ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE GEARY COUNTY COMMISSION MINUTES

March 11, 2013

Commissioners Present: Ben Bennett, Larry Hicks and Florence Whitebread Steve Opat, County Attorney/Counselor, arrived at the meeting. Chairman Bennett called the meeting to order and the pledge of allegiance was recited. The commissioners and Mr. Opat reviewed and approved the monthly vouchers. The commissioners held their review and update:

Commissioner Whitebread: Reviewed Geary Community Hospital’s strategic planning session that she

attended last week. Chairman Bennett also discussed his participation. Reported on the EDC meeting she attended last week.

Sheriff Tony Wolf presented the weekly report:

Reported there are 83 prisoners in our detention center today and the high for last week was 107.

Reviewed VIN inspections for 2012. He stated that one deputy remains in the department all day to provide this service. He reviewed a plan to hire a civilian, part-time inspector. He noted that the money collected for this service will more than pay for the position. He stated he would also like to have this person stationed in the Treasurer’s Office and that Kathy Tremont, Treasurer, is in favor of this proposal. This would allow him to put the deputy back on the road where he is really needed. He stated that this would be more efficient for his department, the Treasurer and the citizens. He asked that the commission approve the creation of the new position. Commissioner Hicks inquired about the salary. Sheriff Wolf stated that he will need to talk Lisa Eickholt (Human Resources) regarding the salary. Commissioner Whitebread stated she thinks the proposal has benefits as long as Treasurer Tremont is agreeable. Commissioner Hicks stated this seems to be reasonable but he wants to hear from Treasurer Tremont and Mrs. Eickholt. Chairman Bennett stated he did not have any problems with the proposal. Sheriff Wolf left the meeting.

Lisa Eickholt, Human Resources, presented the weekly report: Inquired of Chairman Bennett how the Flint Hills Regional Council meeting went on the

applications for a new director. Chairman Bennett stated they met yesterday, reviewed the applicants and chose four to interview.

Reviewed the status of hiring employees in various departments. Reviewed open positions in various departments. Discussed KPERS legislation. Mrs. Eickholt left the meeting.

Therese Hoff, Deputy County Clerk, discussed the following:

Stated the February payroll totaled $671,419.73 which was $34,493.20 less than January. She stated this was primarily due to the fact there was far less overtime. The commission reviewed and approved the report.

Presented the minutes from March 4. Commissioner Whitebread moved to approve the minutes of March 4. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye. Mrs. Hoff left the meeting.

Minutes 03-11-2013 Page 2 Meredith Butler, Community Corrections Director, discussed the following:

Presented the FY 2014 Juvenile Justice Block Grant. She stated it has been approved by the CAB and the programs are basically the same as last year. She noted the State of Kansas cut the grant by 15%, but that will not affect personnel.

Reviewed the Governor’s budget proposal for Community Corrections. Discussed bills that are currently in front of the legislature. Commissioner Hicks moved to approve the FY2014 Juvenile Justice Block Grant

application. Commissioner Whitebread seconded and all voted aye. Chairman Bennett signed the documents. Ms. Butler left the meeting.

The meeting recessed for lunch from 12:01 to 1:15 p.m. The following arrived at the meeting: Dennis Cox, Public Works Administrator; Curtis Van Nahmen, Road and Bridge Supervisor; David Yearout, Planning and Zoning Administrator; Clyde Adams, Victor L. Philips Co. and Caleb Strauss, citizen. Mr. Yearout discussed a meeting that he and Mr. Cox attended last week with KDOT regarding the MPO. He stated that Troy Livingston, Cartographer, also attended the meeting. He presented a draft of a map and discussed the steps that remain to be taken. There was a general discussion regarding streets, roads and bridges in Geary County that are also included in the MPO area and there was a particular discussion about East Street. Mr. Yearout stated it was discussed last week and will be added. Richard Roeser, citizen, arrived at the meeting. Mr. Yearout and Mr. Cox discussed the great work that Troy (Livingston, Cartographer) has done on this project. Mr. Yearout left the meeting. Mr. Cox and Mr. Van Nahmen presented the weekly report:

Provided an update on the Liberty Hall bridge project #31C4338-01. He presented various documents that need to be signed.

