The
Commissioners met with all members.
Present were Barbara Kolde, chairman; Richard Carlson, vice chairman;
and Tom Doperalski, member.
Gary
Conklin, county counselor, discussed the following topics with the
Commissioners and administrator:
(1)
Meeting
he and Robert will have with attorney for Clinton Barry regarding Blue Water
Services concern.
(2)
Belvue
Fire Department and Fire District No. 1 boundaries.
(3)
Lease
purchase of truck for Fire District No. 10.
Commissioner Kolde stated that the Commission had been procrastinating
rather than to give the fire district a definite yes or no regarding purchase
of a truck. She added that the
Commission should do something so St. George will not be without fire protection. Counselor stated that this might be an
opportunity to set specific guidelines regarding such purchases. The Commission will meet with the Fire Board
Chairman later this morning.
Richard
Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to approve requests from K.G. Moats
and Sons, L.L.C. and from Liberty Inc for continuation of property tax
abatements for 2003. Motion carried 2
to 0 with Commissioners Carlson and Doperalski voting in favor and Commissioner
Kolde abstaining stating that she is opposed to tax exemptions.
The
Commissioners signed the Development Agreement between Manhattan City, Wal-Mart
Stores Inc, and Pottawatomie County.
Chairman
signed bond & oath for H. V. Smith as Treasurer of Fire District No. 6.
Richard
Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to sign the service and repurchase
agreement with Martin Tractor for $100,000 for a grader and $22,500 for a
backhoe. Motion carried 3 to 0.
Richard
Carlson moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to appoint the following to the board
of Fire District No. 4 for 2003:
William Henneberg, Gerald Caffrey, Lyle Kufahl, Milton Henneberg, and
Pat O’Shea. Motion carried 3 to 0.
Tom
Doperalski moved and Richard Carlson seconded to appoint Richard Varnadore
and Larry Wilson to the board of Fire District No. 7 for
2003. Motion carried 3 to 0.
Gail
McConnaughey, zoning administrator, met with the Commissioners to discuss an
issue in Green Valley Business Park regarding failure to comply with the zoning
ordinances and covenants of the Business Park.
Ron Chaney had purchased a lot and has not completed construction in the
18-month time frame that is required by the County Economic Development. Open storage is in violation of the zoning
ordinance. Gail was inquiring about the
county’s position in handling the situation.
ECDV is going to request return of the deed and buy the property
back. As ECDV is a separate entity,
they would be responsible for hiring their own attorney. After discussion with county counselor, it
was agreed that he would draft Mr. Chaney a letter addressing the violation of
the zoning ordinance for open storage.
Gail
also discussed the purchase by Howie Recycling of the Pat Ebert Construction
Landfill. The Commission informed them
of a letter they had received from the State regarding the fact that the Ebert
landfill is not in compliance. The
Commission directed Gail to contact Howie Recycling informing them of this.
Robert
informed the Commission of an invitation to an Intergovernmental Meeting with
the City of Manhattan, Riley County, and the Riley County Schools. The meeting is scheduled for February 24 at
the Anthony Middle School. Robert did
not have an agenda available.
Commissioners Carlson and Doperalski will not attend. Commissioner Kolde is uncertain at this
time.
Lisa
Overkamp, treasurer, met briefly with the Commissioners. It is still uncertain what will become of
the bill regarding use of motor vehicle funds that are collected by the
treasurer’s offices.
Larry
Johnson, sales associate with Marcus Realty of Junction City, met with the
Commissioners to inform them of a project of self-help housing for low-income
individuals to build homes. This is
done through monies from a Section 523 Federal Grant. Through this program, 24 houses can be built. Six houses are built at a time. The individuals all work together building
their homes. All 6 homes must be
completed before anyone can move in.
This project is currently being implemented in Junction City. The homes are 2 or 3 bedrooms with a 2-car
garage. Individuals have a Section 502,
33 year loan. The grant is to provide
technical assistance. There is no cost
to the county. Mr. Johnson was requesting
a letter of support from the County for the grant for this county. Commissioner Doperalski stated that he would
like to see the organizational structure.
Mr. Johnson informed the Commission that the City sponsors the Junction
City project. Commissioner Kolde stated
that she would like to receive requests from the communities in the
county. The Commission asked Mr.
