October 14, 2008

The Board of Fremont County Commissioners met in Regular Session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Chairman Douglas L. Thompson, Vice-Chairman Pat Hickerson, Jane Adamson and Keja Whiteman. Commissioner Dennis Heckart was absent for personal reasons. Also present was County Clerk and Clerk of the Board Julie A. Freese.

Jane Adamson moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to accept the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Jane Adamson moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular meeting held October 7, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.

Pat Hickerson moved, Jane Adamson seconded, to accept Voucher No. 101408F to Fremont Counseling Service in the amount of $100.00 for one Title 25 patient. Motion carried unanimously.

Jane Adamson moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to accept bills for payment with the exception of two vouchers submitted by the Fremont County Fair Board, pending clarification. Motion carried unanimously.

Sheriff Skip Hornecker presented Detention statistics indicating a September daily total of 148 inmates in house, 180 total and 4 housed out of county. This is compared to one year ago of 145 in house and 179 total with 0 inmates being housed out of county. Detention currently has 10 Certified Detention Officer positions open and recruitment efforts are ongoing. There is currently one position open in the Patrol Division, which is the additional Deputy position approved by the Commissioners during the budget process. One Deputy is transferring from the Detention Division to the vacated Dubois Patrol position and a certified Peace Officer, currently residing in Shoshoni, will be moving into the Lysite/Lost Cabin assignment this month. The Communications Division is short one position and it is expected this position will be filled by the end of the month. Two employees conducted an in-service training for the Crowheart and Pavillion elementary schools on the use of E911. Two staff attended the National Spillman Users Conference in preparation for the next release of new software. A major hardware upgrade is scheduled the end of the month. One employee is scheduled to attend “Customer Service” training in Lovell and the Wyoming State APCO conference is taking place next month in Casper. Final preparations for the WyoLink Dispatch Console upgrade are near completion and two grants have been obtained ($185,970.00) to offset the total costs of $347,455, leaving a balance of $161,485. A total of $340,000 has been budgeted for this project from the E911 Enterprise Fund.

A Lander Courthouse Safety Committee meeting has been set for October 15^th. Sheriff Hornecker stated the Committee will be courtroom specific but involve all courthouse security issues. Commissioner Hickerson had earlier volunteered to serve on the Committee.

Youth Services Director Chuck Kratz briefly joined Sheriff Hornecker’s presentation to submit a Fremont County Juvenile Detention Center report indicating 19 new juvenile bookings in September. Total beds days in September were 164 days with an average length of stay of 7.5 days. Revenue billed for these juveniles by the County Treasurer for September was $10,615. The cost to Fremont County if we did not have a juvenile justice act compliant, and state certified juvenile detention center, for September would be $10,615 in lost revenue, $6,375 as a cost to detain juveniles in another facility and transportation costs (not including manpower or overtime) totaling $1,168 for a grant total of $18,158.

Captain Good joined Sheriff Hornecker to update the Board on the status of a 2002 Ford pickup that was damaged when it was parked at a Deputy’s home and a neighbor’s tree blew over onto the hood during a high wind storm. Tierney Franz was present in the audience. The damages have been turned into the County’s property insurance and the low bid to fix the unit is $7,268 (of which the County is required to pay a $5,000 deductible). Captain Good stated this unit was slated to be replaced through the Capital Revolving Fund and requested permission to purchase a 2008 4x4 Crew Cab pickup at Fremont Motors for $24,346.05. If they wait for the purchases though the bid process, they could be out four months without a vehicle in service. Pat Hickerson moved, Jane Adamson seconded, to approve the purchase of the pickup from Fremont Motors Company in the amount of $24,346.05. Motion carried unanimously. Captain Good stated this purchase will reduce the number of units by one that will be bid out through the Capital Revolving Fund.

Sheriff Hornecker reviewed the structure of a Search and Rescue building committee that will be established. He expects to utilize grant writing capabilities of Commissioner Adamson and Search and Rescue personnel to determine needs and find suitable housing for equipment within the next five years. Commissioner Hickerson volunteered to be on the committee.

