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

February 1, 2002 February 4, 2002
February 8, 2002 February 11, 2002
February 15, 2002 February 18, 2002-holiday, no meeting
February 19, 2002 February 22, 2002
February 25, 2002

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February 1, 2002         Friday        9:00am 

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

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about the clean-up efforts after the ice storm.  The commissioners agreed to allow persons to bring trees and shrubs lost in the ice storm to the transfer station at no charge through February 16, 2002.  A notice was written and faxed to the radio station and newspaper. 

The commissioners drafted a letter to the City Commission and City Manager, requesting assistance in funding the Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Program. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

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

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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February 4, 2002         Monday        9:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Cecelia Key was also present. 

Ed French updated the commissioners on the ice storm damage. 

Robin Hixson phoned and asked the commissioners about Neighborhood Revitalization.  Chairman Houston told Ms. Hixson the county opted out of the plan. 

Judy Orton asked if the commissioners wanted to hire a hearing officer for Appraisal Appeals for 2002 or if they wanted to use the Small Claims Division of the State Board of Tax Appeals.  The commissioner and Ms. Orton agreed not to retain a hearing officer. 

Excavation permits for Southwestern Bell and Craw-Kan Telephone were presented for signature.  The commissioners approved the permits.   Bonds were set for Southwestern Bell for $10,000 and Craw-Kan for $50,000. 

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

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

 ATTEST: 

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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February 8, 2002         Friday        9:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Robert Query present.  Cecelia Key was also present. 

Lee Davis presented the Noxious Weed 2002 Annual Eradication Progress Report.  The commissioners signed it. 

Bob and Larry Macha of SEKAN Asphalt brought price quotes for laying asphalt.   $16.00 per ton if Bourbon County furnishes all equipment and asphalt and they lay the product.  $26.00 per ton if they supply all materials, workers and equipment and they lay the asphalt.  No action. 

Jodie Crowley of Midwest Mining met with the commissioners to discuss the Bronson lease.  It has run out and there is still road rock on the ground to sell.  If Bourbon County would be interested in purchasing the rock, they would sell it at $2.50-$3.00 per ton.  The commissioners will consider the offer, but no action at this time. 

Susan Quick and Danielle Wells spoke to the commissioners about the Infinitec programs.  They are still having difficulty getting the new system to do what we need.  The commissioners suggested they contact Infinitec and request a meeting. 

Terry Graham arrived at 1:20pm. 

Terri Johnson discussed health insurance with the commissioners. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:30pm. 

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

ATTEST: 

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

                                                                                                                     Return to TOP

February 11, 2002          Monday          9:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  County Clerk, Joanne Long was also present. 

Clyde Killion spoke to the commissioners about the clean-up efforts following the ice storm. 

The Extension Council monthly progress report was given to the commissioners. 

Clyde reported that there is to be a bridge project meeting Wednesday, February 13, 2002. 

The commissioners discussed appointing trustees to the Fire District 3 board.  Terry Graham made a motion to appoint the following as trustees and alternates to the Fire District 3 Board: 

Station Trustee Alternate
Fort Scott  Don Banwart Eric McKay (N. Station)
Josh Perry (S. Station)
Fulton Marty Messer Terry Henning
Mapleton Mike Hueston Marty Crystal
Devon Mark Crystal Richard Adamson
Hiattville Jerry Page Louella Howard

Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  A letter was drafted with the results to be given to Delwin Mumbower at the Fire District meeting tonight. 

The commissioners made an appointment to discuss self-insurance with Melissa Toschi of Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  Since Monday is a holiday, the meeting was scheduled for 9:00am, Tuesday, February 19, 2002. 

Heather Bachman and John Williamson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with the commissioners to discuss the recent ice storm.  Ed French was also present.  Mr. Williamson reported that Bourbon County has been declared a disaster area for private individuals, but not for public entities at this time.  He suggested that the county take pictures of the damaged trees and the damage caused to county roads due to the ice storm so that the county has proof of widespread damage after cleaning up the evidence.  It was reported that FEMA will only pay for overtime on regular employees for cleanup, or we can hire people strictly for those purposes on a temporary basis.  It was also stated that FEMA will pay for leasing any equipment for cleanup. 

