January 4, 2002    Friday            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 meetings were read and approved.

The commissioners signed three copies of a grant release.

Patty West of Atkins Insurance Agency met with the commissioners to go over the county’s commercial insurance.  After reviewing line items the commissioners agreed to pay last year’s premium ($81,093.00) and the county will pay the balance of the 2002 premium after corrections are made and a new premium is tabulated.  Ms. West said that would be fine.

Clyde Killion presented the commissioners with a list he had drawn up and reviewed by the county attorney.  The list is a verbal warning to the Road & Bridge personnel for activities and behaviors that will not be tolerated or that are expected.  The commissioners approved the list and Mr. Killion will be handing it out as well as reading it aloud to all the Road & Bridge employees at a meeting on Monday, January 7, 2002.

Judy Orton spoke with the commissioners about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for Bourbon County.  One of her employees is going to need to stay at home part of each day to care for her ailing spouse.  Ms. Orton was clarifying that FMLA leave can be used aside from her vacation and that insurance will be intact for the employee during her absence.  It will.

Don Doherty presented a health insurance proposal.

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

                                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                              (ss) Robert Query, Chairman

                                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

                                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

January 7, 2002            Monday          9:00am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with commissioners Robert Query and Gary Houston present.  Deputy County Clerk Cecelia Key was also present.  Terry Graham arrived at 9:15am.

The following Resolutions were approved by the following motions:                                                                      

Resolution 07-02 was discussed but not signed.  It is the salaries for courthouse employees.

There was discussion by Robert Query and Clyde Killion about looking at Dump Trucks.  Mr. Killion discussed road assignments and the possible need for a skid steer at the rock quarry.  No action.

David Neville reported to the commissioners about the wiring problems on the second floor.  The commissioners asked Mr. Neville to get price quotes for installation of a new breaker.

Ed French, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, reminded everyone of the meeting January 10, 2002.

Ann Ludlum, Extension Agent, visited with the commissioners on EFNER and presented the 2001 annual report.

Alec Beth asked about the county’s drug testing policy for new hires.  The commissioners directed him to speak with Lynette Sanders, Nurse Practitioner.

Bob Marshall reminded the commissioners of Issues After Hours, Tuesday, January 8^th at 5:15 pm at the Best Western.

Don Russell reminded the commissioners about the recreation budget.  No action.

Bob Marshall spoke with the commissioners about a proposed annexation south of Fort Scott.

David Neville showed the commissioners a carpet sample for the Sheriff’s Department.  It is $125.00 with $50 installation.  The commissioners told Mr. Neville to have the sample approved by Sheriff Coleman and if it is okay with him it is okay with the commissioners.

The commissioners signed a Treasurer Agreement with Berlin-Wheeler.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

                                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                              (ss) Robert Query, Chairman

                                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

                                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

January 11, 2002    Friday            9:00am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long, County Clerk, was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

In reorganization of the board, Robert Query made a motion to appoint Gary Houston as commission chairman for 2002.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Robert Query as vice-chairman for 2002.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor.

Robert Query made a motion to sign the auditing and budgeting contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe, Chartered.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It was placed in the Resolution Book as 09-02.

Gary Houston made a motion to approve Resolution 07-02, the salaries of Bourbon County Employees.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

Robert Query reminded the commissioners that he and Clyde Killion would be in Topeka Monday, January 14, to view State Surplus trucks.

The commissioners received the monthly progress report from the County Extension office.

There was discussion of the terrorism seminar held yesterday.

Clyde Killion discussed prices of a skid steer with the commissioners.  The county is waiting for a price from R & R Equipment before making any decisions.

The commissioners received the price quotes for electrical work on the second floor.  Two quotes were received.  One was from Hembree Electric and one from Farr Electric.  The commissioners approved the work be done by Hembree Electric for $1,303.94 and $514.15.  The latter figure was agreed to be paid by the State of Kansas for running electricity to the Driver’s License station.  Alan Davidson of the State Department of Revenue was contacted about the cost and agreed to pay when an itemized statement of work completed is given to the state.

The commissioners discussed workman’s compensation.  Workman’s Compensation pays at the rate of 2/3 a person’s salary.  The final 1/3 is not paid by Workman’s Compensation.  The county will also not pay the final 1/3.

The county clerk noted an error on Resolution 01-02, Holidays for the Courthouse.  Labor Day was incorrectly stated as September 4, 2002.  It was corrected to read September 2, 2002.

Melissa Toschi, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas met with the commissioners for a health insurance update.

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

January 14, 2002            Monday          9:00am

The Bourbon County Commission met with Gary Houston and Terry Graham present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Robert Query was in Topeka with Clyde Killion viewing State Surplus Property vehicles.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

The commissioners allotted $2,000 from Special Parks & Recreation for the city/county owned Ellis Park.

