Return to Commission Minutes page by clicking HERE.
| March 2, 2001 | March 5, 2001 |
| March 9, 2001 | March 12, 2001 |
| March 16, 2001 | March 19, 2001 |
| March 23, 2001 | March 26, 2001 |
| March 30, 2001 | |
These are minutes from March 2001 as approved by the County Commission.
Return to TOP
Return to TOP
| March 9, 2001
Friday
9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all members present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. County Clerk, Joanne Long, asked the commission for approval to purchase a display shelf for Fish & Game pamphlets and brochures. The commissioners approved the purchase. There was discussion of whether or not the county would put the Elm Creek Lake hay up for bid this year. Terry Graham asked Mr. Harris to contact Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks to see when they burn Hollister Wildlife Area and work around that schedule accordingly. The Elm Creek Lake hay was burned off last year when the controlled burn jumped the road from Hollister. HB2369 was discussed again. It is the bill that would prohibit counties from selling road materials. Jim Harris has been asked to testify before a Senate Committee on Wednesday, March14, 2001. He would like to take Zack Reynolds as County Counsellor. The commissioners asked if Randy Allen of the Kansas Association of Counties would be there. it was decided that Jim Harris would go alone. The commissioners reviewed the monthly report from the Extension Office. They also received a letter from Dan Meara about the tax sale. It included all charges owed by the county for having the sale. Robert Query made a motion to pay the entities owed for work done on the tax sale. Gary Houston seconded. All in favor. Jim Harris mentioned that a township in Missouri wants to purchase culvert tubes from us. The county agreed not to sell to individuals in January. The commissioners agreed that the county shouldn't be doing business out of county/state. Laura Krebs came before the commission to discuss a problem she is having with her neighbors using her driveway and destroying property. She asked if the commissioners could do anything to help her. Sheriff Coleman stopped in to add that her chickens and guineas are defecating on their cars and in their pool because they are not caged. The neighbors have also erected a "No Trespassing" sign which has caused a problem. The Sheriff asked if he could get the sign taken down, would she cage the birds. She agreed. The commissioners said they will look into the driveway situation and talk to the neighbors. Robert Query gave Jim Harris the grant information for Elm Creek Lake that he mentioned in an earlier meeting. Susan Quick asked if the county could have a representative from Blue Cross/Blue Shield come to explain some of the benefits. She was referred to the 800 number as the Pittsburg office can not answer monetary questions. Betty Graham called to remind the commissioners to pick up the two stoves for Elm Creek Lake from the Devon Community Building. Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:00 am to transport a neighbor from a medical appointment. Tolle Bowman and Don Doherty came to discuss a new Cancer Policy from National Travelers Life they would like to make available to the county employees. The commissioners allowed Mr. Bowman and Mr. Doherty to approach each department to see if there is any interest in the plan. The commission asked that they speak to the employees at the county barn on a rainy day so as not to pull the grader men off their routes. Robert Query left the meeting at 10:40 to attend to cattle problems. Gary Houston returned at 11:00 am to continue the meeting. Jim Harris presented the commissioners with a letter received from Zack Reynolds concerning the lease with Gary Cullor for the site of the Transtor Station. Terry Graham made a motion at 11:18 am to adjourn into executive session for a period of 12 minutes on the attorney/client privilege exception. Gary Houston seconded the motion. Those in attendance were Terry Graham, Gary Houston, Jim Harris and Joanne Long. The regular meeting resumed at 11:30 am with no action. After routine business the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 12, 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. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. Jim Harris presented the board with a printout of the county's five-year bridge replacement plan. It needs to be updated and returned to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and he would like the commission to look it over and let him know by next week of any changes or additions the board would like to make. He also gave the commission a list of guidelines for landfills from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE). This is concerning the lease with Gary Cullor of the site for the county's transtor station. No action. At 11:20, the commissioners left to view a driveway in Bunker Hill Addition. After routine business, the meeting adjourned with no further actions.