Commission Minutes

OFFICIAL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 2011, 12TH DAY OF
THE OCTOBER ADJOURNED TERM

The County Commission met in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room at 8:25 a.m. with Ron
Houseman, Danny Strahan and Jim Strafuss present. The following proceedings were had and
made a matter of record:

AGENDA REQUESTS REVIEW

The Commission met with Nikki Lawrence to discuss the agenda requests.

COMMISSION RE-DISTRICTING PUBLIC HEARING

Commissioner Houseman stated the re-districting lines were made to divide the County’s
population equally and requested the public speaking rule of signing the speaker book be
suspended. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Strahan requested that speaking time be
limited to five minutes.

The Commission had gone through a number of district option drafts to determine if
requirements were met. Commissioner Houseman read the statute regarding Commission
Districts. Commissioner Strafuss stated he presented the district proposals to Branson Aldermen
and suggested a map which would blend the east and west together. He appreciated the public
coming to the hearing to offer input. Commissioner Strahan reiterated that maps were not based
on voter turnout, but rather population.

Public Comment was taken: Rev. Sutton of Taneyville addressed the Commission stating if the
statute of the law was fully fulfilled, map 4B was closest in population. Bonnie Melton
addressed the Commission stating she felt she had no voice if her district was combined with
Branson. Glen Amundson addressed the Commission and asked why they presented the North
and South district map, as there was a 1500 person population difference. Mr. Amundson was
against the North and South division proposal. Bob Shanz addressed the Commission stating he
was against the North and South division proposal. Ronnie Melton stated he agreed with all
speakers in opposition. Josh Smith addressed the Commission and stated he was against the
North and South division proposal. Mr. Smith urged the Commission to vote on the issue today.
Ron Herschend addressed the Commission and said the North and South division concerned the
citizens. He encouraged the Commission to choose the division with the least negative impact.

Commissioner Houseman asked for comments from the Commission. Commissioner Strahan
said consideration needed to be taken for the financial stress on the County Clerk’s office, which
could be accomplished with the least amount of change; which was supported by an East and
West district proposal. Commissioner Strafuss appreciated the process and the people who
spoke, stating that he understood their comments that the North and South districts were a big
change. Commissioner Strafuss said his job was to represent citizens from the Western district
and they supported the North and South district map.
Commissioner Strahan moved to accept the proposed the East and West redistricting lines
indicated on Map 4B. Commissioner Houseman seconded the motion. Commissioner
Houseman said he wanted to see less divisiveness within districts as County Commissioners
could serve citizens in either district. Commissioner Houseman wanted to promote a charter
form of government in Taney County as there were other successful counties in Missouri
operating successfully under that system. The motion passed by vote: Houseman (aye), Strahan
(aye) and Strafuss (nay).

RECESS
9:01 AM

RECONVENED (IN THE COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM)
10:13 AM

2012 BUDGET WORK SESSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION – LEGAL UPDATE PER SECTION 610.021 (1), (2), (3) & (12)

Commissioner Strafuss moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to RSMo 610.021 (1), (2),
(3) and (12). Commissioner Strahan seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote:
Houseman (aye), Strafuss (aye) and Strahan (aye).

EXECUTIVE SESSION
10:13 AM

See Executive Session Minutes for actions, if any.

Commissioner Strafuss moved to go out of Executive Session. Commissioner Strahan seconded
the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote: Houseman (aye), Strafuss (aye) and Strahan
(aye).

OUT OF EXECUTIVE
11:28 AM

RECONVENED
11:29 AM

2012 Budget Discussions continued with the Sheriff department's budget. Mark Rys went before
the Commission to discuss the IT department budget. The Commission and Recorder of Deeds
budgets were also discussed.

RECESS
12:38 PM

RECONVENED
 1:45 PM

CREDIT CARD APPROVAL DISCUSSION

The Commission met to discuss the Credit Card Approval Policy and recent addendum.
Discussion ensued regarding how cards were acquired and who could acquire the cards.
Commissioner Strafuss felt the Commission should authorize the cards as they pay the invoices
for the County. The Commission requested Joanna Jasper of the Auditor’s Office draft a
modified credit card policy.

2012 BUDGET WORK SESSION

Grants, grants reporting and policies were discussed.

RECESS
2:45 PM

RECONVENED
3:00 PM

Commissioner Strahan exited the meeting.

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL PER SECTION 610.021 (3)

Commissioner Strafuss moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to RSMo 610.021 (3).
Commissioner Houseman seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote: Houseman
(aye), Strafuss (aye) and Strahan (absent).

EXECUTIVE SESSION
3:01 PM

See Executive Session Minutes for actions, if any.

Commissioner Strafuss moved to go out of Executive Session. Commissioner Houseman
seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote: Houseman (aye), Strafuss (aye) and
Strahan (absent).

OUT OF EXECUTIVE
3:29 PM

2012 BUDGET WORK SESSION

2012 Budget discussions continued for the office of Prosecuting Attorney, Circuit Clerk,
Juvenile, Coroner, Purchasing, Legal Counsel, Human Resources and Planning and Zoning.
 RECESS
4:58 PM

Minutes were taken and typed by Lyn Wieneke, Deputy Clerk.