Board reviews EMS job applications
At the conclusion of the Jan. 16 meeting, Marion County Commission entered executive session and reviewed eight applications and resumes for the Marion County Emergency Medical Services Director position.
Former director Darryl Thiesen was terminated Dec. 18 by the commission. On Dec. 20, Larry Larsen was appointed to serve as interim director until a new director could be hired.
The deadline for applying was Jan. 12.
In other business:
— Colleen Hajek was appointed Wilson Township Clerk when her name was drawn by the commission.
— The commission signed an application for a USDA Rural Development grant for a county revolving loan program.
— County road supervisor Steve Hudson distributed information regarding the activities of 2006.
During the year, workers hauled 24,791 tons more than during the same time period the previous year and used 1,300 more gallons of fuel.
During December, there was $1,100 spent for equipment repairs, $8,400 for equipment parts, and $1,400 for shop tools and supplies.
— The commission instructed road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet to seek bids to replace a 45-year-old hanging furnace in the county's main shop.
— County clerk Carol Maggard reported that KVK, the county's maintenance contractor for the boilers, informed her that a chiller needed additional equipment to make it operate automatically. The cost to install the equipment would be $2,654 but does not need to be done immediately.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said he was aware of a 10-year-old boiler that was used for two seasons that could be considered to replace the boiler in the jail building. Maggard said she would be concerned whether KVK would be willing to service it.
A comparison will be made between a new and used boiler.
— Maggard reported the worker's compensation premium for 2007 was $119,847. There was $130,000 budgeted.
— The commission reviewed the budget summary for the month of December and year-end. It was noted that the ambulance department had used several thousand of dollars from the general fund to keep its budget solvent. Maggard said even though the general fund will not be reimbursed, she was keeping track of the amount.
— Dallke requested and received a five-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege with county attorney Susan Robson. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Commissioner Dan Holub requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel and included Maggard. The session was extended another 10 minutes. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Becker requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
