State addresses safety concerns on U.S.-50 years ago
County insurance carrier suggests Peabody hire Knak, provide instructor insurance
Staff reporter
Letters from Marion County Attorney Susan Robson to Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Department of Transportation officials will not be sent on behalf of Marion County Commission because steps have already been taken to address safety issues in construction areas on U.S.-50.
County clerk Carol Maggard asked the commission Monday, on behalf of Robson, if letters were still necessary.
The commission made the decision because indications were made that additional resources have been allocated to patrol U.S.-50 between Newton and Florence.
KDOT had taken measures in assuring safety in construction zones by routing traffic to shoulders of the road prior to the construction areas.
Commissioner Bob Hein reported he had contacted the county's insurance carrier and was told it would be too costly for JoAnn Knak to be a part-time employee of the county and be covered under the county's insurance to teach emergency medical technician classes.
The insurance agent suggested the City of Peabody be contacted and asked to hire Knak as a part-time employee and carry the insurance for her to instruct the class.
Commission chairman said he would contact Peabody mayor Randy Dallke with the suggestion.
Maggard said she received a call from Senator Jim Barnett regarding the algae situation at Marion Reservoir. Barnett said he would like to meet with the appropriate local personnel and include Senator Sam Brownback, and Congressmen Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts.
Maggard was instructed by the commission to contact Barnett to plan a meeting with city officials, county sanitarian David Brazil, Bruce Wells of Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development District, and Peggy Blackman.
Maggard presented a budget proposal for the clerk's office reflecting a slight increase from 2004 of less than $500 for a printer.
The budget for the commission will remain the same but it was noted there may be additional expenses for the two new commissioners due to training and seminars.
Maggard said she was still working on the election budget because of mandatory upgrades in 2006 that may impact the 2005 budget. She also noted mandatory training for election personnel will be held Aug. 2.
In other business:
— Maggard presented additional information to the commission regarding an agreement from community corrections presented at this past week's meeting. Maggard clarified the insurance would be through Geary County since the officers are Geary County employees. Marion County would provide 15 percent of the premium totaling between $8,000 and $10,000.
The commission said that was a large amount and would consider the decision at a later date.
— Commissioner Bob Hein reported he had contacted Jack Chappelle, landfill consultant, regarding a meeting with the commission to discuss post-closure procedures. Chappelle was available for the July 26 meeting and will be placed on the agenda.
— Maggard reported the League of Kansas Municipalities employee who had assisted the county with job descriptions had resigned. The descriptions will be completed after the league hires another person.
Maggard said the information would be submitted in mid-August to be completed by September.
— The commission approved the low bid from the Marion County Record for Marion County Park and Lake brochures. A bid of $1,200 for 10,000 brochures from the Record was approved. A second bid was submitted from Baker Brothers of Hillsboro for $1,763.
— A transport fuel bid from Cardie Oil Company of Tampa was approved totaling $12,168 for 5,500 gallons of diesel averaging $1.30 per gallon and 3,000 gallons of unleaded fuel at $1.57 per gallon.
A tire bid from Cardie Oil Company also was approved totaling $42,593. A second bid from Rod's Tire and Service of Hillsboro totaled $43,522.
— A salary change was approved by the commission for the public health administrator.
— The commission approved the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle for the county noxious weed department. Director Bill Smithhart submitted two bids for the vehicle from Deer Trail Implement of Marion and Salina Motor Sports. Deer Trail had the low bid of $6,193. Salina Motor Sports submitted a bid of $7,033. Both included trade-in allowance for the department's used ATV.
The commission also approved the bid of $8.81 per gallon totaling $1,580 for 2, 4D Amine from Markley Service of Marion. Ag Service of Hillsboro submitted a bid of $8.89 per gallon.
Smithhart also reported 1,068 pounds of household waste was picked up recently from Goessel.
— A 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel was requested and granted by county sheriff Lee Becker. Becker and Sheri Lewis of the sheriff's office, were in attendance with the commission.
— David Brazil, county sanitarian, zoning administrator, and transfer station manager, presented monthly reports.
Planning and zoning had spent 37 percent of the available budget, environmental health was at 48 percent, and the transfer station was at 56 percent.
Monthly tonnage was reported at 706 tons for June and 3,564 tons so far this year.
Collett asked when the county's zoning regulations were to be finalized. Brazil said a public hearing will be in August with commission approval after that time.
Collett asked if wind farms were addressed and Brazil said they were.
— Cynthia Martens was appointed as treasurer of Lehigh township due to the elected treasurer moving from the area.
