Meeting Information
-Convene
-Proclamation for Health Department (Colleen Hill)
CONSENT AGENDA
(1)(a) Consider approval of Commission Orders; and
(b) Consider acquisition of row for drainage structure 20.10N-1.00E (Michael Kelly)
(c) Consider approval of resolutions granting Cereal Malt Beverage licenses for Flamingo Enterprises and Flamingo Enterprises/The Bird of Lawrence (Clerk's Office)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Executive Session on an item for the purpose of consultation with County Counselor on matters which would be deemed, privileged under the attorney-client relationship. The justification is to maintain attorney client privilege on a matter involving Douglas County.
RECESS UNTIL 6:35 P.M.
(3) Lone Star Weed Discussion
(4) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment
Thellman called the regular session meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 with all members present.
PROCLAMATION 11-04-09
Sarah Randolph, Visiting Nurses, read a proclamation honoring the 10-year anniversary of the Community Health Facility. Thellman moved approval of the proclamation; Gaughan seconded the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA 11-04-09
Thellman moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Contract for Highway Purposes for replacement of drainage structure, Bridge No. 20.10N - 1.00E; Road No. 107 (E100 Rd), Project No. 20100100 for Jason W. Dexter, 2082 E100 Road, Lecompton, KS; and
► Resolution Nos. 09-36 and 09-37 granting Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses to Flamingo Enterprises of Lawrence and Flamingo Enterprises/The Bird of Lawrence, 1626 E 1550 Rd, Lawrence, KS.
Motion was seconded by Flory and carried 3-0.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 11-04-09
Thellman moved to approve accounts payable wire transfers in the amounts of $40,700 paid on 10/30/09, and $600,000 paid on 10/30/09. Payroll in the amounts of $736,407.21 paid on 10/02/09, and $737,708.72 paid on 10/23/09; KPERS in the amounts of $62,608.55 paid on 10/09/09, and $62,833.04 paid on 12/23/09; and FICA in the amounts of $54,202.61, paid on 10/09/09, $26.06 paid on 10/12/09, and $54,312.30 paid on 10/23/09. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION 11-04-09
At 4:05 p.m., Thellman moved for the Board to recess into executive session for 60 minutes (or until a 5:05 p.m.) for consultation with the County Counselor on matters, which would be deemed, privileged under the attorney-client relationship. Attendees for this portion of executive session included:
Evan Ice, County Counselor; and Craig Weinaug, County Administrator. Motion was seconded by Flory and carried 3-0.
At 5:05 p.m., the executive session was extended for 25 minutes.
The Board returned to regular session at 5:30 p.m. No action was taken.
At 5:30 p.m., Thellman moved for the Board to recess until 6:35 p.m. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
The Board resumed its regular session at 6:35 p.m.
PUBLIC WORKS/LONE STAR LAKE 11-04-09
The Board initiated a discussion regarding long-term options for the Lone Star Lake curly pond weed issue. This discussion is a follow up to the May 23, 2009 meeting where the Board directed staff to research options with Richard Sanders, fisheries biologist with Kansas Dept of Wildlife & Parks, and to place the item on the agenda for discussion in the fall.
Sanders stated he reviewed alternative ways to treat the weed in the southwest arm of the lake without using chemicals. Some of the equipment is as inexpensive as $90, but the techniques are somewhat labor intensive. He suggested having the County purchase the equipment and using volunteers from a local fishing group in Lawrence and lot owners to treat the weed around the private docks.
Flory asked if a real effort were made to clean up the southwest arm, would there be less weed to deal with the next year. Sanders replied the mechanical treatment should make a difference if we cut the weeds before the seeds harvest in late March or early April. The weed will re-sprout but at a slower rate. The weeds cannot be treated chemically until May because their height must reach almost water level to respond. Sanders also stated that the vegetation my decline due to an increase in Carp population, who feed on pondweed.
Flory asked Sanders to state in his professional opinion, how he would handle the pondweed. Sanders replied he would not control the pondweed. Flory asked if the weed would then spread all over the lake. Sanders replied the common carp should take care of the weed issue. Thellman asked at what percentage of lake coverage we would need to consider controlling the weed. Sanders stated when the lake coverage reached 20-40 percent. Flory asked if there is a down side to mechanically removing the pond weed. Sanders stated the rakes will disturb the lake bottom sediments. Sanders also suggested that dock owners can place sheeting around their docks for about 30 days to kill the weed.
Thellman opened the item for public comment.
Ned Kedhe, local fisherman, stated he fishes Lone Star Lake about every nine days. He only sees a small percentage of pond weed in the lake. He wished to not treat the weed with chemicals. He stated if we decrease the pondweed, the lake will have an increased algae problem.
Robert Johnson, cabin owner, stated the weed is a nuisance to cabin owners. He is in favor of using chemicals to treat the problem. However, he stated even with the chemicals, the weed d s not completely go away. He feels he property owners pay enough in taxes that the County should cover the cost of the chemical spray.
Thellman closed the public comment.
Gaughan stated he is eager to come up with a plan for next year. He is interested in the mechanical removal option. He asked staff to determine a price for purchasing the equipment and to determine how many volunteer hours will be needed to remove the weeds.
Flory stated he would like to have more input from the cabin owners to determine their willingness to work with volunteers. He asked that the cabin owners contact staff to help locate volunteers.
It was the consensus of the Board for staff to draft a plan using cabin owners and volunteers to mechanically cut the pond weed, to price the mechanical equipment and to bring the draft and a time table back to the Commission for approval well in advance of April 2010. Flory volunteered to be the lead Commissioner on the project.
Craig Weinaug suggested assigning the project to one of the Administrative interns.
Thellman moved to adjourn the meeting; Gaughan seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
______________________________ ____________________________
Nancy Thellman, Chair Jim Flory, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
______________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Mike Gaughan, Member
Time and Date