The Elk County Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m. The following report was generated from the approved minutes of the Feb. 23 meeting, which were approved at a recent meeting.
The Elk County Commission opened their regular meeting on Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. with the approval of the Feb. 9 meeting minutes.
Don Sanders with Public Works approached the council regarding the purchase of a small roller to help with asphalt around the county. The estimated cost of the roller would be $30,000. Sanders also noted that the Osage Trail bridge should be finished soon. Another bridge, located at Pioneer and Road 6 just east of the Elk River, was submitted for repairs with an estimated cost of 1.6 million dollars. If funding is to be awarded, this bridge would be a 2028 project. Commissioner Perry Russell agreed to be on the steering committee for Safe Streets for All.
Todd Winscher with Rural Fire asked the council for approval to purchase three remote water monitors for the front of the deuce fire trucks. The cost would be $10,000 for each monitor. The water monitors will take the place of a fireman standing on the front of the truck. This would help with the lack of volunteer fire fighters. The commission approved the purchase of two monitors with a plan to purchase two more next year. Winscher noted that one of 1-ton trucks in Longton is in the shop and another will go to the shop due to shifting problems. Commissioner Jake Liebau informed the council that he attended the Grenola City Council meeting and spoke to them about the need for a rural fire barn.
Other department reports were heard from EMS, Community Development and Register of Deeds.
An executive session was held for 14 minutes for non-elected personnel to discuss employee performance to include Sanders and County Counselor Paul Dean. No action was taken after returning to open session.
A 5-minute executive session was held with County Clerk Kerry Harrod and Dean for non-elected personnel to discuss employee performance. After returning to open meeting, commissioners approved a merit increase for Stefni Hebb from $19.33/hr to $20.03/hr and for Malarie Chamberlain from $16.85/hr to $17.55/hr.
A 6-minute executive session was held to include Diane Cucar with Community Development and Dean for non-elected personnel for employee review. After returning to open session, commissioners approved a merit increase to Cucar from $20.56/hr to $21.56/hr and to raise her maximum working hours to 30 hours per week and enroll her in KPERS.
Commissioners approved the warrants in the amount of $146,741.50.
Commissioners noted that the Health Department generator is not currently working. The parts are ordered and the maintenance department will make sure the generator is set up on a weekly test run.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:34 p.m. The next meeting of the Elk County Commissioners will be held on March 23 at 1 p.m.
