ECO² Commission

February 1, 2007

            The February 1, 2007 meeting of the ECO² Commission was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by chairperson Sandra Shaw.  Members present were Trudy Rice, Bruce Liese, Bob Rhoton, Larry McElwain, Rex Buchanan, John Pendleton and RoxAnne Miller.  Also present were Craig Weinaug, county administrator, and Margaret Kalb, recording secretary.

            II. Additions to the agenda were to discuss if a public survey was needed and to discuss if additional money for additional mapping should be added to the budget.  Rex Buchanan moved, and Bob Rhoton seconded, that the agenda be approved.

            III. Bob Rhoton moved, and Larry McElwain seconded, that the minutes of the January meeting be approved as written.  The motion was carried.

            IV. Craig Weinaug discussed with the commission how to proceed with the plan.  He suggested that the plan needs to be presented to the outlying communities and municipalities.  He also suggested that potential projects that the other communities would have an interest in would need to be identified.  Rex Buchanan asked why Lawrence would have veto power over the plan and other municipalities do not.  He suggested that this would have to be explained.  Bruce Liese discussed with the other commissioners the thinking in the Lecompton area.  Larry McElwain suggested that a vote would need to be taken by the county commission and the commission would need to reach out to the other municipalities for opinions and push for a vote.  RoxAnne Miller also agreed that it was time to push for a vote.  Craig Weinaug reminded the members to not raise expectations unnecessarily and set their expectations to be realistic.

            V. Sandra Shaw introduced Bruce Liese as a new member to the commission and introduced Margaret Kalb who will be doing the secretarial work for the commission.  RoxAnne Miller and Rex Buchanan are up for re-appointment.  RoxAnne told the members that has chosen not to be re-appointed.  She will come up with suggestions for her replacement.  Rex Buchanan has decided to be re-appointed.  It was suggested that the balance between business and open/agriculture be maintained.  Possible candidates for the commission are Webb Golden, Ryan Weidel, and Matt Hoy.

            VI. The commissioners reviewed the draft plan.  It was decided that the plan would need to be approved and adopted by the March meeting.  The commission would then go to the county and city commissioners and send letters to the city commissions in Eudora, Baldwin, and Lecompton concerning the approval of the plan.

            It was suggested that the wording in the brochure might need to be simplified and that the name “ECO Squared” be stressed.

            VII. A study session will be held on February 12 at 4:00 p.m. in the Douglas County Extension Office.  The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 a.m. in the Douglas County Extension Office.

            VIII. Rex Buchanan moved, and RoxAnne Miller seconded, that the meeting be adjourned.  The motion was carried.  The meeting adjourned at 9:08 a.m.