ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE GEARY COUNTY COMMISSION MINUTES December 5, Commissioners Present: Ben Bennett, Larry Hicks and Florence Whitebread

Transcription

1 ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE GEARY COUNTY COMMISSION MINUTES December 5, 2011 Commissioners Present: Ben Bennett, Larry Hicks and Florence Whitebread Commissioner Bennett discussed issues between the Kansas Association of Counties and the League of Municipalities regarding the administration of 911 funds. Chairman Hicks called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The commissioners held their review and update: Commissioner Bennett: Informed the commission of the status of the proposed expansion of Cloud County Community College Geary County Campus. He stated the college will make a presentation at next Monday s meeting. Commissioner Whitebread: Stated that the City of Junction City has had juveniles sentenced to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Center. Chief Brown has requested that those days be charged to the county s days. She stated that the county usually does not use all of its allotted days and recommended that we help the city with this issue. The other commissioners agreed. Commissioner Bennett stated the county should get credit for once again helping the city. Commissioner Whitebread stated she will address the issue with the City Manager. Commissioner Bennett: Stated that there is concern about the EDC s recommendation about a proposed TIF District for the Dick Edwards project. The concern is about that role the EDC should have now that the new Chamber has been formed. There was discussion regarding who recommendations should come from and how the advisory committees should work. Commissioner Bennett noted that the role of the advisory boards needs to be consistent. Chairman Hicks presented an from the City Attorney with a proposed timeline regarding the project and an opinion that the issue does not legally have to go through the EDC. Rebecca Bossemeyer, County Clerk, presented documents that will be discussed during the public hearing scheduled later this morning for the Sewer District #4 expansion. Sheriff Jensen and Undersheriff Wolf presented the weekly report: Presented the contract for approval to house Saline County prisoners. Commissioner Whitebread moved to approve and sign the contract to house Saline County prisoners. Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. Chairman Hicks signed the contract. Reported there are 96 prisoners in our detention center, with 109 being the highest. Announced that extraditions for the month of November cost $6, and that year to date $65, has been spent of the $110,000 budgeted. He stated this is well within budget. Reported he expects to house Saline County prisoners. Announced he met with Patty Aska, District Court, and they determined that $52, has been collected for the book-in fee. He noted that the money goes into the general

2 Minutes Page 2 fund and he believes it will help off-set the increased cost of medical care for the prisoners. Announced the 911 board will meet on Thursday. Stated that Mr. Pottberg and Mr. Opat are working on the required resolution for the new account for the 911 funds. He expects it will be brought to the commission soon for approval. Sheriff Jensen discussed the make-up of the 911 board and the possible need for new appointments. He also reviewed changes in the law that further restricts the use of 911 funds. For example, under the current law we have been able to purchase chairs and head sets for dispatch personnel, but under the new law these are not allowable expenses. Therefore, the cost of dispatch services may increase in the future. Sheriff Jensen and Undersheriff Wolf left the meeting. Lisa Eickholt, Human Resources, cancelled the appointment. Garry Berges, Emergency Management Director/Rural Fire Chief, presented the monthly report: Reported that there were 18 fires in November and 180 year to date. This is compared to 2010 statistics when there were 18 fires in November and a total of 160 year to date. Announced the Fire Board will meet on Wednesday. Reminded the commission that we pay the volunteers $10 per run. The payments are made annually in December. The total is 525 volunteer runs at a cost of $5,250. Announced that Larry Paquette submitted his resignation as a volunteer fire fighter. He noted he has served since May He meets the requirements for the fireman s relief association and requested that the commission approve. Commissioner Whitebread moved to acknowledge that Larry Paquette has met the requirements for the Fireman s Relief Association Annuity Program. Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. Chairman Hicks signed the appropriate documents. Stated he is working with Public Works to put siding on two fire stations. Reported that the Safety Committee meeting was held last month and noted receipt of funds from KCAMP for participating in the program. He inquired if the money could be spent on CPR/defibulator equipment. The commission directed him to provide a proposal and they will then consider the request. Stated the annual building inspections will be done this month and that is the last item to be completed to meet the requirements for the insurance premium reimbursement program. Reported the arrest of a volunteer fireman. He noted the individual has attended training but has not helped with a fire. He stated he will consult with the county attorney about the best way to address this situation. Mr. Berges left the meeting. Steve Opat, County Attorney/Counselor, discussed the following: Presented the resolution that is required in Senate Bill 51 regarding 911 funds. He noted that he has discussed this matter with Calvin Pottberg, CPA. Commissioner Whitebread moved to adopt Resolution establishing the Geary County Senate Bill # fund. Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. Requested an executive session. At 10:42; Commissioner Whitebread moved for a 5 minute executive session, to end at 10:47, to discuss legal matters with Mr. Opat. Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. At 10:47; Commissioner Bennett moved to extend the session for an additional 5 minutes to end at 10:52. Commissioner Whitebread seconded and all voted aye. The meeting resumed at 10:52 with no action taken. Mr. Opat left the meeting.

