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Engineering costs approved for Indigo Road project

Staff reporter

Marion County Commission reluctantly approved an agreement for engineering services on Indigo Road.

The commission asked acting road superintendent Jim Herzet if the engineer's fees have increased.

"$52,500 for 13 miles seems a little high," said commissioner Howard Collett.

Engineer Mike Olsen of Kirkham-Michael presented information at the previous commission meeting and was instructed to get an engineering document to them for approval.

The commission wanted to get the project completed in 2004, and felt there was no time to waste.

"Does their contract renew annually?" asked Collett. It was determined there was no set contract with the firm but they had provided services for the county for a number of years.

The commission decided the project had to be completed in the fall and approved the engineering fee, 2-1, with commission chairman Leroy Wetta voting no.

Following a 10-minute executive session with Herzet to discuss personnel, the meeting reconvened with the commission approving a pay increase for Herzet, the same as road superintendent Gerald Kelsey's wage.

Kelsey remains on extended leave of absence due to medical reasons.

The pay increase will be retroactive to when Herzet assumed the temporary position.

In other road and bridge business, the commission approved a transport fuel bid from Cooperative Grain and Supply of Hillsboro for $12,062 for 3,850 gallons of diesel and 3,000 gallons of unleaded fuel. Cardie Oil Company of Tampa bid $12,072 for the same.

In other business:

— The commission rescinded and approved an updated interlocal agreement with the eighth judicial district.

County attorney Susan Robson reported Morris County had requested a minor change regarding wording which the commission also approved.

— Rails to Trails organization has produced proof of a $1 million liability insurance policy. The insurance was dated from April 2003-April 2005. The commission acknowledged the information following a 10-minute executive session with Robson to discuss attorney-client information.

The commission had requested proof of insurance following an incident on a a rail bed, owned by the organization, resulting in two horses falling in a hole and having to be rescued.

— A letter from Baldwin Law Office was acknowledged regarding the county's liability of an accident involving Margaret Tice as a result of a resurfaced area on Nighthawk.

Robson will review the letter and draft a response for the commission to review.

— The commission gave preliminary approval to the City of Lehigh regarding a neighborhood revitalization program.

— Dianna Carter-Frantz, county appraiser, reported she had received a compliance review for 2003 from the state. The appraiser's office received a 100 percent rating for procedures with no shortcoming noted.

— Mike Wederski of Kansas Department of Corrections and Juvenile Justice Authority, presented the 2005 budget for the two entities. The budgets already have been approved and adopted by the agencies but require the participating counties to sign. Wetta signed for Marion County.

Board replacements were discussed with Wederski making contact with two on the list.

— Bill Smitthart, county noxious weed and household hazardous waste director, presented an annual report, which will be given to Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

There was 26,375 pounds of household waste collected from 413 households, costing the county $39,752 to dispose. Smitthart noted it was the largest collection in five years.

— Maggard requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

— Maggard reported SCKEDD (South Central Kansas Economic Development District) will be requesting an increase in 2005.

Currently the county pays 10 cents per capita. The increase would require the county to pay 15 cents, costing the county $2,004 for 2005.

It was noted dues have not been raised since 1982. Marion County has been a member of SCKEDD since 1973.

— A proclamation was approved, recognizing Northview Developmental Services for its 50th anniversary.

— The commission reviewed the annual renewal of the transfer station permit with KDHE.

The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.

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