Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
June 21, 2005

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

Bruce Symes, Iola Register, was present to observe the meeting.

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the June 14, 2005 meeting.

Alfred Link, Allen County citizen, and Ron Holman, Maintenance Supervisor, were present to discuss the Veterans Wall. Mr. Link would like to lengthen the wall on each side. A tree is in the way to proceed with the project. Commissioners will take a look at the proposed site and make a decision later as to whether the tree can be moved successfully.

Greta Hansel, Allen County citizen, was present to discuss stray dogs. Dogs are regularly dumped in the county for other residents to care for. She is looking for a solution to solve the problem of stray dogs. Commissioners sympathized with her problem but have no solution to the problem at the present time. Commissioners will study the problem and see if anything could be done. Sheriff Tom Williams was also present and said there is little his department can do as far as the law is concerned.

Sheriff Williams mentioned one of his deputies is expected to be off work with some medical problems. He is looking to increase his part time employees while the deputy is recuperating. Sheriff Williams mentioned to commissioners that the painter has been to the jail facility to evaluate the paint problem in the showers. Shaughnessey Fickle and Scott, architects, will contact Sheriff Williams about the problems.

Jerry Skidmore was present to inform commissioners of a meeting he had attended concerning a coal fired generating plant at Pittsburg. Information was conveyed to commissioners and discussion followed.

Commissioners reappointed Scott Mann to the Tri Valley Developmental Center Board. Commissioners Works made the motion, Commissioner Thompson seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

Loren Korte, P.S.I., insurance carrier for the county, had contacted Sherrie L. Riebel, County Clerk, concerning a claim submitted by Stanley Heffernon for an incident at the airport. The Commissioners will wait to see if Mr Heffernon files suit against the county.

Judge Creitz, Judge Brazil and Jennifer Barrow, District Court Clerk, were present to discuss the budget for 31^st Judicial District. Judge Creitz asked for a slight increase for next years budget. The increase was noted for $19,329.00. Audio recording was discussed and the one currently in use is old and in need of replacement. Video conferencing was discussed and commissioners were favorable to this option. Commissioners looked at the line items requested and discussion followed. Commissioners will look at the budget request and do what they can. Senate Bill #123 was mentioned as to what was state ordered for evaluations of prisoners. Commissioners asked how much of the expense is reimbursed by the prisoner. Discussion followed on the reimbursement issue. Judge Creitz mentioned there had been no water leaks lately in the court area.

Sharon Utley, Allen County Treasurer, was present to discuss the CIC Annual Contract. The contract is the same amount as last year. Commissioner Works made the motion that Commissioner Regehr sign the contact. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion carried 3-0.

Commissioners were asked to sign a six-month contract for election management with CIC. Commissioner Thompson made the motion that Commissioner Regehr sign the contract, Commissioner Works seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

A contract with Advantage Computer Enterprises was discussed. Commission Works moved Commissioner Regehr sign the contact. Commissioner Thompson seconded. Motion carried 3-0.

The meeting adjourned to the assembly room for a power point presentation by the Kansas Board of EMS. Those present were Joe Moreland, Policy and Program Analyst and Dave Cromwell, EMS Specialist of the KBEMS, Dr. John Atkin, Allen County Medical Director, Elaine Dugan, Allen County EMS Service Director, Michaela Wille, Humboldt EMS, Jeremy Weilert, Humboldt City Council, Phil Merkel, Moran City Mayor, Donald Leapheart, Iola Fire/EMS, Alan Weber, County Counselor, and Sheriff Williams.

Mr. Moreland gave a brief background of EMS services. The board is a regulatory board with the responsibility of protecting the public. They deal with complaints and provide EMS professionals with help on training, education, billing, grants, etc. Mr. Moreland presented information on hours needed for each skill level. He also mentioned some stats for the state of Kansas as far as certified attendants and the regional EMS councils.

Mr. Cromwell discussed the unannounced inspection that he completed of Allen County EMS. He found several deficiencies, which were addressed and corrected. The Allen County system works, but could be more cost effective, the state can offer suggestions on this.

Mr. Moreland discussed the support that is offered through the KBEMS. They only offer recommendations during their evaluation, they do not mandate such. Discussion followed.

Commissioner Works asked about the time frame of an evaluation by the KBEMS Approximately 3-4 months would be needed for a complete evaluation. Mr. Moreland did also state that there is not any charge for the services of KBEMS. Commissioner Thompson asked why change Allen County EMS if it works? Because Allen County is unusual in its ambulance service structure, can it be improved upon? KBEMS stated they can only offer suggestions on how to improve, but not enforce such suggestions.

Dr. Atkin stated that he is mostly concerned about the quality of the service to all involved and that he felt we would benefit from a technical assist.

Commissioners returned to the commission room for the remainder of the meeting.

Jerry Hathaway, Allen County Attorney, asked for permission to buy a copier. Bids were received from Copy Products for a Toshiba E-Studio 280 for $4047, Copy Products for a Toshiba E-Studio 230 for $3449. Modern Copy System for a Kyocera Mita 2550 for $2956.17. Commissioners gave their permission to purchase the copier Mr. Hathaway felt would work best for his office.

Judge Creitz and Jennifer Barrow returned to the commission meeting with some clarification on their budget. Judge Creitz will confer with the County Clerk for some reimbursement reports.

Alan Weber, County Counselor, discussed a Westra billing. Alan also gave the commissioners an opinion on the airport incident.

Elaine Dugan, Allen County EMS Director, discussed some items mentioned in the meeting with the Board of EMS personnel. Elaine feels that an assessment done by KBEMS will only benefit the county. It does not mean that a lot of things will be changed, but the evaluation will note highs and lows of the service and some changes may be necessary. Commissioners gave their permission to allow Elaine to ask for the assessment. The assessment will be done at no charge to the county.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

a) Employee Payroll Changes

b) Clerk’s Vouchers Totaling $12,388.29

c) Journal Entries #55-56

d) Employee Expense Vouchers

 

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until June 28, 2005 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.