3 Minutes Page 3 The Department Head meeting began at 11:05 with the following present: Lisa Junghans, Animal Shelter Director; Shirley Ehrlich, Appraiser; Steve Opat, County Attorney; Rebecca Bossemeyer, County Clerk; Meredith Butler, Director of Community Corrections; Audie Magana, Court Trustee; Alice Adams, District Court Clerk; Garry Berges, Emergency Management; Ginger Kopfer, Extension; Pat Hunter, Health Department; Lisa Eickholt, Human Resources; David Yearout, Planning and Zoning; Dennis Cox, Public Works Administrator; Diane Briestensky-Leonard, Register of Deeds; Jim Jensen, Sheriff and Sherri Childs, Treasurer s Office. Department Heads absent: Connie Hall, Convention and Visitors Bureau Commissioner Bennett wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Chairman Hicks thanked everyone for the hard work in 2011, the efforts to keep the mill levy low, and for services provided to Geary County citizens. Mrs. Eickholt discussed the following: Reminded everyone to complete the employee evaluations by January 20, Stated that a survey has gone out regarding the evaluation process with the goal of a new tool for Reminded everyone of the employee service award presentation this afternoon. Ms. Ehrlich stated that Salina Blueprint has picked up the road map books from the Public Works Department to scan. She also reviewed the building permits issued this month. Mrs. Butler discussed the following: Announced that all positions are filled. Reported an increase in cases with 14 new intakes last month. Announced the KDOC financial audit went well and there will be a few minor adjustments to make. Discussed the Governor s proposal to move juvenile intake to SRS and to move the decision making about how to spend the prevention funds from local boards to the state level. She stated that since 1997 Community Corrections has been responsible for intake needs. This switch means the decisions and programs would no longer be done at the local level. She stated there has been uproar from the local law enforcement community and people who work in the juvenile intake programs. She stated that if this change happens, she expects to have to eliminate at least two positions. She noted she is also concerned with the regional approach that SRS has in place and the fact local communities will not be well served. She stated there is a meeting next Monday which will include the stakeholders. Mrs. Adams stated her department is fully staffed. She noted they are also waiting on the Blue Ribbon Commission report. Mrs. Childs discussed the following: Noted that $2.7 million property tax money has been collected thus far. Announced that motor vehicle registrations have been the highest in the last three months in the history of the department.

4 Minutes Page 4 Announced the state has delayed the implementation of the new motor vehicle registration computer program. They have not provided a new implementation date yet, but are required to provide 45 days prior notice. Mrs. Hunter discussed the following: Reviewed the governor s plans to move 7 to 8 programs to SRS. She noted the Secretary of Health is not in agreement with all of these plans. She stated they hope that local legislators will have input and that the change will not occur. Announced that a group out of Wichita is proposing that vaccines are not given to children. She discussed the impact this will have on schools. She stated that the CDC and pediatricians are against this change and that the issue is springing up around country. Reviewed open positions in her department. Frank and Dana Lewis, citizens, arrived at the meeting. Mrs. Hunter continued: Announced there has been vandalism around the generator and that they will request additional police patrols. Kevin Cowan, Attorney Gilmore and Bell, arrived at the meeting. Mrs. Hunter continued: Reported the theft of a computer from the conference room. She stated that they will keep the door locked in the future in an effort to prevent further thefts. Mr. Yearout discussed the following: Stated they are finalizing the update to the regulations, which he hopes to get to the commission before the end of the month for approval. Announced they are preparing a community survey which will go out the first part of next year. Stated there are serious inquiries regarding new commercial development. He said there is also interest in residential, but there are some issues in getting clear titles, especially in the new developments. Ms. Junghans discussed the following: Stated that large dogs are coming into the shelter and they only have 19 large cages. Reported they have received a tip about a pit bull mill in Junction City. She stated she expects law enforcement action this week. They are concerned that two of the puppies have parvo. Announced that Dorothy s Pet Store is working with a company to have a pallet of food donated regularly. Mrs. Briestensky Leonard reported that document filings are steady and on target with last year s numbers. Mr. Magana inquired if the emergency response system will be used in case of inclement weather and how much notice there will be of office closure. Mr. Berges stated yes the system