Clyde Killion reported that there was littering done at the recycling center in Fort Scott this weekend after the volunteers left.  When the county employees returned to retrieve the trucks, they observed several bags of garbage on the ground.  None of the trucks were contaminated. 

The commissioners agreed to stop accepting glass at the recycling program, as the company we send the recyclables to does not accept glass and it is thrown out.  The change will be made on the announcements. 

The commissioners also discussed raising the gate fees on solid waste at the transfer station, to accommodate rate increases at Allen County.  Gary Houston made a motion to raise the fees, effective February 15, 2002, at the transfer station $1.00 per ton (to $32.00 per ton) on solid waste.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It was verified that this change affects solid waste only and not C & D. 

Alec Beth reported an attempted escape at the correctional center.  A Correctional Officer was injured but is okay and the prisoners did not succeed. 

There was much discussion of the asphalting plan for the county.  No action. 

Terry Graham made a motion to make an addendum to Salary Resolution 07-02 by creating the position of Sales Tax Project Supervisor at a salary of $141.67 semi-monthly, effective February 1, 2002.  Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

The Commissioners decided to allow a payroll deduction for ten months for those persons who had family insurance for the month of February to pay the $142.49 increase in family coverage over 2001.  They will have the opportunity to pay it all at once or take advantage of paying $7.13 out of their paycheck for 19 pay periods and $7.02 for the last period. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30pm. 

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

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

                                                                                                                 Return to TOP

February 15, 2002   Friday          9:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Terry Graham present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved. 

The commissioners opened an estimate from Bradbury Construction for constructing an office at the county weed barn.  The cost of the estimate was $8,435.56.  No action. 

Delwin Mumbower of Fire District 3 met with the commissioners.  He would like the commissioners to appoint Don Bloesser as Secretary/Treasurer of Fire District 3.  Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Don Bloesser as Secretary/Treasurer of Fire District 3.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  A letter was drafted and given to Mr. Mumbower reflecting the action. 

Clyde Killion discussed clean-up efforts after the ice storm. 

The commissioners approved accounts payable and payroll for the period. 

Roger Lee discussed sanitation. 

Danielle Wells discussed purchasing a shredder.  No action. 

Doylene Kennedy presented the commissioners with a sales tax exemption form.  The commissioners signed the form. 

Terry Graham made a motion at 10:34am to go into executive session for a period of 15 minutes under the attorney/client privilege exemption.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were Gary Houston, Terry Graham, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The regular meeting resumed at 10:49am with no action. 

Ann Ludlum, extension agent, spoke to the commissioners about “Walk Kansas”, an exercise program set up by K State University.  It is for groups to walk the distance across the state of Kansas.  She would like to get some teams together.  It costs $5.00 per person and the money goes toward weekly newsletters and prizes.  She also asked if the commissioners would allow her to mount a large Kansas map on the north wall of the first floor lobby to track the progress of each team.  The commissioners approved the request. 

The commissioners asked David Neville about a payment to Farr Electric.  It is for a baseboard heater in the Probation Office. 

Alec Beth spoke to the commissioners.  He requested permission to hire an additional correctional officer as a result of the escape attempt earlier in the week.  He explained that an additional correctional officer would provide much needed backup during checks of prisoners and would cause to deter further upheavals from the prisoners.  The commissioners approved the request. 

At 1:00pm, several people met with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to discuss filing claims for public entities.  Those present were:  Ed French, Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Terry Graham, County Commissioner; Gary Houston, County Commission Chairman; Joanne Long, County Clerk; Don Russell, City of Fort Scott; Linda Gier, Uniontown City Clerk; Ellen Harper, Bronson City Clerk; Shawn Tillotson, Bronson City Council; David Edwards, Bronson Mayor; Wilma Graham, Redfield City Clerk; Gary Judd, Redfield Mayor; Lynn Allison, FEMA and Eldon Johnson, FEMA. 

