McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Last week’s hailstorm in the McPherson area caused damage to about 30 county vehicles. County Administrator Rick Witte told County Commissioners Monday that impacted most departments, the Sheriff’s Office and Public Works especially.
There was also roof and other damage noted at county buildings, the Courthouse and Health Department in particular. An adjuster from the county’s insurance provider will be here soon to evaluate that damage.
Commissioner David O’Dell provided an update on the McPherson County Building renovation on which sheetrock work is proceeding. The address on the building is being re-designated as 200 North Maple to reflect the main entry point to the one-time bank building. O’Dell reported the Appraisers Office and mapping are planning to move their existing furniture from the Courthouse, and at this time the certificate of occupancy will probably be issued next March or April.
Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust reported a rail car tank has been ordered for a bridge replacement near 2nd and Smoky Valley Road west of Marquette. Only half of the car will be used on this project, with the other half to be kept in inventory.
Commissioners approved the expenditure of up to $5,000 for steel plates, which will be attached on either side of the tank, with a concrete surface and fill material yet to be determined. The tank car cost is $25,000 including part of the cutting process, the remainder to be done locally.
Bohnenblust also provided updates on several ongoing projects including 27th Avenue between Canton and Roxbury which continues to deal with weather delays, and he reported the KDOT funded safety survey of the two intersections along Old Highway 81 on the west and south edges of Moundridge is scheduled to begin in October.
Commissioners also approved placement of yield signs along Frontier Road at 29th Avenue south of Canton. Bohnenblust said this is related to a tree planting project by Spring Valley Mennonite church at that corner, which initially wasn’t going to be possible due to sight distance issues. It was determined though if yield signs were placed along Frontier this would be doable.
Bohnenblust also introduced their new engineer to the Commission. Elizabeth Hopp, who lives in the Marquette area, has over 15 years of engineering experience. Over the next couple of weeks Hopp will be spending time across all divisions of Public Works familiarizing herself with staff and operations.
Sheriff Jerry Montagne informed Commissioners his office has been awarded a $7,000 grant through the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to cover the cost of 13 holsters and red dot accessories for service weapons used by deputies purchased last year. The red dots are mounted on top of the 9mm guns deputies use, and this allows for more accurate aiming in the event they have to use it. The grant will allow all of their deputies to have new red dots and holsters.
Commissioners approved a three percent cost of living raise for county employees, to take effect with the pay period starting Oct. 26. The effective date is tied to a Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance renewal, which includes a premium increase that will take up most of the COLA. The County pays 76 percent of health insurance premiums. The renewal will also include an increase in deductibles which will match with what most employee health plans have at this time.
Commissioners during the meeting also approved multiple end-of-introductory period raises, authorized filling of a maintenance worker position at Public Works, and a promotion in the Sheriff’s Office.