Mike Ryan, citizen, arrived at the meeting. Mr. Cox and Mr. Van Nahmen continued:

Noted that the two utilities related to the Liberty Hall bridge project are Embarq and Westar. Commissioner Whitebread moved to approve the right of way clearance documents. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye.

Presented a request and petition from Flint Hills Rural Electric. Mr. Ryan left the meeting. Mr. Cox and Mr. Van Nahmen continued:

Commissioner Whitebread moved to approve the request and petition from Flint Hills Rural Electric. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye.

Presented the January 2013 Transfer Station Operating Expense and Revenue report. He stated that we may need to consider a rate increase of at least $1.50. He noted this is largely due to the fuel surcharge. He stated he expects to have the February report done

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by next week and will make a recommendation at that time. He noted that we usually provide a month’s notice of a rate increase to our customers. He noted that we currently charge $44.50 at the gate and that our competitors in Riley and Dickinson County are at $48.00. Therefore, the increase we might make is below our competitors.

Reminded the commission of the North Central Kansas Highway meeting on April 3 and that we need to RSVP by the end of next week. Chairman Bennett and Commissioner Whitebread will attend. Commissioner Hicks will check his schedule.

Stated that Brenda Edleston, Dean Cloud County Community College – Geary County Campus contacted him because Pawnee Mental Health asked her if they could use the vacant lot south of the science building for remote control planes. The commission stated they did not think this was a good idea due to the fact there is a lot of traffic on Ash Street.

Stated the 22 year-old loader that was discussed last week is not repairable. Mr. Van Nahmen stated they have bids from three companies for slightly used equipment.

Chuck Otte, Extension Office and Ray Allaman, Chairman Free Fair Board, arrived at the meeting. Mr. Cox and Mr. Van Nahmen continued:

Presented loader bids as follows:

Vendor Year/Model Hours Cost Warranty Victor L. Phillips 2012/621F 100 $135,564.25 Not listed Victor L. Phillips 2012/621F 413 $130,283.00 Not listed Foley Tractor 2011/924H 398 $122,645 January 28, 2016 Foley Tractor 2011/924H 504 $122,645 January 28, 2016 Murphy Tractor 2012/924K 240 $134,000 5 years/5000 hoursMurphy Tractor 2012/524K 240 $134,000 5 years/5000 hours

They recommended the loader with 398 hours from Foley Tractor. Commissioner

Whitebread moved to accept the recommendation and purchase the loader with 398 hours at a cost of $122,645 from Foley Tractor. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye. Mr. Cox stated the rented equipment will be returned this week. Mr. Adams, Mr. Cox and Mr. Van Nahmen left the meeting.

Mr. Strauss provided an update on the fence issue he previously discussed with the commission. He presented a copy of a certified letter he received today from the adjacent land owner. Chairman Bennett encouraged him to provide her with the information that she requested and see where the issue goes from there. Mr. Strauss stated that if she continues to refuse to pay he will probably proceed with putting a lien on the property. Mr. Strauss left the meeting. Mr. Roeser inquired if the commission had taken action on the request from the Symphony on the Flint Hills regarding the tree removal at Freedom Park. The commission told him to contact Mr. Cox and that the commission is not opposed to anything except that there are no funds for the project. Mr. Roeser left the meeting. Mr. Otte and Mr. Allaman discussed issues regarding the Free Fair:

Presented a list of officers: Ray Allaman, Chairman; Tess Sprau, Vice Chairman; Terri Miller, Secretary and Karen Salyers, Treasurer.

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Recommended that Darcey Ferguson be appointed to the board and stated there is still one vacancy to fill.

Discussed the addition of trap shooting. Stated that the Pedal Pull remains a popular event and they are looking for sponsors. Noted that there have not been any large capital improvements. The emphasis has been

on keeping animals and attendees cool with the addition of fans and misters. Commissioner Whitebread moved to appoint Darcey Ferguson to the Free Fair

Board. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye. Mr. Otte and Mr. Allaman left the meeting.

