New county fire chief, emergency management director hired

MOUND CITY – On Monday, May 2, the Linn County Commissioners hired Randy L. Hegwald as the new Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director at the rate of $30.17 per hour.

He will take the place of current Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Doug Barlet, who retires on July 1.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Learned from South Shop Road Foreman Harry Wisdom that three of the county road graders are not working. One is the John Deere on the seven year, 7,000-hour buy-back program. If the county wants to use the buy-back, it will need to apply soon because it has 6,200 hours on it.

• Heard from North Shop Road Foreman Mike Nation that the semi-tractor is still not running properly and will need to go to the International dealer for repairs.

• Learned that GIS/Mapping Director Pam Cannon needed the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) renewal for GIS was going to cost $27,500. This program is the one that allows online access to maps and an online portal. Commissioner Danny McCullough asked that Cannon come into explain more about the renewal next week..

• Approved a resolution to put surplus property on PurpleWave. The equipment includes a 500-gallon fuel tank, 1,000-gallon fuel tank, 500-gallon tar tank, some new and used oil filters, an ice machine, two 10-foot snowplows, and a cardboard crusher. The auction will happen on May 24.

• Learned that the transportation department had received several grants for 2023. The grants include $45,000 in operating funds and $29,000 in administrative funds from the federal government, a minivan with a handicap lift, and $18,000 for operating funds from the State of Kansas.

• Hired John Wateski as a part-time maintenance worker at the Linn County Park for $13.75 per hour.

• Agreed to advertise for a part-time marina clerk at the Linn County Park.

• Heard from Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower that the comprehensive plan was on track to be completed around the end of June.

• Approved the signing of letters to the school districts and cities regarding budget changes made earlier in the meeting.