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| April 2, 2001 | April 6, 2001 |
| April 9, 2001 | April 13, 2001 |
| April 16, 2001 | April 20, 2001 |
| April 23, 2001 | April 27, 2001 |
| April 30, 2001 | |
These are minutes from April 2001 as approved by the County Commission.
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| April 6, 2001
Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all commissioners present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Gary Houston gave Jim Harris a list of faded or missing road signs from his district. He also mentioned some tube replacement problems. The commissioners agreed to sign the quarry road reimbursement plan with the State of Kansas. The commissioners reviewed the monthly progress report from the Extension Office. John Swarts spoke to the commissioners about getting estimates for new PCs for his office. At 9:30 am, bids for electrical work in the County Attorney's office were opened and read. Two bids were received. The were as follows:
Robert Query made a motion to go with the Hembree Electric bid for work in the Attorney's office. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. The commissioners and Mr. Harris discussed the need to finalize the county's road plan for this summer. The commissioners set a work session for Monday, April 9, 2001, at 11:00 am to discuss the 2001 road plan. County Clerk, Joanne Long, gave the commissioners a copy of a request for a vacation of road from Dean and Rebecca Mann. A public hearing has been set for Friday, April 27, 2001, 9:00 am. Gail Hazen phoned to say that she is pleased with the change in grading of her roads and thanked the commissioners for quick response to her request. Tonya Wratchford and Tom Spainhoward met with the commissioners to discuss the possible chip & seal of 205th Street near Justice Road. Ms. Wratchford is against it. She is concerned that the oil from a chip and seal road will wash off into her pond which is already suffering from runoff of new construction in the area. She has spent hundreds of dollars stocking this pond and fears it may be destroyed from the runoff. She also doesn't want the extra expense of a new road or the higher taxes that will most likely accompany the higher valuation she will receive for living on a chip and sealed road. She stated that she moved from the city of Fort Scott to the rural area to avoid high taxes but is already paying more in property taxes than she ever did in the city of Fort Scott. She is happy with the gravel road. She also asked that if/when any paving will take place in her area that the drainage problem be addressed before any work is done. The commissioners thanked her for coming in and told her that there were no immediate plans to improve that road. The Board of County Canvassers convened at 10:00 am to certify the General Election results from Tuesday, April 3, 2001. County Clerk, Joanne Long, and Election Clerk, Cecelia Key, presented 29 provisional ballots for review and the Abstract of Votes cast. The Board verified 16 of the 29 provisional ballots as valid and approved their counting. The ballots were run and add to the unofficial totals from Tuesday night. The county clerk also mentioned a case of electioneering that was reported in Bronson. She told the board what she knew about the charge and said she would do what she could to determine the source. The board agreed that was the best course of action. The information has been handed over to the County Attorney. The Board certified the April 3, 2001 election. Jim Comstock came to discuss a problem he had with the county's tire bid. He stated other bids weren't compatible to tires he bid and wanted a fair shot at bidding. He stated he would not warranty tires that were not purchased from Comstocks. The commissioners said they would look into the bids. Lee Davis presented Chemical bids at 11:00 am. Bids were received from Van Diest Supply Co. and UAP/Timberland. There were as follows:
Robert Query made a motion to accept the bid from UAP/Timberland. Gary Houston seconded and all in favor. After routine business the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 9, 2001
Monday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all commissioners present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and signed. Jim Comstock brought the commissioners some brochures about comparable tire brands for future tire bids. Mr. Hartman of Allen County, formerly of Bronson, spoke with the commissioners about the need for an ethanol plant in the area. He asked if the commissioners could get area farmers interested in the alternate fuel source. Jim Harris will research possible grants for the project. David and Roberta Graham spoke with the commissioners about a "controlled burn" that got out of hand and very near their home on Sunday. They asked if there was any law that prohibited burning on very windy days or if there was any provision requiring notification to neighbors when a burn will take place. The commissioners told them that there really are no laws prohibiting open burning except in emergency situations, like droughts. The commissioners said they would speak with Delwin Mumbower of Fire Dist. 3 about any possible regulations. The commissioners held a work session to discuss the 2001 chip & seal plan for Bourbon County. Mr. Harris gave the commissioners a sheet breaking down the cost per mile for chip and seal and asphalt for initial calculations. No action at this time. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 13, 2001
Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. County Clerk Joanne Long was also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Resolution 01-14 was given to the commissioners for approval. It is to implement the countywide sales tax. Terry Graham made a motion to approve the resolution. Robert Query seconded. Gary Houston in favor. The resolution is to be published in the official county newspaper and forwarded to the Department of Taxation. The commissioners approved payroll and accounts payable for the period. Sheriff Harold Coleman told the commissioners that a stop sign needs replaced at a T-intersection that was the site of a fatal car crash earlier in the week. He also asked how the county was progressing in appointing a deputy coroner. The commissioners stated they have not located anyone who was interested in the position. Terry Graham said he would contact Dr. Banks, the District Coroner, again. After speaking to Dr. Banks via telephone, Mr. Graham said that Dr. Banks would appoint whomever the county found and that it would be okay to appoint a lay person in the meantime. He suggested either the County Sheriff or Chief of Police of Fort Scott. Robert Query asked the county clerk to see if there was a conflict of offices for the sheriff to serve as Deputy Coroner before appointing anyone. Whomever is chosen will be sworn in by the county clerk. The commissioners received a letter of complain from an unknown individual who signed the letter "Concerned Voters." The commissioners don't respond to anonymous complaints. Sonny Sager, Laura Blossom and Denny Kohl, all of Infinitec, Inc., spoke with the commissioners about possible wiring for computers associated with the AS400. The state is requiring this new wiring for the VIPS or Vehicle Departments, and this wiring will be a step toward implementing imaging systems in the future. Persons also attending this meeting were Lynn Smith, Computer Systems Operator and Sharon Elder, Register of Deeds. The proposal summary for Network Wiring of CAT5 and 3COM switches totaled $14,963.08. The commissioners asked if this wiring is necessary. Mr. Sager said that only the Vehicle Office was required to update to meet State guidelines at this time, but suggested the wiring due to the request from many of the offices to update their office terminals to personal computers. There is an ethernet card that is required to adapt the personal computers to the old twin-axial wiring for access to the AS400. That card costs approximately $350 per computer. The commissioners stated that the budget is pretty tight for 2001 and asked to think about it. No action. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 16, 2001
Monday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Joanne Long and Jim Harris were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Andy Carter and Matt Pojanowski, students at Fort Scott Community College, sat in for the morning session. The commissioners discussed employee Ron Roberts. He is currently a part-time employee for the Road & Bridge Department. The commissioners asked how he was progressing. Mr. Harris said he is doing a good job. The commissioners told Mr. Harris to make him full time. Robert Query asked Mr. Harris the progress on the flag pole for the courthouse. It blew over the weekend of April 7, 2001, and has not been repaired or replaced. Upon inspection, a hole at the top of the pole allowed water to collect inside and eventually rusted the pole at the ground level. David Neville has been told to get estimates for a new stainless steel pole. The commissioners would also like estimates for the cost of repairing the old pole. Jim Harris presented the commissioners with estimated costs to begin the road work involved with the general maintenance 10-yr plan and estimate sales tax revenue for future projects. It is as follows:
Terry Sercer, auditor with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe, came at the commissioners request to discuss the sales tax revenue. Mr. Sercer said statute dictates that any monies used for Road & Bridge must be paid out of the Road & Bridge fund, but that he believes the revenues brought in from the sales tax can be stored in a separate account for accurate bookkeeping. He believes most of the revenue will be sent to the county monthly, but the first payment won't be until late August or early September with filing deadlines. After the initial payment, they should come regularly. He said that the 2001 budget will have to be amended for the unexpected revenues, but that the budgets for the next ten years should reflect an estimated amount of revenue from the sales tax. He asked the commissioners to allow him to check the statutes to make sure the separate account is legal and check back at 1:00 pm with the results. The commissioners opened bids for an air-conditioning unit for the Register of Deeds Office with duct work to the Public Works Office. Three bids were received. They were as follows:
