Commissioner Spicer, Commissioner Mayo, and Commissioner Thurlow were present at a regular meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Payroll in the amount of $130,461 was reviewed and approved by the Board. Monthly bills in the amount of $617,956.49 were reviewed and approved by the Board.
Pam Kemp, EMS Director, informed the Board that two part time employees have resigned and will remain on PRN status. The Board granted permission to hire one full time employee to fill these positions. Clay County EMS has been chosen to host the training on the new Electronic Patient Records program. The Board also granted permission to replace two portable radios. Four Ricoh GPS Cameras and 11 Garmin GPS units have been received from the Regional Homeland Security Council. Training on the cameras will be in Abilene on May 13th. Dana Rickley, Health Administrator, joined the meeting to give an update on the H1N1 Influenza Flu. Several helpful hints are to stay home if you are sick, keep your hands washed, and cover your coughs and sneezes. Most of all they would like to tell the public to just use common sense for being sick.
James Hedstrom, US Cellular, met with the Board to discuss several different cell phone plans and the roaming coverage. Mr. Hedstrom will return next week with a decision to be made by the Board.
Cathy Hafner, Pawnee Mental Health, met with the Board. The Board signed the Proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month.
Chuck Dunn, Sheriff, gave his weekly report to the Board.
Wayne Fowler, Clay County Park Manager, and Linda Mein met with the Board. A year to date expense and income report on the park was given. The possibility of placing campers or cabins at the park for rent to the public was discussed. The Board asked Mr. Fowler to look into this and return with some costs.
Steve Liby, Highway Administrator, met with the Board. Casey Fraser, Martin Caterpillar, Chadd Blackwood, Murphy Tractor were also present. After much discussion Commissioner Thurlow made the motion to purchase two John Deere 772D motor graders with one rear ripper from Murphy Tractor at a cost of $203,100. Financing will be through Union State Bank at an interest rate of 3.93% with three annual payments beginning February 10, 2010. Commissioner Mayo seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Washington County Commissioners called to talk to the Board by phone to discuss the Keystone Pipeline that will be coming through Clay County. Both Counties feel that those involved should be consistent with regulations and permits in each County.
The Board signed a letter to Senator Taddiken and Representative Swanson regarding the projected shortfall in the State’s revenue. The Board expressed opposition to any reduction in payments to county government by the state. This would greatly affect Clay County.
The Board adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

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Michael W. Spicer, Chairman Kayla Wang, County Clerk