Mike Harris, Acorn Resorts; Tom Weigand, Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO; and Rick Dykstra, CVB, discussed the following:

Mr. Weigand stated he has met with Mr. Harris and developed a list of items that need to be done with his project. They determined one item is to keep the County Commission informed and that is why they are here today.

Mr. Harris stated that Mr. Dykstra was here to provide numbers on Milford State Park. Mr. Dykstra provided a handout which contained the number of visits for Milford and

Clinton State Parks. He noted that the city area below Clinton Lake Dam includes a softball field complex and golf course and those numbers are included in their number of visits. Mr. Dykstra stated that he believes our numbers will increase with Mr. Harris’ proposed expansion and that it is “one of a kind”.

Mr. Harris discussed the Acorn Resort Development: Reviewed the feasibility studies that have been done and noted that all of them

have indicated a resort is feasible at Milford Lake. Mr. Dykstra left the meeting. Mr. Harris continued:

Reviewed the facilities that are currently on site. Discussed the electrical capacity that he has after working with Westar for five years. Discussed the cooperative work he has done with the City of Milford for water services. Discussed the work he is doing for sewer systems. He contracted with Kaw Valley

Engineering to develop the plan which was rejected by KDHE who told him to work with the City of Milford. They are doing engineering studies to determine the feasibility of the capacity and he anticipates an answer in October of this year. If they say no, his original plan for lagoon systems is ready to go.

Stated he has not received any assistance from state or local governments. Reviewed the scope of the project: 54 lodge rooms; indoor/outdoor restaurant; meeting

space for 300. Reviewed the economic impact, including, but not limited to: $7 million for contractors

and suppliers; estimated $275,000 sales tax for materials; estimated $50,000 per year transient guest tax; estimated $130,000 per year sales tax; 18 full-time equivalent positions; and provides a quality of life benefit.

Requested the following: o 10 year property tax abatement on the new construction only. o CDBG for sewer and gas. o Additional signage request to the State of Kansas for I-70 and US 77. o Letters of support to various Kansas legislators to change statutes to allow him to

be eligible for additional funding.

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Commissioner Hicks stated he thought this was a great project and asked what funds Mr. Harris has available. Mr. Harris stated that most programs require a 10-20% match and he has those funds available.

Commissioner Whitebread stated this needs to be discussed at the next legislative coffee. Mr. Weigand agreed and stated it is March 23. Mr. Weigand stated Mr. Harris has discussed his plans with Senator Longbine and Representative Moxley.

Mr. Weigand noted that if this project was in the City of Junction City, the Economic Development Committee would provide a 95% tax abatement and that it is appropriate to ask for the same thing from the county.

Commissioner Hicks inquired if the residents of Milford Township are supportive. Mr. Harris stated he has talked with some and that they are supportive. Mr. Weigand stated he is not aware of any negative issues.

Chairman Bennett stated they will take the matter under advisement, will review it, look into any legal issues, and that he thinks it is a good project.

Mr. Weigand stated they have discussed the issue with Gary Stith, Flint Hills Regional Council Interim Director, and he believes the Council will be supportive.

Mr. Harris stated this Thursday he is meeting with Representative Rothlisberg and Steve Kelly of the Department of Commerce. Mr. Harris and Mr. Weigand left the meeting.

Rebecca Bossemeyer, County Clerk, discussed the following:

Announced the successful installation of the AS400. Presented a letter and request for payment from the Flint Hills Regional Council for the

Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization (FHMPO). She stated Geary County’s share is $941.82 and that this was not budgeted for. Commissioner Whitebread moved to pay $941.82 for the FHMPO from the county commissioner fund. Commissioner Hicks seconded and all voted aye. Clerk Bossemeyer noted this bill was received last Friday and inquired if it could be paid in April. Chairman Bennett stated yes.

Reported that she met with Joye Gfeller regarding the Crossroads of Leadership County Day on April 10. She reviewed the proposed topics and timeframes. The commission directed her to add some planning time to the agenda for this topic.

Provided an update on the preparations for the city/school election. Presented a Commission Change Order. Commissioner Hicks moved to approve

Commission Change Order 2012-398. Commissioner Whitebread seconded and all voted aye.

The press conference was held. There being no further business to come before the board of county commissioners, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.