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Commission
approves workforce
development program with EDC
by Kim Tiefenthaler
Landmark reporter
Director of the Economic Development Council, Pete Fullerton,
spoke to the Platte County Commission on Sept. 27, regarding
a contract to put forth a work force development program
between Platte County and the EDC.
Fullerton stated that on Sept. 18, the EDC board approved
the proposal to present to the commission.
In his proposal, Fullerton stated he wanted to research
other area communities regarding their workforce development
programs. He also wants to look at what the local needs
are as a county and come up with an effective tool that
can be used as a community.
The program development commenced Oct. 1 with completion
and presentation of the program by Dec. 31, 2001. EDC
and Platte County agreed on the $15,000 cost for the program.
During the program, the EDC will also work with American
Airlines, who purchased TWA, regarding their workforce
issues such as employee retention and retraining, in order
to keep the Overhaul Base as a main contributor to Platte
County's economy.
Fullerton stated with the cutbacks going on in the airline
industry since the crisis on Sept. 11, we need to pull
together as a community to prepare for the possibility
of those cutbacks knocking at our back door.
"I believe as a community, EDC council and as leaders,
that we need to be an empathetic and sympathetic as possible
that tomorrow will be better than today."
During the meeting, the commission passed resolution
#01-20, proclaiming October 2001 as Senior Citizen Month
in Platte County.
The resolution stated that according to the 2000 United
States Census, nine percent of the population of Platte
County, approximately 6,500 residents are now over the
age of 65.
The resolution stated, 'These individuals have played
a vital role in our community for many years and are responsible
for many of the attributes that make Platte County a great
place to live and work.'
'Organizations such as Platte Senior Services, Inc.
and the Platte County Senior Citizens' Services Fund have
cooperated to provide many worthwhile programs designed
to benefit seniors in the county.'
Commissioners also approved to amend the budget for the
general revenue fund, eight special revenue funds, six
debt service funds and four capital projects fund.
In other business, bids were awarded for the power ditcher
to Hurricane Ditcher Co. of Indiana for $27,350. A bid
was also awarded to Fehrs Equipment Company of Kansas
City, MO for the hydraulic excavator for $264,768. The
bid for the Windows 2000 Recorder, was given to Voice
Products of Wichita, KS for $39,956. AT Switzer Inc. was
awarded the bid to paint the high traffic area in the
administration building of the law enforcement center
for $4,545.
Finally during the bid awards, the commission accepted
a bid from Platte Valley Construction for $10,678 to replace
the sidewalk in front of the courthouse on Main Street.
Aaron Schmidt, director of Planning and Zoning, announced
the addition of Rob Perry, engineer in planning and zoning,
as a new employee.
The next commission meeting is scheduled at 2 p.m., Oct.
4 in the Platte County administration building.
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