LARNED — The Pawnee County Commission met at 9 a.m. May 23 for a regular meeting. Pawnee County commissioners Kathy Bowman; Donna Pelton; and Gary Caplinger, chair, were present. The following are approved minutes submitted by Pawnee County clerk Ruth Searight.
Searight gave the commissioners the following for their review/approval — payables; KDOL information on new regulations; 2016 Kansas Job Vacancy Survey; draft minutes; Lions Club on Community Needs Assessment Questionnaire; agenda and ROZ Resolution.
Sydney Blanton, Larned Chamber director, and Pawnee County Ecomonic Development director, gave updates on 2016 Santa Fe Trail Days. She visited about a grant.
Blanton provided updates on Job Fest (10 from Larned). She talked about the Network Kansas Partnership.
Informed the Pawnee County commissioners of the five-year renewal due for the ROZ program.
• Commissioners approved and signed Resolution No. 2016-02, regarding the five year renewal of the ROZ program.
• Commissioners approved and signed checks for payables.
• Commissioners read, corrected and approved Minutes of May 16, 2016.
9:30 a.m.—Kathy Rondeau, District Manager, PCCD, Jamie Holopirek, USDA-NRCS District Conservationist, Jed Fleske, Jared Skelton. Gave updates on activities.
Presented and discussed their proposed 2017 Budget and County Appropriation request.
10 a.m.—Kurt Demel, Pawnee County highway administrator, requested an executive session, 5 minutes, personnel.
10:05 a.m.—Demel gave an update on bindweed. He gave commissioners the numbers for a Dump Truck Quote. After discussion, Commissioners approved purchasing the Peterbilt as     quoted for $151,770, to be paid from the road and bridge budget.
Demel informed commissioners that the sign program has been delayed until fall.
Since Memorial Day Holiday is next Monday, Commissioners approved a special meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, May 27 to approve payroll and handle any other business as presented.
10:30 a.m.—Robin Rziha, Pawnee County health administrator, discussed the letters of commitment from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
10:45 a.m.—An executive Session was requested, 15 minutes, personnel exception.
11 a.m.—Discussed the ad Rziha will place for an office assistant.
• Commissioners approved and signed checks for second run of payables.
11 a.m.—Conference Call and Meeting with the following, regarding the Larned State Hospital — John Settle, Pawnee County attorney; Rita Kurtz; Brenda Hagerman; Phil Martin; John Haas; Elaine Salmans; via telephone; Kearney & Associates, Steve Kearney; John Ewy, State Rep; and Mitch Holmes, State Senator.
11:25 a.m—Kevin Salzman joined the group. Discussion regarding responding to administration, and the privatizing of the Larned State Hospital, and Holmes sponsoring a Senate Bill 277.
Discussed many other ideas and actions.
Kurtz suggested the brochure “All Roads Lead To Pawnee County,” should be sent to all legislatures and candidates.
Martin stated we need to take care of our state employees and give good quality care to the patients. Next action needs to be letters and top-notch representation and presentation.
Holmes will draw up a summary request, and Settle will circulate letter, and target other areas, and he will talk to the city, sheriff, chamber, state prosecutors, state sheriff’s’ organization, and organize a local group.
Have e-mails and written letters.
Holmes will call Settle this evening to visit further.
Commissioners signed a BCBS letter for the Pawnee County Health Department.
1:30 p.m.— Commssioners discussed the morning session.
2 p.m.—John Hughes, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital administrator; John Haas, PVCH board member; Settle, and via telephone, HaysMed Shea Veach and George Harms.
Hughes gave operations updates of personnel leaving, vacations, clinic appointments time study. Hughes will work until June 30 in Larned.
Veach gave an update on the 40 applications they have received for the hospital’s administrator post.
Harms gave update on the financials for April. Had a tremendous month. $880,000 year to date ahead of budget.
Dr. Hill is full time and is replacing the part-time doctor.
Tri West, VA programs, Choice Programs for VA, and Rep. Tim Huelskamp has good contacts at VA.
Gave an update on the Larned State Hospital sending patients to PVCH, discharging them, and not accepting them back.
2:55 p.m.— Hughes and Haas left, and phone call ended.
Settle visited with the commissioners further on the plans regarding the Larned State Hospital.
• Commissioners approved Extension Air Conditioner from Comfort Pro for $9,100.
3 p.m.— The meeting was adjourned. A special meeting was scheduled at 8 a.m. May 27. Next regular meeting is scheduled at 9 a.m. Monday, June 6.
May 27 Special Meeting
The Pawnee County Commission met at 9 a.m. May 27 for a regular meeting. Pawnee County commissioners Kathy Bowman; Donna Pelton; and Gary Caplinger, chair, were present. The following are approved minutes submitted by Pawnee County clerk Ruth Searight.
• Commissioners approved and signed checks for payables.
• Commissioners approved and signed checks for payroll.
• Commissioners approved and sign change orders No. 2015 - 185 & 186.
9:35 a.m.—The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting was scheduled at 9 a.m. Monday, June 6.