Eads Town Board to Look at Formal "Buy Local" Policy

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

October 29, 2004

The Town of Eads Board of Trustees met in regular session October 12 with board members CJ Filbeck, Bill Barlow, Charles Howard, Dennis Pearson, Cardon Berry, Diane Crow and Mayor Larry Michael present.

During the regular meeting, a hearing was simultaneously opened regarding the adoption of the state’s Model Traffic Code, however no one from the public attended to speak about adopting the code. The hearing portion of the meeting was closed about 45 minutes later without discussion. The board will not be able to adopt the code until its next meeting.

Approval was granted to the Fire Department to purchase gloves and face shields for about $350.

Michael introduced Warren Yule who is the new Administrator at Weisbrod Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home. Yule comes to Kiowa County from Otis, and is familiar with life in small communities. He praised the local healthcare system, and invited the board to contact him if he can be of assistance. Howard, who is also a hospital board member, praised Yule for having already reversed the hospital’s projected deficit for the year, and the facility is now expected to earn a profit.

Pearson asked if the town had a policy to buy from local merchants when possible. Peck stated that there was nothing formal, but something that employees tried to do anyway. Berry stated that, when he was first elected county commissioner, a lot of items were purchased out of town. Policy was then set so that local merchants were favored if their prices were within 10 percent of an outside source’s price. Van Brown, Director of Public Works, stated that he purchased most everything he could locally, and that NAPA is now one of his bigger bills since the store now carries hardware items. Berry suggested formalizing the policy, which Pearson supported. Howard pointed out that, in looking at the bills, most items are already purchased locally. Brown stated that item purchased at Sam’s Club are purchased in bulk. Pearson countered that he knew from personal experience that Stop and Shop and Kiowa Drug would both order case quantities of items if needed and available. Barlow confirmed that both businesses submit bids to the school for larger quantities. Michael stated that the board will need to take a closer look at the issue.

The board resumed looking at possible changes for employee retirement funds. While the Public Employees’ Retirement Association offers some advantage, the town would not be able to opt out of the federal Social Security program if it enrolled in PERA, though the current supplemental program through Wadell & Reed could be eliminated. In addition, PERA applies to all employees, including part time summer lifeguards. The current Wadell & Reed program only applies to full time employees. Crow stated that thought PERA would be expensive, and would rather look at other programs and possibly also require employees to contribute a larger amount to their retirement funds. Board members generally agreed that further research is necessary, including a meeting with Wadell & Reed representatives.

Brown stated that he had not received any further bids for work on the windows at town hall. The current bid was for $2,058 from Engelhardt Construction. Peck stated that their was not enough money left in the budget to do both the electrical and window projects, and considered the electrical project a higher priority. Pearson suggested approving the bid, with the understanding that work could not be started, or at least paid for, until January. The board concurred.

Eads Police Officer Chad Ray stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been billed to reimburse the town for two weeks of his salary that was paid while he was in Alabama assisting with damage control and emergency management in the wake of hurricane Ivan. Ray was part of a team of eight sent from the state of Colorado to the disaster site. He stated that it was a good experience, he hoped never to have to use those skills in a Kiowa County disaster. Ray served as the Deputy Incident Commander – second in command - in Escambia County, Alabama, which is half the size of Kiowa County and suffered $200 million in damages. Ray is also the Emergency Manager for Kiowa County.

Ray also reported receiving complaints about adults buying alcohol for minors. In addition there are on-going drug investigations that are reaching from Eads to Rocky Ford and Colorado Springs. Some arrests have been made, and more are expected. Ray stated that complaint about "little" motorcycles, which was a significant topic at last month’s meeting have slowed, and educational programs for children are planned for next spring.

Brown reported that his cross-connection certification will be up in January, however classes will be offered in early December to be recertified. He stated that he will also have a cross-connection control ordinance for the next meeting, which is required by law. Brown stated that the required ordinance is strict, and expressed concerns about how Eads residents will react. Cross-connection control helps prevent contamination to drinking water.

The board tentatively set a budget meeting for November 4 at 5:00 p.m. The board also selected November 16 to discuss the personnel policy.

Michael stated that he would be attending the Port-to-Plains trade corridor meeting in Laredo, Texas, November 10.

Peck asked for clarification regarding the funeral leave policy. Under the current system, if an employee is absent for a family funeral, the time is deducted from vacation days since the town does not have "personal days." Peck requested that such time be deducted from sick leave, which the board approved. The situation will be reviewed along with other aspects of the personnel policy November 16.

Pearson reported that State Senator Mark Hillman will be the featured speaker at the Eads Chamber of Commerce meeting October 25 at Our Place Restaurant beginning at 5:30.

Barlow complimented the city crew for drainage improvement made on the east side of town, stating that water flowed well following a recent rain.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held November 9