COMMISSION MINUTES – MONDAY, JULY, 18, 2005

At 8:30 A.M., all members of the Pottawatomie County Commission met for a regular session in the County Commission Room. Present were Tom Doperalski, chairman; Barbara Kolde, vice chairman; and Stan Hartwich, member.

Brenda Krause, GIS director, met with the Commissioners to update them on activities in her department.

John Boyd, emergency management director; Rob Reschke, State Conservation District representative; Rayburn Stadel, Don Rezac, Dennis Schwant, and Ed Erickson with the County Conservation District; and Charles Boggs, Mayor of St. George City, met with the Commissioners to discuss concerns of bank erosion of Black Jack Creek and its effect on property in the Oak View area of St. George. Representative Richard Carlson was present during this meeting. Heavy rains caused serious erosion to the creek bank and has caused the creek to divert somewhat, cutting back into the Oak View residential area. It is believed the erosion started with the four lane construction of Hwy 24. As this has been considered a priority by the Commission, John stated he would like a plan of action to correct the erosion. Commissioner Kolde stated both she and Commissioner Doperalski owned property in the area. She asked if that would be a conflict of interest to vote on any decisions. Commissioner Doperalski stated the creek channel seems to be continually changing. Mr. Boggs stated that the City of St. George has lost 8 foot of property due to the heavy rains. Rob Reschke, representing the State Conservation Commission addressed the Commission with a suggested procedure to correct the issue. First and foremost would be a survey of the area. Reschke stated they would contract through Watershed Institute to do the survey. A design would be put together from the results of the survey. The survey would provide the information to give them an idea of what it would take to correct the erosion problem, an estimate of costs, quantities of material, and the county’s average cost. Commissioner Kolde stated she would like to have the situation taken care of before next spring. John Boyd stated there is an area that needs immediate attention until the whole area can be addressed. Ed Erickson stated as soon as the survey is completed, the homeowners in the area need to be notified. Commissioner Hartwich asked Reschke if anyone would check with the State or KDOT to see if anything was done wrong during the Hwy 24 construction. Commissioner Doperalski directed Mr. Reschke to get the survey scheduled and get started on the project. Mr. Reschke will contact Mr. Boggs with information. Representative Carlson stated he would like to be informed of the status of the project.

Eric Haar, field representative for Jim Ryun’s office, met with the Commissioners to introduce himself and see if there were any concerns to be relayed to Mr. Ryun. Brian Smith, EMS director, was also present for the meeting. The Commission discussed expenses of streets, sewer, and water involved with growth in the southern portion of the county. Commissioner Kolde mentioned the need to repair or replace the Belvue bridge. Mr. Haar stated there are projects that qualify for federal funding. Robert Reece, county administrator, asked Mr. Haar if there is a way to initiate the project involving development due to the proposed increase of soldiers and their families stationed at Ft. Riley. Robert suggested Mr. Haar contact the Lt. Governor’s Office. Robert asked Mr. Haar if he was aware of any changes to help with reimbursement of medical costs for ambulance service. Brian Smith, EMS director, stated that due to changes in the Medicare fee schedule, he has seen reduced reimbursement from billing. He stated next year approximately 45% of the bills submitted will not be reimbursed. These losses result in a dramatic increase in the budget, relying on the tax payers just to break even. He stated it would be better for rural counties such as Pottawatomie if the billing was done at a cost per run.

Leslie Campbell, health director, met with the Commissioners to update them on activities in her department.

Stan Hartwich moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to allocate $5,000 matching funds to the St. Marys Historical Society. Motion carried 3 to 0.

Ed Hamilton, Nuisance Animal Control Officer, met with the Commissioners to review information regarding activities in that department.

Charlene Shepherd, treasurer of the Pottawatomie County Fair Association, met with the Commissioners to discuss the Association’s expense report for 2004 and the 2006 budget. Robert stated the County has in the past levied two tenths of a mill for County Fair operations.

Mike Pinick, with Fire District #2, met with the Commissioners for approval to sell at auction the 1979 pumper truck that is no longer needed by the fire department. Stan Hartwich moved and Barbara Kolde seconded to adopt Resolution 2005-52 allowing Fire District #2 to sell at public auction a 1979 Class A pumper truck no longer needed by the fire department. The sale will be held at the Fairgrounds in Onaga on Sunday, August 7, 2005 immediately following the county fair parade. Motion carried 3 to 0. (Attachment #1)

The Chairman signed an audit information form for the State of KS to identify money received from Federal grants in 2004. (Attachment #2)

Commissioner Kolde expressed concerns in the turnover of employees in the sheriff’s dispatch department.

Robert requested the Commissioners to provide direction for the 2006 budget on various budget requests presented to them over the past few months. The Commission agreed to allocate $500 to KS Legal Services to be paid out of the special alcohol fund. Commissioner Kolde stated she wants Robert to make KS Legal Services aware this money is coming from the Special Alcohol Fund and the allocation is not to be relied upon on an annual basis. The Commission denied funding for the following requests: Regional Library technology upgrade request, the Silver Haired Legislature, and the Health Ministry.

Minutes for July 11, 2005 were approved.

The Commissioners adjourned at Noon. They will meet at 1:00 for work sessions.

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County Clerk Chairman

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Vice Chairman

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Member