Robert Query liked the Ed French $4,000.00 bid but wants to table making decisions until we can receive bids for the wiring. Mr. Harris will mail letters to Stoughton's , Farr and Hembree asking for bids to be opened at 9:30 am on April 27, 2001. Denny Kohl, Infinitec, came to speak to the commissioners about the computer. He said that the county is currently licensed to use Client Access with IBM on five personal computers. IBM requires the licenses to use their software. With the installation of more personal computers in the near future, we will need to purchase five more licenses. IBM requires up to ten licenses and after ten, you can have unlimited access. The licenses are $275.00 each. Whether the commissioners upgrade the wiring or not, these licenses will be required for the new personal computers in the Vehicle Office. The commissioners thanked Mr. Kohl for speaking to them. In the afternoon session, Terry Sercer returned to speak to the commissioners. He said it is legal to keep the sales tax revenue in a separate account. The account may even be an interest bearing account as long as all the interest stays in that account. He reminded the commissioners that they must have a budget amendment to the Road & Bridge Fund by December 2001. The amendment must be published 10 days prior to the amendment. Laura Krebs came to check with the commissioners on any progress they have had with her driveway. She spoke to the commissioners about the problem she is having with her neighbors March 9th. No action. After routine business the meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 20, 2001
Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Robert Query and Gary Houston present. Terry Graham was absent. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. The commissioners signed the Bridge Replacement Program for the Kansas Department of Transportation. It places three bridges on the list for future replacement/repair. This does not mean these bridges will be replaced, only that if they must be, there will be federal assistance to help defray the cost. Bridges not on the list are not eligible for assistance. The commissioners received an email from Richard Nienstedt of the City of Fort Scott. He asked if the county would participate in the city's clean-up program again. For the last few years, the county has waived the gate fees at the Transfer Station for city trucks only after picking up limbs, appliances, etc. from city residents. It is not for solid waste, only for yard clean-up. This has been in conjunction with Earth Day beautification projects. The commissioners told Jim Harris to inform the city the county would again participate. Gary Houston commented on the high school Earth Day clean-up of Condensory Road. He stated they did an excellent job and wished adults cared as much as the children do about stopping litter. Everyone agreed. Jim Harris presented the commissioners with a breakdown of sales tax revenue the City of Fort Scott receives to get an idea of how much the countywide sales tax will bring. The amount fluctuates from month to month and quarter to quarter but averages about $275,000 per quarter. The county will receive approximately half of that sum for its share. This gives the commissioners some idea how much revenue the sales tax will bring for road projects. Dean Mann and Victor Arnold came to speak to the commissioners. They represented the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and presented a letter signed by all Chamber board members asking the county to participate in the Neighborhood Revitalization plan. Mr. Mann read from the letter the benefits the plan would bring, such as: encouraging investment in deteriorating areas of our community, protecting the investment of the city in streets, sewers and other infrastructure improvements and the investment residents have made in their property, improving the tax base, improving the livability of our community and being a program costing little or nothing for each taxing entity. Mr. Mann stated the Chamber would be speaking to the USD 234 board in May about joining the plan also. The Fort Scott Community College has already voted to join with the city of Fort Scott. The commissioners thanked them for speaking with them. No action at this time. Dean Mitchell came to ask the commissioners to close one-half mile of a dead-end road south of Fort Scott Lake. He would like to put a fence up. He described the road as one mile north and one mile east of Tubtown. The commissioners didn't know if the road had ever been opened but would look into it and get back to Mr. Mitchell with the information they learned. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long |
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| April 23, 2001
