Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
June 15 & 20, 2006

IOLA, KANSAS               OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK                         June 15, 2006

The Allen County Board of Commissioners met in a special session at 9:00 a.m. with Chairperson Dick Works, Commissioner Kent Thompson, Commissioner Walt Regehr Jr. and Sherrie L. Riebel, County Clerk.

Bruce Symes, Iola Register, and Mike Russell, KIKS Radio Station, was present to observe the meeting.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, reported on his discussion with Ron McArther, Quorum.  Discussion followed on contact with Quorum. Ron McArther, Quorum, stated a full blown analysis or “survey” of ACH by his company was not appropriate at this time because of the division of opinion and because the survey process would cost his company $20,000 to $30,000.  Ron advised that they would be glad to come to a commission meeting to answer any questions about what Quorum has to offer.  Quorum’s operating fees would run   $215,000 to $220,000 per year with a somewhat higher fee the first year because of change over.  Their fee does not include any salaries but does include access to their purchasing group and educational services in addition to the general advice and guidance they provide to the local hospital board.  When Alan discussed in a conversation with Larry Peterson, ACH, about approximate monthly expenses for the hospital he advised they run about $1.2 million per month.  According to Ron McArthur, ACH would need to establish a credit line for 3 to 4 months of expenses (estimated at $4 to $5 million).  Larry advised that the hospital has capital needs that can only be addressed once a decision on management is made.  Bryan Rogers, HCA, is very emphatic that this matter needs to be wrapped up but has not issued any kind of ultimatum. Commissioners discussed whether or not to have Quorum come to their regular session next Tuesday.  Commissioners decided not to have Quorum come, since the committee has already heard their presentation. 

A contract from HCA has been received and will be given to the special board for review. The committee will be asked to review it and make a recommendation to the commission.

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until June 20, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission room of the courthouse.

IOLA, KANSAS               OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK                         June 20, 2006

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

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

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the June 13 & 15, 2006 meetings.

Ron Holman, Allen County House and Grounds Director, requested on behalf of Bob Jones, Relay for Life committee person, to have the courthouse open all night or to have portable restrooms on the square. Commissioners discussed they did not want to have to hire any people to tend the courthouse during the night since there is no way to portion off just a section of the building. Commissioners approved to put the portable restrooms’s on the square for 24 hours.

Sandra Drake, Allen County Appraiser, requested to purchase chairs for her office. Commissioners requested her to get bids.

Thomas R. Williams, Allen County Sheriff, discussed the 911 Committee Meeting for 2006. Only two members attended the meeting along with several department officials. Sheriff Williams stated the budget request for 2007 is $152,844.00 which is 7% higher than 2006. Commissioners appointed Alan Weber to serve on the 911 Committee as Allen County’s representative from Humboldt area. Commissioners reviewed the minutes of the June 19^th meeting.

Sheriff Williams reported the copier in the booking area is down and the printer for Cross Match is broken. Sheriff Williams is checking on bids but they have to have the special printer only available through Cross Match. Commissioners approved Sheriff Williams to purchase the Cross Match printer.

Sherrie asked the Commission if they wanted to let employees have July 3, 2006off. Governor Sebelius declared July 3 as a State Holiday. Discussion followed. No action was taken at this time.

Bill King, Public Works Director, requested signatures on a payment request from Allgeier Martin and Associates, Inc. in regards to Allen County Runway Lengthening. The certificate authorizes payment of $200,047.86 to LaForge and Budd Construction Co. Allen County would send a copy of the payment to the KDOT for reimbursement along with the documentation for Allen County’s in-kind work. Commissioners reviewed the request and approved the signing.

Bill discussed the chip seal process they are currently working on.

Bill reported Donna LaRue, Noxious Weed Director, needed help to spray the county while she is trying to get letters out for noxious weeds throughout the county.

Bill discussed a mowing tractor that is down and the work needed to fix it.

Commissioner Works left to attend a Homeland Security meeting in Chanute.

Bob Chase, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) Executive Director, and Alan Hauser, SEKMHC Financial Director, and Ed Miller, SEKMHC Executive Board Member, presented a request for the 2007 budget. Bob requested $110,000 for 2007 explaining that SEKMHC disbursements from the county for 2001, 2002, and 2003 were $100,000 and was decreased in 2004 to $90,000 and has not been raised back up since. This has caused a $30,000 revenue loss in three years. Commissioners reviewed the statistics presented ranging from 2001 to 2005 and clients seen from each of the six counties supporting SEKMHC and other counties plus those from out of state. Bob discussed proposed revenue and expenses for 2007. The total projected revenue is $7,237,181 and projected expenses is $7,237,181 this includes depreciation and bad debt. Discussion followed. Commissioners stated they would take the request under consideration.

John Green, Area Agency on Aging Executive Director, requested $1,035 for Budget 2007 and any increase the commission felt they could give. He presented statistics from May 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006 service data sheet reflecting the number of individuals receiving services in Allen County. John explained services for information really rose this past year due to Medicare Part D. Discussion followed on other services offered. He explained all of Allen County’s financial help is to assist in the Senior Care Act matching funds requirement. Commissioners stated they would consider Area Agency on Aging’s request for 2007 Budget.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Clerk's Vouchers totaling $171,465.80

Payroll Changes

Clerk's Journal Entries #39-41

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until June 27, 2006 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.