2006 07 06

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS

OFFICIAL MINUTES

July 6, 2006

The Board of County Commissioners, three members and the County Clerk present, met in regular session at the Community Building in Elk City/

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CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Mattix.

INVOCATION: Commissioner Mattix.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Tucker.

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APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Mattix to approve the agenda as amended.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tucker.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Tucker - Yes

Commissioner Lewark-Wood – Yes

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACTION – DENNIS PRUITT, MARY REED AND

JERRY WALLACE:

Mr. Dennis Pruitt presented information to the Board on WATCO wishing to purchase a site to repair and rebuild locomotives. WATCO is a short line railroad company.

They anticipate hiring 10 to 25 employees with wages at $14.00 to $22.00 per hour with full benefits. The site is at the north side of the Smelter Grounds on the north side of the railroad tracks. A gas line runs parallel to the railroad track and is owned by Southern Star. The building will be 80 x 80 and 32’ high. The land being considered is outside the city limits.

Mr. Pruitt asked the Board to consider providing $125,000 for lowering of the gas line. A reimbursement/relocation agreement with Southern Star will be required and the project is to be prepaid.

Grant deadlines are August 1^st and to be announced in September but it is too late for the construction of the building with WATCO.

Mr. Pruitt said there has been some concern about the noise level of the testing of the locomotives.

Dollar figures on what is being contributed by (1) WATCO - $750,000 (2) City of Cherryvale – Sewer $84,000 and water line will be $20,000 to $40,000 and the request being made to the County of $125,000.

Commissioner Mattix said this is the first he has heard of the project and the Board should take it into consideration and no decision will be made tonight. Mr. Pruitt will be placed on the agenda for Monday, July 7^th.

Mary Reed, Cherryvale City Administrator thanked the Commission and said he has enjoyed working with the county. This is her last day as administrator.

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REFINERY APPRAISAL – COUNTY APPRAISER BOB KLINE:

Mr. Bob Kline, Montgomery County Appraiser, met with the Board to present reappraisal bids for reappraising the Coffeyville Refinery. Bids are as follows:

American Appraisal, Milwaukee, WI $84,000 plus expenses

Thomas Pickett & Company, Texas $48,500 (2007)

$32,500 (2008)

Mr. Kline recommends Thomas Picket & Company. He feels he has a duty to put accurate values on for the refinery. When the Board makes a decision, an agreement will be drawn up by the County Counselor.

No action was taken at this time, Mr. Kline will discuss it again on Monday, July 12^th.

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OTHER COUNTY BUSINESS:

Acknowledged letter from Duane Powell on his resignation from JJA.
Acknowledged letter on out-district tuition at Neosho Community College.
Jim Miller, Emergency Preparedness Director said the “thermal imagers” from the DOJ grant has been delivered.
Willis Plute, County Commissioner candidate, asked Mr. Kline questions on how the SB on new equipment purchases will affect the county. Mr. Kline said it will definitely affect our tax base in a negative way since Wyandotte county is first and we are second in the amount of taxes assessed for equipment.

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ADJOURNMENT: 7:50 PM

ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Lewark-Wood, seconded by Commissioner Mattix.

ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Mattix - Yes

Commissioner Tucker - Yes

Commissioner Lewark-Wood – Yes

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS

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LEE MATTIX, Chairman

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GENE TUCKER, Member

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BILLIE LEWARK-WOOD, Member

ATTEST:

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County Clerk

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