March 29, 2004
BOARD OF FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Commissioners met in a regular session with Chairman John E. Taylor and Commissioners Fred E. Ferguson, Donald C. Hay, Donald R. Stottlemire and Donald E. Waymire present.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Taylor at 8:30.
Board discussed selling the Franklin County Annex. Chairman Taylor said building was in good condition. Commissioner Ferguson said selling it would not be good. Commissioner Stottlemire said since we are already buying the Annex we should keep it. Commissioner Waymire said he was on the Board when it was purchased and the phone system is located at the Annex and it would cost a lot of money to move it. Blaine Finch said property can not be sold until February 1, 2005. Commissioner Hay said if the School Board walked in and offered the Old Middle School for $1, then the Old Middle School could be fixed for County use. Board agreed to keep the Franklin County Annex and send letters to tenants about renewing their leases. Blaine Finch is going to call and get rent figures on other properties in the County. Blaine discussed that he had received a call from John Richeson and Mr. Richeson has a client that is interested in purchasing the building
Commissioner Hay moved and Commissioner Waymire seconded to approve the minutes for March 24, 2004. All voted “yes.”
Shari Perry discussed a draft proposal for pay increases for County employees, so they would be paid comparable to City of Ottawa employees. Debbie Hough said that taxpayers like to deal with employees that have knowledge. Commissioner Stottlemire said that taxpayers would not like to have a tax increase to pay increases to employees. Craig Davis said he agreed that taxpayers like talking to people that know what they are talking about, not new employees all the time that are just learning. Craig said that pay increases are needed. Ray DeJulio said that we need to be able to hire people with skill levels and retain current employees. Shari said that the County would not run without our dedicated employees and that she is not asking for increases for department heads. Board agreed that Shari, Craig, Debbie and Ray could look at costs and how the portion would be paid this year and how it will be funded next year.
Mary Allison Haynie discussed art work last week and having a positive effect on downtown. The cost of each sculpture is about $2,900. They are still seeking donations and plan to do the other sculpture on 4th street during Skunk Run. She thanked the courts for putting up with the noise and Darrell Wadkins and his crew for the clean-up.
Mrs. Montague was in about dust control on Oregon Rd. She asked if she would get a discount on this years dust control, because the other was bladed over early and she was not notified. Ray DeJulio said she had only paid for half of it, because the road had been part of a detour and that it was bladed because the blade man determined that it needed to be bladed because of its condition. Board agreed to view the road next week.
Chairman Taylor opened a public hearing at 10:00 for the proposal to vacate a portion of Finney Road.
Ray DeJulio said that he has talked to Ann Dimoush and they do not want the road vacated.
Joe Smith said it is a playing ground for kids after it rains. He is afraid someone is going to get killed. If the road is not vacated, he would like his tube for his drive way moved to Texas Rd.
Ray DeJulio said it would not be a problem moving his tube.
With no other comments, Chairman Taylor closed the public hearing at 10:07.
Commissioner Stottlemire moved and Commissioner Waymire seconded to not vacate a portion of Finney Rd. located in Section 18, Township 18, Range 21. All voted “yes.”
Ray DeJulio discussed a low water bridge on Nevada Rd. and asked the Board if they want to add it to the counties 5 year plan and replace it with a bridge. Board is going to view it next week.
Commissioner Hay moved and Commissioner Stottlemire seconded to allow the Public Works Department to advertise for summer help and two full time truck drivers. All voted “yes.”
Open dust control bids and two were received.
Vendor Magnesium per Gallon Prewetting per Gallon
Scot Wood Industries .361 .12
Envirotech Services .415 .04
Scot Wood Industries has 19 years of experience in the business, is a Kansas Company and has worked with Franklin County the last 7 years.
Envirotech Service has 14 year of experience and will do the work in a timely manner.
Board asked Ray to get more information about Envirotech and talk to other Counties that have used them and come back with a recommendation.
Bob Thompson in with contract with Aquaterra for engineering work at the Transfer Station. Chairman Taylor signed the contract that the Board had previously approved.
Bob Thompson discussed Household Hazards Waste training in Topeka on June 8, 9 & 10. He would like to send one employee. There is no cost for the training just driving back and forth from Topeka.
Commission Hay moved and Commissioner Ferguson seconded to allow Peg Pearson to attend the HHW Training in Topeka. All voted “yes.”
Bob Thompson said he has received a letter of retirement from an employee of the Transfer Station. He would like to start advertising to fill the position.
Commissioner Stottlemire moved and Commissioner Waymire seconded to allow Bob Thompson to advertise for an opening at the Transfer Station due to an up coming retirement. All voted “yes.”
Commissioner Stottlemire moved and Commissioner Waymire seconded to approve payroll change 04-230 for Mauritta Marconette with Services for the Elderly effective March 29, 2004. All voted “yes.”
With no further discussion Chairman Taylor closed the meeting at 11:15 and Board, Shari Perry and Blaine Finch went to attend a luncheon at the Franklin County Daycare.
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Clerk Chairman