COMMISSION MINUTES – THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2002

 

The Commissioners met with two members.  Present were Tom Doperalski, chairman and Barbara Kolde, vice chairman.  Richard Carlson was attending a tour and briefing at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA. for the ESGR (Employer Support for the National Guard and Army Reserves) State Committee.

 

Byron Jacobson met with the Commissioners and administrator to discuss insurance concerns for coverage for fire districts regarding equipment and workers compensation.  There are currently 40 trucks insured with liability coverage.  There has been concern with a policy for workers compensation with a $500 deductible, which is the responsibility of the fire departments.  Byron informed them that in the regular market there is no workers compensation policy available that would be separate from the county’s policy and would have no deductible.  Commissioner Doperalski stated that he doesn’t want to expose the fire districts to insurance premiums that they can’t cover within their budgets.  He also wants to be sure they have coverage.  The Commissioners directed Robert to check with other companies for a policy with no deductible.  Byron will check on a policy providing countywide coverage for fire fighters with no deductible.

 

George Hough, emergency management director, met with the Commissioners to discuss a mutual aid agreement for emergency preparedness purposes between the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Pottawatomie County.  Approval of the agreement was tabled until Monday when all Commissioners will be present.

 

George also informed the Commission of problems he is having with the emergency management pickup.  The pickup is 9 years old and has 120,000 miles on it. 

 

George discussed with them a countywide fire system.

 

Ruth Ensley, agency on aging coordinator, met with the Commissioners to update them on her department.  She has received notice from KDOT that Pottawatomie County has received grant approval for a new 13-Passenger, wheelchair lift minibus for 2003.  Cost of the vehicle is $36,600, 80% of which is paid by the State and the County pays 20%.  The bus will be ordered on October 21.  The county’s portion needs to be encumbered, but not paid until the bus is delivered.

 

Ruth also informed them that the project fund request of $2,000 for Custom Care and Home Modification Assistance in Pottawatomie County has been approved.  This is from the Flint Hills Foundation for Older Kansans.  Ruth stated that she had recently attended the Governor’s Conference in Topeka.  There will be a Council on Aging meeting on July 29 in Wamego.

 

Leu Lowrey, public works director, met with the Commissioners to discuss the following

(1)         Flags that were found that had been stored in the courthouse.  There were two Bicentennial flags that the Commission agreed to donate to the Historical Society.  Another flag is a large American flag that is nylon and not meant to be hung outside permanently.  County Clerk will see if it can be used on the county’s float participating in various parades this summer.

(2)         Chairman signed the revised engineering agreement for Timber Creek East Water District project with Bartlett & West Engineers, Inc of Topeka. (Attachment #1)

(3)         Discussed various road/bridge projects throughout the county.

 

The Commissioners discussed the following with administrator

(1)         Workers compensation insurance for fire fighters.  Directed Robert to check into a countywide workers compensation insurance policy for fire fighters.  Commission tabled a decision regarding a county pay $500 deductible policy for volunteer fire fighters.  Agreed to schedule a meeting with one member of each district’s fireboard to discuss insurance concerns.

(2)         At the May 20 meeting, money was approved from the diversion fund for the attorney’s office to purchase an air conditioner. This purchase needs to be funded from either the check fee fund or the attorney’s budget.  The Commission agreed that Robert should visit with the attorney to decide how the purchase is to be funded.

(3)         Discussed use of the money in the 911 fund.

    

Approved minutes for May 20, 2002.

 

Board considered and acted on property statements.

(Venture Placement Services, Farmers Union Coop Assoc, Hometown Printing & Silk Screening, Mark S Gnadt, Michael V Crenshaw, Countrywide Home Loans (2), and Community Hospital Onaga, Inc)

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:50 P.M.

 

 

 

 

___________________                                  __________________

County Clerk                                                         Chairman

 

                                                                                                __________________

                                                                                                Vice Chairman

 

                                                                                                __________________

                                                                                                Member