COMMISSION MINUTES, MAY 21, 2007

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May 21, 2007, in the commission room at the Washington County Courthouse. Present: Alison Mueller, 1^st District Commissioner, Chairman; Marcia Funke, 2^nd District Commissioner; Gene Helms, 3^rd District Commissioner; Jason Brinegar, County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Chairman Mueller called the meeting to order.

Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 8:00 A.M. County offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2007, to observe Memorial Day.

The May 14 minutes will be amended to show that the Public Building Commission gave the order for steel trusses rather than steel beams.

The board approved bills and payroll totaling $247,408.50.

The board signed official minutes from November 27, 2006 through May 14, 2007.

Chairman Mueller signed payroll change notice for William H. (Bill) Dickson as Deputy Sheriff effective May 29, 2007.

Roine Tegethoff, County Treasurer, was given permission to hire temporary office help.

The board acknowledged receipt of a copy of a letter from Kansas Department of Transportation regarding an illegal salvage and storage location in the NW/4 of Section 18, Township 4 South, Range 1 East.

The board acknowledged a copy of a letter from the Kansas State Historical Society stating that the Mahaska Rural High School #2 building has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

At the request of Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, Gene Helms moved to designate Twin Valley Developmental Services Inc. as the official collection agent for electronic waste in Washington County. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. Electronic waste should still be brought to the recycling center for transport by Twin Valley. Duane reported that he has found a company that will accept rechargeable batteries. The program is funded by battery companies. Wells at the transfer station have tested ok. Harold Jones, Jones Trash Service, told the board that it is a mistake to sell the Grant Township pasture and that it should be kept to use as leverage against Hamm Quarries to hold down hauling rates.

Arlene Dague, representing the Washington County Historical Society, reported that tax credits issued through the Kansas State Historical Society can be used to shingle the jail museum, however, the bills must be paid up front before the credits are issued. Arlene asked the commission if they would consider helping with the up front costs until the money comes in. No decision was made at this time.

Everett Lutjemeier, Washington County Hospital Administrator, and Ted Lillie, Board Chairman, came in to discuss the availability of an USDA 0% interest loan from Bluestem Electric to buy equipment needed now at the hospital through general obligation bonds. The county would need to issue a letter of guarantee. The matter was discussed with Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, and a decision is to be made next week.

The board adjourned at noon for lunch and reconvened at 12:55 P.M.

David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator, was present at the 1:00 P.M. bid opening for airport mowing. One bid was received. Gene Helms moved to accept the bid of Mike Schuessler for 2 years at $280.00 per mowing. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. Work report was given. Permission was given for David to accept the low quote for the purchase of fuel. Driftwood piled up under county bridges was discussed. David will inspect the bridges and come up with a removal plan. Bob Chambers, Engineer, Cook, Flatt & Strobel, will work up estimates for the county share of the Hanover City truck route and Mahaska City traffic problem. Signage outside of the Mahaska City limits was discussed. The NCKCHOA meeting is Thursday in Lincoln, KS at the high school.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 P.M.