Commissioner Spicer, Commissioner Mayo, and Commissioner Thurlow were present at a regular meeting beginning at 8:25 a.m. Minutes were approved as printed.

Pam Kemp, EMS Director, met with the Board. The Board signed Resolution 2009-09 and Proclamation for State and Local Disaster that was requested by Blue Stem Electric for the electrical lines that were damaged with the snow accumulation last week. Mrs. Kemp reported on the class that was held on November 19th to work on the Continuity of Operations Planning System ( COOP) Plan. Six County departments were in attendance. All departments will need to be involved in making the Clay County Coop Plan.

Randy Gassman, Pottberg, Gassman, & Hoffman, Chartered, met with the Board to present the final 2008 audit for Clay County. Budgets, money from interest earned, and the finances of the County were reviewed.

Janell Wohler, Clay County Farm Bureau Coordinator, gave a presentation on National Farm-City Week. This is a program with rural and urban education to teach the urban people more about farms and to recognize the importance of this network. There are a lot of challenges with urban people not understanding the rural life. Also a grant was received through USDA in the amount of $45,000 for five counties to use for educational programs in the schools.

Steve Liby, Highway Administrator, gave a weekly report to the Board. The Highway Department is doing routine maintenance with grading roads and hauling rock.

Jami Williams, Economic Development Director, presented bids to the Board to replace a computer. Commissioner Spicer made the motion to accept the bid from Central Office on a Toshiba Satellite Business Laptop from Central Office Service & Supply at a cost of $939. Commissioner Thurlow seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The Board approved a 1/3 ad for Clay County in the Kansas Economic Development Magazine at a cost of $2,460 out of the Economic Development Fund. This is the first year that this magazine has been printed and will be done annually. Commissioner Thurlow made a motion to spend up to $2,500 out of Economic Development Fund for Holiday Advertising for Clay County. Commissioner Spicer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Board adjourned at 11:50 a.m. for lunch.

The Board reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

Jim Prescott, Keystone Pipeline, met with the Board. Others that were present were Mike Folks, USD 379 Superintendent, Stephen McAnally, County Appraiser, and Steve Liby, Highway Administrator. There was much discussion of the pipeline permit and the frustration of the tax exemption that was made through the Legislatures of the State of Kansas. This is one of the largest pipelines being made. The total project consist of 4,000 miles through 9 States and 110 Counties. Kansas is the only State that has exempted the pipeline on the north and south line. The east and west line will receive property taxes. Keystone Pipeline is not willing to make any compensation to Clay County for damages to road crossings or right a ways. Representative Vern Swanson joined the meeting. The Board of Clay County Commissioner’s felt that they need to look out for the citizens and taxpayers of Clay County. The Commissioner’s are not willing to sign the permit for Keystone Pipeline at this time.

The Board approved a donation to Clay County Crime Stoppers in the amount of $1,500 out of the Alcohol Fund.

The Board adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

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Michael W. Spicer, Chairman Kayla Wang, County Clerk