Meeting Information
-Convene
-Pledge of Allegiance
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders
(b) Consider approval of updated Memorandum of Understanding with Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks for Fisheries Management at <1/2xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Lone Star Lake (Keith Browning)
(c) Consider approval of Findings Document and Notice of Intent to dispose of 0.35 acres of Lone Star Park property (Keith Browning)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider proposed changes to county animal control regulations, adding primates and elephants to the list of prohibited dangerous animals, and removing circuses from the exclusions list (Mary Prewitt and Judy Carman)
(3) Consider approval of Joint Resolution regarding ECO2
(4) Other Business
(a) Jones called the meeting to order at 6:39 P.M. on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
CONSENT AGENDA 05-12-04
Jones moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
- Approve Commissioners Order No. 5238. Order is on file in the office of the County Clerk;
- Approve Updated Memorandum of Understanding with Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks for Fisheries Management at Lone Star Lake; and
- Approve document declaring that the Board of County Commissioners has determined a 0.35 acre parcel of land should be sold to Gary O'Doniel for $1,750, directing the County Clerk to publish a notice of intent to dispose of property in the official county newspaper once each week for two consecutive weeks.
Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS 05-12-04
Mary Prewitt, Animal Outreach of Kansas (AOK), conducted a brief presentation regarding proposed changes to county animal control regulations, adding elephants to the list of prohibited dangerous animals. Ann Wilson and Judy Carman also spoke. Carman then presented a video.
Midge Grinstead, Director of the Lawrence Humane Society, spoke in favor of the proposed changes.
Darla Kristen and Monica Dibbin also spoke in favor.
McElhaney asked what AOK's affiliation was with PETA. McElhaney also expressed concern about the proposed changes pertaining to domesticated and/or agricultural animal restrictions. Prewitt stated they were not affiliated in any way and they were not trying to affect agriculture in Douglas County or any 4-H activities.
McElhaney then expressed concerns about this being a stepping stone into the agricultural world. He wanted to get more input from veterinarians and the local agricultural community in order to get a fair balance.
Johnson stated he was not in favor of cruelty to animals. However, the slippery slope McElhaney is referring to is also a concern. He would also like the opportunity to hear from the agricultural community and would be interested in meeting with the Farm Bureau Board.
Jones stated he was inclined to be supportive. Jones also stated he was disappointed to learn the agricultural community would not meet with AOK.
Mary Prewitt stated she had met with Trudy Rice in early December and assured her the AOK wanted nothing to do with affecting the Douglas County Free Fair. She reiterated that the AOK did not want to affect agriculture in Douglas County.
Johnson noted that he didn't believe a motion to amend the regulations would pass at this time but there appears to be a growing consensus that we can arrive at some modification or amendment that speaks to the issues. No action was taken.
RESOLUTIONS 05-12-04
The Board discussed a joint resolution of the City Commission of the City of Lawrence, Kansas and the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas establishing the ECO2 Commission and a funding request in the amount of $6,000 for ECO2. Mark Gonzales and Trudy Rice, members of the ECO2Committee, were present for the discussion.
Johnson stated he was in favor of the expenditure and the joint committee.
McElhaney stated he would vote in favor of the joint resolution but noted he has expressed concerns publically and privately that the funds could be misused.
Johnson noted his personal preference would be that these funds flow through the Economic Development Board. He also stated he was pleased they were asking for temporary monies that weren't adding staff employees. Johnson noted it was the Board's intent to approve the joint resolution after some language issues had been worked out.
Jones made a motion to approve ECO2's funding request in the amount of $6,000. Johnson stated this was a one time commitment and would not be funded yearly. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 05-12-04
Jones moved approval of accounts payable in the amount of $568,967.11 to be paid 05/10/04; Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Jones made a motion to adjourn; Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Charles Jones, Chairman Bob Johnson, Member
ATTEST:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Patty Jaimes, County Clerk Jere McElhaney, Member
Time and Date