109 Board eliminates bookkeeper position By SANDRA STONE Following a lengthy discussion about the audit provided by Chilton & Medley, PLC, the 109 Board continued its regular monthly meeting Oct. 16. The first order of business was approval of the minutes from special called meetings on Oct. 3 and Sept. 11. Board member Shannon Loose stated the minutes incorrectly indicated that Chairman Bim Wardrip abstained during voting when, in fact, the chair votes only to break a tie, and there had been no tie votes. Following a protracted discussion during which attorney Bob Heleringer’s advice was sought, the board approved the change and, subsequently, the minutes as corrected. The financial reports were approved, as were the collection reports. Loose indicated from now on employee Gayle Parr would break the collection report into more categories based on the age of each account. The report showed an increase in collecting past due monies. Board member Jim Harris expressed concern about the increasing number of delinquent accounts. “We have to keep picking up garbage even if they don’t pay the bill,” he said. There was no response to this, and the meeting moved on to the coordinator’s update. Mark Gossett stated he is getting a better handle on what Meade County Solid Waste is spending. He indicated his intent to attend the annual convention of solid waste coordinators. He is currently looking at the feasibility of certain operations and competitive pricing on supplies. Gossett said he is also looking into partnering with other county entities to effect bulk purchases. Garbage collection is once again taking place during the day. A majority of the phone calls have stopped, said Gossett, who added he regularly meets with employees to address recurring concerns such as missed pickups and damaged garbage cans. Loose moved to work with Meade County Bank to set up a system wherein solid waste can accept debit and credit cards. The fee is 1.9 percent with a 20-cent swipe fee each time a card is used. On a second by Bill Hofmann, all were in favor. Loose then moved to transfer accounts with other banks to Meade County Bank in order to obtain a better interest rate. On a second by Hofmann, all were in favor. Gossett recommended rate increases for roll-off rentals as the allowable tonnage increases with the larger containers. Loose moved to accept Gossett’s recommendations. On a second by Hofmann, all were in favor. Loose also moved to purchase two more two-yard and two more four-yard roll-offs. Hofmann seconded the motion. Harris indicated he would rather wait for Gossett to make inquires about available roll-offs and their cost. James Vessels wanted to know how they would be paid for. The motion passed with Hofmann, Loose, Heber Burchett and Vessels voting yes, Harris voting no. If a tenant wants to rent a roll-off, does the property owner need to be notified? This request for clarification of rental responsibility for dumpsters led to a lengthy discussion followed by Loose stating that residential renters should have to pay up front, and the board reaching consensus that the property owner must give authorization because payment for solid waste services is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner. Heleringer updated the board on several lawsuits, one which solid waste won and received a judgment for $400. Another trial was scheduled for the following day as the defendant’s settlement agreement had been rejected. The attorney representing all parties in the racketeering case has filed a motion for summary judgment, but the judge has not yet ruled on that motion. A former employee has filed for unemployment. Heleringer maintained the individual is not eligible for unemployment as he was discharged for improper conduct. The 109 Board entered closed session at 8:35 p.m. pursuant to KRS 61.80, for discussions of pending litigation and personnel issues. At 9:20 p.m., 109 Board Chairman Bim Wardrip slammed out of the closed meeting and declared, “I resign. They can have it.” He gathered his belongings and left the courtroom. At 9:25, Vessels and Harris emerged from the closed meeting. Harris asked Heleringer if a meeting could continue without a chair; Heleringer advised it could provided there was still a quorum. Vessels gathered his belongings and left the courtroom. Harris returned to closed session. At 9:30 p.m., the 109 Board reentered open session with members Hofmann, Loose, Burchett and Harris remaining. Loose moved that the 109 Board employ Livers Bookkeeping Service to be an independent bookkeeper at a rate of $1,000 per month. (The current salary for the bookkeeper is $11.89 per hour which translates to $24,731.20 based on a 40-hour work week.) All were in favor. Loose then moved that the position of bookkeeper be eliminated and the solid waste coordinator be directed to take the appropriate action. All were in favor. The board approved reimbursement to Harris for mileage when he was sent to look at trucks for solid waste. Claims and transfers were passed over. In future, checks will be signed once a month with the board seeing everything being paid and to whom.
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