Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, presented a memorandum of understanding with KSU to Commissioners for approval and signature. Approved 3-0. KSU has received a grant which requires approval by the County. A discussion emerged of security arrangements at NBAF. At a meeting of Security people from NBAF, City and County, local people were not totally satisfied. The Level 3 currently at KSU's labs is dangerous. NBAF will be Level 4. Animal diseases, some of which are communicable to humans, will be dealt with in the labs. It was noted that workers at the present location of NBAF at Plum Island, NY, are NOT ALLOWED TO OWN PERSONAL ANIMALS, AND NOT ALLOWED TO VISIT THE LOCAL ZOO. Collins is concerned that additional security measures, especially in the event of a breach, will be a financial burden on the local community. Costs of bio-suits and equipments for responders should be covered by the Federal Government.Collins reported on status of work on rural fire stations. He said the public should be aware that commercial buildings in the County are required to submit a "code footprint" to the County Fire Department. They need to know what they are facing in a fire. He says a sprinkler system is very advisable. New settlers in rural areas sometimes do no realize the time involved in getting pumpers and water to their location.
Commissioners informally discussed the report in the Mercury about restaurant inspections, which seemed to imply that McCulloh and Kearns are in disagreement. They are not. Both feel the $75,000 additional costs since the State discontinued its program should be a part of the Health Department's budget. They can discuss the budget at the appropriate time.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Fiscal Officer, presented a request from 4 Rivers, an organization that helps disabled people, for funding. Commissioners respectfully refused, by consensus.
Craig Cox, Asst County Counsel, updated Commissioners on his office's activities. BEMAS, an out-of-state contractor on the K-18 project of KDot, has dug barrow pit near the airport which may violate zoning laws. Another barrow pit off Scenic Drive is also questionable. It was felt that some enforcement of the regulations was necessary to point out the need for proper permits. The animal control committee is in process of revising standards. Commissioners discussed long term lease for ATA bus to store vehicles at the County Shops site.
Leon Hobson, County Engineer/Public Works Director, presented an update of projects. KDOT has ruled that Kk-18 overlay will be concrete, not asphalt. RCPD building is almost finished. They hope to have the cooling tower project done by the end of this month. The Courthouse Plaza project mini-park is underway. This will have a dedicatory plaque in memory of John Cowan, recently deceased and much respected Director of GIS. The cost to replace the windows in the "old Telephone building" is $155,000. Commissioners stated preference for doing the project one floor at a time, so as to avoid the need for bonding.
Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, submitted the Strategic Plan Action Program to Commissioners. One amendment was to move Engineering/Public Works Dept out to the site on Tuttle Creek by 2011, Hobson stated that they would be ready to move by the end of 2010. This move would open up much needed office space for other departments. Department heads will meet to discuss distribution of space. On an issue of direct deposit and billing, Wedel will meet with the County Treasurer.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
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