COMMISSION MINUTES, APRIL 7, 2008

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 7, 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; and Lou Kern, County Clerk. Absent: Jason Brinegar, County Attorney.

Chairman Helms called the meeting to order with a prayer.

Next regular meeting will be Monday, April 14, 2008 at 8:00 A.M.

The board approved bills and payroll totaling $213,282.38.

The board approved and signed change order nos. 2007-70 through 2007-72.

The commission spoke with Phil Wolfe, Attorney as bond counsel for the county, regarding revenue bonding. Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, was there as well.

Bid sheets have been sent to regional car dealerships for the purchase of a SUV. Francine Regan, County Appraiser, was given permission to advertise for a full time position in her office.

Everett Lutjemeier, Washington County Hospital Administrator, and Ted Lillie, Washington County Hospital Board President, presented a letter to the commission withdrawing the hospital request for an additional 1.5 mill levy. Also present were Tim and Christy Harlan, Greenleaf; Don Spencer and Steve Pierson, Hanover; Tom Parker, Washington County News reporter and Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator.

James Hedstrom, U.S. Cellular representative, presented renewal information for cellular telephone service for two years. The board will meet with department heads to discuss equipment needs and then meet with James on April 28 at 9:30 A.M. Also attending the presentation were David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator; Debbie Swoboda, Emergency Management Coordinator and Francine Regan, County Appraiser.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, presented written policy for the transfer station. The solid waste committee meeting is set for April 21 at 7:00 P.M. in the commission room. Alison Mueller moved to sign the contract with the State of Kansas for control of noxious weeds on state right of way for 2008. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

Don Richardson, custodian, presented prices from Jim Dunbar Tree Service, Clay Center, for removal of two trees, three stump removals and clean up for $1600.00 or $1400.00 without clean up. Alison Mueller moved and Marcia Funke seconded to hire Jim Dunbar Tree Service for $1600.00.

Gloria Moore, Tourism Director, gave the March update. Gloria has been working with the Kansas Sampler Festival set for May 3 and 4 in Concordia. Washington County will host the US Highway 36 Association annual meeting on June 6. Gloria attended the Fort Riley Expo on March 29 and 30. Bus tours were in the county on April 3 and 4.

Marilyn Kolle, Register of Deeds, introduced Jim Seinkamp and Corinne Schwartz, Mid-Continent Micrographics, Inc. who gave a presentation on imaging and preservation of county records. Also attending were Theresa Herrs, Deputy Communications Director; Nola Dusin, Deputy Register of Deeds, and David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator.

Ken Johnson and Jerry Gilliam, Washington County Fair Board members, spoke with the commission regarding construction of a new 100 x 150 foot building that would allow for sheltered horse stalls and an expanded show ring. The building cost was originally $110,000.00 without electricity and does not allow for inflation factored in. The Fair Board has twenty to thirty thousand toward a down payment and asked if the commission would consider a lease purchase on the new building. The board will seek the advice of the county attorney and county auditor and have an answer within a month.

The board adjourned at noon for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 P.M.

David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator, gave weekly work report and FEMA updated. Asphalt quotes were discussed. David reported that the airport runway had heaved during the winter but has settled down now. The situation will need to be monitored. B Street was discussed. Permission was given for David to advertise for summer help and a truck driver position.

Chairman Helms signed payroll change notice for Paul McAvoy due to discharge effective April 4, 2008.

Vic and Carol Wilson presented petitions signed by 476 persons stating: “Shall the Washington County Commission raise the annual Washington County Hospital budget mill levy from 3.48 to 5 mills?” to be on the August 2008 ballot.

At 2:00 P.M. Alison Mueller moved to bring the previous motion from March 31 from the table to the floor. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. Alison Mueller moved to withdraw her motion. Gene Helms seconded and agrees with the motion. Motion carried. Tom Parker, Washington County News reporter was present.

Sheriff Bill Overbeck discussed jail construction issues. Open house for the jail facility is set for April 13 from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Boot allowance was discussed.

The board adjourned at 3:15 P.M.