Meeting Information
-Study session with the Economic Development Board and City Commission to discuss open space/industrial sites
Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
CONSENT AGENDA 01-25-06
Jones moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
- Pull the item "Consider approval of Resolution No. 06-01 supporting the construction of a Kansas Turnpike Interchange at Leavenworth County Road 1 and Douglas County Road 1061 as a connecting link roadway from the Kansas Turnpike to U.S. Highway 24/40 north and Kansas Turnpike to K-10 Highway south through Eudora " for discus sion.
Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS & RESOLUTIONS 01-25-06
The Board discussed Resolution No. 06-01 supporting the construction of a Kansas Turnpike Interchange at Leavenworth County Road 1 and Douglas County Road 1061 as a connecting link roadway from the Kansas Turnpike to U.S. Highway 24/40 north and Kansas Turnpike to K-10 Highway south through Eudora. Jones and McElhaney suggested changes to the language. McElhaney made a motion to approve Resolution No. 06-01 as amended; Jones seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PARKS -- BLACK JACK 01-25-06
The Board discussed efforts to clean up the illegal dump at the Black Jack Battlefield Site. Keith Browning, Director of Public Works/County Engineer, explained that a not-for-profit organization called the Black Jack Battlefield Trust (the "Trust") has purchased the property that contains the site of the Battle of Black Jack. The property is in the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4, Section 12, T 15 S, R 20 E, and is on the west side of E 2000 Road from approximately 150 N to 175 N. The Trust intends to preserve the site and seeks National Landmark status for the property.
The property contains a large amount of trash illegally dumped over many years. Through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's (KDHE's) Illegal Dump Clean-Up Program (the "Program"), the Trust wishes to clean up the site and remove all illegally dumped trash. The Program allows KDHE to pay for 75% of the costs to clean up illegal dumps with the requesting agency responsible for the remaining 25% of the costs. The Program requires an agreement between KDHE and a local government agency. A private organization cannot enter into an agreement with KDHE under the terms of the Program.
The Trust seeks Douglas County's assistance to clean up the site. KDHE's maximum contribution per site is $10,000; however, they would consider this property to contain five sites. Therefore, KDHE indicates they could contribute 75% of the clean-up costs up to a maximum of $50,000. Browning provided two estimates representing the low end ($43,240) and high end ($90,520) anticipated costs to clean up the site. These estimates reflect the costs to contract for the clean up services.
The Trust desires Douglas County's assistance in the clean up effort. Browning stated his preference would be to contract the work out.
Raymon Powers, President of the Black Jack Trust, encouraged the Board's engagement in this endeavor.
Carol von Tersch, representing the Black Jack Trust, stated the Trust was aware of the dump site on the land when it was purchased. However, they did not know the extent of it. The Trust believed it was important to secure this historic site and inherited the trash of the entire area which has been used by individuals, businesses and churches. The Trust is ready to make a commitment to clean up the site and is asking for the Board's commitment. von Tersch also stated the Trust was committed to proceed with cleaning up the site even if there isn't enough money committed.
Johnson asked for public comment.
Kerry Altenbernd stated that he believed this should be done and should be a community effort. There is a tremendous amount of trash that has been left over a number of years. This will be a nationally known park and it is important to put on the best face as possible.
Browning noted he has a meeting scheduled with a representative from Hamm's on Friday and they may be interested in participating in the clean up efforts.
McElhaney stated that he would support these efforts. However, he noted that sometimes worthwhile projects start out with a certain budget that increases as the project progresses. McElhaney asked the Trust to do their best in holding the budget.
Jones agreed.
Johnson indicated he was also in support. He noted that this might be a good opportunity to ask the City of Lawrence to participate. Johnson made a motion that the County agree to fund $20,000; ask the City of Lawrence to consider committing funds; and authorize Browning to authorize the application of funds. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
AGREEMENTS & PLANNING 01-25-06
The Board discussed the process for the Planning Director search. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, stated that The City of Lawrence issued a Request for Proposals for Professional Services to perform executive search services for the position of the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Director. Five responses were received and reviewed by Mike Wildgen, City Manager; Frank Reeb, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk; and Weinaug with Slavin Management Consultants being the overall first choice. The cost of services is $13,640 plus expenses, which are estimated to be $14,000. Weinaug noted that while Douglas County funds 1/6 of the Planning Department, he believed it would be a good idea for Douglas County to fund 1/2 of the costs of the selection process. He pointed out that while the decision will ultimately come from the City Manager, one of the requirements is that the County Commission is comfortable with the decision. It will be the firm's responsibility to interview both boards and the Planning Commission to fully understand the issues before getting into who the candidates are. It was the consensus of the Board to support the concept of paying one-half (1/2) of the costs associated with the selection process. No action was taken.
PLANNING 01-25-06
The Board discussed the revised draft of the Subdivision Regulations dated January 13, 2006. After review, Jones made a motion to initiate amendments to the Subdivision Regulations for Public Hearing by the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
PLANNING 01-25-06
The Board discussed the Draft Text Amendments to Chapters 4 & 5 of Horizon 2020 dated November 30, 2005. After review, McElhaney made a motion to initiate amendments to Chapters 4 & 5 of Horizon 2020 for Public Hearing by the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
PLANNING & ZONING 01-25-06
The Board discussed a text amendment to Article 7, Section 7-5.01 of the Douglas County Zoning Regulations. After discussion, Jones made a motion to initiate a Text Amendment to Article 7, Section 7-5.01, to refer to a Resolution adopting standards for "County Adopted Road Classification and Entrance Spacing Requirements. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
PLANNING & ZONING 01-25-06
The Board discussed a text amendment to Article 6, Section 6-2.8 of the Douglas County Zoning Regulations. After discussion, Johnson made a motion to initiate a Text Amendment to Article 6, Section 6-2.8, to revise the Single-Family Dwelling Use to conform with the proposed revisions to the Subdivision Regulations. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
PLANNING & ZONING 01-25-06
The Board discussed a text amendment to Article 18 of the Douglas County Regulations. After discussion, Jones made a motion to initiate a Text Amendment to Article 18 to revise density and dimensional requirements for "A" and "A- 1" Districts based on Road Classification System and County's Entrance and Intersection Spacing Requirements. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS 01-25-06
Jones made a motion to reappoint Donna Bell, Lawrence, Kansas to the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Board as the joint City/County appointee for a three (3) year term to expire March 31, 2009. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS 01-25-06
McElhaney made a motion to appoint John Hope to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors which term shall expire on September 30, 2008. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS 01-25-06
Jones made a motion to appoint Judy Bellome, Lawrence, Kansas, to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Tri-County Advisory Council. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously. It should be noted that Bellome replaces John Hope who was appointed to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors. Bellome's term will expire on September 30, 2006.
APPOINTMENTS 01-25-06
Jones made a motion to appoint Kim Lowry, Lawrence, Kansas, to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Tri-County Advisory Council which term shall expire on September 30, 2008. Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
Johnson made a motion to adjourn; Jones seconded and the motion carried.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Bob Johnson, Chairman Jere McElhaney, Member
ATTEST:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Charles Jones, Member
Time and Date