Chairman Jake Liebau called the regular meeting of the Elk County Commission on March 25 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. Others in attendance included: Todd Winscher, Rural Fire; Don Sanders, Public Works; Erica Cordell, EM; Ken Mitchell, EMS; Rebecca Maltbie, Public Works; Stephanie Ollenborger, ROD; Chris Miller, Deputy Appraiser; John Walker, Sheriff; Stefni Hebb, Duputy Clerk; Malarie Chamberlain, Payroll Clerk; Chole Zaman, Data Collector; Nick Miller, Noxious Weed; Kristina Kraft, Deputy Treasurer; Shari Kaminska, Community Development; Gary Meyer; Peggy Meyer; Doug Meyer; Lee Schouten; Kaye Spooner and Tyler Garst.
The March 11 minutes were approved as presented.
During public forum, Spooner stated she attended the election training held by the County Clerk’s Office and everything went well.
The commissioners approved to increase Abigail Bowman’s hourly wage with EMS from $12 to $12.50 for completing the 90-day probation period. Deputy Appraiser Miller stated a new NRP application has been received. Miller said the Eagle View Mapping system is up and running.
EM Cordell attended the Homeland Security Council Meeting on March 19, in Chanute. The annual Solid Waste Committee Meeting was Thursday, March 28 at the Health Department. Cordell stated they are looking for a representative for the Moline area. The State is ready to restart the flood mapping for Elk County. There was a meeting at the Cox Building on Thursday, April 11.
In public works discussion, Sanders stated they have a road grader in the shop in Humbolt with fuel issues. The open house for the new shop was held. Hannah Heating and Air was scheduled to be in Howard on Wednesday, March 28 to do a walk-around of the Courthouse.
An article regarding ‘Elk County Purchases Land for Future Business Park’ was reviewed by the commission. The article was prepared by Community Development and Business Resources Director Kaminska.
Winscher stated the Moline rescue truck is back in service.
Sheriff Walker stated a dispatcher had quit. Sheriff Walker stated Ruby Nelson has been a part-time dispatcher and she will go to full time. The 2016 Dodge Charger is out of service and repair costs will be excessive. Sheriff Walker presented a quote from Quality Toyota for a 2024 Toyota Tundra SR5, for $52,693 to be paid out of the Sheriff’s Budget. The commission approved the quote.
Discussion was had regarding burning and cleanup of the property at 1285 Evergreen, in Moline.
Kaminska stated they are waiting on the deed for the Moline UMC. Moline had a community clean-up day on April 6, all help was appreciated.
Doug, Gary and Peggy Meyer presented pictures of the condition of the Elk/ Greenwood County Road to the commission. D. Meyer stated the road has not been maintained in years and needs attention. The commission stated the road was vacated on May 18, 2004. The Meyers will work with County Clerk Harrod on a road opening petition.
The commission held a 15-minute executive session for personnel with County Clerk Harrod. No action taken.
Garst presented information on updating the courthouse’s HVAC, windows and electric.
The commission held a five-minute executive session for personnel matters, to discuss employee review, with Sanders. After returning to open session, the commission approved to increase Maltbie’s hourly wage from $15.01 to $15.51 for a merit increase.
The commission held a 15-minute executive session for personnel, to discuss employer-employee negotiations with Sanders. No action was taken.
Commissioners also held a five-minute executive session for personnel to discuss employee review with Ollenborger. After returning to open session, the commissioners approved to increase Lori Winscher’s hourly wage from $16.26 to $17.26 for a merit increase.
The commission approved warrants in the amount of $157,144.17 and $159,427.44 The meeting adjourned at 3 p.m. The Elk Count Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m.
The above report was generated from the approved minutes of the Elk County Commission.
