March 24, 2015 Reno County Courthouse Hutchinson, Kansas The Board of Reno County Commissioners met in agenda session with Chairman James Schlickau, Commissioners Dan Deming and Brad Dillon, County Administrator Gary Meagher, County Counselor Joe O Sullivan and Minutes Clerk Cindy Martin, present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a short sectarian prayer led by Phil Wood, Bahai s of Hutchinson. There were seven additions to the agenda; bids for 82 nd Avenue project, purchase of trucks for Fire District #4, Interfaith Housing project, Sheriff s visit to schools about drugs, Highlands meeting, Quad County meeting invitation, and Mr. Deming wanted to compliment Mr. Meagher. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the Accounts Payable Ledger for claims payable on March 27, 2015 of $389,382.56 as submitted and also consisting of pending Added, Abated and Escaped Taxation Change Orders numbered 2015-210 through 222. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Public Works Director Dave McComb met with the Board along with Sid Arpin, BG Consultants. Mr. McComb discussed the 2014 Reno County Bridge Inspection Report that takes place every two years and also the in-house inspection of bridges report which included the planned replacement of five bridges in 2015. Mr. McComb reported there are 71 bridges determined structurally deficient. He stated there needs to be a systematic program to replace bridges since there were 657 bridges under 20 foot that were not in the bridge plan. He recommended a possible increase in the county tax levy for bridge replacements and repairs by raising the road and bridge levy from the present one mill to two mills, the current statutory maximum. Mr. Arpin made a 2014 Bridge Inspection Summary Report presentation that provided general information regarding the condition of county bridges, with the associated costs and
recommended funding for replacements and repairs. Mr. Arpin stated this was a preliminary discussion of the overall county bridge system and would not focus on specific bridge repair or replacement. He stated this was a mandated program and inspectors needed to be certified by the state since the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) could pull files and check ratings at will. All information would be on a data base given to KDOT. Mr. Arpin went over a map with the deficient and closed bridges showing the color coded system for off system township roads, closed bridges, on system county roads, new bridges and rehab bridges. He also stated that seventy-one bridges met the criteria to be deficient in the structural report by KDOT guidelines. He then stated the approximate cost to replace them would be $28,000,000. Prioritization was the key with county asphalt roads over major rivers then township bridges they are lower level replacements ending up with minimum maintenance road structures that would be closed. He reiterated to identify the needs such as the feasibility of replacement versus level of service roads with evaluated bridges that would be programmed and prioritized for replacement following each biannual inspection. Mr. Arpin addressed the 657 under 20 foot bridges that were also the counties responsibility but were not in the inspection program and he expressed the need to take care of these structures; they were last inspected in 2009. He went over bridge replacement and funding options stating the county needed to be proactive instead of reactive on replacement or repairs of deficient rated bridges. Mr. Schlickau inquired about the relaxed requirements that Mr. Arpin spoke of in a previous township meeting. Mr. Arpin explained that when he first started there was a 1/2 square mile requirement and then the state was divided into three parts under the Division Water permit. We fall under the two square miles of drainage when comparing past requirements to present for the permit. Mr. Schlickau also inquired about contractors specific for that construction site. Mr. Arpin replied that KDOT contractors and manufactures replaced bridges under certain criteria, HS20 load requirements; so no timber bridges would be rebuilt without using modern materials. Mr. Deming asked about the KDOT point ratings for deficient bridges. Mr. Arpin stated the point totals were given to all bridges and KDOT assists with funding the under 50 point bridge repairs. All bridges including the timber bridges fall
under the same point system, it is the same point system ratings used on bridges across the nation. Mr. Arpin had a few more comments on emergency considerations that would be addressed on a case by case basis. Mr. McComb returned to the podium to address the priority on bridges and not having a program in place for the smaller bridges around Reno County. He also went over the cost for replacement bridges in 2008 to 2014, which was $9,515,000 and the cost to repair bridges in 2013-2014 of $750,000. Kenneth McFarland 214 S. Fairview Road, requested the Board review the Clark Road bridge situation. The electric power from Ark Valley runs across land where the bridge used to be and now the repair crews do not have a way over. They also can t take large farm machinery across. He also told a story of a lady traveler that got lost in the area and how most of the land is locked except for six miles to the south. High Point Road was taken off also making it in bad shape out there. Bill Zimmerman, 108 N. Fairview, stated this situation on bridges was addressed a year ago. He thought this was a good