Commissioner Spicer, Commissioner Mayo, and Christine Swaim served as the Board of Canvassers beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Board reviewed seven Provisional ballots. All seven were accepted and counted and will be added to the totals. No significant changes were made to the results.

The regular meeting began at 8:30 a.m. and Commissioner Thurlow joined the meeting. The minutes were approved as printed.

The Board signed a proclamation making April Fair Housing Month.

Gailen Tyrell, Landfill/Noxious Weed Director, met with the Board. Personnel matters were discussed. The Board granted permission to change an employee that is part time with no benefits to part time with benefits. The need for more storage at the landfill was discussed. Permission was granted to take bids for a pole shed to be used for storage.

Deanna Turner, Extension District Agent, met with the Board to present the monthly report. Several different programs such as Happy Healthy New Year, Healthy Whole Grain, Medicare Part D, Assistance Tools to make life easier, and Living with Arthritis. Also the program Walk Kansas has 42 teams with a total of 340 members. The Board granted permission to use the west side of the Courthouse for the Farmers Market. This will run from May 9th through October 31st.

James Hedstrom, US Cellular, presented a cell phone proposal to the Board. A phone will be loaned to the Emergency Departments to test coverage for the area. The proposal was left for study.

Jami Williams, Economic Development Director, presented a website proposal for the Clay County webpage. This proposal was left for study and a decision will be made at a later date.

Chuck Dunn, Sheriff, met with the Board. The vehicle bids received two weeks ago were discussed. Commissioner Mayo made the motion to purchase the 2009 Ford F-150 Crew Cab XL 4x4 in the amount of $24,499. Commissioner Thurlow seconded and the motion passed unanimously. A dispatcher position was discussed.

Bills in the amount of $2,682.19 were reviewed and approved by the Board.

Stephen McAnally, County Appraiser, met with the Board to report that the 2009 Valuation notices were sent out last week. Values throughout the County were discussed.

Steve Liby, Highway Administrator, reported that the Highway Department‘s phone system was hit by lightening last Thursday evening. The service was restored on Friday. On May 8th the department will be attending a safety meeting for Flagman Certification put on by Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties. Chadd Blackwood with Murphy Tractor & Equipment, Co. presented a quote for two used motor graders to the Board. After much discussion with the Board, Commissioner Mayo made the motion to trade in 3 older graders and to purchase two used motor graders for a difference of $247,500.
This is to be paid out of Special Highway Fund.

The Board of Commissioners signed off on the 2009 Clay County Department Inventories.

Commissioner Spicer signed an Easement for Telephone Line Right-of-Way between Clay County and Twin Valley Communications, Inc. This easement is located at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

The Board adjourned at 1:00 p.m.


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Michael W. Spicer, Chairman Kayla Wang, County Clerk