Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
April 5, 2005

Disclaimer: These unofficial minutes are not official until approved by the Commission. Please contact the Allen County Commission Office or the Clerk’s Office regarding any questions or accuracy of the minutes prior to the Commission approval.

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

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the March 29, 2005 meetings.

Bill King, Public Works Director, requested a signature on the annual noxious weed report to send to state. Commissioners reviewed, approved and signed.

Bill reported the annual meeting of the Association of County Commissioners and Highway Officials of Southeast Kansas will be on April 20, 2005 in Chanute.

Bill discussed dust control on Hawaii Road where the traffic will be detoured around Central Street Bridge construction project.

Bill discussed the five-year plan. Discussion followed on the conditions of Allen County bridges. Allen County Bridge #660 south on old Hwy#169 needs attention in a few years. The road by Vincentville was discussed. Commissioners discussed and decided that they would rate the bridges as such: #1 Bridge rehab on bridge # 664 south of Monarch, #2 1C-4120-01 (Bauer Bridge 4 miles west of Elsmore), #3 Bridge 550 Allen/Neosho County line, and #4 1C-4912 -01 (Hegwald Bridge). Bill will write the request for State.

Bill discussed the landfill rates. No decision was made at this time.

Ron Holman, Allen County House and Grounds Director, and Jeff Flathman, Custom Energy Business Development Manager, discussed the Allen County Courthouse PEA Summary. Jeff reported his company does energy efficiency upgrades surveys and aids the companies through funds for changes. Discussion followed. He presented a quick review of utility bills for Allen County from the last year. Commissioners discussed what their company would offer as in preparing bids specs. Discussion followed on items he suggested to be upgraded. Jeff discussed projected cost savings of at least $10,000 or higher. Jeff suggested going to an investment grade audit of the courthouse. He estimated a cost of -.08-½ cents per square foot, plus administrative costs. Discussion followed. Jeff stated there are options on leasing or outright purchasing equipment.

George Levans, Allen County Citizen, stated his concerns on several issues on the road by his house and other items of advice.

Thomas R. Williams, Allen County Sheriff, discussed drug raids.

Sandra Drake, Allen County Appraiser, presented an AA Abstract of Appraised Values for Allen County. Assessed value has gone up 1,300,531 since July 2004 values. These are results of Market Study Analysis of Allen County for the Assessment Year of 2005.

Eric Farran, Filter Care of Missouri sales representative, reported he had done business with Allen County up until last fall. He gave the history of his company and what services they provide. Discussion followed on the purpose of his visit and where he could save the county money. Commissioners stated they would take under consideration.

Sharon Utley, Allen County Treasurer, requested to take some existing glass out and replace it with a wood covering and use elsewhere on counter. Commissioners approved her to make the changes.

Fred Works, Attorney and Susan Raines, Thomas Bowlus Executive Director, discussed how the Bowlus Fine Arts Center serves Allen County. Susan presented some information about the Bowlus, when it opened, activities for the past forty years at no charge to the county. The Center exists as a 501 (c) (3) and has been designated as the Local Arts Agency. She stated the Center operates with funds from the following: 1. Interest and dividends from the remaining trust, 2. Rent from the USD#257 for classroom use, 3. Grant money from the Kansas Arts Commission, 4. Local government income from the City of Iola, 5. Facility user’s fees, 6. Donations. She explained the Bowlus has some wonderful donations but they are all restricted funds. She stated they need everyday expenses monies. Discussion followed on 4H, KDOT REACH Foundation, Farm Bureau and Kansas Health Care Hearings regional meeting using the Center. Susan requested Allen County donate monies to help with the everyday expenses. She reported they are going to have to start charging fees to everyone who uses the Center. Fred stated several public interest groups use the building. Commissioners will consider this request while doing budgets this year.

Don Stanley, Fire District #3 representative, discussed a fire truck that went down. Discussion followed on the request from last week to appoint new board members. Don stated Randy Hunt should be on the board. Don stated he would like to have training from other area fire departments. The new board once appointed should appoint a fire chief.

Commissioner Thompson moved to approve Resolution 200502. Commissioner Works seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Gary MacIntosh, and Susan Booth, MDR Insurance Incorporated, stated EMC National Life is a subsidiary of EMC Insurance. Gary discussed the need for supplemental insurances. Discussion followed. Susan expanded on their services offered by their company. Commissioners stated they would allow a presentation of supplemental insurance to the employees after hours.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, discussed the appointments of Fire District #3. Commissioner Works moved to appoint Randy Hunt, Leon Murrow, Steve Kyser, Jim Lewis, John Fewins, and Don Stanley to serve on Fire District #3 to replace any existing board. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Elaine Dugan, EMS Director, and Alan discussed a meeting with the City of Moran. The City of Moran agrees that Elaine and Doctor Atkins have the full authority to supervise all medical issues with ambulance. This would be true to all three cities within their current contracts. Discussion followed.

Alan discussed exempt employees and stated David Beck would not be exempt but will visit with Tom about other ways to address the issue.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

a) Clerk's Journal Entries #26-28

b) Clerk's vouchers totaling $ 125,708.70

c) Payroll Vouchers

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until April 8, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. in the Conference room of the courthouse for the purpose of canvassing.

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