COMMISSION MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, September 15, 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, Libby Hiltgen, Assistant County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Chairman Helms called the meeting to order with prayer.

Next regular meeting will be Monday, September 22, 2008 at 8:30 A.M.

The airport improvement plan was discussed. Input was received by all three commissioners. The reason for the plan was that the former plan had expired and a development plan is needed in order to apply for grant funding. No plans are being made in the near future to expend monies at the airport.

John Hiesterman and Terri Gauby, Washington Township board members, spoke with the commission about a low water crossing northwest of Washington. The board spoke with David Willbrant who will investigate the issue.

Sheila Ouellette, Communications Director, discussed renting a tower near Palmer. Libby Hiltgen is to speak with the owners to negotiate rental amounts. Sheila reported that the jail facility is currently holding 16 prisoners from Sedgwick County.

Lou Kern, County Clerk, spoke with the board about the time interval to apply for the restated and amended revitalization plan. The board ruled that the paperwork must be done before construction begins to qualify for rebates under the plan.

David Willbrant, Public Works Administrator, gave weekly work report. David purchased a 2001 Mack semi with wet kit at the Richie Brothers Auction last Thursday for $21,000.00 that the board approved. The board will go to public works department to view the three excavators that are currently at public works. The KDOT task force meeting is Thursday in Abilene. David has given Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, a list of suggested improvements for the 10 year transportation plan.

Robert Holle, Hanover, visited with the board about work that the board has asked to be done on the courthouse steps.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, reported on routine maintenance matters.

Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, presented an article of explanation to be published regarding the airport improvement plan. The board decided not to pursue the airport grant this year. Christy will attend the KDOT meeting in Abilene.

At 11:00 A.M. the board met with department heads. Sharing county resources among departments was discussed. The board asked that if at all possible county employees get gasoline at the public works department; use county vehicles for travel; check prices for vehicle maintenance, and dress code. The board will speak with John Denney, county auditor, to discuss charges among county departments.

The board gave Janice Kearn, R.N., County Health Administrator, to purchase a used copier from Central Office & Supply, Clay Center.

Chris Adelman, Husker Steel, invited the board to lunch.

The board adjourned at 11:55 A.M. and reconvened at 1:00 P.M.

At 1:40 P.M. Alison Mueller moved to go into executive session with David Cooper, EMC Insurance attorney; Lou Kern, County Clerk and Kathy Fritz, Deputy County Clerk; Ann Hawk, County Treasurer; Libby Hiltgen, Assistant County Attorney and Francine Regan, County Appraiser and Bev Finlayson, Deputy County Appraiser, for 1 hour under the attorney/client privilege. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. At 2:40 P.M. the board returned to regular session. No action was taken.

The board adjourned at 3:00 P.M. to view demonstration of three excavators at public works.