A lack of a quorum Tuesday morning prompted the Salina City / County Building Authority to mull a by-laws change.

The by-laws for the City County Building Authority stipulate that five of its seven members must be available to vote on any action items.  The Board is composed of three County Commissioners, two City Commissioners, a representative from the third floor and a “member at large”.

When the Board met Tuesday morning, Saline County Commissioners Luci Larson and David Smith were present as was Court Administrator Todd Heitschmidt.  “Member at large” Loren Harris was also present.

But, Saline County Commission Chairman Monte Shadwick was in Kansas City and will be attending the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting.  Salina City Commissioner Randall Hardy was attending a function for the state Senate.  Salina City Commissioner Karl Ryan could not be reached.

In order to approve minutes, the treasurer’s report, and pay bills, Larson contacted Shadwick by phone.  Those present debated if the by-laws should be changed so that a majority of four, out of seven, would constitute a quorum.

Building Superintendent Duane Grace said there will be a pre-construction meeting today regarding demolition of the passenger bridge that connects the 2nd floor with the Robert Caldwell Plaza.  That meeting will take place at 2:00 PM, in room 207.  If contracts get signed next week, the bridge will be removed and the retaining wall will be reinforced .  It may be possible to complete this work by the end of January.

Grace also reported:

• Last week’s fire inspection of the building had gone well.
• There have been no complaints about the new phone system.
• One day-time custodian has left employment.
• In terms of building improvements, staff will begin replacing some water coolers.  They also plan to hope to create an outdoor break area, close to the snack bar.

The meeting began at 8:35 and ended at 9:02.