LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS
April 10, 2017
The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was held in the commission meeting room of the courthouse Monday, April 10, 2017. Chairman Al Joe Wallace called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Terry Finch and Member Alexis Pflugh present. County Clerk Dawn Harlow was in attendance.
Others present for portions of the meeting: Katy Black, Cynthia Nelson, Bev Fisher, Ray Rasmussen, Allan Serrien, Gerry Miller, Bonnie Bush, Mary Powell, Norman Mannel, Mike Tyson, Howard Wehrman, Marc Lovin, Willis Becker, Steve Schneider, Kelly Larson, Dwight Heller, Robert Howe and Debora Zachgo.
Commissioner Pflugh inquired about the road vacation hearing that was held on April 3 and asked about the following topics: Hearing locations; a resolution for procedures; and the appropriateness of combining the two resolutions under one motion. Alexis Pflugh moved to rescind Resolution 2017V-01. Commissioner Wallace related that he believes legal counsel should be contacted as the road was vacated and has been reverted back to the landowner and questioned if it legal to rescind the resolution. The motion died for a lack of a second. Alexis Pflugh moved to seek council to review Resolution 2017V-01, seconded by Al Joe Wallace. Motion carried. Voting as follows: Wallace – Aye; Finch – Nay; Pflugh – Aye.
Sylvan Grove Rural Fire District Fire Chief Marc Lovin and Governing Fire Board Member Willis Becker requested approval to purchase a cab and chassis, providing the bids received. Board members related that the fire district should purchase the vehicle that is their preference and that approval is not needed as they are their own taxing entity. Lovin inquired about selling the old fire station. Board members related that an advertisement should be placed to take sealed bids. Board members expressed their appreciation for the departments service during the March fires, with Lovin providing information on the post incident meeting, that was held to learn from and correct any issues that arose during the incident. Lovin requested that the board consider placing an annual advertisement in newspapers, reminding citizens of the County’s controlled burn regulations.
Marc Lovin extended his support for the nursing home and related that he believes it is very important to our community.
Economic Development Director Kelly Larson inquired about the following subjects regarding Lincoln Park Manor: status for engineering services being provided by Eric Johnson of Campbell & Johnson, Engineers P.A.; and status of the RFP, who is completing, has it been mailed and if so, to who. Board members related that they believe Johnson is waiting to move forward with the plans, and that Commissioner Pflugh is preparing the RFP but has not mailed to anyone at this time.
Steve Schneider discussed his previous road improvement request and inquired if sand would be an option as it is substantially cheaper. Schneider made a request that the county close N 45th Rd and pull rocks to the center of the road from N 50th Rd to E Union Dr and run the rock roller over them; and he would pay the $4,000 for sand and hauling.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Robert Howe with Human Resource Officer Debora Zachgo inquired if the county would consider offering an internship to a heavy equipment student at North Central Kansas Technical College. After discussion, Terry Finch moved to enter into an internship program with North Central Technical College, authorizing Robert Howe to sign all documentation, and to pay Dalton Wirth $9.00 per hour while completing the internship, seconded by Al Joe Wallace. Motion carried. Howe presented a utility permit for the board’s approval. Terry Finch moved to approve Utility Permit Agreement 2017-05 with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, LLC, seconded by Al Joe Wallace. Motion carried. Terry Finch moved to approve Utility Permit Agreement 2017-04 with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, LLC, seconded by Al Joe Wallace.
After discussion, Terry Finch withdrew his motion for Utility Permit Agreement 2017-04. Howe presented a gravel agreement for the board’s approval. Alexis Pflugh moved to enter into a gravel removal/purchase agreement with Block Ventures LLC, expiring December 30, 2017, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried. Howe updated the board on the following subjects: bridge replacement projects, request from Wally Sheldon, and motor grader training. The board discussed Steve Schneider’s inquiry with Howe, concerns were issued in regards to material replacement and that an agreement should be drawn up addressing: costs, each party’s responsibilities and future material needs. Alexis Pflugh moved to have the Road Supervisor draw up an agreement to present to the commissioners, based upon Steve Schneider proposals from E Union Dr to the new residence, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.
Howard Wehrman inquired about why the culvert on E Plum Ln had not been cleaned, Howe related that the crew was delayed at a previous site due to the weather last week, but should be there this week to complete the project.
The chairman recessed the meeting for lunch at 11:54 a.m.
The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 1:00 p.m.
Mary Powell provided information on an agritourism workshop that she attended, relating how agriculture producers are earning additional revenue by marketing services to tourists, and provided statistical information on the amount of money that tourists spend while participating. Powell encouraged the board to invest more money into improving the county’s road infrastructure to help assist local farmers and ranchers who are interested in offering services.
The board received correspondence from Carol de la Torre.
Terry Finch moved to approve and adopt the minutes of the April 3, 2017 regular meeting as corrected, seconded by Alexis Pflugh. Motion carried.
Commissioner Pflugh provided a sample agenda that she would like to see implemented. No decision was made this date.
With no further business to come before the board the chairman adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2017 in the commission meeting room of the courthouse.