management to get on top of replacement or repairing the bridges. Mr. Zimmerman wanted to encourage the Board to keep the roads open for use. Richard Krehbiel 2501 S. Dean Road, stated that east of Highway 17 on Castleton Road, travel with machines has to be on black top roads for a couple of miles. He would like to see at least low water crossings put back in and asked if Mr. McComb would consider replacing the bridge in 2015. Mr. McComb replied they had it scheduled in 2015 to replace with some type of bridge. Mr. McComb was also present to discuss a support resolution for designation of US Bike Route 76, a bicycle route through Reno County, Kansas. Mr. McComb was contacted by Jeff Bowles with KanBike Walk regarding the designation of US Bike Route 76 (USBR 76) more commonly known as the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. The bicycle trail has been designated from Virginia to the Missouri-Kansas border and there are plans to officially designate it all the way to the west coast. Mr. McComb stated that Mr. Bowles had discussed the designation process with KDOT and received their support and commitment to make the USBR application. The bike trail organization must submit the application to American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) who is the designated review agency. Reno County s portion of the trail runs from west 95 th Avenue, travels through the City of Nickerson, continues on east 82 nd Avenue up to east 95 th Avenue, around Medora then continues on east 82 nd Avenue through the City of Buhler and exits the county. Mr. Schlickau questioned how many signs were needed for the bike route. Mr. McComb indicated he thought about 20 signs might be needed for both ways on the twenty-two miles of road and estimated they might cost $1,800 to $2,500. The Reno County resolution does not commit the county to pay for any signs but Mr. McComb stated the county might be asked to maintain the signs and that if the county shows support for the project by passing the resolution there might be a future request for the county to pay for signage. Mr. Dillon was questioning why the need for a designated route. Mr. McComb stated the route would be published on maps designating the roadway as a bike route. Mr. Arpin also stated the route designated community support that would open up their homes or businesses networking so the cyclists could pre-plan for what route they could take across the county. Then Mr. Dillon expressed concern about how narrow the roads were along this route and was joined by Mr. Meagher and Mr. Schlickau with safety concerns. Mr. Arpin stated that the rules of the road would be the same as before and hopefully the designation along the route with signs would help motorist be more aware of the cyclists. Mr. Deming asked if there was a timeline for this project. Mr. McComb was not aware of any information on a timeline. Mr. Deming suggested referring this information to the newly formed bicycle committee for recommendations. Mr. Deming moved, seconded by Mr. Dillon, to give this matter to the bicycle committee for further review and recommendations. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Deming wanted to express to the Sheriff his appreciation for the undercover high school drug investigation to keep kids safe and his support for what the Sheriff was doing. Sheriff Randy Henderson thanked Mr. Deming stating that others were also involved. He then recommended approval to purchase furniture for the Reno County Correctional Facility from the lowest bidder, Office Plus for $63,873.
Mr. Deming questioned whether the Sheriff checked with Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI) before sending out bids. Mr. Henderson replied no and stated he received bids from Office Plus and Roberts Hutch Line, both local vendors. Sheriff Henderson had previously purchased furnishings from KCI. He stated the criteria was by state contract bid and could be the same except lower on non-state bid items. Mr. Meagher joined the conversation informing the Board that we requested bids and since they were already in, he was not sure the two vendors would honor their bids if the criteria changed. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the purchase of office furniture from Office Plus for $63,873 as outlined by Sheriff Henderson. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Sheriff Henderson was also present to recommend approval to purchase (2) two video court kiosks and (10) ten video visitation kiosks from Turnkey Corrections for a total amount of $11,940 for the Reno County Correctional Facility. This would give one per pod free of charge. He stated if they determined within a year of installation that only six kiosks were needed instead of ten, Turnkey offered to buy back the extra four kiosks. Mr. Dillon wanted to know if Turnkey recommended six why the Sheriff wanted ten. Sheriff Henderson replied that he had ten pods and wanted to give the inmates an opportunity to use all the available pods in the housing units. Mr. Dillon inquired about who furnished items for the kiosks. Sheriff Henderson explained Turnkey was the sole provider and each kiosk gives the inmate access to canteen or property items for purchase. Sheriff Henderson also explained that Turnkey charges a percentage for long distance usage from families at home and each generate income for Turnkey. Mr. Deming moved, seconded by Mr. Dillon, to approve the purchase of kiosks from Turnkey Corrections as outlined by Sheriff Henderson. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Sheriff Henderson had the next item for approval on a recommendation to purchase a Guardian Property Room Expander 4 (PRE4) Clothing Storage System from CPI/Guardian, Clearwater, Florida for a total amount of $10,411 for the Reno County Correctional Facility. This is an air tight vacuum sealed system for the inmate s personal property. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the purchase of PRE4 for
