BOARD OF McPHERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

 

DECEMBER 7, 2004

REGULAR MEETING

10:00 A.M.

 

ALL PRESENT

 

One item was added to the agenda: Discuss the Old Mill Log Home Project.  One correction was made to the agenda; change the date from November 30 to December 7, 2004.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve the agenda with changes.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  All voted aye.

 

No one spoke during Public Input Session at 10:00 a.m.

 

Commissioner Schroeder made a motion to approve the minutes of November 30, 2004 as presented.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve the checks and claims register and payroll.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  All voted aye.

 

There were no adds and abates.

 

There was discussion on the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for County employees.  Mr. Witte recommended a start date of January 2, 2005 for whatever percentage is approved.  The amount budgeted was 2% but funds are available for a higher percentage.  After discussion, Commissioner Schroeder made a motion to approve a 2 ½% COLA to begin with the January 2, 2005 pay period.  Chairman Terry seconded.  All voted aye.  There was brief discussion on the possibility of funding an appropriation to Big Brothers/Big Sisters from the Special Alcohol Fund.  The County Counselor has advised that that he does not think the funds can be given to Big Brothers/Big Sisters because it would be difficult to show that the money was spent for the specific statutory purpose.

 

Mr. Witte presented a request from Harvey County for McPherson County to participate in funding for a lobbyist for tax exemption for elderly independent living units.  It was a consensus of the Commissioners not to participate in funding the lobbyist.

 

Mr. Witte presented “Notices to Township Clerks” for Superior, Canton and New Gottland Townships for cereal malt beverage license renewals.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Notices to Townships as presented.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Mr. Witte presented a letter of resignation from Tim Anderson, Fire District #6 Board Member effective November 9, 2004 and a letter of recommendation from Carrol Houghton, FD #6 Board Chairman to appoint Mike Becker to replace Mr. Anderson.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Anderson and the appointment of Mr. Becker to the Fire District #6 Board.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Mr. Witte presented Resolution 04-28 “A Resolution designating Depositories for McPherson County Funds”.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion sign Resolution 04-28 as presented.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  Chairman Terry voted aye.  Commissioner Schroeder voted aye.  Commissioner Patrick voted aye.

 

Mr. Witte presented Resolution 04-29 “A Resolution Designating the Official County Newspaper for McPherson County”.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve Resolution 04-29 as presented.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  Chairman Terry voted aye.  Commissioner Schroeder voted aye.  Commissioner Patrick voted aye.

 

Dave Bohnenblust, Public Works Director, joined the meeting at 10:25 a.m. with the following agenda items:

A.   Presented a Personnel Change Notice (PCN) for end of probation (13/B to 13/C) for Justin Anthony, Maintenance Worker III, effective December 19, 2004.  Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve the PCN as presented.  Commissioner Schroeder seconded.  All voted aye.

B.   Requested approval to purchase approximately 30,000 tons of asphalt millings at a cost of $3 to $4 per ton from a contractor bidding on a State project.  The millings can be recycled and used as shoulder and base material.  The County would otherwise pay $8 per ton for equivalent AS-1 material.  Commissioner Schroeder made a motion to approve the request to purchase up to 30,000 tons of asphalt millings as requested.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

At 10:30 a.m. Chairman Terry left the meeting to attend the funeral of John Casebeer, a former McPherson County Commissioner.

 

There was discussion on whether to go ahead with constructing a carport over the Old Mill log home as a means to protect it from further deterioration.  This proposal was brought to the Commissioners last week by Lorna Nelson, Old Mill Director, who informed the Commissioners at that time that some funding has been secured for the project but she requested approval before soliciting any more funds for the project.  At that time the Commissioners postponed their decision in order to study the possibilities and hear from the public.  It was a consensus of the Commissioners to have Ms Nelson proceed with fund raising for the carport.

 

At 10:50 a.m. Commissioner Schroeder made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Commission Minutes taken by Irene R. Goering.

 

 

 

Harris G. Terry, Chairman

Don L. Schroeder, Vice-Chairman

Duane J. Patrick, Commissioner

 

 

Attest:  County Clerk

Susan R. Meng