Eads Trustees Reach Agreement with New Sheriff
March 7, 2003
The Town of Eads Board of Trustees met in regular session February 11 with board members Charles Howard, Diane Crow, Jan King, John Philpy, Daryll Adamson, Dorie Musgrave and Mayor Larry Michael present.
The board unanimously approved, by role call vote, renewal of a liquor license for the County Seat. Adamson abstained from voting since his brother and sister-in-law own the establishment. There were no questions or comments from the board or local law enforcement prior to the approval.
Board members learned that work is continuing at the sewer lagoons southeast of Eads. Dirt work was estimated to be 80 to 90 percent complete, and concrete work was set to begin within the week. When the new system is complete, is will be able to process 150,000 gallons of waste water per day.
At 7:30, Gary Davis, attorney for the town, suggested that the board enter executive session. Crow read a lengthy citation, noting the purpose of the session – negotiations with the Sheriff’s Department and to consider personnel matters – and the specific state statutes which permit the executive session. Davis asked Eads Police Officer Chad Ray to join the executive session at 7:54. Ray exited the meeting at 8:07 to confer with Sheriff Forrest Frazee. The board returned to open session at 8:11. Crow read a resolution to have the board, not the police department, enter a temporary police services agreement with the Sheriff’s Department, with direction to pursue a detailed agreement. Frazee asked if he understood that the legal authority for the agreement was via the town board, not Ray. Davis stated Frazee’s understanding was correct, as specified in the employment contract. Frazee then praised professional conduct and stated that he would work with the board. Board members approved the resolution, which the Sheriff signed later in the meeting.
Dawna Peck, Eads Town Clerk, stated that she had received a letter from Kiowa County Administrative Assistant Karen Krueger stating that town employees could be including in the county’s list of employees subject to random drug testing. The random testing is a requirement for holders of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL). If a town employee is randomly selected, the county will invoice the town for testing expenses.
The board approved a gun ordinance, which was presented following several months of study.
Peck stated that health insurance would increase 33 percent, effective March 1. She stated that the current plan could be changed to help contain the increase. Philpy suggested raising the deductible, which would result in only a $300 per month increase for the town, and look for other options. Board members also suggested that it will be necessary to cap the amount the town pays toward employee insurance. The board approved changing the deductible and pursuing bids from other providers.
Van Brown, Director of Public Works, stated that, while the town is not yet facing a water shortage, the board should consider whether to impose water restrictions as a preventative measure. Most part of the state are planning for, or have implemented, such restrictions. Brown stated that he would be monitoring other communities upstream from the town’s wells in hopes of spotting early signs of a potential shortage.
The board renewed its membership with the Eads Chamber of Commerce.
The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held March 11.