-Convene
 -The Pledge of Allegiance

CONSENT AGENDA
 (1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
  (b) Consider Acceptance of low bid for supply of highway de-icing salt
   (Keith Browning)

REGULAR AGENDA      
(2)    Discussion of the County's firework sale regulations. (Harrenstein)

(3) Authorization to upgrade public safety computers (Denny, Bradford, McGovern)

(4)    Discussion of the Statutory Alternatives for the Maintenance of Secondary County    Roads (Weinaug and Browning)

 (5) Discuss and answer questions on Access Management Standards
  (Keith Browning)-No Backup

 (6) Consider approval of Asphalt Supply Contract for 2007 Maintenance Season
  (Keith Browning)

 (7) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment

(8)   Adjourn   

Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 with all members present.

CONSENT AGENDA 04-04-07
Charles moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:

►  Commission Orders Nos. 07-119, 07-120 and 07-121 (on file in the office of the County Clerk); and
►   Low bid from Central Salt for the supply of 3,000 tons of highway de-icing salt at a total cost of $106,470.00.
 
The motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.

MISCELLANEOUS 04-04-07 
John Harrenstein, County Administrator Intern, made a presentation to the Board on a survey of surrounding counties and the number of days vendors are allowed to sell fireworks. The survey was conducted following a letter of request to the Board of Commissioners from Eric J. Garrett, Secretary/Treasurer of the Douglas County Fireworks Association/Kansas Fireworks Association, asking for a four-day sales period in Douglas County. Keith Dabney, Director of Zoning and Codes, was also present for the discussion and noted the cost of inspecting and processing fireworks stands is expected to exceed the permit fees collected. Jones questioned how many permits were issued last year. Dabney replied about 14-15. Jones commented he has no problem increasing the selling period from three to four days if we can collect the costs, but he would not want to go beyond four days.

Johnson opened for public comment.

Jim Pine, Pine Fireworks, stated this is his 60th year in firework sales. The extra day could make up for a rain day. He commented that if a burn ban is issued, it would be helpful if made prior to sales, not during.

Eric Garrett, Secretary/Treasurer of Douglas County Fireworks Association/Kansas Fireworks Association, stated he has more competition than other counties who sell for a longer period. An extra day could make up for a rainy or windy day. Also, another day would add more revenue to the County and supply temporary jobs to students.

Jim Pines, Pine Fireworks, stated there are other stands that are too close to road who do not comply with the regulations but are not closed down.

Larry Banks, Fireworks Officer, stated he has no opinion one way or another for adding an additional day of sales. However, he would like to address enforcement and feels there is no need for both the Zoning and Codes Department and the Fire Department to inspect. McElhaney questioned how many inspectors there are from the Zoning Department. Dabney responded there are three inspectors who inspect on different days. Banks stated he feels there are two different sets of rules to follow and requests some definition. Johnson closed the public comment.

Jones moved to approve an additional day of firework sales in Douglas County being July 1 through July 4; to give the Director of Zoning and Codes the authority to revise the ordinance to define the responsibilities of the two enforcement authorities; to take action against people not in compliance with the rules and regulations; and to increase the permit fee to cover personnel costs. McElhaney seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 04-04-07
The Board discussed the upgrade of public safety computers. Jim Denney, Director of Emergency Communications, was present for the discussion. Jim Denney explained that the software technology that enabled the CAD to dispatch the closest capable responder in or out of the sector required a computer with more memory and capacity. Ron Olin, Chief of Police, stated the existing AS/400 computers are five years old and do not have sufficient memory to handle the software as described above. The upgrade would increase the available processing power by a factor of 50 and should provide a service life of 6-10 years. Funding is available through the 911 fee fund. At least one of the existing AS/400 computers can be moved to the Douglas County Jail to house and operate the jail management system. The Board directed Denney to seek replacement for computer upgrades and bring to Board for approval.

PUBLIC WORKS 04-04-07 
The Board discussed the bids for the supply of asphaltic concrete material for the 2007 road maintenance season. Keith Browning, Director Public Works, was present for the discussion. Three bids were received with LRM Industries, Inc being the lowest bid. This year's contract includes a price adjustment factor tied to KDOT's Monthly Asphalt Price Index. The adjustment factor will increase or decrease the price of asphaltic concrete mix by $0.50/ton for each $10.00/ton increase or decrease in the Monthly Asphalt Price Index. It is possible the unit cost for supply of hot mix will change if the cost of asphalt cement changes. The 2007 budget for Road and Bridge Fund 201 has $400,000 allocated for BM-2 asphaltic concrete.

