These are the minutes for December 2002, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

December 2, 2002 December 6, 2002
December 9, 2002 December 13, 2002
December 16, 2002 December 20, 2002
December 23, 2002 December 27, 2002

December 30, 2002

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December 2, 2002          Monday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Joanne Long discussed the latest budget cuts by Governor Graves and their impact on the 2002 and 2003 General Fund budgets. 

Ms. Long also updated the commissioners on the renewal information for the county health insurance.  Commissioners agreed to ask each office how many people will be interested in some form of dependant coverage to determine the best insurance plan for the county. 

Commissioners received a letter of support for Randy Carter from Kevin Moyers of the Community Christian Church. 

Susan Quick, County Treasurer, spoke to the commissioners about Sekan Printing Company’s taxes.  Due to non-filing of paperwork, their Industrial Revenue Bond has lapsed, causing their taxes to increase dramatically.  They are in the process of re-establishing it through the State and are asking if they can pay ½ of the 2001 Personal Property taxes, penalty and interest in the meantime.  Commissioners agreed, providing Sekan signs an agreement that if the State rules against them, all taxes, penalty and interest will be due to the county.  Ms. Quick thanked the commissioners. 

Pat Bishop spoke to the commissioners about the Recreation Department of USD 234.  It is planning to expand the parking at the Fort Scott Community College for the ball fields and would like some assistance with gravel from the county.  The commissioners indicated that would not be a problem so Mr. Bishop will contact them when he has more information. 

Kitty Lewis and Debbie West met again with the commissioners for an update on the Work Release Program.  The term “church” was defined to include one approved service per week.  The commissioners informed the ladies that Alec Beth is contacting other counties for information on their work release programs in an effort to re-vamp Bourbon County’s program at the first of the year.  Ms. West and Ms. Lewis asked the commissioners if there are any guidelines in place to be sure Mr. Carter is where he says he’s going but commissioners did not have that information.  Commissioners stated that, since Randy Carter’s work release status has been revoked and escape charges are pending, he is in lockdown and not eligible for any of the benefits of the program.  The ladies are aware of that, but still would like to be sure that the program is written well and covers all contingencies.  They would also like to be notified when the new guidelines are presented for approval. 

Commissioners received a request from Elmer Judy for a load of rock to cover up a spill that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting.  Approved. 

Delwin Mumbower and Mike Hueston met with the commissioners to notify them of a need to reschedule elections for the Mapleton station of Fire Dist. 3, due to a scheduling conflict.  Commissioners also confirmed that Fire Dist. 3 is to pay ½ of the county obligation to the City of Fort Scott for an emergency vehicle.  

Commissioners approved a drawdown for the Tri-Valley Grant. 

Don Doherty presented a health insurance proposal. 

Jo Ann Henning spoke with the commissioners about a road/property dispute.  Gary Houston was just about to go to the Appraiser’s Office on it. 

Maybelle Mertz thanked the commissioners for appointing her to the SEK-AAA Board. 

Terry Graham stated that he, Ed French and Terri Johnson will be attending an Emergency Preparedness meeting Thursday in Wichita. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm. 

                                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                             (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner
                                                                             (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner                                 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 6, 2002        Friday       9:12 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Robert Query and Gary Houston present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Terry Graham was attending an Emergency Preparedness meeting in Wichita.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.  Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present for most of the meeting. 

Bob Daylong discussed treating slick roads. 

The commissioners discussed the budget cuts from the governor and a request from the Kansas Association of Counties to support a lawsuit to restore the funds.  The commissioners tabled the discussion until Monday when Terry Graham can be included. 

Clyde Killion asked the commissioners if he should treat the courthouse parking lots that are snow and ice covered.  The commissioners felt that since temperatures would be above freezing to assist in melting, there should be no treatments today.  If there is freezing precipitation over the weekend, the road crew can treat the lot while there are no vehicles in it. 

Pat Callanan, Mercy Health Center, met with the commissioners to discuss the ambulance contract.  Mr. Callanan stated that Mercy will need a $30,000 per year increase in the county’s payment or Mercy will have to discontinue the ambulance service as of October 1, 2003.  Mr. Callanan assured the commissioners that Mercy would not drop ambulance service until the county is functional.  The commissioners replied that the 2003 budget does not allow for that large of an increase, and with recent state budget cuts, the 2003 budget will be tighter that originally thought.  The commissioners asked to talk it over with Terry Graham on Monday and contact Mr. Callanan Monday with the county’s decision. 

Larry Martin phoned in a request for help on a road near the sale barn as cattle trucks are having trouble maneuvering on the ice and snow.  Commissioners relayed the request to Clyde. 