5 Minutes Page 5 would be used again and his office will follow up on being sure they have current phone numbers for employees. Mr. Opat thanked everyone for their help and encouraged everyone to contact him with any employee issues. Clerk Bossemeyer discussed the following: Stated that the audit report was good overall. She noted that there will be changes in the inventory system, that she is looking for a computer program, and more information will be forthcoming. Announced that an had be sent out regarding the annual meeting with the legislative delegation, the meeting will be on December 27, the format will be the same as previous years, the department head session will be from 1:00-2:00 and 7 copies of written materials should be provided. The Department Head meeting ended at 11:39. The following remained at the meeting: Mr. Cox, Mr. Opat, Mr. Yearout, and Mr. Cowan. Mr. Opat stated that he provided Mr. Cowan with a copy of the memorandum regarding the proposed expansion of the Cloud County Community College Geary County Campus and requested his input. Chairman Hicks opened the public hearing for the purpose of considering the proposed assessments to Sewer District #4 and asked for Mr. Cowan s comments. Mr. Cowan reviewed the statutory requirements that have been followed thus far and the remainder of duties that require action. He stated the hearing is for the purpose of approving the assessments. He noted that if the assessments are not paid in the next 30 days, the time frame for payment will need to be determined. He noted that they could be paid in 5, 10, or 20 years and that the commission needs to be mindful of the useful lifetime of the expansion. Clerk Bossemeyer discussed the letter and phone conversation she had with Tim Schaller regarding his concerns about the assessment. Mr. Cowan stated he had also discussed the matter with Clerk Bossemeyer and the commission needs to rely on the engineer design that was prepared. The commission determined that if the assessments are not paid in full in the next 30 days they will be assessed for 10 years. Chairman Hicks closed the public hearing at 11:56. Commissioner Whitebread moved to adopt Resolution A levying and assessing special assessments on certain lots, pieces and parcels of land liable for such special assessments to pay the costs of internal improvements in Geary County, Kansas, as heretofore authorized by Resolution No of the County. Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. There was a discussion regarding the possible interest rate and other issues if the assessments are not paid in 30 days.

6 Minutes Page 6 Commissioner Bennett discussed the possible expansion of Cloud County Community College Geary County Campus. He stated that time is of the essence; due to a grant the college has received. He stated that the developer has financing available. The group left the meeting The meeting recessed for lunch from 12:05 to 1:15. David Yearout, Planning and Zoning Administrator, returned to the meeting. Dennis Cox, Public Works Administrator, presented the weekly report: Presented a request and petition from Westar to replace a transmission line pole on Tri- County Road. Announced the motor graders are running in all sections this week after the rains last Saturday. Reviewed the end of the year projects that they are working on. Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the request and petition from Westar. Commissioner Whitebread seconded and all voted aye. Mr. Yearout stated he was here to discuss the request from Gene Parrish to build a second home on his land, which has been discussed at previous meetings: Stated he has informed Mr. Parrish that he cannot issue a building permit to him because the regulations do not allow for this action. Reviewed the items that would need to happen to meet the regulations. Stated the issue is extending and adding a quarter mile of public road. The current policy also requires that new roads have to be paved. After discussion, Mr. Yearout was directed to contact Mr. Parrish to review the items that would be required. If he agrees, a formal document will be prepared and will be filed with the Register of Deeds Office. Mr. Yearout then discussed annexation issues where the City of Junction City has annexed both sides of the road but not the road or intersections. He stated the city s intention is to annex these areas to clean-up the boundaries. He stated this will help on road maintenance issues and law enforcement coverage. Mr. Cox stated he is concerned that roads that have been maintained by the city since 2008 are now being talked about being given back to the county without notification. Mr. Cox and Mr. Yearout left the meeting. Rebecca Bossemeyer, County Clerk, discussed the following: Presented the minutes of November 28, Commissioner Whitebread moved to approve the minutes of November 28, Commissioner Bennett seconded and all voted aye. Noted that KAC County Government Day is January 17 and inquired if the commission wanted changes made to the agenda so that they could attend. The commission directed that the meeting adjourn at 2:00 and that there will not be a scheduled press conference. Reported that she had ed the other elected officials and department heads about the meeting with the legislative delegation on December 27 and that she had arranged for lunch. She inquired if the commission wanted the KAC platform copied for them as well. The commission directed that the platform be mailed to the delegation.

