MINUTES MORTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APRIL 25, 2011 Bob called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with open doors. Present: Bob Boaldin, Chairman; Ron DeGarmo, Vice-Chairman; Teresa Harder, Commissioner; Eric Witcher, County Attorney; Wanda Davis, Deputy County Clerk The Agenda was reviewed and approved as presented. There were no Minutes. Bills were reviewed and approved for payment; checks were signed. Also signed were the Payroll Form; Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant Registers; and the Late Fee Statement for the Weed Department. Wanda reported that the Clerk s Office received a call from an individual inquiring if Morton County was going to participate in SB198 Rural Opportunity Zone program. Her son had recently graduated from nursing school and would consider coming to Morton County if the Commissioners were considering participation. Consensus of the Commissioners was to give this information to Leonard Hernandez, Health System CEO. At this time we do not know the guidelines for the Rural Opportunity Zone program. Teresa reported that Dr. Coronado, Psychiatrist, has signed a contract with the Health System to replace Dr. Olivia Iway, when she retires. The Commissioners were in agreement to contribute to the memorial fund for Dylan Spencer, Scott County Commissioner. Mr. Spencer and his family died in a plane crash over the week-end. The fire-break behind the Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living Facility looks good. The Road Department did a great job on this project. Ron reported that instead of hauling the dirt from the Government land, they bladed it instead. Dick Bennin requested this be done. This project also looks good. The Road Petition from ETC was reviewed and approved on a motion from Ron, seconded by Teresa.
A short discussion took place concerning information received regarding Long Term Care Insurance. Pat LeClerc, GBS Consultant, sent this information and will attend the May 9 th meeting to discuss it in more detail. This is a base policy the Commissioners may want to purchase for the employees and the employees can then purchase additional insurance. Bob mentioned he visited with Leonard Hernandez about a water line leak at the Long Term Care Unit. There seems to be a problem with Tatro Plumbing and getting them to make the necessary repairs. The Commissioners will discuss with Rhianna Shaw, Health Department Administrator, the emails she received from Mr. Hernandez when she comes to the meeting later this day. Following a lengthy discussion regarding keeping the retirees on the new insurance plan, consensus of the Commissioners was to invite Pat LeClerc to come to the May 9 th meeting for additional information. The May meetings were tentatively scheduled for May 9 th and May 23 rd. The Commissioners will have lunch with the Lion s Club on the 23 rd and give an update on the County. Eric reported he visited with Jennifer Sensley, FSA, regarding an agreement with Steve Hayward. Rhianna Shaw met with the Commissioners and said the Health Department parking lot looks so nice and they are very grateful for it. Rhianna mentioned it is the Extension Office who books use of the Point Rock Room; they also collect and keep the rental fees. A discussion took place concerning the emails Rhianna sent to Leonard Hernandez and received from Mr. Hernandez. Rhianna stated she visited with John Jones, CNO, regarding the Emergency Preparedness Plan. There will be meetings to review the plan with the entire committee at the Hospital. Rhianna showed the Commissioners the sign that will be posted at the Health Department regarding being a Safe Haven for newborns. She will be working with the EMS, Fire Departments, and the Hospital regarding this
matter. She will also publish news articles and conduct community education regarding this matter. Rhianna requested approval for Pam Baldwin to attend the Child Passenger Safety Conference in Hutchinson instead of the one in Hays. The cost is significantly less. Approval was given on a motion from Teresa, seconded by Bob. Rhianna mentioned she has been researching the possibility of becoming a Certified L.E.A.N. Coach (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, Nutrition) through on-line classes. She would like to include Crystal Bashford in this endeavor. Rhianna will have more information at a later time. Rhianna presented the monthly Health Department Encounters Report and also reported that Haley McCammon, PAC, has started her Thursday Family Planning clinics. Rhianna mentioned there are some letters missing on the front of the Health Department building. Tony Hoyt entered the meeting and reported the Hospital informed him last week that they will no longer re-fill oxygen bottles for anyone. He will see if he can get a contract with Airgas, or possibly make a deal with the Hospital to switch out tanks and bottles, rather than re-fill. Tony also mentioned he attended a webinar regarding an inventory control program for his department. This program might also be used for the Fire Department. Tony will report back when he has more information. The Supervisors met with the Commissioners for their regular monthly meeting. Present were Charley McKinley, Kevin, Gwen, Tony, Vienna, Justin, Shelby, Vicki, Charles Hull, and Rhianna. Reports were given as follows: Justin: LEC has been very busy; currently have 10 inmates. Reported the Road Department assisted them in moving a junk trailer off the highway. Vicki: Second half taxes are due May 10 th. The new Motor Vehicle Program software will not be ready until December 1 st. Rhianna: This is National Infant Immunization Week. She has been working on Emergency Preparedness. Haley McCammon has started her Thursday Family Planning Clinic.
