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

IOLA, KANSAS                              OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK                                July 18, 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.

Bob Johnson, Iola Register, was present to observe the meeting.

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the July 11 & 13, 2006 meetings.

Elaine Dugan, Allen County EMS Director, discussed the Jaws of Life. She reported they are 20 plus years old, so they are not able to rebuild the current jaws.

Elaine presented invoices from the City of Iola for reimbursement. Discussion followed. Commissioners will review.

Alfred Link, resident, updated the commission on the Veteran’s Wall. He reported the Veteran’s committee need to raise $20,000 to help put a 5’ sidewalk on the north side of the wall, and to put tile pictures (tiles they are selling for $100.00 each) of veterans on the back side of the north side of the wall. He discussed the committee’s plans for the wall. He discussed a gum tree near the wall that needs trimmed so not to damage the wall. Discussion followed. Commissioners will review the request.

Bill King, Public Works Director, discussed Central Bridge opening was designed to kick the water back. Discussion followed on other designs of bridges.

Bill asked if the Commission has reviewed E.J. Siefker’s land north of Moran. Discussion followed. The Commissioners suggested the State come to observe when he sprays for noxious weeds.

Bill stated FFA has requested bid specs before August 7, 2006 for the widening of the runway and return runway.

Bill presented a letter from Tom Cannon, rural resident, requesting the county not mow the county right of way by his land. Bill stated his concerns for drivers traveling that area, brush overtaking the right of ways. Discussion followed. Commissioner Works stated they must be concerned of public safety first. Bill explained the county mows to the fences at least once a year to keep the saplings and brush under control. Bill mentioned visibility problems caused now by residents not keeping their corners mowed back inside their property.

Bill discussed the raise in budget request. The cost of tires, gas, and petroleum products have increased costs to the county. He reported there is not much carry-over because the everyday activities are eating it up. Discussion followed. State requirements such as EPA, OSHA, and others cause cost to the county that usually are not budgeted.

Sherrie presented information on state mileage reimbursement. It was raised to .43 cents per mile for privately owned automobiles. Commissioner Thompson moved to approve the county to use the state mileage costs. Commissioner Regehr seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Stacy Drennan, Prevention Center of Southeast Kansas representative, informed the commission on a new Tobacco Prevention Awareness Program in Allen County. The Prevention Center is one of thirteen in the State of Kansas, and covers eleven counties in Southeast Kansas. She explained the Federal requirement for the State of Kansas and how their program works. Discussion followed on "It’s everybody’s business" and the Reward and Reminder Tobacco Prevention Program which is expanding statewide.

Thomas R. Williams, Allen County Sheriff, Joni Tucker, Jail Administrator, and Anna Jones, Jailer, demonstrated a Remote Electronic Activated Control Technology System (R-E-A-C-T), which is a .04 amps of electric shock, 50,000 volts and lasts 8 seconds. This was purchased with Inmate Commissionary profits. This is used mainly when inmates go to court or transfers to other facilities. The Law Enforcement Center has a Prisoner Notification Form which is read to all inmates when transporting or taking them to court to notify them the Jailers will be putting this R-E-A-C-T on them during transport, to court or other facilities.

Sheriff Williams discussed air conditioning in the jail area.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, presented the hospital lease agreement HCA for review. He requested the chairman’s signature. Commissioners reviewed and discussed with Alan. Alan reported there has not been any change in the contract since the advisory committee reviewed and recommended the commission approve the lease agreement. Commissioner Works moved to enter into agreement with HCA as laid out by Alan Weber and authorized Chairman Works signature. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Commissioner Works signed the agreement.

Alan researched information on the Ard Cemetery request. Allen County is not responsible to maintain or provide roads to it.

Alan reported he is still waiting to hear back from the engineer on the choice of thermostats.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Clerk's Journal Entries # 15-16

Clerk’s Vouchers Totaling $165.609.30

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until July 25, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission room of the courthouse.