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

Administrator Johnson came before the Board to review the information presented to the Sales Tax Committee. Mr. Johnson suggested that the Committee needs to know, primarily, what the sales tax would be used for. It was agreed that Commissioner Carpenter address the meeting of the Sales Tax Committee on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 7 pm and explain the proposed options for what the tax might be used.

These proposed options would be for a tax dedicated to debt reduction, property tax relief (lower mill levy) or shares to all cities and towns.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board to review the information on the Wholesale Water District. It was agreed that the first priority would be to get the City of El Dorado and the City of Augusta to agree to the concept. Then, maybe, other towns with assets in the area such as Andover, Towanda, Benton, Douglass and Rose Hill would be amenable to the concept.

Administrator Johnson asked to table a discussion of this change in job description until tomorrow, because Ms. Dunham, GIS/Mapping Director, could not be present today.

Commissioner Carpenter motioned to approve the minutes of October 20, 2003 and October 21, 2003, as amended. Commissioner Doll seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Anderson abstained.

Commissioner Wheeler motioned to approve the vouchers for October 27, 2003 in the amount of $450,840.36. Commissioner Doll seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner Anderson stated that KDOT has placed school crossing signs in the detour route, of Hwy. 77 through Douglass. Anderson also stated that re-construction on Hwy 77 was finally progressing into the Douglass area.

Commissioner Anderson stated that someone from Richland or Pleasant Township asked to be informed if any planning and zoning changes, for their area, are proposed and coming before the Board.

Commissioner Wheeler stated that he and Darryl Lutz, Director of Public Works, toured the SW Butler Quarry area and found that the road had been recently watered and dust was at a minimum.

Commissioner Carpenter stated that he had viewed the storage area of contractor office trailers at 10756 SE Satchell Creek Road area and no trees have been planted. Administrator Johnson stated that he thought the dead line for planting trees is the end of October 2003, but would check with planning.

Commissioner Carpenter reminded the Board of the Tour Butler meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2003 in Beaumont.

Administrator Johnson reminded the Board of the Appreciation Dinner for 4-H clubs at the 4-H Building on November 1, 2003.

Commissioner Carpenter stated that he will be at the REAP Retreat next Monday morning, November 3, 2003.

Commissioner Wheeler reminded the Board that Tuesdays Board meeting will be in the City of El Dorado Commission meeting room, at 7 pm. (November 4, 2003)

Administrator Johnson reported that the newest jail count was a total of 204 inmates with 149 billable inmates.

Commissioners Carpenter and Wheeler stated that they received favorable comments on the Employee Appreciation Breakfast.

Commissioner Doll motioned to adjourn the meeting of the Board at 10:40 am. Commissioner Carpenter seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.