Meeting Information
Agenda
Chairman McElhaney called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3, 2002. All members were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Jones made a motion to approve the minutes of November 12, 2001. Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PROCLAMATION 04-03-02
Chairman McElhaney read a Proclamation proclaiming April 1-7, 2002 as Public Health Week. Johnson made a motion to adopt the Proclamation as read; Jones seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman McElhaney then read a Proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Fair Housing Month. Jones made a motion to adopt the Proclamation as read; Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA 04-03-02
Johnson made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda:
- Approve Commissioners Order Nos. 5012, 5013, and 5014. Orders are on file in the office of the County Clerk;
- Approve sixteen (16) Out-District College Tuition Statements in the amount of $115,422;
- Accept the bid received from Deems Farm Equipment in the amount of $11,932 the purchase of one (1) John Deer 5420 Tractor ($18,524 for the tractor; $8,523 for flex-wing finishing mower, less $15,115 for trade-in allowance); and
- Declare that the drug dog has no residual value because of its age and authorize that the dog be given to his handler, Cpl. Gayland Guinn.
Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS & TAX MATTERS 04-03-02
The Board considered approval of a resolution ordering the County Counselor to institute a Judicial Tax Foreclosure Action in the District Court of Douglas County, Kansas. Pat Wells, Douglas County Treasurer, was present for the discussion. Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution No. 02-08 ordering said action, seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS 04-03-02
The Board discussed a request received from the Grant Four Decades Celebra tion Planning Committee Members asking for special permission to include fireworks in a reunion/community celebration planned for the final day of school on May 24, 2002, at Grant School. Julie Boyle, Director of Communications for the Lawrence Public Schools explained that in October 2001, the Lawrence Board of Education voted to close Grant School due to declining enrollment. The building's history dates back to 1961. The Board of Education decided that a community celebration would be fitting in order to recognize the rich, 40-year history of Grant School and a committee was appointed to plan the celebration. Grant students are working on display materials depicting "student life through the years." They are surveying former students and staff about their memories of Grant School and requesting photos and other memorabilia be sent for display during the Open House. Other activities planned for the evening include a sixth- grade graduation ceremony, a community potluck supper, student entertainment, and a live band. One of the committee's goals is to create a celebratory atmo sphere at this event in appreciation of the school community's unwavering support of and long-standing commitment to the education of Grant students. The committee feels that Grant School should "go out with a bang." Marvin Pine, a veteran Douglas County fireworks vendor, will be responsible for the fireworks display which will be lit at a safe distance from the partyg rs. This is a non- alcoholic, family-style event. Jones made a motion that staff be directed to prepare a resolution authorizing the fireworks display for this celebration. Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS 04-03-02
The Board discussed a request from the Palmyra Township Board to rescind the "minimum maintenance" designation currently in effect for a portion of N 175 Road, between 2031E and E2050 Road. Keith Browning, Director of Public Works/County Engineer, explained the process for rescinding a minimum maintenance designation. Palmyra Township conducted a public hearing regarding the reversal of the designation. The Township then submitted a Certificate of Opinion with the recommendation that the designation be re scinded. The Board of County Commissioners then makes a decision as to whether it should be sent to the Planning Commission requesting their recom mendation. Browning also explained that the road is in an area east of Baldwin, southeast of the Boyd Prairie Reserve Area. Once this order is effective, it would be Palmyra Township's responsibility to maintain the road. Jones asked why the township was requesting the reversal. Browning stated his assumption was a developer was planning to build some houses. Jones stated that it should be the responsibility of the developer to improve the road, not the taxpayers. Johnson stated that he understood Jones' position but noted that under the present form of government, this was really the township's responsibility which makes this sort of an argument for a unit road management system so there is consistency throughout the County. Browning added that each township views these issues differently. Jones suggested that this item be tabled for one week and invite A.J. Barrett, Palmyra Township Trustee, to the Commission meeting to address these concerns. Johnson suggested that this be moved forward asking Browning to communicate this conversation with Mr. Barrett since this isn't the final step. Johnson noted his reluctance to delay this since this is really Palmyra Town ship's responsibility and he didn't want to convey the message that the Commis sion is trying to take over their decisions for roads. Jones stated that he under stood Johnson's rationale but it's hard to convey to the taxpayers the distinction between decisions made by the County and the Cities and Townships. Johnson then made a motion to approve Resolution No. 02-09 initiating the process to consider rescinding the "Minimum Maintenance" designation for a portion of N 175 Road and requesting a recommendation from the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried with Jones voting nay.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 04-03-02
Johnson moved approval of accounts payable in the amount of $515,321.32 to be paid 4/1/02; and accounts payable manual checks in the amount of $1,448.25. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT 04-03-02
Johnson made a motion to appoint Chuck Wright, P.O. Box 107, Lecompton, Kansas, to the Senior Advocacy Council on Aging Board for a three-year term. Jones seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
McElhaney made a motion for adjournment. Jones seconded and motion carried unanimously.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jere McElhaney, Chairman Bob Johnson, Member
ATTEST:
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Patty Jaimes, County Clerk Charles Jones, Member
Time and Date