Johnson to provide information on the project that was done in Great Bend. The Commission is interested in information
regarding houses that have been in place for 4 or 5 years. Mr. Johnson also informed them that besides
the Wamego area, they are checking on other areas in the county. He added that they want to have the houses
built in an area fairly close together.
The reason is that the prospective owners do much of the labor on all of
the houses. If the houses were being
constructed throughout the county, those individuals would have to go all over
the county to help with building. Mr. Johnson said he would provide the
Commission with more information on the project. He added that although they do not need the Commissioner’s
endorsement, they prefer to have it.
Dave
Swanson and Gary Yenzer representing Fire District No. 10 met with the
Commissioners, administrator, and county counselor to discuss the district’s
desire to proceed with the lease purchase of a truck. Mr. Swanson presented the Commission with a list of the fire
board’s reasons and concerns regarding the purchase. There is concern about safety of the firemen, maintaining NFPA
and ISO standards, and providing adequate protection for residents in the
district. The fire district is working
with the City of St. George to improve conditions and extend the space in the
building currently used for housing the fire trucks and equipment. They are checking on possibly replacing the
sliding door at one end with a garage door for easier drive through
access. The housing is increasing
rapidly in the St. George area, so there is need for adequate fire
protection. The fire district is asking
for the Commissioner’s cooperation and approval of the purchase of a fire
truck. Commissioner Kolde expressed
concerns with the lack of fire protection and stated that she feels the
Commission had been “dragging their feet” on the issue. They need to say either yes or no to the
fire district’s request. Commissioner
Carlson asked if they couldn’t get a loaner truck to use while their current
one was being repaired. Mr. Yenzer
replied they could not afford insurance on another truck. Carlson also asked if they had contacted Jim
Keating from the St. Marys Fire District No. 1 for any advice. Mr. Swanson informed them that he had been
contacted but so far they have not been able to get together. Commissioner Doperalski stated that he was
concerned because although he has asked many times, he still does not know how
much it would cost to repair the truck they currently have. Commissioner Kolde asked Robert what percent
of the budget for the fire district would be debt on the truck purchase. Robert informed them it would be 53%. Commissioner Kolde stated that she feels the
district needs to have adequate fire protection and also feels the district
could have gotten a cheaper truck, but this one is ready. She feels they should go ahead and get the
truck that has been ordered, but added, that they should not come back with
further requests for purchases. Commissioner
Doperalski stated that he too feels they don’t at this time have adequate
coverage but he hasn’t been given the information he would like to have. Purchase of this truck should satisfy the
fire district’s large equipment needs.
Doperalski added that they need to be sure their building is
maintained. Commissioner Carlson stated
that prior to the end of the budget year, the fire district should have a
consultant review and evaluate their equipment. Commissioner Kolde stated that there are details to be worked out
on the purchase and directed Robert to contact banks in the county today to
give them an opportunity to bid on the lease purchase funding. Barbara Kolde moved and Tom Doperalski
seconded to enter into an agreement for lease purchase of a fire truck for Fire
District No. 10 with Conrad. This will
be after the Commission receives a copy of all documents with the company
regarding purchase of the equipment and receipt of lease purchase interest rates. Robert will check on financing, but needs to
see the specs since it is a program vehicle.
Motion carried 3 to 0.
Leslie
Campbell, health director, met with the Commissioners to update them on her
department. She informed them that she
has received grant applications, which are due March 12. They are similar to last year although there
is less total dollar amount available.
Pottawatomie County could still receive the same allocation. She reported on attending Bioterrorism
meetings and also on meeting with doctors in the county. Leslie stated that she has received public
concern with the fee increases for immunizations. The fee was recently increased to $10. The surrounding counties also charge $10 with the exception of
Shawnee County who charges $12. Leslie
informed the Commission that there has been a LEPC meeting scheduled for
Tuesday, March 4 at 10:00 A.M. in the Sunflower Room.
Brenda
Krause, GIS director, met with the Commissioners to update them on her
department. Informed them that she had
been helping the City of St. Marys work on zoning maps. She stated that she has added political
township maps to the county’s web site.
