Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312
Boone County Week In Review
December 11, 2009
For the week ending December 11, 2009
Things you may have missed...
Sapp Building Grant
On Monday, the City Council approved a $49,416 funding request from the Boone County Commission for the Sapp Building Covered Arena project at the Boone County Fairgrounds. The Columbia Visitors and Convention Bureau voted in November to fully fund the request under the Attraction Development Fund grant program. The arena opened Thanksgiving weekend to a 350-participant barrel race.
Northeast Columbia Area Plan
On Monday, the Boone County Commission met with Planning and Building director Stan Shawver and Planner Thad Yonke to discuss the public hearing draft of the Northeast Columbia Area Plan. The plan is a joint effort between the County and City planning and zoning commissions. Meeting attendees emphasized that the document is a not an annexation plan. The plan will be revisited in five years to see if any changes need to be made. The City Council approved the plan Monday night. The County Commission is expected to approve the plan in early 2010.
Read the Northeast Columbia Area Plan here: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Planning/Documents/NECAPPublicHearDraft10-1-09.pdf.
County Seeks Ways to Save Energy
On Monday, the County Commission reviewed an energy audit of the Roger B. Wilson Government Center. The audit identifies ways to improve energy efficiency in the building through upgrades of existing systems. The County is planning to apply for funding through the Department of Natural Resource's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to help move forward with the audit recommendations.
Logo Contest Winners Revealed
On Wednesday, the winners of the stormwater logo contest were announced during a reception at the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center. Hunter Allen, a senior from Southern Boone County High School took first place in the competition. He received a $100 prize and his art teacher got $200 for classroom art supplies. Allen's design will be used for Boone County, City of Columbia and University of Missouri stormwater management promotional materials. Megan Pearson and Alexandra Smith, both sophomores at Centralia High School, were runner-ups. They each received a $50 prize.
Employee Honored
Boone County Human Resources Director Betty Dickneite was recognized Thursday with a certificate of merit from the Missouri Association of Counties. Dickneite has served Boone County for 10 years.
Boards and Commissions
Melissa J. Smith and Eric W. Kurzejeski were appointed to the Senior Board. Scott Ward was appointed to the Energy & Environment Commission.
County Supports Local Charities for the Holidays
Boone County Government began collecting donations this week for the Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary and the Central Missouri Food Bank. Barrels are set up at the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center (801 E. Walnut, Columbia) to collect non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. Cat and dog food and treats will be collected by Nora in the Recorder's office (room 132) at the Government Center. All donations need to be collected by Friday, December 18.
Public Hearing on Proposed FY 2010 Budget
On Thursday, the Boone County Commission held a public hearing on the proposed 2010 budget. By state law, the Commission is required to hold at least one public meeting before the final budget is approved. County Auditor June Pitchford spoke at the hearing and stated that the County has reduced expenditures since 2008 in a reaction to declining revenues. The reductions in the proposed 2010 budget do not eliminate services or filled county positions. There were no public comments on the proposed budget.
Read the budget here: http://www.showmeboone.com/Budget%202010/.
Coming Up...
Flu Shots
Beginning Saturday, December 12, H1N1 Flu vaccine will be available to all Boone County residents. For more information go to http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health/fluclinicschedule.php.
Legislative Lunch
Boone County elected officials, judges and department heads will have lunch with state legislators Monday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center, 801 E. Walnut. The purpose of the lunch is to discuss the County's legislative priorities for the 2010 session.
Public Hearing
The Boone County Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed fee schedule for food permits Tuesday, December 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center, 801 E. Walnut, Columbia.
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