Commission Chairman Will Carpenter called the Butler County Board of Commissioners to order at 9:00 AM. Present were Commissioner Phil Anderson, Commissioner Randy Doll, Commissioner Bill Shriver, Commissioner Mike Wheeler, Administrator Will Johnson Jr., and Clerk Brenda Brychta.

Commissioner Carpenter motioned to approve the Minutes of the Butler County Commission Meetings of Monday, March 17, 2003 and Tuesday, March 18, 2003 as amended. Commissioner Shriver seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0 Commissioner Wheeler abstained.

Butler County Director of Finance, Don Engels came to the Board of Commissioners to present the vouchers for March 24, 2003 in the amount of $894,199.60. Commissioner Shriver motioned to approve the vouchers in the amount of $894,199.60. Commissioner Doll seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Doll motioned to approve the Ads and Abates #2139for 3/24/03. Ads in the amount of $1,547.20 and Abates in the amount $18,093.50. Commissioner Shriver seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Andover Mayor, Dennis Bush, came before the Board to discuss the status of the Bridlewood property. Mayor Bush indicated his city council asked him to appear today to submit an idea of which the County would transfer the Bridlewood property to the City of Andover, even though the City of Andover is unwilling to assist with the original request of $125,000 as their share of the buyout. Commissioner Shriver asked Mayor Bush why the City has waited until now to express an interest in the property. Mayor Bush responded by stating several attempts were made to do so. Commissioner Shriver asked how those attempts were made and Mayor Bush indicated that they had sent letters. However, the only letters received from Andover via their legal counsel, Norm Manley, were dated May 31, 2000 and June 12, 2000. Both letters indicate the City of Andover was not interested in acquiring the property, due to the cash requirement of the County, and the fact that the buyout was not a complete one. There are homes interspersed through the parcel of land, thereby rendering the parcel unusable for a City Park. The letter from May 31^st states in part, "…. But unless the property can be used for a municipal park, I just don’t think that the City is going to be willing to pay anything." The letter dated June 12^th states in part, "….If one or more of these home sites can’t be acquired it could develop that this land can’t be developed effectively as a municipal park. In that event the City probably won’t be inclined to annex this property into the City because of the maintenance obligations which they will thereby be undertaking." A letter sent to the city of Andover by the Board, dated June 7, 2000 confirming this general understanding reads: "….Your letter stated the City is not interested in making a significant cash contribution. With that said, there is nothing more to discuss with the City. The County will determine an appropriate use for the 80 acres since the development of the area as a city park would have no tangible benefit to the taxpayers of Andover." Commissioner Carpenter read from the City of Andover minutes, dated February 25, 2003, which states, "Mayor Bush stated that the City of Andover has made countless offers to try to acquire this piece of property." Commissioner Carpenter asked again how these attempts were made, since there is no documentation of this. Mayor Bush responded by asking City Administrator Jeff Bridges how the attempts were made. No answer was given to Commissioner Carpenter’s question. The Board concludes the last official communications regarding the Bridlewood property were in the year 2000 and it was clear Andover did not have any interest in the property. If there was a misunderstanding on Andover’s part as to the County’s intention, why has it taken 2 ½ years for the City to bring this to their attention. Mayor Bush and Jeff Bridges then left the meeting.

Commissioner Carpenter called a 10-minute recess of the Board at 9:40 AM.

Commissioner Carpenter reconvened the meeting of the Board at 9:50 AM.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board to discuss the Butler County Wholesale Water District, a 28 million dollar pipeline project. After much discussion about the cost of this project on the constituent’s water bill, Mr. Johnson said he would go to the next Wholesale Water District meeting and suggests that Butler County might be able to help finance this project through a mill levy increase. Commissioner Carpenter also suggested that all Commissioners talk to their city leaders and constituents to get their input on this project.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board to discuss his meeting with the City of Wichita regarding a BNSF railroad abandonment, which was filed 3/4/03. This is a railroad which runs from Augusta to the County line to center of Wichita. The City of Wichita was asking if we were going to file an OFA on it. They are going to file a Rails To Trails on it if we don’t. As it stands right now, we won’t be involved in this.

Economic Development Director, Larry Powell, came before the Board to state that he is going to have to prepare a permit application for a quarter-mile gas line inside the city limits of Andover. The Board will take under consideration.

Commissioner Carpenter recessed the Board at 11:00 AM.

Commissioner Carpenter reconvened the Board meeting at 11:05 AM.

Commissioner Carpenter asked for the 2003 Objectives be updated and dated.

The following amended changes and dates added are:

LONG & SHORT TERM GOALS

Use of old jail - committee report by 6/1 /03 and 8/1/03.

Back Taxes – Treasurer, Neal Parrish, to report 3/31/03.

Railroad Leases – list of all leases by 5/1/03

County Sales Tax – waiting for legal opinion.

County Employee Picnic – 6/21/03

New Budget Format – 6/1/03

Creative Ideas and Recognition Awards – 6/01/03

County Maps – 9/1/03

Mowing Bids – Waiting for report of Cost vs Bids – 1 week

Fleet Maintenance Bids – 11/1/03

Credit Card for Tax Payments – moved to Short Term 4/01/03

HR Manager – 1/1/04

Centralized Purchasing – 1/1/04

Codes Court – in Senate Committee

Commissioner Anderson reminded the Board members about the Economic Board meeting on Thursday, 3/27/03 in Augusta.

Commissioner Anderson motioned to adjourn at 12:10 P.M. Commissioner Carpenter seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.