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 16, 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 signed. Jim Harris mentioned the upcoming Southeast Kansas County Commission and Highway Official meeting. It will be April 10, 2001, in Chanute, Kansas. He asked if any of the commissioners were interested in going to the semi-annual meeting. No one was available. Mr. Harris presented the board with a letter for signatures. It is to Gary Cullor exercising the county's 5-year option to extend the lease with Mr. Cullor for the land used for the transtor station. The commissioners signed the letter. Mr. Harris was asked if he testified in Topeka on Wednesday about the bill concerning the sale of paving materials from counties to other entities. Mr. Harris did not. There were too many people scheduled to testify in the time allotted so he did not attend. There was no vote on the bill. It has been tabled for now, waiting on an amendment from Randy Allen of the Kansas Association of Counties. Judy Orton came to speak with the commissioners at their request to discuss problems she is having with the county's 911 mapping program. She has recently been networked into the system located in Jim Harris's office, but has yet to learn how to work the program. She said she was having problems with cooperation with Mr. Harris in that he did not keep an appointment with her for instruction of the program earlier in the week and she repeatedly has problems getting Mr. Harris to return her calls. She also stated that the information she is finding is at least two years old--that many of the properties have sold and some have been split. She found that many splits were not being assigned 911 addresses. She asked what could be done to update the records and connect the 911 program with the CAMA program in the Appraisers office. The commissioners said they would speak to Mr. Harris about the situation and that the Post Office in Fort Scott was having its mail carriers verify the 911 addresses on their routes. They suggested that may correct some of the problems. Ms. Orton also informed the commissioners that her office would be mailing valuation notices the last week of March. At 10:00 am a group of citizens came to speak to the commissioners about 205th Street between 18th St. in Fort Scott and Jayhawk Road. Those citizens present were: Dean Mann, Becky Mann, Greg King, Beth Nuss, Larry Nuss, Stan Harkness, Dan Payne, William Farr, Jeff Knopp, Richard Perry and Jim Sather. Mr. Mann spoke for the group. He said that they live on that stretch of road and would like the county to add it to the asphalt plan for this year. It in an increasingly traveled road and is in terrible shape. Mr. Graham said that the county's plan for asphalt for the year had not been set as of yet, but will definitely depend on oil prices. Beth Nuss suggested the new hospital and Great West Insurance will cause more drivers to avoid the congestion on Horton by detouring on their road and that will increase the traffic on 205th well. Robert Query mentioned the new benefit district being created on 240th St. and that the citizens there requested it because they knew the county probably wouldn't be able to add it to the plan but they wanted the road paved. Mr. Mann stated they would not be interested in that idea. He felt their road should place higher on the list than Old 54 Hwy, as it is already paved. Terry Graham stated the county should have the asphalt schedule by May and will take their request under advisement. The group thanked the commissioners for hearing their request. Richard Perry also mentioned a need for gravel on the county road on the Marmaton River bottoms, formerly the old Stagecoach Road. There is a problem with mudding. Gary Houston mentioned a letter from Michael Jacobs concerning Hwy 54 from Fort Scott east to the Missouri line. In it, he asks what the county's plans are for it before KDOT takes over. No action. The commissioners spoke to Jim Harris regarding the issues brought forth with Judy Orton in the morning session. He said he missed the appointment with Ms. Orton Tuesday afternoon because he got back late from a sewer inspection. He felt the appointment was only a "when you have time" appointment anyway and tried to reschedule for today, but Judy wasn't available. He also denied not returning phone calls. He said he didn't feel he was being uncooperative but said he would work harder to reconcile the problem. Gary Houston asked if anyone besides Jim was able to assign new 911 addresses. Not at present, but Doylene Kennedy is learning. He said he would be open to anything the commissioners told him to do to work with the appraisers office to make the 911 system run more smoothly. At 11:12 am, Gary Houston made a motion to adjourn to executive session for a period of 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Robert Query seconded the motion and Terry Graham was in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners, Jim Harris