PAWS members Kathy Hooper, Pamela Canham, Dr. Amy Stockton, Lisa Vis, Kent Moss and Rayne Fabion were present to review their plans for the funding of $48,000 provided by the County to assist in additional housing of county dogs. Hooper stated the group is currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Riverton and Fremont County. Currently, the group uses a building belonging to the City of Riverton who has agreed to an addition to the building for more space. The group’s expectation is that the County will not be charged for any dogs until $48,000 has been expended, at which time they will be charged accordingly per dog. The Board stated their intent that the building belong to PAWS and the county funding be used to expand the facility as necessary. Commissioner Whiteman suggested the group inquire into the possibility of the Fairgrounds lunchroom as a possible building. In review, the group will meet with the City of Riverton to discuss their envisioned arrangement with the County; they will work with Sheriff Hornecker to develop a Memorandum of Understanding and continue to look at building options. Hooper felt they could have a MOU for review by the Commissioners at their next meeting.

A Public Hearing was held at 10:15 a.m., as advertised, regarding Unanticipated Revenues and Budget Transfers within Fremont County’s FY 08-09 budget. County Clerk Julie Freese and Financial Assistant Mike Stalder presented the information and indicated three additional grants had been added. Jane Adamson moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to approve Resolution 2008-15 which included the three addional grants. Motion carried unanimously.

WHEREAS, Fremont County adopted the Fiscal Year 2008-09 Budget in accordance with the Wyoming Uniform Fiscal Procedures Act; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Fremont County Commissioners wishes to amend the adopted budget in accordance with the same Act.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following budget amendments are made:

UNANTICIPATED REVENUES:

Advertised Approved

SOURCE: Wyoming Office of Homeland Security

TO: Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Grant $217,937 $217,937

SOURCE: Transfer In from Homeland Security Interoperable

Communications Grant

TO: Dispatch Center $217,937 $217,937

SOURCE: State of Wyoming Shoshone Cooperating Agency

and Investment Income

TO: Forest Plan Revision $55,475 $ 55,475

SOURCE: WY Department of Health Emergency Preparedness

TO: Pan Flue Phase III $ 20,552

SOURCE: WY Department of Health Emergency Preparedness

TO: Public Health Emergency Prep 6 $ 72,079

SOURCE: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

TO: TANF/CPI 2008 $ 29,984

BUDGET TRANSFERS:

Advertised Approved

FROM: Cash Reserve

TO: County Commission Capital Outlay $200,000 $200,000

Ambulance Director Lauri Wempen was joined by Transportation Superintendent Dave Pendleton to discuss the new Lander Ambulance site at North 1^st Street. Following a tour of the area, Pendleton suggested a slope drain to the east of the lot and have the water drain to the north towards Amoretti Street. He further recommended placing the garage side of the facility to the south as it appears less fill will be needed on that end thus creating less of an upward slope to the street. This would facilitate better access to the street as well. He further stated the Transportation Department would help with in-kind work including transporting fill, removing existing fencing, renting equipment to break the concrete pad and removal. He is unable, however, to provide assistance with the site plan due to present projects.

Lauri Wempen reviewed results of a survey she sent to all departments regarding the Ambulance move to a new location. Several departments indicated they would have use for the old facility located at 625 Garfield Street. Sheriff Hornecker responded that he could use the building for Search and Rescue and County Clerk Julie Freese stated she could utilize it for storage of voting machines and election trailer. When asked who would be displaced by construction of the new site, the Extension Department stated they currently store their livestock scales and trailers at the North 1^st Street site, which could be stored at the Garfield location. Heating and maintenance costs were reviewed at the present Garfield Street facility (roughly 3,500 square feet) of natural gas/square foot of $1.56 compared to the new Riverton facility (roughly 9,600 square feet) of $.32. Electricity per square foot at the Garfield location is $.835 compared to the new Riverton facility of $.327. Wempen was authorized to begin the process of soliciting a site plan. She will develop a RFP and look at figures to develop the plan for the entire lot or just the portion that will be utilized for the new Lander Ambulance facility.

Lauri Wempen reviewed the Volunteer EMT Pension Plan that was approved during the budget process and made available through legislative funding. The Ambulance Department is modeling participant eligibility to that of the fire service in criteria and is only available to active volunteer EMT’s. She stated the Plan is not offered to full time staff, as they already have this benefit. Jane Adamson moved, Keja Whiteman seconded, to approve member contributions to the Volunteer EMT Pension Plan with funding from the Ambulance Enterprise Fund. Motion carried unanimously.

Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Glen Steers presented several bids for purchases through the Capital Revolving Fund. Transportation Superintendent Dave Pendleton was present in the audience. Steers recommended the Board accept the low bid submitted by Riverton Carquest in the amount of $25,055.00 for a vehicle lift for the Riverton Shop and bid of $96,935.00 submitted by Wyoming Machinery Company for a backhoe replacement. Both items are under the respective authorized amount of $38,000 and $97,000, respectively. Pat Hickerson moved, Jane Adamson seconded, to authorize the two purchases. Motion carried unanimously. In a related matter, Steers requested authorization to solicit bids for a tilt-bed backhoe trailer that will be necessary to haul the new Cat backhoe. He anticipated the savings on the transport and trailer will offset any additional costs needed to purchase the trailer. The Board rejected the request at this time as the trailer was not part of the original Capital Revolving Fund requests.

County Coroner Ed McAuslan presented a third quarter summary report indicating a total of 251 recorded deaths in Fremont County. Of these totals, 180 (72%) were Coroner cases. There were 20 more total coroner cases through the first three quarters of 2008 than the same period last year. Among Coroner cases so far this year, 30% were “non-natural” as follows: 29 accidental deaths, 9 suicides, 10 homicides, 21 motor vehicle/traffic deaths and there are currently three cases pending autopsy or investigation. On a positive note, McAuslan indicated it has been more than 4.5 years in a row without any completed youth suicide (17 and under). Drug and alcohol related deaths account for 21% of the Coroner cases, 56% of the non-natural deaths. This rate has decreased slightly since the second quarter. Of those drug and alcohol related deaths, the primary substance of abuse in Fremont County remains alcohol, followed by prescription drugs.

Ed McAuslan informed the Board that Colorado Pathology Associates Dr. Allen and Dr. Wilkerson, Forensic Pathologists of Loveland, Colorado, are proposing to locate a forensic pathologist in central Wyoming, possibly in the Riverton and Lander area, as part of their practice. A meeting with these physicians to discuss this proposal has been set for October 24^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Fremont County EMS Facility in Riverton. McAuslan stated the implications and benefits of having a forensic pathologist practice directly in the area would affect not only the Coroner’s Office, but area law enforcement, judicial systems and county governments. In addition, the service area would bring these benefits to surrounding counties, most of whom, like Fremont, must seek these services out of state. He invited the Commissioners to attend this meeting, both to meet the physicians, show support for the proposal and have any of their questions answered.

Chairman Thompson presented a certificate of achievement to Ed McAuslan for his selection as County Coroner of the Year, as awarded a the recent Wyoming Peace Officers Association Meeting. Vice-Chairman Hickerson stated there are many Fremont County Elected Officials that receive these honors, both at the state and national level. This is a reflection of the wonderful job our Officials do for the county and their recognition as leaders in their fields, which speaks very well for Fremont County.

Fremont Counseling Executive Director Jerry McAdams reviewed current statistics indicating a 72% increase in Emergency Detention Evaluations (Title 25). This is an increase from 73 in the first quarter of FY 2008 compared to the 1^st quarter of totals of 126 for FY 2009. Of these, the causal factor is 45% from substance abuse, 34% due to mental illness and 10% from suicide attempts. He reviewed the reasons why some individuals are evaluated two or more times. Other contributing factors were discussed due to the fact that Indian Health Service is no longer providing Title 25 evaluations. McAdams distributed information compiled by the Wyoming Department of Health and submitted during an October 6^th meeting entitled “Title 25: Creating an Exemplary System of Care for Persons Needing the Most Acute Level of Mental Health Services.” He informed the Board of two upcoming meetings on October 29^th at 10:00 a.m. and November 13, 2008 a 10:00 a.m. at the Riverton Holiday Inn. These meetings are hosted by the Wyoming Department of Health to review and discuss the Title 25 study and to review and obtain comment concerning recommendations that are being considered. He encouraged the Commissioners to attend as their comments are extremely important as these recommendations are designed to make some pretty significant changes to the Title 25 process.

Riverton Circuit Court Judge Roberts was joined by fellow Riverton Court Safety and Security Committee members to provide a power point presentation. A complete list of those in attendance is available in the County Commissioner’s Office. The Committee’s responsibility to identify and monitor safety and security concerns as they pertain to the Riverton Office Center and make necessary requests and recommendations to the County Commissioners. He further stated the recommendations are results of the security audits/surveys prepared by Dave C. Coulter in 2001 and 2007. Main topics included goals of the committee, history of the building, 2001 and 2007 Security Survey Recommendations, Achievements, Deficiencies, Ongoing Safety and S