Commission Chairman Will Carpenter called the Butler County Board of Commissioners to order at 10:00 AM. Late start due to REAP meeting. Present were Commissioner Phil Anderson, Commissioner Randy Doll, Commissioner Bill Shriver, Commissioner Mike Wheeler, Administrator Will Johnson and Clerk Brenda Brychta

Receive Larry Powell, Director of Economic Development, came before the Board with a Monthly Summary of contacts. Mr. Powell provided the Board with copies of the abandonment procedures should the Board decide to abandon some railroad properties.

Commissioner Shriver recommended that Mr. Powell provide a listing of options with instructions on how to proceed with each option. Mr. Powell agreed to prepare this format for the Board.

Mr. Powell informed the Board that Blake’s Tire and Auto inventory and contents are going to be auctioned later this month. The county has a micro-loan with them for about $1,900.00. Proceeds from the auction should pay the loan.

Questions and answers regarding the monthly report followed.

Receive Larry Powell, Director of Economic Development, came before the Board for

approval of a Resolution 03-68, adopting the Butler County Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Commissioner Shriver motioned to approve Resolution No. 03-68 adopting the Butler County Economic Development Strategic Plan. Commissioner Doll seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board for consideration of the tabled Cellular Phone Administrative Policy. This policy provides an efficient and consistent procedure for the acquisition, use and maintenance of cellular phones for all County departments and divisions.

Commissioner Doll motioned to approve the Cellular Phone Administrative Policy with amendments and changes, as discussed last week. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Motion carried. 5-0.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board with an update on net totals for the County surplus auction. The County has received $26,305, less advertising expense of $1,668.42, City of Towanda has received $4,844.00 and City of El Dorado has received $191.00.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board with an update on the Sales Tax Committee. The committee has broken up into sub-committees researching existing budget expenditures, existing revenues, future new revenues and the impact on retail sales with a new sales tax. An update will be presented to the Board after Wednesday nights meeting of the Sales Tax Committee.

Administrator Johnson came before the Board with an update on the Liberty Memorial Project. Mr. Johnson stated the project will include the original, refurbished Statue of Liberty and no trees will be removed for the sidewalk and pad.

Commissioner Carpenter motioned to approve the minutes for Monday, September 29, 2003 and Tuesday, September 30, 2003, as amended. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Wheeler motioned to approve vouchers for Monday, October 6, 2003 in the amount of $145,381.23. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Doll motioned to approve the Adds and Abates #2160. There were no Adds. Abates are in the amount of $2,311.92. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Shriver stated that he had visited with Todd Kennemer, Director of Planning and Zoning, and asked him to address the problem of dust control by the Rock Quarry on Hwy. 77. Commissioner Anderson confirmed the dust problem.

Administrator Johnson informed the Board that there were 107 billable inmates at the jail.

Commissioner Carpenter reminded everyone of the department head luncheon and meeting on 10/13/03 at 12:00 PM (noon).

Administrator Johnson reminded the Board that the Employees Appreciation Breakfast will be 10/24/03. County Board members and Department Heads of Butler County and City of El Dorado will serve the county and city employees.

Commissioner Carpenter stated that the statue of Lady Justice, on the front of the Court House, was in need of refurbishing. Johnson stated he would check into options.

Commissioner Carpenter motioned to adjourn the meeting of the Board and to tour the new judicial facility at 11:45 AM. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.