$10,411 as outlined by Sheriff Henderson. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve a letter of support for the Crime Reduction Initiative as described by Community Corrections Director Randy Regehr. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the budget line transfers from Community Corrections as outlined by Mr. Regehr. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. County Planner Mark Vonachen met with the Board to discuss Case #14/SUP/03 a modification of conditions of approval for a dog breeding facility located at 8112 North Yaggy Road. Mr. Vonachen explained in November 2014 the Board approved resolution #2014-39 with 9 conditions to operate a dog breeding facility. The application by Henry Brubaker and applicant was Curtis Golden. Conditions 5, 6, and 7 on the timeline were completed and Mr. Golden received his zoning permit on March 9 th, 2015. We are here today to ask for an extension to complete the other conditions by September 3 rd, 2015. He stated there would be no changes in the November approval by the Board, the only change was the extended date. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the extended date of September 3 rd, 2015 as outlined by Mr. Vonachen. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Emergency Management Coordinator Todd Strain met with the Board to discuss a Mutual Aid Fire Protection Agreement between Hutchinson Fire, Reno County Fire Districts #3, #4, #6, #7, #8, #9, Reno/Kingman Joint District #1, Reno/Harvey Joint District #2, South Hutchinson Fire, Rice County Fire District #1, and Burrton Consolidated Fire District #5. Mr. Strain explained this agreement was made several years ago and needed to be upgraded to include more fire districts and terminology. Information and equipment had been added so this officially formalizes the mutual agreement. He had the County Attorney Joe O Sullivan review the document and Mr. Meagher confirmed the City of Hutchinson was in favor of the agreement also. Mr. Strain got confirmation from Burrton and Rice Counties who were also in favor of the agreement. Mr. Deming moved, seconded by Mr. Dillon, to approve the agreement as described by Mr. Strain. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. At 10:40 the meeting recessed for five minutes.
The meeting reconvened with all Commissioners, County Administrator Gary Meagher, County Counselor Joe O Sullivan, and Minutes Clerk Cindy Martin, present. Mr. Meagher recommended approval for Fire District #4 to purchase three brush truck replacements. He stated that the Fire District had located an alternative to purchasing from the dealer or manufacturer, who quoted $260,000 for two trucks that were built to suit. McConnell Air Force Base put some of their fleet, 6x6 vehicles with lower mileage, for sale on gov.planet for internet sales. Mr. Meagher said the bids were to close tomorrow on March 25 th, 2015, and he was asking for approval for the Chief to place bids today. The plan was to bid approximately $40,000 per truck (3 trucks) for a total of $120,000. The replacement trucks would be outfitted using volunteer time with more efficient and newer equipment having a remote front nozzle so one person could control the spray from inside the truck. Each truck s equipment was estimated to cost $35,000 to $40,000 to outfit the unit for operation. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve bids for three trucks spending up to $120,000 for purchase and equipment. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. McComb was also present giving explanation for the 82 nd Avenue project that was bid March 19 th. APAC Shears bid was $631,974.14 and Cornejo & Sons was $827,734. The estimated engineer s bid was one million. Mr. Dillon moved, seconded by Mr. Deming, to approve the lowest bid by APAC as outlined by Mr. McComb authorizing the Chairman to sign. The motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Deming commented on the Interfaith Housing project at 213 West 7 th Avenue, Hutchinson. He stated after a serious fire, the owner gave this property to Interfaith Housing which used its resources to renovate and return it to the tax rolls. Mr. Deming complimented Interfaith for its work in restoring this and other homes, which benefits both county tax rolls and individuals. Mr. Deming also commented on the Highlands Homeowners Association meeting planned for Monday evening with Public Works Director Dave McComb. Mr. McComb will update the group on the continuing sewer district plans for improvements. Mr. Deming also complimented Mr. Meagher on an outstanding job with a recent radio interview on county bridge problems and
other topics. Mr. Deming stressed what an important asset Mr. Meagher is to our organization. Noxious Weed Director Jay Burns and Public Works Director Dave McComb both met with the Board to discuss various current routine items not requiring action by the Board. At 11:15 the meeting adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Approved: Chair, Board of Reno County Commissioners (ATTEST) Reno County Clerk cm Date