Ms Allison and Mr. Johnson went over filing procedures for public entities for assistance after the ice storm.  They discussed what were allowable charges and how to fill out the applications.  They stressed the importance of keeping good records of volunteers worked in the clean-up efforts. 

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about regulating conduct at clubs and drinking establishments.  This discussion was prompted after the county clerk received a phone call about gentlemen’s clubs.  After speaking to the Attorney General’s office, the Secretary of State’s office and Crawford and Shawnee Counties, the Commissioners drafted a resolution.  Terry Graham made a motion to approve Resolution 11-02, Regulating behavior at Class A Clubs, Class B Clubs and Drinking Establishments.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  The resolution was signed, faxed to the Fort Scott Tribune for immediate publication, and placed in Resolution Book 4. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:45pm. 

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

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk 

 

 

February 18, 2002   Holiday          no meeting

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February 19, 2002        Tuesday        9:05am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was also present. 

Melissa Toschi of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas spoke to the commissioners about self-insurance.  No action. 

Gary Houston made a motion to continue accepting brush and trees free of charge at the landfill through March 18, 2002.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

After routine business the meeting adjourned at 10:35am. 

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

ATTEST: 

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

                                                                                                                     Return to TOP

February 22, 2002        Friday        9:05am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:25 am. 

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about FEMA. 

Bob Marshall spoke to the commissioners about the proposed annexation south of Fort Scott.  He brought six more signatures of neighbors who oppose the annexation.  Mr. Marshall also asked if he could purchase some asphalt for his driveway.  The commissioners declined, informing Mr. Marshall that the county does not sell asphalt to private citizens. 

Clyde Killion discussed Elm Creek Lake with the commissioners.  The lake is in the process of being drained.   Mr. Killion also discussed road projects. 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 9:35 am for a dental appointment. 

Harold Coleman visited with the commissioners.  Robert Query showed Mr. Coleman an article in the Linn County News about speeding on Hwy 69. 

The commissioners discussed the proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield on self-insurance in the four-tier plan.  After discussion, Robert Query made a motion to change the contract with Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the county’s health insurance to the renewal under the four-tier plan.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  Mr. Houston signed the contract and it was faxed to Blue Cross.  Mr. Query stated that because the county could pay 100% of the premium, it was the best option available. 

Robert Query received a complaint from Jerry Ebert about a hazardous section of railroad due to overgrown brush.  The crossing is owned by Katy Railroad but is being leased by the Missouri Northern and Arkansas Railroad.  Mr. Query asked Valorie Leblanc, assistant county attorney, to draft a letter to the railroad requesting it be cleared. 

The commissioners discussed State Surplus Property and put a hold on a bucket truck. 

The commissioners discussed hiring a consultant for an upcoming bridge project.  Gary Houston made a motion to hire Schwab-Eaton as the consultant on Project 6C3695-01, commonly referred to as Hell’s Bend.  Robert Query seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

The commissioners also reviewed the bridge inspection fees from Schwab-Eaton.  The commissioners approved the fees at $48.00 each. 

Ed French asked to use the commission room on March 18 and 19 for FEMA.  The commissioners approved. 

Joanne Long reminded the commissioners of the quarterly Southeast Kansas Officials meeting, March 21, 2002, in Miami County.  Both Robert Query and Gary Houston indicated they would attend. 

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about Valorie Leblanc.  She indicated that Ms. Leblanc is enjoying her job as assistant county attorney and would like to be hired full time.  No action.

The commissioners waived the gate fees at the transfer station for Ralph Karleskint while he is working on the youth home. 