Art Moeller, Ag Engineering Associates, spoke to the commissioners about a project with Fort Scott Community College to build an outdoor classroom.  The project will involve tearing up approximately 400’ of 18th Street and using it as a dam for a water treatment class.  It would be a joint city/county project that would re-route 18th Street traffic for approximately 6 to 8 weeks through the college.  Commissioners informed Mr. Moeller that there was no money available in the budget to assist financially.  The commissioners approved the project, providing that an adequate detour, drainage pipe and supplies are covered. 

Joanne Long mentioned that a discussion on November 15, 2002, was inadvertently omitted from the minutes.  It was between David Neville and the commissioners regarding repairing the concrete steps of the courthouse.  Commissioners are waiting on prices to repair cracks and scuffs from Mid-Continental Restoration and MCM. 

Doylene Kennedy presented landfill wages for 2002.  Commissioners are considering making two full-time positions to eliminate part-time and overtime.  No action. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 pm. 

                                                                THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 
 
                                                                (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner  

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 9, 2002          Monday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion discussed road projects and the proposed plan to make two full time positions at the Landfill to eliminate part-time and overtime.  Commissioners approved the change in positions and will let interested barn personnel apply for the positions first. 

Steve Parker spoke to the commissioners about county owned wells. 

The commissioners and clerk discussed the Governor’s budget cuts to the General Fund.  They amount to $105,900 in LAVTR and City/County Revenue Sharing for 2003.  That represents a 4.5% cut in the revenue for the General Fund so the commissioners asked the clerk to cut 4.5% from each of the General Fund Departments and notify them of the cuts.  

Joanne Long mentioned the request from the Kansas Association of Counties to support an effort to stop the Governor from making the cuts.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 21-02, supporting the KAC’s intent to take legal action to stop the proposed budget cuts.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

After discussing the budget cuts, the commissioners discussed the proposed Ambulance contract with Mercy Health System.  Commissioners informed Pat Callanan that the county could only pay what it was contract to pay in 2002 for 2003, due to the severity of the budget cuts.  Mr. Callanan stated he would let Jerry Stevenson know and get back to the county by Friday. 

David Neville updated the commissioners on the repair of cracks in the courthouse steps.  He has heard back from only one company so far on a price to repair them.  Commissioners told Mr. Neville to wait another two weeks for other responses, and then go from there. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 
 
                                                               (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                               (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 13, 2002   Friday          9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, was present for much of the meeting. 

Ed French met with the commissioners.  Since the Commission Room has been designated an Emergency Operating Center (EOC) in Emergency Preparedness, Mr. French needs a key to the courthouse and the commission room.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Gerald Beerbower informed the commissioners about a new leak in the Correctional Center roof.  Commissioners authorized the repair. 

Pat Callanan, Jerry Stevenson, David Goodyear and Barbara Wood met with the commissioners to discuss the ambulance contract with Mercy Health Systems.  Gary Singmaster also sat in on the meeting.  Since the end of September, at the end of the contract, Mercy has received no ambulance payments from Bourbon County.  Mr. Stevenson stated that Mercy appreciates the support from Bourbon County in years past and hopes to continue.  He presented a 3-month contract for ambulance service, for October, November and December of 2002, at $7,740 per month.  After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to enter into a contract with Mercy Health System, for Ambulance service for 3 months at $7,740 per month.  Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Mr. Callanan then passed out a contract for 3 years for ambulance service.  Year one would be at $7,740 per month; year two at $10,240 per month, and year three at $12,740.  That would represent a $30,000 per year increase in year 2 and 3.  No action at this time. 

Department Heads met with the commissioners to discuss health insurance.  Those present were:  David Neville, Judy Orton, Clyde Killion, Sharon Elder, Susan Quick, Alec Beth, Joanne Long and Harold Coleman.  Commissioners explained the option of joining the State of Kansas Health insurance.  In order to choose the best option for the county’s health care, the commissioners asked each department head to find out how many employees would be interested in having dependent coverage.  Department heads will meet again next Friday at 9:00 am. 

Judy Orton informed the commissioners and Department Heads the County will be hosting the Chamber coffee on Thursday, January 2, 2003. 

Harold Coleman informed the commissioners of his need to purchase vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.  He will be attending an auction with Shepherd’s to buy program cars.  Commissioners approved the purchase. 

David Neville discussed the proposals for repairing the courthouse steps.  Commissioners would like quotes to repair the south, east and west steps before it makes a decision. 

Mr. Neville also discussed a quote from DC Refrigeration for work in the Correctional Center.  No action. 

Mr. Neville also discussed a quote from DC Refrigeration for a lead-lag control on the boilers.  Commissioners would like another price to compare. 

Alec Beth told the commissioners of his need to purchase a shock belt for the Correctional Center.  Commissioners approved the request, providing he has the money in his budget. 

Commissioners approved payroll for the period. 

After reviewing several accounts payable, commissioners approved payables for the period. 

