UNOFFICIAL COMMISSION MINUTES – MONDAY, JULY 25, 2005

At 8:30 A.M., all members of the Pottawatomie County Commission met for a regular session in the County Commission Room. Present were Tom Doperalski, chairman; Barbara Kolde, vice chairman; and Stan Hartwich, member.

Lois Schlegel, appraiser, met to update the Commissioners on her department. She discussed with them the 2004 Real Estate Appraisals/Sales Ratio Study Report, Small Claims and regular division hearings with BOTA. Other topics discussed were reinspection of commercial parcels, department dress code changes, and the website program. Lois requested all departments be considered in the adoption of a dress code. Lois gave the Commission copies of letters received from other Appraisers in the State currently using the Infinitec Website Program.

Betty Abitz, register of deeds, met with the Commissioners to review the records management report for the month of June.

Gregg Webster, zoning administrator, presented the Commissioners with a listing of building permits issued thus far for July 2005 and a copy of the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Meeting scheduled for July 28. Barbara Kolde moved and Stan Hartwich seconded to reappoint Trudie Hoffman to another 3 year term on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried 3 to 0. Stan Hartwich moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to sign a replat of Straub Subdivision in St. George Township. Motion carried 2 to 1. Commissioner Barbara Kolde was opposed to the motion stating this was the first she had seen of the replat and she should have seen it prior to today.

Sonny Redding, resident of Blue Township, met with the Commissioners to discuss various concerns. He asked about plans to improve the Flush Road and strongly encouraged the Commission to budget and start on the project. He feels it is a dangerous road for the number of individuals, a lot of whom are students to be traveling on. Mr. Redding also feels there are a lot of bridges in the county needing to be repaired. Commissioner Kolde stated the road/bridge budget has not increased in the last few years. Mr. Redding stated these projects should not be put off, because they will not get any cheaper. Another concern is the jail. Mr. Redding feels the County has an excellent sheriff’s department with an inadequate facility. He feels a new one should be built. Repairing an old existing facility is more costly in the long run and the results are not as good. Mr. Redding stated the existing courthouse should either be declared a monument or knocked down and start over with a new structure. He added the sheriff department vehicles are high mileage, making them high maintenance. Mr. Redding stated all of these issues need to be addressed soon. He added the Commission needs to set goals and get to work on them. Commissioner Kolde stated the county can budget wisely and set aside money in the capital improvement fund to pay for these projects. Mr. Redding stated the Commissioners need to consider raising taxes to pay for these projects. He added if the Commissioners raise taxes he would defend them. Growth is going to continue in the County and the needs are going to increase. Mr. Redding stated the county should be proud of the way new subdivisions are being constructed. They are being built with streets, sewer, and water as part of the development. Mr. Redding stated the Blue Township Board is maintaining the Green Valley Community Center to allow for increased use accommodating the growth. The facility houses satellite offices for the Sheriff and Hwy Patrol. He added they are working on construction of a park with shelter. They have electricity to the area and are working on an irrigation system. Mr. Redding stated the Commission needs to set aside some land to allow for a sports facility with soccer, softball, and baseball fields. Mr. Redding stated with the continuing growth in the area it will be necessary to be sure they are keeping up with rural water availability. Commissioner Kolde stated the Commissioners are working on the 2006 budget now and can keep the mill levy the same or reduce it with the sales tax that went into effect. Mr. Redding stated they should not reduce the mill levy as it would be hard to justify raising it later. Commissioner Kolde asked Leu Lowrey to provide information of miles on road/bridge vehicles to compare with mileage on sheriff’s vehicles.

Leu Lowrey, public works director, met with the Board to discuss bid letting for Sunset Ridge Subdivision. They approved setting August 22 at 10:00 A.M. to open bids for improvements in Sunset Ridge Subdivision. Various road/bridge projects were discussed.

Stan Hartwich moved and Tom Doperalski seconded to approve the request submitted by Havensville Historical Society. The request is for an allocation of $3,859.79 and will come from the Historical Fund. Motion carried 2 to 0. Commissioner Kolde was not in the meeting room at the time of the motion.

Robert informed the Commissioners of an upcoming vacancy in his department. He will advertise to fill the position.

The Commission approved minutes for July 18, 2005.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35. The Commission will meet at 12:30 for a budget work session.

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County Clerk Chairman

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Vice Chairman

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Member