06/13/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ABOLISHING ALL COMMITTEES - Quandt expressed concern regarding a facilities committee meeting that was held last Thursday. Karen was not able to attend and she ask Lancaster to attend but she also was not available so Quandt attended the meeting. He expressed concern that there is to be open and honest government and there is no public or news media and other board members cannot attend. There are only 2 or 3 that know what is going on. The board is not informed. He suggested to use the off Tuesdays to hold work study session so all seven board members could attend and abolish all committees. Quandt made a motion and Bredthauer seconded to abolish all committees effective August 1, 2017 and use the alternating Tuesdays for work study sessions. Lancaster stated that this has been discussed before when corrections was having issues. She stated that she does like the idea of work study sessions and if there isn't a need to have the meeting then they would not have it. Some committees are working well the corrections steering committee was an asset to Mr. Bahensky. She would like to give it a try it works for the city and other places and there are options that could be considered. Dick Hartman Loup City, Nebraska expressed concern on the committees when he was on the board. He did not like them. All seven of the board members are responsible for the county so why shouldn't all members be on the committees. Then all 7 would know what is being done. He also ask why the public works department is not working Fridays and noted on the Memorial Day weekend there was no one available for 4 days. Lanfear stated that before he was on the board he thought it was a good idea but the more that are involved then nothing gets done. It bogs down ideas and people do not speak freely if there is a smaller group you can accomplish more. He also expressed concern bringing in the press. He would like to stay with the current system. Arnold stated that when he ran for the County Board he ran because it had the image of being quite contentious and it is that way again. He also noted the reaction of the elected and appointed officials when they are meeting with the board they are nervous and do not want to be there because it ids uncomfortable. They do not present ideas freely, but in a committee it is more informal and more productive. No decision are made matters are still brought to the full board for approval. Committees give a tool to get ideas even if they are not accepted. People will freeze up and that will be a disservice to the county if we abolish the committees. Richardson stated that this was discussed at prior meetings. She sent out an agenda for the committee meeting and she would appreciate knowing that they cannot make it. She was not informed that they would not be there. Lancaster stated she did not ask Gary to attend. The policy was to let the chair of the committee know they could not attend and let them know who is going to be substituted. Richardson stated we cannot continue to revisit this issue. She noted the Roberts Rules of Order that they would have to rescind the previous motion and a motion to rescind would have to be from the prevailing side. We should follow those rules for abolishing the committees. Bredthauer questioned what happens when you are overseas and you do not receive e mails. Bredthauer ask if we are a metropolitan county and bigger counties are doing this and the city is doing this why are we not getting with the times with a new policy. We are staying in the old shoes and do not change. She also expressed concern on the water heaters and that amount 8