COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 18, 2008

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, August 18, 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, Chairman; Jason Brinegar, County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Chairman Helms called the meeting to order with prayer.

Next regular meeting will be Monday, August 25, 2008 at 8:30 A.M.

Debbie Swoboda, Emergency Management Coordinator, will attend the Homeland Security Council meeting next Wednesday. A reverse 911 warning system grant is available through Homeland Security for 3 years. The system would warn residents in any given area of a hazardous event. The board asked Debbie to apply for the grant.

Ellen Anderson, Director, JJA/Adult Community Corrections for the 12^th Judicial District, presented modified community corrections comprehensive plan for FY2009. Alison Mueller moved to sign the FY2009 plan in the modified amount of $163,758.10. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

Alison Mueller moved to adopt Resolution 12-08 expressing the property taxation policy of the Board of Washington County Commission with respect to financing the 2009 county budget. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

Alison Mueller moved to adopt Resolution 13-08 levying a 1% sales tax beginning January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2012, for funding bridges, culverts and low water crossings. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, reported that his department and Dow AgroServices will sponsor a sericea lespedeza field day on Thursday, August 28 at 5:00 P.M. at allocation 1/8 mile north of the US Highway 36 and Highway K148 Junction. The public is invited and a RSVP is required by Wednesday, August 27 by 4:00 P.M. Duane will meet with an EMC insurance adjuster on Tuesday at 9:00 A.M. to view damage to walnut trees. Duane reported that Clifton and Linn Cities have been awarded housing demolition grants.

Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, reported that a gentleman from Hebron, Nebraska, is looking to locate at the airport. Christy asked the board if they wanted her to apply for another airport improvement grant and what would they like to see as an improvement. It was decided to apply for the 75/25 grant to place an automated weather observation system (AWOS) at the airport. Christy is to seek cost proposals for finishing an office at the airport.

At 11:00 A.M. the board met with department heads and Shirley Marrs, District Court Clerk, to discuss the 2009 budget. The wage increase for 2009 will consist of a 25 cent COLA for all employees. The cost of construction of the jail facility and associated expenses has resulted in a 6.53 mill increase for 2008 and an estimated 5.546 mill increase for 2009. The price of gasoline, diesel and road oil has also contributed toward an overall increase in the county budget.

The board received summons that they have been sued by Marketing Partners LLC and Farmers Cooperative for payment of Restated and Amended Revitalization Plan refunds. The board discussed the matter with Jason Brinegar, County Attorney. Jason will file for a 10 day extension and EMC Insurance will assign an attorney to the claim.

The board adjourned at noon for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 P.M. The board viewed the walnut trees over their noon hour.

David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator, gave weekly work report. Asphalt plans for this year were discussed. Alison mentioned issues with the south Barnes oil. Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, presented a resolution that outlines the procedure for declaring county property as surplus property. Alison Mueller moved to adopt Resolution No. 14-08 establishing alternate methodology for the disposal of surplus property. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

At 2:00 P.M. Alison Mueller moved to go into executive session with Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, for 10 minutes under the attorney/client privilege. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. At 2:10 P.M. Marcia Funke moved to continue the executive session for another 10 minutes. Alison Mueller seconded and motion carried. At 2:20 P.M. the board returned to regular session. No action was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 P.M.