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Commission
meeting opens with moment of silence
by
Kim Tiefenthaler
Landmark reporter
"I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America"...these words, which may have seemed routine
at a county commissioner's meeting a week and a half ago,
took on a new meaning and emotion at the Sept. 13 session.
Just two days after the worst terrorist attack in U.S.
history, Platte County Commissioner's convened last week's
administrative session with a moment of silence and the
pledge of allegiance.
Following the moment of silence, County Commissioner
Steve Wegner stated these strong words, "September
11 is a sad day in our country. But we will be stronger
and we will survive."
In recognition of Tuesday's attacks on our nation, the
Platte County Commissioners implemented a resolution encouraging
Platte County citizens to support relief efforts for the
thousands of terrorist victims affected by the tragedy
in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
"The National Association of Counties had requested
each county to implement their own resolution in the wake
of last week's tragedy," said Doug Noble, public
affairs coordinator for Platte County. "Resolutions
are used by government officials to recognize people,
projects and events."
In other business, the county commissioners contracted
the holiday lighting for the courthouse to Diamond K of
Kansas City North, MO for $2,500.
They will be responsible for the installation and removal
of 800 feet of industrial holiday lights on the south
side, as well as on the southern portion of the east and
west sides of the Platte County Courthouse. Diamond K
will also be responsible for the lighting on the blue
spruce tree at the courthouse.
The installation of the lights must be completed no later
than Oct. 29 and removed before Jan. 15, 2002.
The commissioners heard a recommendation from the Parks
and Recreation Department to rescind a grant awarded to
Parkville in April of 2001, after receiving a letter stating
that Parkville would be unable to complete the project
by the end of the year.
The Outreach Grant, awarded to Parkville for $20,800,
was intended to extend a trail and parking area at English
Landing Park. However, due to questions of property ownership
within the area, Parkville was unable to complete the
project by the end of the year.
The Parks and Recreation Department received over $500,000
in grant requests and issued $200,000 in grant money to
local organizations.
After the recommendation was received from the Parks
and Recreation Department to rescind the grant from Parkville,
the commissioners voted to extend the grant to the Southern
Platte County Athletic Association for a shelter at Tiffany
Springs Park for $12,500.
The difference in funds will be returned to the program
for next year's applicants.
According to Noble, the Outreach Grant was developed
as a part of the Parks Master Plan to develop a source
of funding. Voters approved a half cent sales tax over
the next ten years, which officials approximate will bring
in $60 million in revenue, with a part of the sales tax
used for the Outreach Grant Program.
Commissioners appointed John Thomas to the Economic Development
Council effective immediately, and appointed Eric Zahnd
to the Tri-County Domestic Violence Board effective Oct.
1 to serve a two-year term.
The next county commissioner meeting will be held at
2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Platte County Administrative
Building.
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