Tony: Taught the CPR class to the Civic Center staff. Will be teaching CPR to the Road Department, Landfill/Weed soon. Gwen: Had an inspection at the Landfill last week; it happened to be one of those 40 mph wind days. A trash truck came in at the time the inspector was there so he was able to observe the adjustments needed to receive trash. No deficiencies were given. Gwen and Jason took the spray truck to Wichita to get fitted with the new spray equipment. Gwen presented the Commissioners a copy of the Landfill/Weed monthly report. Charles Hull: Busy fighting fires! Charley McKinley: Reported on the fire break the Road Department made behind the Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living Facility, as well as all of the homes south of there. Charley thanked Commissioner Boaldin for the use of his equipment. Charley sent the graders out today to work the roads. Friday will be Barb Boughner s and Tom Myers last day of work. Barb is retiring and Tom has resigned. Kevin: Have been busy cleaning, spraying and planting in preparation for a busy three weeks of upcoming tournaments. Vienna: Civic Center is staying very busy. The City-wide cleanup will be held Saturday, April 30 th. Had a visitor from Green Capital Energy out of Nebraska who was interested in wind energy. He stated nothing would be done for a few years but was inquiring. Vienna will report as additional information is received. Vienna said she is still learning about the Rural Opportunity Zone program and is in the process of getting the information for procedures to participate in the program. Wanda: Clerk s Office is busy finalizing the change-over to the new health insurance plan. Teresa: Thanked Charley McKinley for the good job done on the fire break around the health care facilities. Also thanked Justin for his officers assistance in helping people with locked doors. She mentioned that all departments have demonstrated how well they can work together and she encouraged everyone to keep up the good work. Ron: Informed the Supervisors of the death of the Scott County Commissioner and his family. This family died last weekend in a plane crash.
Bob: Reported on the work being done at the Airport. NOTAMs will be issued throughout the construction of Runway 17-35. At this time Runway 4-22 is open; Runway 17-35 was closed today and will remain closed until completion. In approximately 60 days the entire Airport will be closed until the completion of the construction. The meeting recessed at 11:30 for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. At this time Mary Gilmore, County Clerk, entered the meeting to take Minutes. Charley McKinley met with the Commissioners. Charley reported he and David McKinley assisted LEC and Shannon Whisennand in getting a trailer off the highway and to the Landfill. A discussion took place regarding Barb Boughner s retirement and Tom Myers resignation. With the hiring freeze currently in place, Charley said he will not be replacing either employee at this time. Charley said the asphalt crew will be going to the Tri-Rotor spray pad area tomorrow. At this time Bill Cotter entered the meeting and gave a power point presentation regarding the Morton County Airport and improvements he feels can be made to make the Airport more efficient and bring in more plane traffic. Mr. Cotter said he would like to see an increase in usage. He also plans to offer flight instruction classes. Mr. Cotter has submitted a qualification questionnaire for Morton County Airport to become a CATS Testing site. Kevin Shook met with the Commissioners and reported he is trying to get some areas seeded on the golf course. Kevin also reported on the condition of the course due to the freezing weather and high winds this year. Justin Holliday and Shelby Ralstin met with the Commissioners and reported LEC is very busy. A discussion took place concerning the Vandervort s house fire. Both Pat and Bruce have returned to work; Pat is an LEC Dispatcher. Vienna Lee entered the meeting and reported a rope and a finial broke on the American Flag pole at the Civic Center. She is working on getting the rope replaced and the finial repaired, if possible.
Vienna presented the Commissioners a copy of an email received from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Department is in the processs of determining rules, regulations and marketing ideas for the new Rural Opportunity Zone program. Vienna said this was discussed at the recent wkreda meeting she attended. Notice was made that Little KAC will be held October 11 th in Seward County. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. on a motion by Ron, seconded by Teresa.