Minutes 08/04/2009 & 08/11/2009

The Morris County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at 8:30 a.m.; all members present.

Commissioners visited with department supervisors who were unable to attend the July department head meeting about budget constraints and other issues.

Stacey Miller, a representative for Zee Medical Service reviewed various health and safety products sold by the company.

Jeff Blosser, road engineer, gave the weekly report of activities for his department.  The new bridge located southeast of Wilsey is expected to be completed by August 12^th, and will then be opened to the public.

The only bid received for two new pickups for the highway department was from Jim Clark Chevrolet for $25,998 each for a 3/4 ton and $24,110 each for a one ton.   The bids were rejected (Hay, Revere).   Motion carried.   The road engineer was authorized (Hay, Revere) to visit Federal Surplus Property in Topeka and purchase two used pickups, if available,  for up to $18,000 for both vehicles.   Motion carried.

Tom Bennett, BG Consultants, presented a study of FAS Bridge 210 located just west of Kelso.  It was the consultant’s opinion that the bridge be repaired or replaced in the next few years, and it was added to the county’s five-year project plan.

Foley Tractor bought out Martin Tractor and the commissioners executed amendments to service and repurchase agreements on Caterpillar motor graders that were purchased from Martin Tractor.

The minutes of the July 21 and July 28 meetings were approved (Revere, Hay) as corrected.

The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

The Morris County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., all members present.

Jennifer Kassebaum, Emergency Management Coordinator, will prepare a disaster declaration due to storm damage on August 10^th.  She will apply for temporary burn permits for piling and burning trees, limbs and brush that was blown down because of heavy winds.

Commissioners adopted Resolution 2009-09 (Revere, Hay) declaring August 10, 2009 as a date of disaster in the county due to winds, rain and hail.  Motion carried.

Allen Fisher thanked the county for work done on a road in his area.

Lisa Davies, sanitarian, requested that the county grant a variance to Craig and Melissa Whittemore for the placement of a lagoon on property in 6-16-7.   Action was taken (Hay, Revere) to allow a variance of 20 feet from the property line which deviates from the county’s sanitary policy.  Motion carried.

The county treasurer presented monthly financial reports.  She also presented a report of the county’s share of sales tax over the past several years.  It is anticipated that there will a decrease in sales tax due to the closing of Wilson Sales car dealership.

John Lee gave the weekly solid waste and noxious weed reports.

Jeff Blosser, road engineer, gave the weekly report of the highway department.  Crews have been working to clear roadways due to the August 10^th storm.  He estimated between 500 and 1,000 trees were blown down.  There was heavy damage to the county’s salt shed at the White City mixing strip and windows were broken at the county shop in White City.  There was damage in all areas of the county except Dunlap and Burdick.

Final inspection was conducted on the new bridge southeast of Wilsey and it is now open to the public.

Kenneth and Colleen Anderson requested that a rock ledge on a portion of J Ave be looked at. 

Blosser presented quotes for 4,500 gallons of diesel and 3,500 gallons of regular unleaded fuel as follows:

                 Bidder                                                   Diesel             Reg Unleaded           

              S&S Oil & Propane, Emporia                  2.346/gal              2.315/gal        

              Farmers Coop, Manhattan                      2.329/gal              2.299/gal        

              Cardie Oil, Tampa                                   2.290/gal              2.224/gal   

The low bids submitted by Cardie Oil were accepted (Revere, Hay).  Motion carried.           

The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.