Commission Minutes Unofficial

OCTOBER 24, 2005 THE 7TH DAY
OF THE OCTOBER ADJOURN TERM

The County Commission met in Associate II Circuit Courtroom at 9:02 a.m.
pursuant to adjourn with Chuck Pennel, Presiding, Ron Herschend, Western District, and
Danny Strahan, Eastern District present. The following proceedings were had and made a
matter of record.

The prayer was led by Rick Findley followed by the pledge.

BRANSON TECHNICAL COLLEGE
CHARLOTTE GRAY

Charlotte Gray, Branson Technical College, updated the Commission about
classes starting including RN and OPN clinicals. Gray explained that they are working
with the Taney County Ambulance District and Drury College to help with their nursing
and CPR classes. Gray also stated that short-term computer classes including word, excel,
and quick book will be offered. Gray expressed that there is a need for higher education
in the county and stated she will be asking the Commission for a support letter in the near
future.

Presiding Commissioner Pennel asked where the Branson Technical College is as
far as building? Gray explained that another location has been secured off of Bee Creek
and that the building will be renovated. Pennel then asked about instructors? Gray
responded that they have about 20 part time adjunct instructors.

Commissioner Herschend stated that the county has been considering the need to
train staff to speak Spanish and thought that the Branson Technical College might
provide an opportunity for training.

Dick Clark requested a copy of the curriculum for the College. Herschend
requested that Gray get copies to Tressa Luttrell, Administrator so she could distribute
the printed curriculum as needed. No motions were made and no votes were taken.

BID RESULTS

Tressa Luttrell, Administrator presented the Commission with bid results for a
boom mower/two-wheel drive tractor. Luttrell explained that there are two options, to
either buy it new or trade in and buy a new part.

Randy Haes, Road and Bridge explained that two bids were received one from
Victor Phillips and the other from First Choice. Haes stated that First Choice had the
lowest and best bid. Haes added that with First Choice the county could trade in what
they’ve got for a new production model and get more on the trade in.
 Commissioner Herschend expressed a concern about a two-wheel drive tractor
because there are places where a four-wheel drive tractor is needed. Herschend added that
there would be better resale with a four-wheel drive. Haes clarified that there are times
when a four-wheel drive tractor could be used but most times it is just the edge of the
road that needs to be mowed and a two-wheel drive does the job. A general discussion
ensued.

Commissioner Strahan made a motion to table this bid for further clarification.
Commissioner Herschend seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel
(yes), Herschend (yes), Strahan (yes).

AGREEMENTS

Tressa Luttrell, Administrator stated that the Commission needed to approve
intergovernmental agreements for Bradleyville Schools (exchange of services) and the
City of Hollister (in regards to the airport).

Commissioner Herschend made a motion to approve the intergovernmental
agreement with the City of Hollister. Commissioner Strahan seconded the motion. The
motion passed by vote: Pennel (yes), Herschend (yes), Strahan (yes).

Commissioner Herschend made a motion to approve the exchange of services
between the county and Bradleyville Schools. Commissioner Pennel seconded the
motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel (yes), Herschend (yes), Strahan (yes).

RVIII SCHOOL DISTRICT SEWER ISSUE

Commissioner Herschend stated that Mark Twain Schools approached him with a
request for assistance with a sewer issue. Herschend added that Richard Needham would
be coming to the Commission next week to request Title III Monies to put toward the
sewer project. Herschend asked Donna Neeley, County Clerk if she could look and see if
monies are still available since no one applied for Title III in July? Neeley reminded the
Commission that they originally agreed to wait until December before distributing any
Title III Monies. Herschend suggested that the Commission hear the request and then
declare whether action should be taken or postponed until December.

Presiding Commissioner Pennel added that there have been two private donations
and that many entities have pulled together to help Mark Twain Schools.

BRANSON AREA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Presiding Commissioner Pennel reminded the Commission that Mike Woody and
the Branson Area Festival of Lights need a decision in regards to their request for
financial support from the county. Pennel stated that this is what IDA is for and
suggested letting them give the Commission a recommendation.
 Commissioner Herschend stated the Commission has already made Woody wait
and if they waited for IDA’s recommendation it would be even more time before an
decision is made. Herschend made a motion to take $5,000 out of the counties
contingency fund to support the Branson Area Festival of Lights. Herschend added that
this would be one time only due to the fact that they don’t have any income coming in for
this year.

The motion died for the lack of a second.

Commissioner Pennel stated that he understood the money would go towards the
stars on Hwy 76 and expressed that if the county supported one entity they need to be
prepared to support others. Herschend clarified that the county is a part of the original
Branson Area Festival of Lights so by doing this, as they have in the past, the county
would be would be fueling the engine for the Christmas season.

Commissioner Strahan expressed that the reason he didn’t second the motion is
because he sees a need to fuel the engine for all of Taney County and not just Branson. A
general discussion ensued.

Commissioner Pennel made a motion to deny the Branson Area Festival of Lights
request for financial support. Commissioner Strahan seconded the motion to deny. The
motion passed by vote: Pennel (yes), Herschend (no), Strahan (yes).

SUPPORT LETTER
AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Commissioner Pennel reminded the Commission that Rick Huffman asked for a
letter of support for affordable housing and stated they need to follow up on the tax
abatement.

Bob Paulson, County Counselor stated that he couldn’t find anything in the
statutes allowing the county to abate taxes in a low-income housing situation. Herschend
asked if the county is eligible to give tax credits from the state? Paulson answered not for
a profit organization.

Commissioner Herschend asked if there is any way the county could apply for
credit from the state and then turn around and sell it for those funds? A general discussion
ensued. No motions were made and no votes were taken.

JUDICIAL FACILITY

Donna Neeley, County Clerk suggested selling bricks to the citizens for the new
judicial facility to help raise money. Neeley added that it might encourage citizens to feel
like more of a part of the new judicial facility.
 SURVEY

Donna Neeley, County Clerk presented the Commission with a press release
stating that a survey was sent out and 1 out of 5 voters who responded requested to be
moved to the Branson High School. No motions were made and no votes taken.

PRIOR MINUTES

Commissioner Pennel made a motion to approve minutes from October 17 and
19. Commissioner Herschend seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel
(yes), Herschend (yes), Strahan (yes).

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED

Commissioner Strahan made a motion to approve accounts payable warrants #
91493-91617. Commissioner Pennel seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:
Pennel (yes), Herschend (yes), Strahan (yes).