Meeting Information
-Convene
-Pledge of Allegiance
PROCLAMATION
-Proclaim the month of May as "Mental Health Month"
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders
(b) Consider approval of Notice to Township (Patty Jaimes)
(c) Consider approval of Homeland Security Grant Funds Expenditure Request
(Paula Phillips)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment
Jones called the meeting to order at 8:37 A.M. on Monday, May 3, 2004 with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
PROCLAMATION 05-03-04
David Johnson, Executive Director of Bert Nash Mental Health Center, conducted a brief presentation regarding Mental Health Month. Johnson distributed the 2003 Annual Report and read a Proclamation proclaiming the month of May as "Mental Health Month." Jones made a motion to adopt the Proclamation as read; McElhaney seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA 05-03-04
McElhaney moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
- Authorize Notice to Clinton Township for Clinton Marina, Inc. and
- Table the item "Consider approval of Homeland Security Grant Funds Expenditure Request" for discussion.
Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 05-03-04
At their meetings on April 19, 2004 and April 26, 2004, the Board discussed a request to approve the expenditure of Homeland Security Grant Funds for the purchase of a mobile command center. McElhaney stated that while he believes Douglas County has fantastic Emergency Management, Sheriff, Fire & Medical, and Police departments, he was not in favor of accepting the grants. He stated this was not a reflection of services provided but was because of concerns regarding how the monies are funneled through the system which is more of a federal/national problem. McElhaney also stated he was disappointed in the number of times the command center was used and according to his calculations, it was costing $1750 per hour per incident. McElhaney noted that the command center was something that was needed 20 years ago, however, technology has changed dramatically. He also expressed concern regarding the flow of the Homeland Security Grant.
Johnson stated that the individuals responsible for emergencies in Douglas County discussed the County's needs and identified the need for a new mobile command center as the number one (1) pressing need.
Jones noted that he was skeptical about the grant funds and that he believed the Commission should be rigorous in protecting themselves and future commissions to be sure the money is spent wisely. Jones also stated he was not pleased with the way the information was presented and asked that future requests not be brought before the Commission unless the information is ready for the packets prior to the meeting.
Johnson made a motion to authorize up to $240,000 from the Homeland Security Grant Funds for the specific purpose of acquiring a mobile command center to be built by Brown Cargo Van. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried with McElhaney opposed.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 05-03-04
Johnson moved approval of accounts payable in the amount of $266,073.99 to be paid 05/03/04; accounts payable manual checks in the amount of $2,134.24; payroll in the amount of $585,564.25; and electronic funds transfers in the amounts of $44,835.50 for FICA and $34,244.86 for KPERS to be paid 04/30/04. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS 05-03-04
Johnson made a motion to appoint Ruth Mitchel, Lawrence, KS, to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Tri-County Advisory Council Counsel; Jones seconded and the motion carried unanimously. It should be noted that Ms. Mitchel's term shall expire on September 30, 2005.
PUBLIC WORKS 05-03-04
Keith Browning, Director of Public Works/County Engineer, briefed the Commission on the Route 1029 Project. Browning reported there was a situation with unstable areas in the subgrade which will require moving material and brining in oversized rock to stabilize. The Kansas Department of Transportation has looked at and agree with the method of repair. Browning requested authority to authorize change orders up to 20% of the County's responsibility of the project, which would amount to $8,400. Jones made a motion that Browning be authorized to execute change orders up to $8,400 with direction to return to the Commission if the change orders cross the threshold on the project. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously.
RURAL WATER 05-03-04
Johnson updated the Board on discussions with Scott Shultz, Administrator of Rural Water District #4. No action was taken.
MISCELLANEOUS 05-03-04
Johnson announced he would seek re-election for the 2nd District Commission seat.
Jones made a motion to adjourn; Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Charles Jones, Chairman Bob Johnson, Member
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _______________________________
Patty Jaimes, County Clerk Jere McElhaney, Member
Time and Date