and Joanne Long. The regular meeting reconvened at 11:27 am at which time Gary Houston said he felt John Hawkins should be promoted to the position of loader operator at the rock quarry. He said he felt he should be given a chance to prove himself at that position and that in three weeks time, the commissioners should speak to his supervisor, Gilbert Fleeman, and see how he's doing. Robert Query agreed he should get the position as he is not blood relation to Mr. Fleeman. Terry Graham was not in agreement. The commissioners also spoke to Mr. Harris about county trucks being overloaded with rock. The commissioners have told Mr. Harris about the problem, as stated in the minutes for February 26, 2001. The county was warned once already and does not want to be fined for overloaded trucks. After lunch the commissioners viewed the grounds of the courthouse. Earlier in the week, the janitors removed many of the shrubs and flowers around the building and the commissioners received many complaints from employees and citizens and asked them to stop. The board asked Mr. Harris why the janitors removed the landscaping. He stated the janitors said some of the shrubs were dying and/or in bad shape and he could make it look better. Mr. Harris said he trusted their judgment. The commissioners asked the janitors, David Neville and Emmett Chapman, to tell them what they planned to do after they remove the rest of the shrubs. They said they wanted to replace the "stragglers" with more attractive shrubbery and flowers, perhaps more dwarf evergreens, like are around a monument. They were not aware of the expense of some of the flowers and agreed to let them be removed by courthouse employees. The commissioners asked if they had priced any plants for replacement. They had not, but would give the commissioners bids from at least three businesses before purchasing anything. Victor Arnold came to invite the commissioners to meet with Richard Nienstedt at Grannie Vails restaurant Monday, March 19, 2001, at noon, to discuss Neighborhood Revitalization. Mr. Sutterby came to ask for help with Xavier Rd. west of Mapleton. It is a common road used for mudding and has terrible ruts. The commissioners will have it bladed regularly to help with the ruts. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:10 pm.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 19, 2001
Monday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session in the commission chambers on the second floor of the courthouse with all commissioners present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. Jim Harris discussed the county's 5-year plan for updating bridges. The deadline for submitting changes is April 15, 2001. The commissioners would like to think about it some more before finalizing the list. No action. There was discussion of the upcoming vacancy in the position of deputy coroner. Terry Graham received a phone call from Dr. Herbert Grantham. Dr. Grantham doesn't think the district coroner has been looking for a replacement for Bourbon County, as per statute. He suggests the county commissioners call Dr. Banks, the District Coroner, and see where he is in finding a replacement. Mr. Graham called Dr. Banks and learned that he will not be finding a replacement coroner. He said that if the county finds someone willing, he will deputize him. He also stated that some counties use the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) for natural deaths and any unquestionable deaths. The commissioners called Mercy Hospital to speak with the EMTs but Dr. Phelps, who heads that department, was unavailable. He later called back and stated that the EMTs would not be interested in being deputy coroners. At 10:30 am, Robert Query left the meeting to view a culvert in his district. Terry Graham went to view road and ditch problems in and around Xenia, so the meeting was adjourned for lack of a quorum.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 23, 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 approved. Jim Harris told the commissioners that Richard Nienstedt would like to meet with them again Wednesday, March 28, 2001, to Neighborhood Revitalization. Gary Houston reported on the Public Meeting that was held earlier in the week at Fulton regarding a bridge project. He said it was well attended. The commissioners received correspondence from the Sixth Judicial District informing them it is nearing time to appoint someone to the Advisory Board. At 9:30 am, a Public Hearing was held for the purpose of discussion of a proposed benefit district for 240th St. from Kansas Rd. north 4,880'. Those attending were: the commissioners, Jim Harris, Joanne Long, Michael Shead from the Fort Scott Tribune, Diana Bain, Larry Bain, Becky Tourtillott, Joe Tourtillott, Lynne Wheeler, Sondra Ruhl, Eugene Winter, Margaret Winter, Frank Becco, Rosetta Bails, Cleland Allen, Rex Wheeler and Mary Allen. The citizens presented the commission with a petition for a benefit district for this stretch of road for