7 Minutes Page 7 Stated that she had received a letter from KDHE with a sample resolution regarding the solid waste management plan. She stated that Mr. Cox had discussed the letter with her and will discuss with the commission. Tom Silovsky presented information and a power point presentation about the proposed Flint Hills Welcome Center: Stated he has served on this committee for about 2 years. Stated that after the presentation he hopes to find out if the county commission will support the project. He will then take the information back to the committee. Stated he is making a presentation to the City of Junction City tomorrow night. He also plans to meet with the CVB and EDC boards. He also will be scheduled to present to the new chamber board. Noted that the committee was comprised of a person from each of the following: Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Morris, Riley, and Geary Counties and Fort Riley. Stated they interviewed three firms and chose a consultant from among them. Reviewed the area of the flint hills this will encompass. Reviewed the economic benefit. Reviewed the goals. Stated the committee does not want to burden any one community for fiscal support in either the short or long term. Reviewed the first steps toward implementation. Stated that KDOT has estimated an 8.5% vehicle capture rate. Noted that they instructed the consultants to estimate high on costs and low on revenues. Discussed the site evaluation that was done and that initially six sites were included. He also reviewed the criteria that was used and that they were weighted in importance. He stated that the location that was chosen was Exit 313. Reviewed the proposed building plans for the center. He stated the parking lot is larger than needed since KDOT has access to funding if semi-trucks are allowed to park there. He noted the gift shop will include Kansas items. They also hope it will entice visitors to go to other locations, such as the Alma creamery, to purchase their products. He stated the facility will also include a meeting room, which might also generate revenue. There is also office space that could be rented for income. He noted they have talked to the Regional Planning Council about moving their office to this location. Reviewed the economic feasibility. He stated there would be 212 visitors days to the region and they believe that Geary and Riley County will benefit the most. Reviewed the capital budget. He stated they budgeted $1,000,000 to get water to the site and the total is $9,000,000 for the project. He discussed the items they could down size if needed. Reviewed other businesses that they looked at including at the center such as a truck stop, hotel, and RV park. Stated they need to determine the level of local interest and funding areas. Due to time constraints it was determined that questions could be sent to him via or another appointment could be scheduled in January. Mr. Silovsky left the meeting. The following arrived at the meeting for the Service Award Recognition: Human Resources: Lisa Eickholt Sheriff s Office: Jim Jensen, Tony Wolf, Anthony Ricks, Susie R. Smith, Scott Wesoloski, Donna Zoeller; and Barbara Smith Treasurer s Office: Kathy Tremont, Sherri Childs, and Lou Ella Black

8 Minutes Page 8 Community Corrections: Meredith Butler, Lawrence Palmer, Latesha Watkin, Vaughn DeGuzman Public Works: Dennis Cox, Curtis Van Nahmen, Will Hollis, Darrel Boller, Emergency Management/Rural Fire: Brian Clark Appraiser s Office: Shirley Ehrlich, Ossie McCarter Clerk s Office: Rebecca Bossemeyer, Therese Hoff, and Susan Gabbard Animal Shelter: Lisa Junghans Family/Friends: Jim and Deb Gee; Lydia, Janet and Denise Harrel; Tami and Cristina Ricks Chairman Hicks opened the Service Award Recognition for Commissioner Whitebread noted this is a real honor and commended the employees for their years of service. Commissioner Bennett stated the commission is happy to provide these tokens of appreciation and that Geary County has an excellent staff Chairman Hicks thanked everyone for the efforts that the employees make to serve the citizens and keep the county running smoothly. The following employees were recognized: Lisa Junghans Animal Shelter Anthony Ricks Sheriff Clarence Thomas Sheriff Donna Zoeller Sheriff Gayle Beatty - Treasurer 5 Years Steven Olson Community Corrections Eric St. John Sheriff Scott Wesoloski Sheriff LouElla Black Treasurer 10 Years Vaughn DeGuzman Community Corrections 15 Years Kathryn Swartzentruber County Attorney Darryl Boller Public Works Curtis VanNahmen Public Works Edna Kidwell Sheriff Anthony Wolf - Sheriff Barbara Smith Sheriff William Hollis Public Works Bradley Champ Public Works Jeanette DeMars Sheriff Martin Snyder Sheriff James Harrel Public Works Susan Gabbard Clerk Sherri Childs Treasurer Susie Smith - Sheriff 20 Years 30 Years 35 Years James Jensen Sheriff

9 Minutes Page 9 Mrs. Eickholt invited everyone for refreshments in the conference room. Chairman Hicks thanked everyone for attending and the group left the meeting. The press conference was held. There being no further business to come before the board of county commissioners, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.