She will also be adding appraiser values for 2003 to the site. Brenda questioned the increase of the price
of the directories. Informed the
Commission that the GIS department had received $7800 for maps and directories
generated by them.
Leu
Lowrey, public works director, met with the Commissioners to present a request
from US Dept of Commerce for extension of completion date for project in Green
Valley Business and Wamego Industrial Parks. Tom Doperalski moved and Richard
Carlson seconded to sign amendment to modify the completion of construction
date from March 15, 2003 to September 15, 2003. This is for water, sewer and street improvements in Green Valley
Business Park and Wamego Industrial Park.
Motion carried 3 to 0.
(Attachment #1)
Commissioner
Doperalski left at 11:45 to attend a meeting in Wamego and will return at 1:00.
Greg
Riat and Rod Jager met with the Commissioners to discuss proposals for jail
meals. One response was received from
the RFP. Rod stated that he had worked
with Karen Matson, a registered dietician, to review the sample menus submitted
and that they were acceptable. Richard
Carlson moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to accept the proposal of the South 40
Café to provide jail meals, subject to approval by the Sheriff and proper
notice given of contract termination with the current provider. Motion carried 2 to 0 due to absence of
Commissioner Doperalski.
Richard
Carlson moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to go into executive session with
sheriff and under sheriff at 12:19 P.M. for 5 minutes to discuss personnel
issue. Motion carried 2 to 0 due to
absence of Commissioner Doperalski.
Regular meeting resumed with no action as a result of the session.
Commissioners
reviewed annual township reports for Lone Tree, Louisville, Rock Creek and
Spring Creek Townships.
Approved
minutes for February 10, 2003.
Board
considered and acted on property statements.
(Billie
L & Betty J Abitz, Leonard J Ebert, Robert J Johnson, Michael l & Amy L
Duncan, Neil Kolterman, Heartland Marketing Group, Spencer R Bellew, Byers Land
& Cattle Co (2), Joseph P Baumchen Trust (2), Krouse Brothers Inc (2),
James E & Lynda S Rosander (2), 6 G Farm LLC (2), David D & Mary Jo
Nelson (2), Dolores A Ebert (2), Dornbusch Farms Inc (2), Elton Jean Hudson
(2), Edwin D Martin (2), Brenda J Martin (2), Norman K & P A Brackenbury
(3), Louis H & Darlene F Rice (2), Daniel E & R R Kolterman (2), John J
& Agnes M Martin (2), Don E Morford (2), Robert W Rezac (2), Westmoreland
City (18), Chris & Judith M Erlendson, Ignatius M C Griesacker, Michael L
& Diane E Heptig, Frankie Blair Sumners Et Al, Wayne D & L D Dunafon,
Norman K Brackenbury, Rural Water Dist #4, Charles F Chapman (2), Galen &
Carol S Blenn (2), Leslie W & Gwen A Harris, Gary R & Carol E Threewit,
Mary Ann Wege, Jimmy Ray Mooneyham & Martha Darlene Fleming, Edna Mae &
Dean Taylor, James H & Judy L Cravens, Debra S & Jody L Decker, Pottawatomie
County, Howell Lumber Co of Wamego, B
& H Construction, Brian M Standlee & Jeanette M Standlee, Eugene A
& Sarah J Zoeller, James E & Irene L Plain (2), St. Bernard Cemetery,
Mary C Fox Trust, John P Heverin & Cheryl L Heverin, Doris I Falk Life Estate-Doris
I Orr Trust, Donna A Hartman Life Est, Janell Ralph, Eugene J & Mary I
Bertels Trust, Stephen R Murphy & Sherri M Murphy, John Prior &
Geraldine Adams, Kenneth G & Mary A Moats (2), Rose Marie Hamilton-Flies
(2), Frances B Royer et al, Jerry A & Mary C Fox, Ronald J Martell, Charles
F Ronnau Trust-Marita A Ronnau Trust, David L & Linda Goss (2), Richard J
Rosenfield, Faye Kuehl, Howard H & Margaret Smith, Dorothy Boswell, and
Thomas E. Walsh)
The
meeting adjourned at 1:06. The
Commissioners met with administrator, public works director, and counselor for
a work session.
_________________________ ____________________
County
Clerk Chairman
____________________
Vice
Chairman
____________________
Member