COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 31, 2008

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 31, 2008, in the commission room at the Washington County Courthouse. Present: Alison Mueller, 1^st District Commissioner; Marcia Funke, 2^nd District Commissioner; Gene Helms, 3^rd District Commissioner; Jason Brinegar, County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Chairman Helms called the meeting to order with a prayer.

Next regular meeting will be Monday, April 7, 2008 at 8:00 A.M.

The March 24 minutes were amended to include “The board discussed the hospital boards’ request for an increase in funding in support of the Washington County Hospital construction project.”

The board approved and signed change order nos. 200-67 through 2007-69.

Don Richardson, custodian, reported that a local Boy Scout may like to do an Eagle Scout project by planting around the courthouse. The board will speak with a Master Gardener and develop a planting plan.

Marcia Funke moved to approve the local agreements for the Restated and Amended Revitalization Plan between the county and Vining and Mahaska Cities. Alison Mueller seconded and motion carried.

Janice Kearn, R.N., County Health Director, presented transfer of 40 hours earned time from Mary Oelschlager to Deanna Rahe. The board signed a contract renewal with Crist & Pieschel at $50.00 per hour and .505 cents per mile. Janice reported that 1069 persons had lab work done at the Health Fair on Saturday.

Ann Hawk and Karen Scheele, County Treasurer employees spoke to the commission and were joined by Roine Tegethoff, County Treasurer.

Tom Parker, Washington County News reporter, and Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, were present when the commission spoke with Steve Pierson, Hanover City Mayor; Vic and Carol Wilson; Darrell and Debbie Schlabach; Lee Hynek; Lori Hagedorn; George Jueneman; Dennis Minge; Pat and Larry Mueller and Bob Sand. Steve Pierson as spokesman for the group said that they were not here to attack a new hospital but rather to ask the commission to put the mill levy issue/dollar issue to a vote of the people.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, and Brian Kolle, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste employee, spoke with the board and Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, regarding a letter from Greg Koppes, Greenleaf. After discussion it was agreed that the verbal policy in effect at the transfer station will now be reduced to writing. April 24, 25 and 26 are the days for free landfill fees. Duane reported on other routine matters and will look at a cardboard baler that will sell on Saturday in Clay Center.

Sheriff Bill Overbeck; Sheila Ouellette, Communications Director, and Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, discussed how to handle inmate billing delinquencies. April 13 through 19 is National Telecommunications week. Alison Mueller moved and Marcia Funke seconded to give permission to the DARE officers to send 7^th and 8^th grade DARA students to a Royals baseball game.

The commission met with airport board members Eldon Geffert; Dennis White; Dean Lovgren and American Legion members Larry Wurtz; Homer Naumann; Charles Turk; Bill Rencin; Ken Stettnisch and Jim Martin. Also present was David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator; Sheriff Bill Overbeck and Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator. Nine drawing for a veterans memorial at the airport were reviewed. Discussion centered on whether or not to sell bricks for a memorial or whether to even have names. Funding of the memorial was discussed as to soliciting donations without using county dollars. It was decided that it estimates as to the cost need to be obtained before making a decision and that the group would meet again.

Francine Regan, County Appraiser, asked the commission if they were considering a new vehicle purchase. It was agreed that requests for sealed bids for the purchase of a mid-size sport utility vehicle will be sent to regional car dealerships and set the bid opening for April 21 at 2:00 P.M.

Alison Mueller moved and Marcia Funke seconded to give $100.00 to the Hanover High School After Prom Party from the alcohol and drug fund. Motion carried.

The board adjourned at 12:10 P.M. for lunch and reconvened at 1:10 P.M.

David Willbrant, Public Works Director, gave weekly work report. The board approved the low fuel quote form Leiszler Oil for $26,123.25 for 7500 gallons of diesel. Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, and the board discussed culvert issues with David.

At 1:50 P.M. Alison Mueller moved to go into executive session for 5 minutes with Jason Brinegar, to discuss pending litigation. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. At 1:55 P.M. the board returned to regular session. No action was taken.

At 2:05 P.M. Alison Mueller move to go into executive session with Lou Kern, County Clerk, and Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, for 5 minutes to discuss non elected personnel. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. At 2:10 P.M. the board returned to regular session. No action was taken.

Scott Miller, Deputy, spoke with the commission regarding the Internal Revenue Service rules regarding reimbursement for boots. Deputy Miller felt that that the eliminator boots worn by law enforcement should be considered part of the uniform. The IRS rules state that items that are usable as ordinary clothing are not part of the uniform and are not deductible. The county currently reimburses employees $90.00 through the payroll system for boots.

The commission examined and confirmed the annual report for Franklin Township.

Marilyn Kolle, Register of Deeds, spoke with the board about digital imaging of records. A gentleman from Mid-Continent Micrographics will give a presentation next week to the board and Marilyn.

Discussion began on the mill levy/dollars as requested by the Washington County Hospital board. After lengthy discussion, Alison Mueller moved to put a question on the August ballot: “Shall the Washington County Commission raise the annual Washington County Hospital budget mill levy from 3.48 mills to 5 mills.” Discussion followed. Chairman Helms called for second. Gene Helms seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Alison Mueller moved to table the motion until April 7, at 2:00 P.M. for a decision. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. Marcia Funke moved that the Washington County Commission show its support for the Washington County Hospital bond issue by raising the mill levy to 5 mills. After examination of Roberts Rules of Order Marcia Funke withdrew her motion due to the fact that a previous motion was on the table and must be addressed first.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 P.M.