Chairman Jake Liebau called the Feb. 26 regular meeting of the Elk County Commission to order at 1 p.m. Commissioners Doug Hendricks and Perry Russell were all present as well as County Clerk Kerry Harrod and County Counselor Paul Dean. Also in attendance were Todd Winscher, Rural Fire; Don Sanders, Public Works; Ken Mitchell, EMS; Sheriff John Walker; Erica Cordell, EM; Kandy Dowell, Health; Chris Miller, Deputy Appraiser; Rachel Ware, Treasurer; Stefni Hebb, Deputy Clerk; Malarie Chamberlain, Payroll Clerk; Shari Kaminska, Community Development; Kristina Kraft, Deputy Treasurer and Kaye Spooner.
Commissioner Hendricks moved and Commissioner Russell seconded the motion to approve the Feb. 12, minutes as presented. Motion carried 3-0.
Spooner stated she attended the meet and greet at the Swinging Bridge Café recently. Spooner spoke with the area’s Senator and Representative regarding elections.
Mitchell stated two employees went to the Guardians of the Heart Conference. The newer ambulance was scheduled to go into the shop on Feb. 27. The ambulance was still under warranty.
Cordell stated Action Communications found two blown fuses in the charging modules on the Grenola tower. They were scheduled to do another test at the end of February to see if the batteries were staying charged. Cordell attended the workshop and exercises at the Operational Coordination Symposium in Wichita. Storm Spotters training was on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Cox Building.
Dowell stated staff would be attending the Governor’s Conference in early March.
During the public works update, Sanders stated the Gravel Road Maintenance Class was planned for March 6. An open house will be held on March 28, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the new public works building.
Miller, with noxious weed, attended the Annual Noxious Weed Conference. Commissioner Russell moved and Commissioner Hendricks seconded the motion to re-hire Gordon Everett at $14.75 an hour in the Noxious Weed Department. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Hendricks moved and Commissioner Russell seconded the motion to rescind the motion from the last meeting to purchase a 2021 F-550 for $73,284 from Century Trucks. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Hendricks moved and Commissioner Russell seconded the motion to purchase a 2022 F-550 with 74,000 miles and a $25,000 warranty for $68,274.81 from Century Trucks. Motion carried 3-0. The truck will be paid out of the Public Works Equipment Reserve Fund and the Noxious Weed Department.
There have been no applications submitted for the maintenance position. Sanders would like to get bids for mowing and seasonal grounds work.
Kaminska stated the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was slated for Feb. 28 in Elk Valley. The trade show portion was open to the public.
Winscher stated he is highly recommending individuals not to burn due to the dry conditions. The rescue truck in Moline needs a long block. Commissioner Russell moved and Commissioner Hendricks seconded the motion to approve Rural Fire to replace the motor in the Moline Rescue Truck. Motion carried 3-0. Discussion was had regarding putting a fuel tank at Grenola.
Sheriff Walker presented the report for January 2024. Deputy Kelly Young has finished the academy and has been scheduled to start work.
The contract for the property at 1285 Evergreen has been signed by all parties and a termite inspection was scheduled for March 1.
Discussion was had regarding title insurance.
Following a five-minute executive with the Commission, Clerk Harrod and Counselor Dean, to discuss non-elected personnel, the Commission approved to give Chamberlain a merit raise from $14.49/hour to $15.50/hour. Motion carried 3-0.
A 10-minute executive session was held with Commissioners, Kaminska and Counselor Dean for confidential data to discuss legal matters. No action was taken.
In two separate motions, the Commissioners approved warrants totaling $84,535.42 and $69,274.81. They also approved payroll for $277,666.37. Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
The Elk County Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m.
