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BOARD OF McPHERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

OCTOBER 17, 2005

SBDA MEETING

6:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONERS SCHROEDER AND PATRICK PRESENT

OCTOBER 18, 2005

REGULAR MEETING

10:00 A.M.

ALL PRESENT

 

 

On October 17, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Schroeder and Patrick attended the Small Business Development Association (SBDA) meeting at the Valley Café in Marquette, KS.  No action was taken by the Commissioners during that time.  At 7:20 p.m. the Commissioners recessed and reconvened on October 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Room at the Bank of America Building for their regular weekly meeting.

 

Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

The following people spoke during Public Input Session at 10:00 a.m.:

Jerry Fowler, PE/LS, spoke to the Commissioners, letting them know that he now works for Kirkham Michael, an engineering firm in Salina, KS and looks forward to working with the County Public Works Department.

Calvin Carlson from Bonneville Township presented a proposal for Planning & Zoning regulations for wind farms in McPherson County.  They were 1.) Wind Turbines may not be built within 1 mile of a residence; 2.) Board of County Commissioners should have final approval of location of wind turbines and 3.) Remediation if homeowner’s property value is negatively affected.

Larry Weibert, Bonneville Township, expressed concern that Gamesa has a lawyer and Eagle Rock (pro-wind turbine group) has a lawyer; who will represent the homeowners who are against the wind turbines.

Rob Manes, Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Kansas Conservation Office in Pratt, KS spoke about both pros and cons of wind turbines.  He stated that The Nature Conservancy is in favor of wind power if it is done right.

Maleta Forsborg, Bonneville Township commented on the Planning &Zoning meeting held October 17.  She felt the Planning & Zoning Board members catered to the Gamesa people and paid little attention to the people.

Darlene Bloomberg, Saline County spoke again about the health effects and impact from E.L.F. (Electronic Low Frequency) coming from wind turbines.  Turbines should be at least one mile from any residence.

Kathy Malm, Bonneville Township asked that the Commissioners not let Gamesa set the rules when they (the Commission) approve changes in the Planning & Zoning Regulations regarding wind turbines.

 

Dave Bohnenblust, Public Works Director, joined the meeting at 10:48 a.m. with the following agenda items:

Item B:  Request approval to purchase a 40’x 60’ materials building roof.  Low bid was from Heartland Cover-All, a company used by KDOT for materials storage.  Their bid was for $7,840 with a 15-year pro-rated warranty. 

Item C:  Request to purchase 82  2’x2’x4’interlocking concrete blocks @$40/ea. and 52  2’x2’x6’ interlocking concrete blocks @60/ea. for a materials building.  Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the purchase of the 40’x60’ materials building roof from Heartland Cover-All for $7,840 and interlocking concrete blocks from McPherson Concrete for $6,400 as requested.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

Item A.  Requested 10 minutes, from 10:55 to 11:05 a.m. in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in the Public Works Department and to include Mr. Witte.  Commissioner Terry made a motion to go into executive session as requested.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:05 a.m.  No action was taken during executive session.  Mr. Bohnenblust requested approval of a Personnel Change Notice (PCN) to promote Damon Kleinsorge, from Maintenance Worker I to Maintenance Worker II (9/B to 11B), effective October 23, 2005 and to be eligible for a step increase upon successful completion of probation at the end of six months.  Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the PCN as requested.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve the minutes of October 11th and 12th, 2005 as corrected.  Commissioner Terry seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the checks and claims.  Commissioner Patrick seconded. 

All voted aye.

 

Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the adds dated October 14, 2005.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Mr. Witte requested five minutes, from 11:40 to 11:45 a.m., in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in the Clerk’s Office.  Commissioner Patrick made motion to go into executive session as requested.  Commissioner Terry seconded.  All voted aye.  The Commissioners returned to open session at 11:45 a.m.  No action was taken during executive session.  Mr. Witte recommended a correction on a Personnel Change Notice (PCN) for end of probation that was approved at last week’s meeting.  The PCN should have read 6/B instead of 6/C.  Commissioner Terry made a motion to approve the correction as recommended.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

At 11:55 a.m. Commissioner Terry made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Patrick seconded.  All voted aye.

 

Commission Minutes taken by Irene R. Goering.

 

Don L. Schroeder, Chairman

Duane J. Patrick, Vice-Chairman

Harris G. Terry, Commissioner

 

 

Attest:  County Clerk

Susan R. Meng