Charlene Sims, Journal staffNew county fire chief, emergency management director hired
Updated: May 6
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.