ron Holman, Allen County House and Grounds Director, discussed an email from Bill Pointer, Fagan Company, concerning an assessment of the heating and cooling system for the courthouse.

Margaret Ranabarger, Petrolia resident, stated her concern for the computers that were at the Humboldt Senior Center. She had gone everywhere she could think of to get sponsorship. Discussion followed on the placement of the computers that were at the Humboldt Senior Center. She finally moved the computers to Chanute. Ms. Ranabarger explained why she moved the computers out of Allen County. Commissioners offered to apply for the school grant for the seniors but that the computers are county property. Commissioners stated it was a good program and needs to be continued.

Bill King, Public Works Director, reported they would be finishing up the chip seal on Minnesota Road. He reported one of his mechanics had a heart attack last Thursday. He will be off work for 12 weeks.

Bill discussed filters for the tractors at the landfill. A company washes the filters and replaces them in the equipment.

Commissioner Works moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Regehr seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Those in the room will be Commissioner Works, Commissioner Regehr, Commissioner Thompson, Bill King, Public Works Director, and Sherrie L. Riebel, Allen County Clerk. The time is now 9:05. Commissioners reconvened at 9:10 a.m. No action was taken.

Bill discussed the signs and mowing within the county. Discussion followed. He has training coming up in a couple of weeks.

Bill discussed a comment from KDOT on a railroad crossing at Bayard concerning the installation of a railroad-warning device. Discussion followed. The county could submit a resolution requesting the Kansas Department of Transportation to investigate this crossing for the necessary warning device. Commissioners requested Bill put a counter on this crossing and bring the results back to them next week. The device would not be installed until 2006 if request were granted.

Bill discussed the request to update and consolidated the County Five-year Plan Federal-aid Agreement. Discussion followed. The update needs to be signed and returned by October 21, 2004. Commissioners approved the resolution and signed the new agreement.

Bill presented a Hydrogeological Investigation Work Plan Proposed Allen County Solid Waste Landfill Expansion report for a new cell at the landfill. Discussion followed on the gas at the landfill.

Bill discussed pipe inventory. He reported it is low and will be bidding for more pipe.

Jill Allen, EMS Coordinator, discussed the Ambulance administrative fee for the cities. The 8% fee will be effective January 1, 2005 for all of the cities.

Commissioner Works moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner Regehr seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Those in the room will be Commissioner Works, Commissioner Regehr, Commissioner Thompson, Jill Allen, EMS Coordinator, and Sherrie L. Riebel, Allen County Clerk. The time is now 9:40. Commissioners reconvened at 9:50 a.m. No action was taken.

Steve Hoelscher, Allen County Hospital CEO, and Donna Talkington, ACH Advisor Board Representative, discussed the hospital. He discussed Allen County Hospital becoming a "Critical Care" hospital just yesterday. Discussion followed on the different types of care the hospital is responsible for. Mr. Hoelscher discussed how HCA would benefit a small rural hospital. Discussion followed on patient census, current employment at the hospital and recruiting physicians. Discussion followed on the finances that are being put into Allen County Hospital.

Mr. Hoelscher stated the Health Fair is October 23, 2004 at the Allen County Community College. There will also be a family awareness program to promote services offered at ACH.

Donna discussed the Reach Foundation grants available next year. These grants might be able to help the hospital indirectly by financing individuals in the area through a needs assessment.

Donald Leapheart, City of Iola Fire Chief, and Jay Thyer, Iola Fireman, discussed reusable air bag lifts for the Rescue Vehicle; they lift vehicles off of victims. The life of these bags are 10 years, and the current bags are older than that. Chief Leapheart will be getting bids on replacement air bags to put on the Rescue Vehicle. He is requesting the County pay for the replacements. Chief Leapheart stated they are as important as the "Jaws of Life". Discussion followed on replacing one or two bags per year.

Hal Pannell, Allen County resident, discussed the bridge on the Elks Lake road (Nebraska Rd). He asked about the road where the new bridge was built. Commissioners stated this road would not be finished this year.

Mr. Pannell discussed doctors leaving the Allen County Hospital Clinic. Discussion followed.

Mr. Pannell reported Kansas State Parks has taken over the old railroad tracks and they are cleaning it up.

Mr. Pannell discussed the work the County and City could get done if they established a CCC Cooperation, Consideration, Compromise committee.

Commissioners discussed with Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, the fact that Highway Patrol officers are in the new facility without a contract with the county.

Commissioners discussed the commissary monies for the jail with Alan.

Commissioners discussed hiring someone to finish the new jail. Alan will be contacting Westra Construction concerning the unfinished work.

Alan discussed the Standard Operating Procedures for the Law Enforcement Center.

Allen County Commissioners signed the City of Iola Ambulance contract.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

a) Clerk's Journal Entries # 74-77

b) Payroll Changes

c) Vouchers for $116,129.78

d) Abatements PP Value 135, $18.20,Year 1999

e) Abatements PP Value 4,847, $577.70, Year 2000

f) Abatements PP Value 5,403, $676.64, Year 2001

g) Abatements PP Value 8,150, $1210.92, Year 2002

h) Abatements PP Value 14,796, $1875.48, Year 2003

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until October 12, 2004 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission room of the courthouse.

Please remember, minutes are unofficial until approved by the commissioners' at their next meeting.