Commissioners stated that, due to budget cuts, beginning in 2003, the county would no longer pay for any Chamber dues for county officials. 

Commissioners received a permit from the Corps of Engineers to enable continuation of work at Elm Creek Lake. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:45 pm. 

                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                           (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                           (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 16, 2002        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:30 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Danielle Wells reported that two employees overtime was omitted on the last payroll.  The commissioners authorized a special payment. 

Tom Robertson, Recreation Director, USD 234, spoke to the commissioners about help with the creation of a parking area at Fort Scott Community College for a ball field.  Pat Bishop had spoken with the commissioners a few weeks ago about it.  Commissioners feel they can donate some rock and asked Clyde Killion to see what can be spared. 

Commissioners discussed the proposed ambulance contract.  No action. 

Lee Davis presented chemical bids at 10:00 am.  Three bids were received.  They were:

 

Van Diest 700 g. Glyfos 2 x 2.5 @ $18.34 =  $12,838.00**
100 g. Remedy 2 x 2.5 @ $78.57 =  $  7,857.00
32 g. Tordon 22K 4 x 1 @ $79.27 = $  2,536.64

Total:

=  $23,231.64
UAP/Timberland 700 g. Mirage 2 x 2.5 @ $20.50 =  $14,350.00
100 g. Remedy 2 x 2.5 @ $76.92 =  $  7,692.00
32 g. Tordon 22K 4 x 1 @ $77.85 =  $  2,491.20

Total:

=  $24,533.20
Ag Choice 700 g. Glyfos 2 x 2.5 @ $19.00 =  $13,300.00
100 g. Remedy 2 x 2.5 @ $81.99 =  $  8,199.00
32 g. Tordon 22K 4 x 1 @ $81.00 =  $  2,592.00

Total:

 =  $24,091.00

                              ** On bid, it read $21,838.00—math error confirmed via phone. 

Robert Query made a motion to accept the bid from Van Diest for a total price of $23,231.64.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Joanne Long presented a contract from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred and Bledsoe for auditing and budgeting services.  Terry Graham made a motion to sign the contract.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  It was recorded as 22-02 and placed in the Resolution Book. 

Angel Wilson spoke to the commissioners briefly about the education reimbursement section of the employee handbook.  Commissioners asked her to have her supervisor, Terri Johnson, speak to the commissioners. 

Commissioners authorized Joanne Long to review budgets to see if there is need to make any budget amendments. 

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about Angel Wilson’s request for use of the education reimbursement section of the employee handbook.  As the policy is not specific, the commissioners left the specific class approval to the department head, as the department head will know if the class will have a direct impact on the employee’s work ability.   

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                            THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                            OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                            (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                            (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                                                            (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 20, 2002        Friday       9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present for most of the meeting. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He asked the commissioners how long to run a classified ad for a job opening.  The commissioners said 2 weeks. 

Joanne Long reported that of the offices she’s heard from, approximately 10 employees are interested in some form of dependent health insurance. 

Susan Quick reported that she was informed by the State of Kansas that Bourbon County has been receiving Alcohol Tax distributions that were meant for the City of Fort Scott.  The state offered two possible scenarios:  Either we can pay back the $9,097.30 we received erroneously, or we can not receive any further disbursements of Alcohol Tax monies until the $9,097.30 is paid off.  As the Special Parks & Recreation fund depends on that Alcohol Tax, the commissioners unanimously agreed to the latter. 

Terri Johnson updated the commissioners on questions they had about sales tax and the ambulance contract.  She is awaiting answers from other officials, but wanted to check in. 

Chad Somers and Phil Drescher of BMI presented insurance quotes. 

David Neville presented two quotes for repairing the courthouse steps.  After discussion, the commissioners agreed to repair the south courthouse steps at a cost of $740 through MCM Restoration. 

Mr. Neville also discussed the lead-lag for the boilers.  He was unable to get another quote so commissioners tabled any decision until after the new year. 

David also discussed the need for an automatic door-opener at the correctional center for elderly/disabled persons as the handicap parking area is at the correctional center.  There is some problem in that the correctional center doors are hooked to the alarm system.  Commissioners tabled a decision until after the new year. 

David Mullies met with the commissioners regarding the Lewis Allen/Terry Henning property dispute.  Mr. Henning is dropping his claim to the property in question so now the only question is the road.  Gary Houston said that he would check into it. 

Alec Beth spoke to the commissioners about Work Release.  After checking with nearby counties he learned that Crawford County is the only other county in the area with a Work Release Program.  Mr. Beth stated that re-vamping Bourbon County’s program will be extensive but simple.  Basing it on Crawford County, the Work Release Program will allow leaving the Correctional Center for work and court-ordered activities, such as therapy, only.  There will be no other privileges.  As for church services, the Correctional Center will offer one in-house service weekly, and if an inmate wants a specific preacher, he must contact the preacher and arrange for him to come to the Center.  Mr. Beth will be typing up this new Policy, in time for the new year, for the commissioners to approve. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:07 pm. 