chip and seal to be done. They asked if they will be responsible forever for the cost of maintaining the road once it is built. They will not. The citizens only pay for the initial construction via the benefit district. All maintenance from that point is the county's responsibility They also asked about keeping heavy traffic off the road, once it is constructed. The commissioners said they would post limit signs and ask the sheriff to patrol and enforce them. They asked what the cost would be per parcel. Initial figures, before interest, come to $241.69/year for 3 years. The landowner will have the option, for 30 days, to pay the full amount to avoid interest. The final figures will be set upon completion of the road. The citizens seemed pleased with the information and asked for the benefit district to be created. Robert Query made a motion to proceed with forming a benefit district for a period of 3 years for the landowners having driveways on 240th Street from Kansas Rd. north 4,888'. Gary Houston seconded the motion. All in favor. Robert Query made a motion at 9:55 am to go into executive session for a period of five minutes under the land acquisition exception to the Open Meeting Law. Terry Graham seconded. All in favor. Those present were the commissioners, Jim Harris and Joanne Long. The regular meeting resumed at 10:00 am with no action. Lynn Smith, Computer Systems Operator, presented the commissioners with a proposal from Infinitec, Inc. for installation of updates for the AS-400 and PC's and on-site training. This is to comply with the State of Kansas and is not covered in the contract the county has with Infinitec for computer services. The cost is $3,750.00 for five (5) days work. The commissioners asked to think about it before signing. No action. Gary Houston made a motion to put the bridge over Slick Rock Road on the county's 5-year bridge plan. Terry Graham seconded. All in favor. Robert Query made a motion to pub two bridges: Old 69 Hwy approximately 4 miles north of the Crawford County line and Old 69 Hwy approximately 1 mile north of the Crawford County line; on the county's 5-year bridge plan. Terry Graham seconded. All in favor. Terry Graham made a motion at 10:45 am to go into executive session for a period of 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Robert Query seconded. All in favor. Those present were Terry Graham, Robert Query and Gary Houston. The regular meeting resumed at 10:55 am with no action. The Board discussed the impending April 1, 2001, date that we will lose our deputy coroners. Gary Houston said that Dr. Phelps stated the county could draft letters to the individual EMT personnel to see if there is any interest, but Dr. Phelps felt there was none. There was discussion as to whether a Sheriff deputy could perform the duty of deputy coroner on some cases. They spoke to Sheriff Coleman about the idea of EMT becoming deputy coroner. The Sheriff had reservations, since the Paramedic's/EMT's first responsibility is to attempt resuscitation on the victim, which may contaminate the scene. Terry Graham stated that Dr. Phelps would be calling back and the Sheriff asked to speak to Dr. Phelps at that time. It was mentioned that the County Attorney is having electrical problems in his office. The new copier he purchased has been blowing fuses and knocking out computers. He asked if he could contact an electrician to see about hooking up a 200 amp breaker in his office to handle the extra need. The commissioners okayed his speaking to an electrician to get an estimate. There was discussion of problems with air conditioning units in the courthouse. The unit in the Register of Deeds office is very old and parts are not available. The unit will not shut itself off on its own and if left running will freeze over. The air conditioner in the Treasurer's office broke down last fall and needs repair. The commissioners spoke to Janitor, David Neville, about the units. He does not know what s wrong with the Treasurer's office air conditioner and has spoken to Ed French about the unit in the Register of Deeds office. He believes it is a faulty thermostat but with the age of the unit, parts are not available. The commissioners asked David to have Ed French speak with them on the subject Monday, March 26, 2001. Karen Paddock came to discuss Ionex Telecommunications. She has been having a great deal of problems getting two video conference lines up and running. She asked for a phone number to speak to someone in charge. She was given an 800 number. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon with no further action.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 26, 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. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and signed. Jim Harris gave the commissioners a copy of the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Policy for Quarry Roads Reimbursement. The state of Kansas will reimburse counties for use of their roads from quarries to their site based on road type. Robert Query made a motion to appoint Hazel Wilhoite, Bob Curtis and LaShawn Miller to the 6th Judicial District Community Services Advisory Board for two year terms. Terry Graham seconded. All in favor. The commissioners spoke with Tony French about the air conditioners. He said that the Register of Deeds air conditioner is wired to bypass the thermostat and that is why it won't shut off. The equipment is too old to get parts for. Commissioners viewed some accounts payable to ensure the offices are complying with the new policy of pre-approval. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP
