BUTLER
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday,
October 8, 2001
Commission
Chairman, Bill Shriver, called the Butler County Board of Commissioners to
order. Present were Commissioners Randy Doll & Will Carpenter; County
Administrator, Jay Newton; and Commission Secretary, Marcy Zwall.
Commissioner
Carpenter moved to approve the Butler County Commission Meeting minutes of
Monday, October 1, 2001, and Tuesday, October 2, 2001; and the Public Building
Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, October 2, 2001. Commissioner Doll seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioner
Carpenter moved to approve vouchers totaling $549,812.19, dated October 8,
2001. Commissioner Doll seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Emergency
Management, on behalf of Chief Dan Armstrong, Chairman of the Butler County
Fire Chiefs Association, has requested that the Board of County Commissioners
support the local fire departments by helping them raise awareness of fire
safety issues. Further he recommended
the Board proclaim the week of October 7-13, 2001 as Fire Prevention Week in
Butler County. Jim Schmidt, Emergency
Management Director, noted that this is an annual proclamation.
Commissioner
Doll moved to proclaim the week of October 7 – 13, 2001 as Fire Prevention Week
in Butler County, and have the Commission sign a declaration as such.
Commissioner
Carpenter seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0.
Jim
Schmidt, Director of Emergency Management, presented & reviewed the
Agreement Articles and Obligating Documents for Project Impact, reminding the
Board that this is the formal acceptance by FEMA of the proposed projects sent
to them in August. Mr. Schmidt noted
that the Chairman’s signature is required to begin the identified projects.
Commissioner
Doll moved to accept the Grant Award from FEMA for Project Impact projects, as
indicated on the letter September 20, 2001; and allow the Vice-Chairman to
sign. Commissioner Carpenter seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Grant
Helfrich & Nancy Ratclaff, both of EMS, presented & reviewed several
delinquent accounts deemed uncollectable.
Further, he indicated said accounts were either a required insurance
write-off or clients unable to locate or customers who are in bankruptcy. Mr. Helfrich further reminded the Board that
this is a statement prepared quarterly for consideration. In addition, he informed the Board that the
total loss of revenue for this statement is $11,688.01.
Commissioner
Carpenter moved to approve the Ambulance fee write-offs, in the amount of
$11,688.01, as recommended.
Commissioner Doll seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
Larry
Powell, Director of the Butler County Economic Development (BCED), presented a
monthly status report of his department to the Board.
He stated that as of yet, he has not received any railway material. Mr. Newton acknowledged that he had contacted BNSF. They indicated their attorneys have the information, so it should be on the way. In addition, Mr. Powell said that although he was unable to attend the 10/1/01 meeting,
the
City of Augusta has asked for assistance in taking over the railway east of
Augusta. Commissioner Shriver stated
that it was his understanding that the mayor of Augusta was asked to write a
letter to BNSF to abandon that section (.6 miles). Further, he commented that he did not see any problem with that. Mr. Powell explained that BNSF is prepared
to transfer that section to Butler County.
Then the county can do whatever they want with it.
Commissioner
Shriver also told Mr. Powell that, as a result of the 10/1/01 meeting, he
received a letter from the Augusta City Manager supporting the Wholesale Water
District, but adding the City had numerous questions. Moreover, Augusta wanted to be involved in any future discussions
or meetings regarding this matter.
Mr.
Powell informed the Board that the BCED Board would be submitting replacement
recommendations for new BCED Board members in November. Also, due to newly adopted bylaws, the new
members will be the first having 4-year terms.
Mr.
Powell announced that BCED has had several 100+ acre industrial tracts
requested recently. He added that he is
only aware of a few properties that would fit that description, all by the
Andover airport.
Mr.
Powell told the Commissioners that Prairie Rose Chuckwagon (PRC) has requested
the assistance of BCED to investigate & apply for grants for tourism, which
would help offset the road impact expenses.
This would allow for more funds to be received as opposed to PRC
applying individually. The Board
authorized Mr. Powell to help PRC apply for the grant.
·
Commissioner
Shriver announced that he received a notice for a “Vision for Augusta”
workshop, to be held 10/22/01 at 6:30, and requested attendance by
Commissioners who will be available.
Mr. Newton acknowledged receipt of the same.
·
Commissioner
Doll informed the Board that he would be speaking at the City of Augusta 10/15
meeting regarding “Community Foundation”.
·
Administrator
Newton advised the Board that bids were received for the new County Courts
building last Thursday (10/4). He noted
that approximately 80 bids were received, which included the alternates. Further, he said J.E. Dunn would be bringing
recommendations before the Board next week.
Commissioner
Shriver moved to recess into Executive Session until 10:50 a.m. to discuss land acquisition of right-of-ways
for the SW 70th St. project, as well as performance matters of
non-elected personnel. Further,
Commissioner Shriver moved, having no further business before the board, to
adjourn the meeting immediately following reconvening of the regular session,
allowing the Board to tour the Butler County Landfill. Commissioner Carpenter seconded the motion.