COMMISSION MINUTES – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2002

The Commissioners met with all members. Present were Tom Doperalski, chairman; Barbara Kolde, vice chairman; and Richard Carlson, member.

Robert Reece, county administrator, discussed the following with the Commissioners

(1) Animal shelter

(2) Commercial development in Manhattan area

(3) Ambulance that needs to be replaced

(4) Meeting with Eric Carley is scheduled for 11:00 on February 25 to discuss Frontier Business Park

(5) Robert and Leu met with Fire District No. 5 to discuss the new building they will be constructing. Leu and Robert advised them to check with the Riley County Fire Department as they have recently constructed new buildings.

Terry Rewerts, appraiser, met with the Commissioners to discuss hiring a hearing officer for this year. Phil Rice, the officer that has been contracted in the past was paid $25 an hour plus mileage. Terry stated that he has requested a rate of $25 with a 4-hour minimum plus mileage. Commissioner Carlson stated that he is in favor of contracting with a hearing officer. Richard Carlson moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to contract with Phil Rice as hearing officer for Pottawatomie County. Motion carried 3 to 0.

Terry also informed the Commission of a hearing today at the Westmoreland City Office with State Board of Tax Appeals regarding an illegal mill levy.

Rodney Biesenthal, noxious weed director, met with the Commissioners to discuss the following

(1) Recycling statistics for 2001

(2) Commissioners signed the annual noxious weed eradication progress report for 2001. (Attachment #1)

(3) Agreed to advertise for bids for cemetery mowing contract

(4) Agreed to take bids for the recycling contract

(5) Three employees from the noxious weed department will be in Salina tomorrow for recertification meeting

(6) Rodney will attend County Government Day in Topeka tomorrow

(7) Discussed household hazardous waste program

George Hough, emergency management director, met with the Commissioners to update them on his department. Topics discussed were

(1) Weather spotters meeting on March 11 at 7:00 P.M. at the Black Jack Legion in St. George

(2) Sirens throughout the county. There are currently 16 in the county. Fostoria will soon have one. It will be placed on the same frequency as the siren in Olsburg.

(3) Copy machine

(4) Anhydrous class scheduled for March 6 at the Sunflower Room

(5) Hydrants in Rural Water District #4. George will meet with all fire districts and request 3 critical points in each district that need fill stations and then present the information to the various water districts.

Norman Witt met with the Commissioners to express concerns of a fencing issue on his property in Louisville Township.

Leu Lowrey, public works director, met with the Commissioners and recommended approval of 5-year bridge plan with KDOT. Barbara Kolde moved and Richard Carlson seconded to approve the 5-year bridge plan with the Kansas Department of Transportation. Motion carried 3 to 0.

At 10:30 A.M. Chairman declared bidding closed for construction of bridge box on Godlove Road. Bids submitted were: Bryant & Bryant Const. Inc. of Halstead, KS for $47,391.40; Claycamp Construction Co. Inc of Soldier, KS for $41,446.70; Midwest Construction Co. Inc, of Holton, KS for $48,081.80; Ebert Construction of Wamego, KS for $55,464.00; and Klaver Construction of Kingman, KS for $61,332.80. Engineers estimate was $77,143.50. Apparent low bidder is Claycamp Construction with bid of $41,446.70. Leu will review the bids and submit his recommendation.

County Clerk informed the Commission that on Friday, March 1 at 8:30 A.M. they would need to meet to canvass the results of the St. Marys City Primary Election. The election will be held on Tuesday, February 26. Barbara Kolde moved to appoint Lisa Overkamp to serve on the Board of Canvassers in her place, as she will be unable to attend. Richard Carlson seconded the motion, which carried 3 to 0.

Greg Riat, sheriff, and Rod Jager, under sheriff met with the Commissioners to update them on their department. Greg presented a report of activity for 2001. The Commissioners will meet in work session at 2:30 this afternoon at the sheriff’s office.

Leu Lowrey, public works director, met with the Commissioners after reviewing the bids opened earlier for the concrete box on Godlove Road. Upon Leu’s recommendation, Richard Carlson moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to accept the low bid submitted by Claycamp Construction of Soldier, KS in the amount of $41,446.70. Motion carried 3 to 0.

Barbara Kolde moved and Richard Carlson seconded to go into executive session at 11:35 until 11:55 to discuss possible litigation. Present for the session will be administrator, counselor, planner, and clerk. Motion carried 3 to 0. Regular meeting resumed. As a result of the session the counselor will draft a letter to Eric Carley stating that he should either abandon the current plat altogether or replat to a single lot. If this is not done, the county will file an injunction suit with damages. The letter will also confirm his meeting scheduled with the Commissioners on February 25 at 11:00 A.M.

Approved minutes for February 4, 2002.

The meeting was adjourned at noon.

The Commissioners will meet at 1:00 in a work session to discuss Blue Township Sewer fees and concerns with planner, public works director, administrator, and representatives of Rees Development. After that meeting, the Commission will go to the sheriff’s office for a work session.