| March 30, 2001 Friday
9:00 am The Bourbon County Commissioners met at 9:00 am in open session with Commissioners Robert Query and Gary Houston present. Jim Harris and Joanne Long were also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and signed. Andy Carter and Matt Pojanowski, government students at FSCC, sat in for most of the morning session to observe. Michael Shead, Fort Scott Tribune, was also present for the morning session. Zack Reynolds, County Counselor, came to discuss the Infinitec proposal for block time for updating the AS400. He feels the county does not owe this money because the installation of non-Kohl software was covered in the Kohl contract which was purchased by Infinitec. The commissioners spoke with Lynn Smith, Computer Systems Operator, about whether or not the hardware had been purchased for this project. It has, but has not been delivered. Joanne Long said that Denny Kohl has charged the county to install software in the past, as it was done on a weekend when the system was not in use, and Denny Kohl did not work weekends, as per his contract agreement. Jim Harris said he would contact Infinitec regarding the county's position. The commissioners also discussed a proposal to lease county property at the intersection of 4th St. & Couch. It is a vacant lot on the northeast corner of the intersection. The county has been contacted by Selective Site Consultants, Inc., of Lenexa, to erect a microwave tower facility for cellular telecommunications. Zack Reynolds thought it would be a good lease for the county, but recommended not signing the proposed agreement. He suggested a few items needed to be looked into and possibly changed. For instance, the initial 5-yr lease has an automatic renewal ability for an additional five 5-yr terms, resulting in a possible lease of 30 years without any say from the County. He also suggested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would need to be included in the negotiations, as the tower they are projecting would be 250' high. One benefit of the agreement is that it would be a wireless tower for radio waves. Zack would like to rewrite the agreement. He will be in touch with Selective Site Consultants, Inc. The Appraiser's Office notified the commission that valuation notices would be mailed today. The board received a proposal for an air conditioner for the Register of Deeds Office. It is too old to repair and would need to be replaced. The commissioners suggest4d getting more bids from the area dealers. He asked the clerk to draft a letter to be mailed Monday, April 2, 2001, to the air conditioner retailers. The commissioners would like the bid proposals on Monday, April 16, 2001. There was discussion of the ISDL video conference lines for District Court. The lines have never worked and the District Judge has asked that we do whatever possible to get them active. He wants to see if we can get them from AT&T. The commissioners are in a contract agreement with Ionex and asked the clerk to call them and see if they are capable of handling such lines. If they are not, ask to go outside the contract to obtain them from AT&T. Robert Query received a phone call of a missing road sign at Hwy 69 and Eagle Road. He asked Jim Harris to notify Clyde Killion, Road Supervisor. He also asked Michael Shead if he could remind the readers that any accidents caused due to missing road signs or if emergency personnel cannot reach an emergency due to missing road signs, criminal charges could be placed against the person responsible. John Swarts stopped in to inform the commissioners that his electrical problem destroyed two of his computers. He also mentioned the electrician he spoke to informed him he could not have a 200 amp breaker in his office. At 1:00 pm, several citizens came before the commission to ask for help fixing their part of 195th St. between Kansas and Jayhawk. Those at the meeting were: Matt Deloney, Jingles Endicott, Michael Tibbits, Louis Jackson, Wayne Nickl, Galen Isaac, Steve Brumback and Gary Davis. They stated that they have extreme dust conditions and would like the road chip and sealed. Robert Query mentioned forming a benefit district and what that entails. They seemed interested and asked the county to get the figures and let them know. Jim Harris will have the figures sometime next week. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
Return to TOP