COMMISSION MINUTES, DECEMBER 8, 2008

The Board of Washington County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 8, 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, Elizabeth Baskerville Hiltgen, Assistant County Attorney and Lou Kern, County Clerk.

Vice-Chair Marcia Funke called the meeting to order in the absence of Chairman Gene Helms who joined the meeting at 9:30 A.M.

Next regular meeting will be Monday, December 15, 2008 at 8:30 A.M.

Don Richardson, custodian, reported on maintenance matters.

Alison Mueller moved to sign a letter of support for the Section 5311 Transportation grant request of Twin Valley Developmental Services, Inc. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried.

The board approved and signed change order nos. 2007-136; 2008-1 through 2008-8; 2008-10; 2008-15 through 2008-17.

Joe Kramer, J-Six Farms, asked the board if the buildings built this year in Brantford Township could be allowed to file for inclusion in the Restated and Amended Revitalization Plan. The board replied that the program specifically states that the paperwork must be filed prior to the beginning of construction and so denied Mr. Kramer’s request.

The board approved and Chairman Helms signed official bond and oath for James M. Burton, Haddam Township Trustee and Gerry Frager, Lowe Township Trustee.

Duane Bruna, Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director, reported on routine matters. Alison Mueller moved and Marcia Funke seconded to approve 2009 hauling permits for C & M Refuse Inc. and Jones Trash Service.

The commission will solicit bids for trash pick up for county offices except the jail facility. Bid opening was scheduled for December 22 at 10:00 A.M.

Henry Kuhlman, Linn, visited with the board.

Christy L’Ecuyer, Business Coordinator, informed the board that the Business Expansion Journal has offered a special

rate of $750.00 for a ¼ page advertisement rather than the usual rate of $1125.00. While the board acknowledged the need for marketing should the bio science lab be located in central Kansas the decision was not to advertise now.

Gary May, Rural Lakes Region Sanitarian, reported that he had written two new permits and closed two permits in November.

Eldon Geffert, visited with the board. The veterans’ memorial at the airport was discussed. Estimates are being obtained from Endicott Clay Products and Stamm Masonry as to the costs. The board will meet with the American Legion Council in January. The board expressed thanks for the first donation toward the veterans’ memorial from Babe Green in memory of Brownie Green. A fund raising plan for the memorial which will involve selling recognition bricks is being developed and will begin after the first of the year. The board asked that the clerk’s office set up a separate fund to receive donations for the veterans’ memorial and also keep track of the donations and the memorial names.

The board declared December 25 and 26 as the county Christmas holiday due to the fact that the State of Kansas offices will be closed on those days.

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

An open house for Marcia Funke has been set for January 5, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. in the commission room of the courthouse.

Upon recommendation of the Greenleaf Township board, Marcia Funke moved and Gene Helms seconded to approve the appointment of Jim Mueller as Greenleaf Township Treasurer. Motion carried.

Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, and Elizabeth Hiltgen, Assistant County Attorney, discussed transition of the county attorney office. At 1:35 P.M. Alison Mueller moved to go into executive session with Jason Brinegar, County Attorney, and Elizabeth Hiltgen, Assistant County Attorney, for 15 minutes under the attorney/client privilege. Marcia Funke seconded and motion carried. At 1:50 P.M. the board returned to regular session. No action was taken. Jason will meet with the commission next Monday at 1:00 P.M. and Elizabeth will meet with the board on Mondays at 1:00 P.M.

Permission was given for the County Attorney to purchase a desk top computer after January 1, 2009.

Meeting adjourned at 2:10 P.M.