Transfer station policy guidelines put on hold
An administrative policy for Marion County Transfer Station was discussed Jan. 18 during the Marion County Commission meeting. The commission tabled an approval because of anticipated payroll changes.
David Brazil, transfer station manager, said he made the document specifically for the transfer station employees.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment has specific requirements and guidelines the county must follow. Brazil said the policy he was recommending to the commission is being followed by employees but there were no written county guidelines.
Brazil said county attorney Susan Robson had reviewed and approved the document.
Prior to Brazil's time with the commission, county clerk Carol Maggard had presented information about upgrading the county's payroll computer software program.
With the anticipated changes in the program, Brazil will make changes in the proposed policy to match the clerk's upgrade.
Brazil also distributed information pertaining to the budgets of the transfer station, planning and zoning, and environmental health.
December tonnage reflected 7,374 tons of municipal refuse processed at the transfer station.
Commissioner Dan Holub asked Brazil about a budget expense for a "special" load.
Brazil explained it was for asbestos shingles.
"The shingles are not considered hazardous," Brazil said, but do require special handling.
A special permit was obtained from KDHE. The shingles were placed in a container and were disposed.
In reviewing the annual report for the transfer station, Brazil noted February and November were months with the lowest volumes of trash.
During 2004, planning and zoning applications had a high approval rating for variances, conditional use permits, and zoning changes.
There were 82 applications approved, five were modified, two were withdrawn, and two were denied.
Building permits numbered 100 with 34 for primary structures and 37 for accessory structures.
While reviewing reports for environmental health, commissioner Randy Dallke asked Brazil what the typical response time was for a wastewater complaint.
Brazil said KDHE requires a response within 20 days but he said he responds within three or four days.
"If it's an emergency situation, I'll respond as quickly as possible," Brazil said.
Sometimes there are delays due to the type of system and problem. Soil testing sometimes is necessary which makes it take longer to remedy the situation, Brazil said.
It was noted there was a total of $320 in outstanding fees for water screenings and real estate inspections.
Holub asked if those delinquent fees could be added to the tax roll. Brazil said he could check.
In other business:
— Two county bridge projects soon will be coming up for bids, reported Jim Herzet, acting county road and bridge superintendent.
One on 140th road near Florence and another on 240th, west of the Chase County line.
Previously personnel from Cook, Flatt & Strobel provided the necessary engineering for bridge projects but Herzet asked the commission if Kirkham-Michael Consulting could be hired instead.
Kirkham-Michael provides engineering work for county road projects.
Maggard wasn't sure what the proper process should be for obtaining bids for bridge projects. She will check into the situation and report to the commission at a future meeting.
The projects are slated for 2007.
— The commission approved the starting pay for new employee Jeff Stenzel in the road and bridge department.
They also approved a change order for Steve Hudson to change positions in the department.