Jones moved to approve the contract with LRM Industries, Inc. to supply 5,001 tons to 8,000 tons of BM-2 asphaltic concrete at the unit price of $32.95 per ton, and approve a contract with Asphalt Sales to supply 1,000 tons to 5,000 tons of BM-2 at the unit price of $35.00 per ton when LRM cannot supply. McElhaney seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS 04-04-07 
Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, discussed the following three alternatives for the provision of the maintenance of county secondary roads: 1) maintenance by the townships; 2) maintenance by the county government under the "unit road system;" and 3) maintenance by the county under the "rural highway system." The current system operates under the "township system" with the "unit road system" the most widely used system in Kansas. The tax burden in the townships under the existing township system for 2006 varies from 7.886 mills in Grant Township to 26.885 mills in Marion Township. Under the "unit road system" a 2.2 mill would be spread over the entire County to pay for secondary road maintenance. This 2.2 mills would represent an increase for the residents of the City and the County and it would represent a significant decrease for the residents of the unincorporated area. Under the "rural highway system," the average amount of road related tax paid by the residents of the townships would be the same, but since the mill levy would become uniform for the entire unincorporated area, some residents would experience a mill levy increase and some would see a decrease. This option would require an election and would increase taxes for about half of all residents affected.

Jones stated that 69 out of 105 counties have gone to the "unit road system" and most said they would not go back. The system is run like a business by reducing administrative overhead. We must ask, "Can we provide more service at less cost1/2"

McElhaney stated he would be hard to convince. The smaller unit of government is more accessible to people. He questioned if hiring more supervisors, and the definition of road expenses include culverts, mowing, snow and ice removal and baccading roads. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, responded that the estimates provided included all of these expenses.  

Jones commented that at this time, we do not have enough information to make a decision, we are only exploring the idea.

Johnson opened the item for public comment.

Chris Lesser, Fire Chief Wakarusa Township, stated concerns that the County will not provide the same level of service as the townships.

Jerry Smith, Clerk of Willow Springs Township, stated the cost for upkeep in Willow Springs Township is $3,000 per mile and questioned whether the County could provide the same services as cheaply. He feels the system is still working, why change it.

Jones questioned if it is hard to recruit young people to township trustees. Smith replied he has visited with young people and all seem willing to participate.

Chester Fitch, Grant Township, challenged the Commissioners to come up with a long-term plan. The public will expect roads to improve.

Jay Robertson, Lecompton Township, stated the township takes care of the cemetery and will provide better services to the taxpayers.

Mike Stewart, Lecompton Township, questioned if residents had complained about their road service. Johnson responded that this is not an issue of complaint, but of money.

Larry Bartz, Douglas County resident, commented that the Board brought up many good points. Everything is consolidating, which can save a lot of money.

Johnson closed public comment.

McElhaney commented it is obvious somewhere down the road the County will implement the "unit road system." He questioned how annexation would affect the townships. Jones responded that as Lawrence grows, it will eventually eat up the townships, which is a good reason to think about doing this. No action taken.

PUBLIC WORKS & ACCESS MANAGEMENT 04-04-07
The Board discussed the new Access Management Standards and its effect on township roads. Keith Browning, Direct of Public Works, was present for the discussion. McElhaney asked if the Access Management Standards have been forwarded to the townships. Browning replied "yes." For the most part, the Access Management Standard did not change for local township roads. However, there are many township roads no longer classified as local roads, but classified higher. It is important that the townships understand that on these types of roads there is a longer minimum frontage requirement. McElhaney asked for an example of a higher classified township road. Browning used the example of E1600 Road in Palmyra Township and 500 Road in Marion Township. Browning asked the township officials present, to send the Public Works department copies of all entrance permits to be added to the Public Works data base. If the road is a minor collector or higher, the County must sign off on the permit. Browning also stressed the need for consistency of maintenance on local township roads. Driver expectation is extremely important. Johnson opened for public comment. No public comment was offered. No action was taken.

ACOUNTS PAYABLE 04-04-07
Jones moved to approve manual checks in the amount of $2,243.00 to be paid on 04/02/07. The motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried.

McElhaney moved to adjourn; Johnson seconded and the motion carried.

_____________________________ ________________________
Bob Johnson, Chairman                       Jere McElhaney, Vice Chair

ATTEST:

_____________________________ _________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk                   Charles Jones, Member