                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 
 
                   (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                   (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                   (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 23, 2002        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

The commissioners discussed a narrow bus turn-around with Clyde Killion.  The property owner has some railroad ties in the right-of-way which make for a difficult turn for substitute bus drivers and the owner has charged the school district for the damages.  Terry Graham will view the driveway today. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

At 9:30 am, Terry Graham and Clyde Killion left the meeting to view the bus turn-around.  They returned at 10:12 am. 

Commissioners briefly discussed the county’s vacation program.  No action. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 
 
                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                  (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                                                                  (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 27, 2002        Friday       9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:15 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune was present for most of the meeting. 

Terri Johnson met with the commissioners regarding the ambulance contract.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session for a period of 5 minutes, for the attorney/client privilege to discuss the contract.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  The executive session began at 9:18 am, with the commissioners, the county clerk and the county attorney present.  The regular meeting resumed at 9:23 am.  The commissioners authorized Terri Johnson to contact other counties to obtain a clarification of charges and to draft a contract for one year, in the meantime, at $7,529.22 per month, which is representative of the 4.5% cut the entire General Fund will see in 2003.  Joanne Long also drafted a letter to Mercy requesting audits, as provided in the contract for the years 1999-2002. 

David Neville spoke to the commissioners about an electrical problem.  A breaker in the Public Works office clicks off at random, most often at night, when there is no power being drawn.  The breaker has been changed and the switch has been changed, but the breaker still blows from time to time, with no particular pattern.  The commissioners authorized Mr. Neville to get prices to run a new circuit. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Commissioners approved 2003 Cereal Malt Beverage licenses for the following establishments in the county:  Hill’s Hammond, Hill’s South, Union Station, Sugar Valley Lakes Assoc. (on and off premises). 

Danielle Wells presented a problem with an employee’s timesheet.  The employee marked a Sick day on a day that the person was witnessed working at another facility.  After speaking with the department head, Alec Beth, the day was marked as Vacation.  

Alec Beth reported that he has changed the Work Release Program.  He indicated that individuals may travel to and from work and to and from court appointed activities, only.  He also copied the church policy from the General Population section over to Work Release so that it reads the same as the other inmates. 

Accounts Payable for the period were approved. 

Harold Coleman spoke to the commissioners briefly.  He is planning on purchasing two vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department by the end of the year, and should stay right at budget. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm. 

                                                                                 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                                 OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                                 (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                                 (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 
                                                                                 (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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December 30, 2002        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune reporter was present for much of the session. 

Bob Coffman asked the commissioners the status of Elm Creek Lake.  The valve has been replaced but the south end still needs to be dredged before it can be filled.  The commissioners feel the lake will be ready to fill this spring. 

Payroll for the period was approved. 

At 10:00 am, the commissioners opened the budget hearing for the proposed amendments to the 2002 budget.  Those present were the commissioners, the county clerk and Laura Hyer.  As there was no public opposition, Robert Query made a motion to close the meeting at 10:20 am.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  The budget amendments were signed as follows:       

FUND Adopted Expenditures Amended Expenditures
Road & Bridge Fund 1,451,923 1,685,967
Road & Bridge Sales Tax 600,000 659,827
Employee Benefit 700,012 731,178

Dale Russell complained about road conditions to the commissioners.  Roads were not cleared for the past two snows. 

2003 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses for the following establishments were approved:  Tink’s Bat Shop and Mapleton C-Store-N-Café. 

Susan Quick, County Treasurer, reported that the county received a Sales Tax payment from the State in the amount of $56,832.84. 

Wayne Thorpe brought the commissioners information regarding financial assistance for fighting sericea lespedeza.   

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners regarding the contract status with Mercy Hospital.  Jerry Stevenson called the commissioners for an update.  After discussion, the commissioners agreed to enter into a contract for $7,740 per month for one year.  Terri Johnson typed up an agreement, which the commissioners signed.  The contract was then faxed to Mercy for Jerry Stevenson’s signature. 

The commissioners discussed the fuel purchasing agreement for the Road & Bridge department.  Tom Hill is unhappy with the current schedule.  He has recently started charging a service charge for filling tanks he doesn’t feel are empty enough.  He also wants the road men to use a measuring stick to determine when to call for a fill-up.  The commissioners are not satisfied with this idea.  The commissioners contacted Mr. Hill and informed him that the county would not pay service charges and would not be using measuring sticks, but if we ever run out of fuel, we will discontinue purchasing from Hill’s. 

Terry Graham and Clyde Killion viewed a property for the possibility of turning it into a bus turn-around. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 pm. 

                                                                                 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                                 OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 
 
                                                                                 (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                                 (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner                               

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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