Monday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met at 9am with Commissioners Robert Query and Terry Graham present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Gary Houston arrived at 9:50 am after discussing brush problems on county right of ways with a constituent. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. During the County Coordinator's time on the agenda, Mr. Harris asked the commissioners if it was alright to begin advertising for summer part-time help for the Public Works Department. The commissioners said yes. There was a question as to when the 240th Street benefit district work would commence. Mr. Harris stated next week if the weather holds up. The Sheriff spoke to the commissioners about complaints of 4-wheelers on private property and county roads. There have been complaints to the commissioners by phone of the noise they produce and the use of them on county roads. There is no law forbidding the use of 4-wheelers except in cities of the first class and along state or federal highways. Those operating 4-wheelers are required to obey all rules of the road and traffic laws. A person caught operating a 4-wheeler in a manner not allowed by law could be charged with reckless driving, however the sheriff hesitates placing any further restrictions on the use of 4-wheelers which would be of detriment to farmers who use them in their work. Denny Kohl spoke with the commissioners. He explained the two different types of wiring for computers, Twinax and CAT 5, and how they work in the AS400 to help the commissioners understand the proposal before them for rewiring. Mr. Kohl also discussed some possible future needs for the county and the need to begin saving for a new computer in the years to come. The commissioners thanked Mr. Kohl for the information. No action. Tobin Wright of Community Corrections presented the commissioners with the Adult Comprehensive Plan for the Kansas Department of Corrections. Terry Graham made a motion to approve the plan. Gary Houston seconded. All in favor. Mr. Wright will send a signature sheet for the commissioners to sign. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 27, 2001
Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. At 9:00 am, there was a public hearing scheduled to discuss a petition for a road vacation. Larry Nuss was present for the petitioners, Dean and Rebecca Mann. He told the commissioners that upon further investigation, he found that a deed of dedication had extended the street longer than originally thought. The original petition only covered part of the street. He asked to postpone the hearing until he could rewrite the petition to include the entire street and re-notify the owners. The commissioners agreed. Mr. Harris discussed new regulations that will go into effect January 1, 2002, for landfills in the state of Kansas. The new regulations will require all landfills to have the same monitor wells and liners as large landfills. That would be a great financial burden for Bourbon County which only handles construction and demolition materials. He recommends closing the Bourbon County transfer station before January 1, 2002. If we are to continue operating a landfill in Bourbon County, we would have to purchase the land and comply with these new regulations. He drafted a letter to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the commissioners to sign stating our opposition to these regulations and the hardship it will create for Bourbon County. The commissioners signed the letter which will also be forwarded to Representative Andrew Howell and Senators Jim Barone and Robert Tyson. Delwin Mumbower of Fire District 3 spoke to the commissioners on behalf of the unincorporated town of Devon, Kansas. It would like to purchase three storm sirens to place around the town for a warning system for severe weather. The town raised money from a fundraiser to purchase one at $385 and would like the county to donate $800 towards the purchase of two more. Mr. Mumbower said that he and another fireman would install the alarms on existing poles in the town. The commissioners asked the clerk to see how much money was in the Emergency Preparedness fund to possibly help. There was $3,887.05 in the fund. Terry Graham made a motion to allocate $800 towards the purchase of three storm sirens from the Emergency Preparedness fund for the town of Devon. Gary Houston seconded the motion. All in favor. Delwin will present a bill to the clerk's office for payment. Accounts payable and payroll for the period were approved. Electric bids were opened at 9:30 am for work in the Register of Deeds office to install a new air conditioning unit. There was only one bid received. It was from Farr Electric for $1,525.00. After reviewing the air conditioner bids from earlier in the month for a comparison, Robert Query made a motion to purchase the York air conditioner from French's for $4,200 and hire Farr Electric to do the wiring at the $1,525.00 bid. Terry Graham seconded the motion. All in favor. There was a question as to whether the commissioners would be taking bids for the hay at Elm Creek. They said they would, but weren't ready at this time. It will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune. There was much discussion of the courthouse flagpole. It blew down due to strong winds the weekend of April 7, 2001. It was mentioned that the broken flagpole had been cut into three pieces and removed and another pole was about to be erected. The commissioners asked on what authority these actions were