Paul Pavey spoke to the commissioners about watershed work on a county road this summer.  It will be west of the intersection of 205^th & Overbrook.

Ed French was approved to be paid mileage for traveling to meetings for emergency preparedness.

Buzz Bollinger spoke with the commissioners regarding a problem with Sheriff Coleman.

Bob Marshall presented the commissioners with a petition from his neighbors opposing the city of Fort Scott’s proposed annexation of their residences.  He asked if the commissioners would present it to the city.  The commissioners agreed.

Terri Johnson, County Attorney, spoke to the commissioners about hiring an assistant county attorney.  She has found someone willing to work for $20,000 annually.  Ms. Johnson would like to take the remainder of salary allotted for assistant county attorney and apply it to her salary so that it will more represent the surrounding salaries.  She mentioned Allen County and Neosho County as comparable counties.  The commissioners delayed giving an answer until they can discuss matters with Robert Query.

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

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

January 18, 2002         9:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Lynn Smith met with the commissioners to discuss the computers.  Bourbon County needs to purchase a query contract for licensing at a cost of $1,600.00.  This is required annually to maintain changes in software programs.  Robert Query signed the agreement as Vice-Chairman in the absence of Gary Houston.

Gary Houston arrived at 9:05am. 

Jim Rowland, a tire salesman with Kansasland Tire Group and Clyde Killion, Public Works Supervisor, spoke with the commissioners about recap tires.  Bourbon County is purchasing these tires for county vehicles. 

Clyde Killion also discussed road assignments. 

Mr. Killion also reported that Jim Harris would like to pick up his desk.  He says it was a gift from Citizens National Bank.  The commissioners asked Mr. Killion to look into it and report back.  If Mr. Harris and Citizens Bank can prove the desk is Mr. Harris’s, then he may have it. 

The commissioners opened price quotes for a skid steer.  The quotes were as follows:   

After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to purchase the 4635 GEHL Skid Steer from R & R Equipment Company for a price of $15,589.00, conceding that a slightly higher price is acceptable to pay to keep the business local.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Joanne Long presented a 10-yr street light agreement with KG&E.  This is for lights at the intersection of US 54 Hwy and old 69 Hwy.  Terry Graham made a motion to continue the street light agreement with KG&E.  Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Charles Bruner to the SEK-Kan RC&D board for a three-year term.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Robert Query then made a motion to appoint Gary Houston as alternate to the SEK-Kan RC&D board.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Tolle Bowman and Chris Pucci of Gross Insurance Agency presented a health insurance proposal.  They will return next Friday at 10:00am with some alternate quotes. 

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about hiring an assistant and about her salary.  She explained the need for an assistant when she is ill or on vacation, to assist when court is going on in two different courtrooms and to give her an opportunity to keep current with events in her office and with her staff.  There was discussion about justifying an increase in one elected official salary without raising any others and whether an assistant will work for less than is currently allotted.  It was decided that since the assistant county attorney salary was raised approximately $6,000 in 2001 to cover appellate work, that $6,000 can be removed from the assistant county attorney salary and be set aside as a stand-alone job for whomever will do the work.  If the county attorney will do the appellate work, she will receive the salary.  However, if the assistant will do the work, the assistant will receive that salary.  Ms. Johnson was happy with that decision.  Therefore, an addendum to salary resolution 07-02 was created as follows:        

Ms. Johnson informed the commissioners that she would be doing all appellate work for Bourbon County for 2002.  The commissioners also agreed to hire Valerie LeBlanc as assistant county attorney for $20,000 annually.  The position will be part-time, 2 ½ to 3 days per week and will include health benefits. 

Delwin Mumbower presented the commissioners with results of station elections.  They are as follows: 

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

January 21, 2002         Holiday     no meeting

January 25, 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 meeting were read and corrected. 

Ed French discussed a June Disaster school that is mandated. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Terri Johnson introduced Valorie Leblanc, the new assistant county attorney. 

At 9:15am, Robert Query made a motion to go into executive session for a period of 10 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those to be present were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Valorie Leblanc.  At 9:25am, the regular meeting resumed with no action. 

Roger Lee visited with the commissioners about possible sewage problems with Head Start and asked permission to use the dye procedure.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Robert Query asked Clyde Killion to contact the train master at the railroad about smoothing out a crossing at Soldier Road in Hammond. 

Terri Johnson reviewed the proposed personnel manual with the commissioners. 

Harold Coleman and the commissioners discussed the Jaws of Life. 

Bob Marshall met with the commissioners to clarify his statement an article in the Fort Scott Tribune about an annexation proposed by the City of Fort Scott. 

Don Russell spoke with the commissioners about Emergency Preparedness equipment.  Mr. Russell will check into equipment stored at City Hall. 

