2003 01 06

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS

OFFICIAL MINUTES

January 6, 2003

The Board of County Commissioners, three members and the County Clerk present, met in regular session at 9:00 AM.

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CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Mattix.

INVOCATION: Commissioner Mattix.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Taylor.

AGENDA APPROVAL:

ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hey.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Taylor - Yes

Commissioner Hey - Yes

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APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF INVOICES:

ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor to approve invoices in the amount of $406,646.73 as presented by the County Clerk’s office. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hey.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Taylor - Yes

Commissioner Hey - Yes

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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor to recess to Executive Session at 9:05 AM to return at 9:15 AM to discuss non-elected personnel. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hey.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Taylor - Yes

Commissioner Hey - Yes

Returned to session at 9:15 AM with no action taken and no decisions made.

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EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE:

Liz Schwatken, Human Resources Director, met with the Board to present the new rates for Blue Cross/Blue Shield for April 2003 thru March 2004. The rate increase will be 1.2% for the employee’s health insurance. The estimated annual expense for health/life insurance coverage for the coming year is $1,724,000.00.

ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hey to continue the health/life insurance coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the period April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004 at an estimated cost of $1,724,000.00, reflecting a 1.2% increase in premiums over previous year, and to continue to explore with other entities group insurance to lower and improve programs at a reasonable cost. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Taylor - Yes

Commissioner Hey - Yes

RES. 03-01

Minutes – January 6, 2003

Page 2

GENERAL DISCUSSION:

Commissioner Mattix advised the Board he had spoken with Larry Bolander, CIC, the Sheriff’s Department, and Ken Collins and feels the software program for the Sheriff’s Office is being addressed at this time.
Commissioner Hey said he has had a request for the Radio Controlled Model Airplane Club to use the old landfill. This will be discussed with Barbara Curtis, Public Works Acting Director.

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ROBERT EASTMAN – LETTER TO COMMISSIONERS:

Robert Eastman, Coffeyville Abstract Company, addressed a letter he had sent to the Commissioner Mattix regarding an article in the Independence newspaper on cooperation from the Register of Deeds Office. He stated he had talked to lawyers and abstract companies and they have no complaints.

Commissioner Mattix stated all elected officials receive criticism.

Mr. Eastman suggested having a complaint box for the county.

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REGISTER OF DEEDS – ALLEGED COMPLAINTS:

Jeanne Eastman, Register of Deeds, met with the Board to discuss the “alleged complaints against her office”. She reported she has had no complaints from frequent users of her office. The only complaint is there should be more space provided by the Commissioners. She stated she feels since the Board will not reveal the source of the complaint, “her office has been discredited”. She reported on documents recorded the past year and fees received and deposited with the County Treasurer.

Commissioner Mattix said the Register of Deeds is a public office subject to criticism and other elected officials receive complaints and criticism also. Commissioner Mattix said, “I apologize I did not talk to you first”.

Commissioner Hey stated he has a problem with the 8% increase for the employee.

Commissioner Mattix addressed the grievance and said it had not been properly filed through the department supervisor.

Commissioner Mattix said, “If this caused you trauma, then I apologize”.

No action was taken at this time.

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PUBLIC WORKS:

Barbara Curtis, Acting Public Works Director, presented the weekly written report. The following items were discussed: Clerk’s Plat for Engle Estates Subdivision; Proposed Spears Manufacturing Company Roadway (1225 Road); and Department Work Progress (A Road and Bridge employee driving a 2-ton dump truck was involved in an accident) (Crews are back to road repairs).

Other items discussed were:

Model Airplay Club request to use landfill.
John Deer problems. Commissioner Taylor had visited with Labette County and they said they have had very good response to repair problems.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH – BUDGET:

Scott Barnhart, Environmental Health Director, met with the Board to discuss budget for 2003. He reported the budget for 2003 is $81,150 with income for their department estimated at $50,000. A possible change in permit fees was discussed but not action was taken.

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Minutes – January 6, 2003

Page 3

ADJOURNMENT: 11:02 AM

ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Mattix.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Taylor - Yes

Commissioner Hey - Yes

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS

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Chairman

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Member

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Member

ATTEST:

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County Clerk