COMMISSION MINUTES, OCTOBER 25, 2010

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, October 25, 2010 in the commission room at the Washington County Courthouse. Present: Alison Mueller, 1^st District Commissioner, Roger Otott, 2^nd District Commissioner; Gene Helms, 3^rd District Commissioner, Elizabeth Hiltgen, County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Chairman Helms called the meeting to order with prayer.

The commission will meet with ambulance service representatives tonight at 7:00 P.M. in the commission room to discuss the future of ambulance services in 2012.

The next regular meeting will be Monday, November 1, 2010 at 8:30 AM.

The board will meet at the Board of County Canvassers on November 5 at 8:30 A.M. to canvass the November 2 General Election results.

Janice Kearn, R.N., County Health Director, and the board reviewed a grant application to Keystone Pipeline that the board approved. Janice reported on the Point of Dispensing exercise that was done last week and that 752 people had lab work done at the Fall Health Fair. Janice asked the board if a county employee wellness program might be considered. It will be discussed at the department head meeting set for November 8 at 10:00 A.M.

Chuck Turk, Hanover, reminded department heads that County Government Day is November 8 beginning at 9:00 A.M.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, reported on routine maintenance matters.

Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, asked the board to consider an advertisement in the Kansas Economic Development guide that is published by the Kansas Department of Commerce. When Christy has prices a decision will be made.

Janet Hieger, Blue Cross and Blue Shield representative, presented 2011 health insurance and Advance Insurance renewals. Alison Mueller moved to renew with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 2011 with a 4% increase in premiums and no change in benefits and to sign a contract with Advance Insurance for short term disability and life insurance. Roger Otott seconded and motion carried.

Ellen Anderson, Director, Adult Community Corrections and Juvenile Justice Authority presented the 2010 Community Corrections year end outcome report that Chairman Helms signed.

David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator, gave weekly work report. The board approved the purchase of 7500 gallons of #2 low sulphur diesel from Kramer Oil. Co. for $19,560.00, the low quote. CES Group, Marysville, sent a letter as to the cost for location of quarter corners. The board decided that $5,000.00 would be set aside for that purpose. The board told David that no tractor shall be purchased at this time. David and the board discussed federal funds transfer and various bridge projects.

The board recessed at 12:10 P.M. for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 P.M.

The board discussed various issues with Elizabeth Hiltgen, County Attorney.

Debbie Swoboda, Emergency Management Coordinator, was present when representatives from KWBE radio station asked if the board would consider sponsoring a map and weather advisory statements at a cost of $500.00 for two years. No decision was made.

The meeting adjourned at 2:20 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. to meet with city and ambulance personnel.

At 7:00 P.M. the commission met with Mayor Harry Jones; Meyler Gibbs, Mike Uhlrich, Gene Martin, Ryan Kern, Denise Powell, Clerk, Kurt Hassler, City Manager, Caroline Scoville, Ambulance Director, and Leland Cook, Washington City; Aubrie Schaeffer R.N., Brian Sinn and Joni Duis, Ambulance Director, Hanover Hospital; Les Spence, Jayne Lehman, Clerk and Lisa Voelker, Ambulance Director, Linn City. Clifton and Greenleaf ambulance service were not present.

The new transition training was discussed at length. Washington City is losing personnel and may not have enough people to run 24/7. Linn is staffed currently but with the transition training would lose personnel. If Washington would shut down Linn does not have enough personnel to run 24/7. Hanover staffing is sufficient but the cost of training may be an issue. The old curriculum will be taught through July 2011. Alison Mueller said that the county will look into grant funding. Gene Helms asked if people would be willing to train if money was available. Meyler Gibbs said it’s not the money, it’s the people that are needed. Leland Cook voiced an opinion that probably a county wide ambulance is what is needed. Alison stated that people need to understand that a county wide ambulance service would not be based in Washington City and the county would not want to interfere with Hanover Hospital or Linn City ambulance services. Kurt Hassler stated that it is the county’s responsibility to provide ambulance service not the city. All agreed that it is important to keep dialogue ongoing and will meet again.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.