By JACKIE TAYLOR | September 14, 2022

From last week’s commissioner’s meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 5, as a result of executive session, the commission voted to terminate Deputy Fire Chief Dee Horttor’s employment effective that day. It was an at-will termination with no reason given.

The commissioners met for their weekly meeting Monday and paid bills in the amount of $369,495.86. They also approved abatements that were a refund in the amount of $48.64.

Sheriff Kevin Friend reported 38 prisoners total with 19 of those farmed in from other counties.

Commissioner Jim Johnson was voted delegate to represent Linn County at the Kansas Association of Counties meeting Oct. 17-19 in Overland Park. Commissioner Danny McCullough and County Clerk David Lamb are alternates for the convention.

AMR Operations Manager Galen Anderson reported 35 transports month-to-date with 20 last week. He said the new paramedic and EMT are finishing up with introductory items and should be on duty soon. They also have a paramedic looking to transfer to Linn County for duty.

Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported 11 incidents week-to-date with 387 year-to-date. He is working on firefighter retention and looking to pass out pamphlets at area parades this month and next.

The commissioners approved the resignation of Don Proffitt from the Fire Board and thanked him for his service to the county over the years.

County Health Nurse Missy Lancaster reported the Health Department gave 11 covid tests last week. She said Friday, Sept. 16 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. is the Ladies Night Out at the Mound City First Baptist Church that is scheduled to promote women’s health.

Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower reported County Clerk’s Office employee Steven Sage requested student loan assistance with the Rural Opportunity Zone grant that will pay up to $15,000 over five years to pay back the student loan.

The commissioners approved adding $1,500 that is matched by the state’s $1,500 portion for five years.

Commissioner Rick James said the ROZ student loan program ‘is a way to get, and keep, good employees, now and down the road.’

Hightower said she rejoined the SEK Inc. program for housing and secondary education; with that a sub-committee of SEK Housing Coalition also asked for her to be a part of the committee. The commissioners approved her joining both housing groups as it goes with the new housing grant that the county is working on.

Planning Director Darin Wilson received two bids for proposals for the county’s comprehensive plan. Both proposals, one from IBTS (Institute for Building Technology and Safety) and the other from Kaup Law Office. The bid will be awarded Oct. 12 after County Counselor Gary Thompson, the commissioners and Wilson look at the proposals.

A bid for $18,000 plus $500 for incidental costs was approved for Olathe Ford, Commercial Division, to put a new engine in the county’s F550 work truck. Other bidders were Midway Ford for $21,295.22, A1 Auto for $19,500 and Oakes Ford for $19,907.56.

Public Works Director Shaun West reported the county received three invoices from Century Link for cable repair. West said one of the damaged lines was from the county, the other two the county was not in the area when the damage occurred. The $2,032.09 bill was turned in for insurance to look at with an accident report. West will visit with Century Link on the other two invoices.

James asked West about his request to standardize committee setup and term limits. Thompson said committees are all different and Commissioner Jim Johnson questioned obligation and authority of each committee.

James has a goal of publishing each committee’s members and when their terms are up so new people can serve their community.

Resolution 2022-29 was approved with two traffic control signs added; one at 1000 and Read Roads, the other at 950 Road and Osborn.

Reduction of dump fees for the CD landfill was approved for a house that has to be demolished at 109 N. 2^nd St., La Cygne owned by Jackie Pribble. The house was built on city property.

Various change orders were discussed for the Justice Center. McCullough will visit with West, IT Director Chris Martin and River City Construction concerning why the change orders were issued, who created the damage, etc.

A pay request for $778,210.98 for request no. 24 was approved 3-0.

Following executive session with no action, the commissioners discussed possible renovation of the old courtroom, former County Attorney’s office and the courthouse for storage, election office use and more.