being taken. Mr. Harris said he must have misunderstood the commissioners direction when he spoke to them before, as he was under the impression the county did not want to purchase a new pole and the old pole was unrepairable. He said the new pole had been purchased from Judy's Iron for $70.00 and would stand approximately 30' high. It would have cost more than $100 to repair the large crack in the top of the old pole. A new aluminum flagpole would cost at least $700. Sheriff Coleman expressed his dislike for the proposed pole and stated that many of the offices would be happy to donate part of their office budgets to help purchase an appropriate flagpole. He said that because this is a courthouse and many military programs are held on our steps, we should have an appropriate flagpole of which everyone can be proud. No action at this time. There was discussion of the need for a speed limit sign to be posted on Osage Road near old 69 Hwy. A "Slow Children Playing" signs had not been effective in slowing traffic. Gary Houston made a motion to erect 40 MPH speed limit signs on Osage Road near old 69 Hwy and east of new 69 Hwy near the existing "Slow Children Playing" signs. Terry Graham seconded. All voted in favor. John Swarts came to speak to the commissioners about the need for three new computer monitors for his office. New software he has from the state appears very small on the monitors he has and is causing eye strain on his employees. The program will not need to be reduced in type size if he would have 17" monitors. He stated that the three monitors to be replaced are in good working order and county be used if another office needs a replacement. The commissioners agreed the purchase as long as Mr. Swarts had the money in his budget. Mr. Swarts also thanked the commissioners for the recent electrical work in his office to accommodate his equipment and stated that it had handled a surge in power this week very well. Gary Houston asked for a mower in his district. The commissioners agreed. Jim Harris was notified. Gary Houston made a motion at 11:35 am to go into executive session for a period of 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Terry Graham seconded the motion. Robert Query in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners and County Clerk Joanne Long. The regular meeting resumed at 11:50 with no action. In the afternoon session Robert Query, Gary Houston and Joanne Long were present. Terry Graham was in Uniontown for the installation of the US Geological River Gauge on the Marmaton River. Chairman Query and Commissioner Houston viewed the Hammond Road during the noon hour. Harold Coleman and David Neville came to resume discussion of the flagpole. The commissioners asked Mr. Neville, custodian, what his directions were for the flagpole. He said that he was told by Mr. Harris to order a new 30' aluminum flagpole for $700 and later told to cancel the order because the commissioners did not want to purchase a new flagpole if the old pole could be repaired. When it was found that it was not feasible to repair the old pole he was told by Mr. Harris to purchase pipe from Judy's to erect a pole. The commissioners that had not been the case and said that the iron pipe pole was not acceptable. The commissioners appointed Sheriff Coleman and David Neville to research prices for a new flagpole and to report back to the commission on Monday with at least two purchase prices. They asked that the pole be between 55' and 60' high. The old pole stood 53' above the ground. They were happy to do the research the commissioners asked of them. Sheriff Coleman asked the commissioners permission to purchase a used truck from Elbraders for the Sheriff's department. When asked why the Sheriff's department needed a four-wheel drive pick-up, Mr. Coleman explained it would be used to transport toxic materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The sheriff would trade one of the patrol cars for the truck. The truck is a 1996 Chevy pick-up 4-wheel drive with a tool box in the bed. The lights and sirens can be transferred from the patrol car to the truck. The commissioners asked if he budgeted for a new car. Mr. Coleman said he did. The commissioners approved the purchase. The commissioners discussed the condition of the Hammond Road. It is very dangerous to drive on in its current condition. The commissioners told Mr. Harris they would like the ditches cleaned and a water truck and roller on the Hammond Road immediately. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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| April 30, 2001
Monday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. The commissioners spoke to the sheriff about the coroner situation. The sheriff and Chief Reyes of the City of Fort Scott will meet with the commissioners on Monday, May 7, 2001, to discuss it further. The commissioners spoke with County Appraiser, Judy Orton, about the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. They asked how many participants there were and how much work is involved to determine the rebates. No action. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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