Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
August 30, 2005

IOLA, KANSAS OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK August 30, 2005

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.

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

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the August 23, 2005 meeting.

Bill King, Public Works Director, discussed a call from City of Humboldt to dispose of debris for C & D; they requested the County waive the fee, to consider it as urban renewal. Commissioners stated they were in favor of economic development. Commissioners approved to waive the fee.

Bill discussed inspection of 233 bridges at $53.00 per bridge, commissioners approved Schwab Eaton to do the inspections.

Bill reported on the condition of roads since the large amount of rainfall. He discussed a fence replacement request.

Bill reported receiving three bids for Airport expansion. David McClune, Beachner Construction Co., Inc., Susan Darling, Koss Construction Co., Inc., Greg LaForge, LaForge & Budd Construction, Felix OBrien and Jay Obrien, Obrien RT, Jack Schaller, Allgeier, Martin & Associates, and Mitch Garner, Allen County Airport Manager, were all present for the bid opening. Bids were received from Beachner for $984,363.50; Koss for $1,281,812.70; and LaForge & Budd Construction for $969,196.35. Bill stated they would need time to review the bids for comparison. Discussion followed on the costs and what was estimated earlier. Bill requested to reject and re-bid in the spring to see if fuel costs go down. Commissioner Thompson suggested tabling for a couple of weeks, notifying KDOT to see if they have monies for the project. Discussion followed. Jack will contact KDOT to see if any grants are available.

Bill reported on roadwork repairs after the rain. Discussion followed.

Bill reported Central Street Bridge might not be completed this year due to large amounts of rain.

Thomas R. Williams, Allen County Sheriff, discussed an incident over the weekend.

Sheriff Williams discussed the State Fire Marshall’s report. There are a few items that need inspection annually.

Sheriff Williams stated the cost per meal in the jail is down to $1.05. Discussion followed.

Sheriff Williams stated they did not contract with Johnson County for inmates.

Verna Devine, Silver Hair Legislature representative, stated she is currently the chairman of the nine county area for the Silver Hair Legislature. She explained all these years they have been on their own money wise. She stated some counties support the Silver Hair Legislature financially. She explained about a "Grandparent’s Bill". She explained there are three other bills they are working towards. They are still trying to get half of the tobacco monies from state to use towards senior needs. Discussion followed. Verna requested a contribution from Allen County to the Silver Hair Legislature. She stated she does not receive any reimbursement for being on the Silver Hair Legislature, except $20.00 for mileage and a hotel room in Topeka when they meet in Topeka. It was questioned that the Silver Hair Legislature is a special interest group for seniors and tax monies should be for the entire population of Allen County. She discussed other interest groups that support the children in Kansas. The Silver Hair Legislature supports seniors 50 and over. She requests the commission consider the support.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, Ken Shelter, Shafer, Kline & Warren Inc., John Reed, Shafer, Kline & Warren Inc., and Dale Dixon, Shafer, Kline & Warren Inc., stated they have toured the courthouse to see what needs to be done. Dale discussed some of their concerns for the existing boiler and windows. If the boiler is downsized the heat might not be enough if the window are letting in the outside weather; the hot water and chiller are hooked together causing one or the other to be running during a respective season. The cost of fixing would be equal to the cost of replacement; water treatment in the equipment and corrosion; and current controls. Discussion followed. Dale stated it is probably pushing it to have the boiler replaced befor winter, due to all the work involved in replacement. Discussion followed on efficiency. John stated he felt the change in the heating unit might not be as efficient if the windows are not replaced at the same time. Dale estimated the time for replacement could be up to three months if they started today. Ken questioned if the commission could purchase a boiler now and have in on hand would speed up the process. Commissioners asked if not a boiler, what would a chiller replacement involve? What would the cost be to design a plan for replacements? Dale stated maybe in the range of $40,000. Discussion followed on other items and ideas. John stated if the county did do an energy management control system, not to get hooked up with someone who would have all the power and charge for all of it. Commissioners will check with the three companies that had previously submitted bids on equipment. Commissioners requested Shafer, Kline & Warren to go ahead with the load calculation and review for the boiler and chiller’s proposed cost not to exceed $4,000 and to make a recommendation back to commissioners.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, discussed the companies that had previously submitted bids to Custom Energy. He will contact them for information. Alan discussed the make up of the boiler, air handler, water treatment, equipment specs, models and scope of work from companies.

Alan reported the insurance is available for ambulance coverage when the commission is ready to make the switch.

Elaine Dugan, Allen County EMS Director, reported next week she would have proposed wages and job descriptions. She explained employees would have an agility test and orientation before employment would be offered.

Elaine reported there are five first responders who would be un-paid volunteers. She stated they would only have to have supplies and a tee shirt. She stated she has three bids out for first responder supply kits. Supply kits include a bag, O2 regulator, BP cuff/steth, medical instruments, airways, CPR mask, Bag valve mask, NRB/NC, Splints, Dressings, and other basic needs. She needs to purchase these supplies to have the five first responders set up to respond. Commissioner Works moved to authorize Elaine to purchase five first responder supplies kits from the lowest bidder. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Elaine reported Joe Morlan, State EMS, would be back on Sept. 7, 2005 for more interviews.

Elaine stated Humboldt EMS service has had three volunteers leave their service but has gained two. Discussion followed.

Sheriff Williams and Alan discussed 911 using the proposed GIS mapping.

Commissioner Thompson moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss Attorney-Client Privilege. Commissioner Works seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Those in the room will be Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Works, Chairman Regehr, Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor and Sherrie L. Riebel, Allen County Clerk. The time is now 12:25 p.m. Commissioners reconvened at 12:30 p.m. No action was taken.

Hal Pannel, Allen County citizen, asked if the concrete bids were in? Commissioners stated yes they were submitted earlier today. He reported some volcanic ash in concrete is better binding. Discussion followed.

Hal commented about finding out what is possible or impossible within the commission meetings both in the city and county.

Hal stated his opinion is the county has three things going for them: 1. the airport, 2. the proposed track for the school, 3. the bike trail. Discussion followed.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Clerk's vouchers totaling $56,124.94

Clerk's Journal Entries #77

Payroll Changes

Payroll Expense Vouchers

Abatements – PP Value 3922, $4450.48, Year 2004

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until September 6, 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.