Lloyd Marsh spoke with the commissioners about water districts and the use of Fulton City water to aide in extinguishing fires.  As Fulton pays for its water, will the city be reimbursed?  Gary Houston will attend the next fire board meeting and report back.  No action. 

The commissioners asked Terri Johnson to write a letter regarding doctor’s orders for an employee. 

Alec Beth requested permission to use a private vehicle for use to attend a seminar.  The commissioners had no problem with that. 

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                              

January 28, 2002  9:00am        Monday 

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. 

Clyde Killion reported that his road crew is preparing for the bad weather. 

The commissioners received a letter drafted by the county attorney to the quarry supervisor.  His doctor has stated that quarry dust is aggravating a health condition.  The county has purchased better quality OSHA approved masks to limit exposure to the dust.  Gary Houston and Robert Query signed the letter, which will be delivered to the quarry supervisor and his physician.  Terry Graham refused to sign the letter.  A second letter was then drafted to the other road and bridge workers at the quarry relating the purchase of the new masks.  All three commissioners signed this letter, which will be posted for all the quarry workers. 

There was discussion of the 2002 asphalting schedule.  Gary Houston would like to do from Hwy 54 to the landfill, as far as possible for the year, which calculates to approximately three miles.  No action. 

Robert Coffman spoke with the commissioners about renting duck blinds at Elm Creek Lake.  The county is currently in a project to drain the lake, in conjunction with a grant from the state.  Therefore, the county is not renting the duck blinds yet.  Mr. Coffman wanted to be sure not to lose his blind when they are rented, after the work is done.  The commissioners decided to extend the usual grace period for a renter to redeem his duck blind from March 31, until after the work is done and the previous renters can be contacted.  After they are contacted and have indicated to the county that they do not wish to renew their lease, the blind will then be available to the public for the regular fee of $25.  All rentals are until December 31^st.  Mr. Coffman approved of this idea and thanked the commissioners for their time. 

Chris Pucci and Tolle Bowman of Gross Insurance presented dental and life insurance options.  As their firm quote for health insurance was not ready, the commissioners decided to hold a special meeting on Wednesday.  Mr. Query will check his schedule to set a time he is available and the clerk will notify the other commissioners and post an agenda. 

The commissioners received correspondence from Mark Crystal, Chief of the Devon Fire Station asking that Richard Adamson replace Delwin Mumbower as Alternate Chief to the Devon station.  As Mr. Mumbower is a salaried employee of the station, it would be a conflict of interest for Mr. Mumbower to serve as a trustee or alternate.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Charlie Magee spoke to the commissioners about taxes on a house he is interested in purchasing.  The house is included with other property on the same statement and has back taxes.  He was told by the treasurer’s office that only after the taxes are paid could the property be split apart and sold separately.  He wanted to know if that was law or policy.  The commissioners agreed to research it and get back to him. 

Terri Johnson met with the commissioners.  At 11:25am, Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session for a period of ten minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those to be present during the session were the commissioners, the county clerk and the county attorney.  At 11:35am the regular meeting resumed with no further 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

January 30, 2002     Wednesday 10:00am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long, County Clerk, was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Department Heads met with the commissioners to discuss health insurance.  Those in attendance were the commissioners, county clerk, Clyde Killion, Judy Orton, Harold Coleman, Terri Johnson, Susan Quick and Sharon Elder.  The proposals for health insurance were discussed.  As two health proposals had not been returned, the commissioners decided to table any decision today and meet again on Thursday, January 31, 2002 at 2:30pm. 

The commissioners also discussed worker’s compensation for an employee.   Since worker’s comp will pay 2/3 the employee’s salary, the employee has opted to use sick leave to supplement the final 1/3.  When sick is depleted, he has directed us to use vacation. 

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:

January 31, 2002    Thursday   2:30pm 

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

Those present to discuss the county health insurance were Terry Graham, Robert Query, Gary Houston, Harold Coleman, Terri Johnson, Alec Beth, Susan Quick, Sharon Elder, Joanne Long and Judy Orton.  After discussion of the plans available, Gary Houston made a motion to renew the two-tier Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance contract.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  The rates for the month of February 2002 are Single:  $387.01 and Family:  $855.02.  The commissioners also received information about having our current plan with a 4-tier system.  The commissioners asked each department head to poll his/her workers as to which plan would suit them, as the 4-tier plan had lower single rates but the family rate was significantly higher.  The offices will report back to the commissioners on February 11, 2002. 

Sharon Elder asked the commissioners the policy on paying workers who are stranded at home due to inclement weather.  The commissioners stated that the employee must use a day of vacation or be docked the pay. 

Due to the ice storm, Governor Graves has declared several counties in Kansas as disaster areas.  Robert Query made a motion to declare Bourbon County a disaster area by signing a proclamation for seven days.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It was written as Resolution 10-02 and placed in the Resolution Book. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30pm. 

                                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                       (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                       (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

                                                                       (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST: