Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
July 3, 2007

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

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

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the June 26, 2007 meeting.

Commissioners discussed the flooding caused by 16" of rain in Allen County over the weekend.

Terry Carroll and Tom Cochran, Conquest Cherokee representatives, and Bill King, Public Works Director, were present to request use of county right of way. Tom stated they have run into a landowner who would not give them right of way on their land, so he is requesting to run gas lines on county right of way. Discussion followed. Commissioners discussed whether they could let private companies use public property, like public utilities. One quarter to a half mile of right of way is what is needed to run their gas lines. Bill discussed if the Commission approves the request, they would have to have signs and be on "One Call". They could pay $10.00 per rod like they do private individuals. Commissioners stated they would like to research the request more and discuss with the county counselor, also to see what Chairman Thompson thought since he is absent. The lines would be six and four inches each; one of water, the other of gas. Discussion followed. Commissioners will take under consideration.

Bill requested a signature on the annual Noxious Weed Management Plan for State. Commissioner Regehr moved to approve and authorize signatures on the plan. Commissioner Works seconded, motion passed 2-0-0.

Bill presented information on the curbing at the Iola Senior Center on Jefferson. Discussion followed.

Bill reported Larry Tucker, Humboldt Administrator, has requested to proceed with the smooth seal on Bridge Street in Humboldt. Discussion followed. Allen County will pay $17,000, which would be the cost if they had done chip and seal.

Bill said all the roads in the southwest corner of Allen County that are not still under water will be passable before the end of the day. He discussed the used road recycler machine and how well it works.

Bill stated the landfill would be able to handle the debris from damage of flood waters. They will not be charging for Allen County debris. Discussion followed. Bill stated all the roads in Allen County took hits from this amount of rain. His guys went out Friday, again Saturday but had to be sent home due to continued rain. He called them out on Sunday. He requested the guys called out would not be jeopardized for taking vacation or personal when called out for an emergency. Commissioners agreed this would be overridden for this time and consider allowing Bill to make the call whenever he felt it is an emergency

Bill reported the county shop was under water about 3 feet during this flooding. The crew had moved most of the equipment so the damage was minimal.

There will be a Powered Parchute Fly-in at the Allen County Airport this coming weekend.

Bob Chase, SEK Mental Health Executive Director, Alan Hauser, SEK Mental Health Chief Financial Official Director, and Ed Miller, SEK Mental Health Board Chairman, were present to request 2008 budget from Allen County. SEK Mental Health is requesting $110,000 for 2008 budget. Bob explained that SEK Mental Health has been working with a budget cut from the county for the last three years. He discussed where SEK Mental Health is currently providing services and personnel. He explained starting July 1, a major change is being made to their Medicaid funding. They are dealing with adjusted fees, the matching program eliminated and reporting requirements have increased. He discussed the reimbursement for some of their major programs, such as psychiatry and targeted case management are being reduced significantly. Bob discussed the monies received from Allen County for mental health is not used towards alcohol testing and services. He stated if he could have special alcohol monies toward that portion of his department he would appreciate any help. Discussion followed. Bob stated he appreciated the county’s support and would like to support the county in any way they can.

Bob discussed how hard it is to get case managers and other individuals. Some are leaving since they are in a salary freeze and benefits are changing.

Commissioners discussed the chart presented by Bob that Allen County has a little over 1,000 citizens seen in 2006. These are unduplicated individuals. Bob stated this is just a portion of county residents because some still go out to other places due to not wanting to have their car seen at the Mental Health Center. Discussion followed. Alan explained some of the programs and their costs. SEK Mental Health also serves Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, Woodson and other individuals.

Bob stated he would like Shannon Moore, Allen County Undersheriff, to take back to each officer that they appreciate their patience and help with individuals in need of mental help. He explained it is a stressful situation and their help is greatly appreciated.

Alan presented a break down of 2007 budget for the commission’s review.

Shannon Moore, Allen County Undersheriff, updated the commission on problems with the flooding. There were oil spills caused by the flooding, the City of Emporia’s Hazmat and Allen County’s Hazmat is working on this problem. There were no injuries or fatalities in this flooding. She discussed stranded individuals and their health, all was okay. Shannon had sent out deputies and reserves to survey the damaged livestock, crops, individuals, and homes. No one was injured or hurt, some livestock covered with oil, some homes were not damaged, just stranded. Discussion followed on aerial pictures. Shannon discussed future plans.

Commissioners had done a resolution and proclamation for the flood disaster. Following:

Commissioners Thompson and Regehr had signed.

Commissioners commended Shannon for the great work by the Sheriff’s department and other services directed by them during this emergency time. Sherrie mentioned a request for commissioners to be involved in a community containment planning session held by Multi County Health Department on July 12.

Commissioners discussed the request by Conquest Cherokee representatives with Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor. Discussion followed.

Alan discussed the request by Monarch Cement and upcoming zoning for conditional use. Discussion followed.

Sherrie reported the Iola Senior Center has purchased toilets and sinks for their women and men’s restrooms. Keith Evans, Senior Center board member, stated they would like to remodel the restrooms and will see if the center has the monies to do so. Commissioners stated they would be in support of the remodel as long as they are in the loop of the remodel color and work on this project. This would be using the senior center available monies.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Clerk’s Vouchers Totaling $ 327430.98

Payroll Changes

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until July 17, 2007 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.