COMMISSION MINUTES – MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2003

 

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

 

Sheriff met with the Commissioners to discuss employee performance evaluations.

 

Chairman signed surety bond and oath for Sherman Township Clerk.

 

Chairman signed 2003 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Cool Springs Golf Course in Mill Creek Township.

 

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

(1)         With Gary Conklin, county counselor, discussed terms of the contract with Wamego Ambulance.

(2)         Commissioner directed Robert to have George Hough postpone the purchase of the budgeted tornado siren for this year due to budget constraints.  The siren was slated to be placed in the Rocky Ford Mobile Home Park area.

 

Tom Doperalski moved and Richard Carlson seconded to appoint Bart Stewart to the Economic Development Board for a three (3) year term effective January 1, 2003.  Motion carried 3 to 0.

 

Richard Carlson moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to appoint Marcia Walsh to the Economic Development Board for a three (3) year term effective January 1, 2003.  Motion carried 3 to 0.

 

Commissioner Kolde left the meeting, as she was ill.

 

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

(1)      Bridge replacement project on Moodyville Road.  Richard Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to approve Resolution 2003-1 allowing authority to award contract commitment of county funds for the project.  Motion carried 2 to 0.  Commissioner Kolde was absent. (Attachment #1)

(2)      Richard Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to approve Resolution 2003-2 regarding authority and method procedure for County Federal aid projects right-of-way clearance utility arrangements for bridge project on Savanah Rd.  Motion carried 2 to 0 due to absence of Commissioner Kolde.  (Attachment #2)  Chairman also signed tenants release form for certification of real property acquisition procedures.  (Attachment #3)

(3)      Richard Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to sign proposal with Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers PA of Topeka for 2003 bridge inspection.  Fee is $39.50 per bridge. Total cost is $11,099.50 for 281 bridges.  Motion carried 2 to 0 due to absence of Commissioner Kolde.  (Attachment #4)

 

Gail McConnaughey, zoning administrator, met with the Commissioners to update them on her department.  She presented a rezone request for their consideration.  Richard Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to approve Resolution 2003-3 rezoning Scott Heinen property in St. Marys Township from A1 to AR1.  Motion carried 2 to 0 due to absence of Commissioner Kolde.  (Attachment #5)

 

Approved amended minutes for December 30, 2002.

 

The Commissioners adjourned at 11:35 for lunch and will reconvene at 1:00.

 

The Commissioners reconvened at 1:00.

 

Terry Rewerts, county appraiser, met with the Commissioners to discuss concerns over valuation issues with residents in the Missile Base area whose wells have been contaminated.  There are concerns from homeowners whose wells have not been affected but live in the area and feel it will have an impact on resale value of their property.  After discussion, the Commissioners directed Terry to schedule a public meeting to inform the residents of their options and have available for them forms to appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA).  Terry stated that he does not have sales history available to him in this area to use as a basis for a decision. Commissioner Doperalski stated that the residents should be informed that the county is not capable of making that type of decision and they should pursue the appeal process with the State.

 

Leu Lowrey, public works director, met with the Commissioners to review his 2003 budget and discuss possibilities of changes that would help with the request of a 4% cut.  The Commissioners will consider the budget reductions he presented.  They authorized Leu to advertise for a permanent part-time position at the landfill.  The Commissioners agreed to allow Leu to make the purchases requested at year-end for equipment. The request was for purchase of 1 backhoe and 2 mowers.  The monies for the purchases had been encumbered at year-end.  Leu discussed with the Commissioners the possibility of cutting back the number of backhoes from 5 to 3.  Leu will check on trade-in amounts for these pieces of equipment.

 

Robert discussed wages for 2003 with the Commissioners.  Chairman signed 2003 Wage Scale.  (Attachment #6)  The Commissioners agreed to leave their salary at the same rate as it was for 2002.  They also agreed to allow all other elected officials and those appointed employees working under an employment contract, a 1.75% salary increase.  The salary increases will be effective with this pay period.  The Commission will sign the 2003 salary list on Monday, January 13.

 

Richard Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded that each department will pay for their lunch served in honor of John Lang’s retirement and the reception will be paid out of the Pottawatomie County Activity Fund (PCAF).  The remainder will come out of the Commissioner’s budget.  Motion carried 2 to 0 due to absence of Commissioner Kolde.

   

Board considered and acted on property statements.

(Onaga Weightlifting Club, Norman Stutzman, Stephen L Zimmerman (2), Valley Equipment Inc, Natalie Harwood, Michael Fiser & Cynthia Fiser, Dale & Valerie Laursen, Roy K & Carol A Finney, Jeffery Darin Hupe, Kansas State University, Robert F Sager, P&F Services, Inc)

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.

 

 

__________________________                  _____                ____________________

County Clerk                                                                         Chairman

                                                                                                                _________________________

                                                                                                                Vice Chairman

                                                                                                                _________________________

                                                                                                                Member