Gary Houston received a phone call from an unknown citizen unhappy with the resolution banning nude dancing.  She felt the resolution violated her Civil Rights.  She refused to give her name and would not discuss the merits of the resolution with the county attorney when offered. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30pm. 

                                                                      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

                                                                                                                    Return to TOP

February 25, 2002        Monday        9:00am 

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 corrected. 

Clyde Killion spoke to the commissioners about road projects and Terry Graham spoke to Mr. Killion about some road signs. 

Terry Henning, Osaga Historical Society, met with the commissioners to request assistance to purchase a printer and scanner for the Society and help to pay insurance for the Fulton Community Building.  The commissioners approved $200 from Special Parks and Recreation to the Osaga Historical Society and $500 from Special Parks and Recreation to the Fulton Community Building.  Mr. Henning thanked the commissioners. 

The commissioners also allotted money from Special Parks and Recreation to the Bourbon County Fair Board in the amount of $2,000, to replace the fence around the Grandstand Arena. 

At 9:35am, Clyde Killion and Robert Query left the meeting to view vandalism at Elm Creek Lake and to mark the right-of-way at 240th St. for a benefit district. 

Matt Sanders of Waste Corporation of America, located in Arcadia, Kansas, met with the commissioners regarding disposal of waste from Bourbon County.  Mr. Sanders would like to submit a proposal for services.  He stated that Bourbon County could certainly save money on mileage, as we currently travel to Allen County to dispose of waste in their landfill.  Mr. Sanders said that the Crawford County Landfill has space for about 40 to 50 years of waste and they would like our business.  The commissioners approved the request for a proposal and would consider it if it were competitive to what the county pays now. 

Doylene Kennedy spoke to the commissioners about burn permits and payroll during the ice storm.  She mentioned that KDHE has issued a burn permit for the Transfer Station. 

The commissioners discussed excavation permits and procedures.  Craw Kan has stated that their insurers will not approve of Bourbon County’s policy of bonding and said that other counties waive the bond and have the road supervisor inspect the work after it’s completed and report any necessary changes to Craw Kan.  They say this has worked well in the past.  The commissioners agreed to waive the bond for Craw Kan and notified Clyde Killion of the procedure of inspecting the work. 

Sam Mason and Mary Bruner of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board met with the commissioners to discuss recommended changes to the board to make it more efficient.  The director believes that two options to improve the board would be to impose term limits on board members and to lower the total number of board members.  Currently each county has three board members, with Woodson County having only two members.  Robert Query returned at 11:00am during this conversation. 

The commissioners discussed the pros and cons to term limits and a smaller board, as well as the difficulty of finding persons willing to serve on boards.  Ms. Bruner also invited the commissioners to the annual meeting, which will be on April 15, 2002.  She stated that a written invitation would be coming soon.  Mr. Mason stated that each county’s board members was getting input from the commissioners and would report the suggestions back to the Mental Health Board.  It was also mentioned that Don Stewart, a current member of the Mental Health Board, would like to resign and has recommended Dale Curry to take his place.  No action at this time. 

Robert Query reported on the damage at Elm Creek Lake.  The pipe being used to drain the lake was crushed after being driven over by someone 4-wheeling over the rock pile.  It has been repaired. 

Terry Graham received a phone call from Lena Vogel, who is interested in being an assistant county coroner.  She will meet with the commissioners Friday to discuss it further. 

The commissioners discussed the asphalting for the county.  After reaching a compromise on which projects will be completed in 2002, Robert Query contacted Heckart Construction to draw up an agreement to be reviewed. 

Tim Seeliger, a reporter with KOAM TV in Pittsburg, interviewed Gary Houston and Joanne Long regarding the resolution recently passed which bans nude dancing. 

Jingles Endicott spoke to the commissioners about the water line on 240th Street, where a benefit district will be completed. 

Terry Graham made a motion to sign Resolution 12-02, Procurement Procedures for the Tri-Valley Grant.  Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It was signed and placed in Resolution Book 4. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:30pm. 

                                                                       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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