November 1, 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. 

George Miller met with the commissioners to discuss a property line dispute he is having with a neighbor.  He has a survey documenting the property line that the neighbor disagrees with. 

Elmer “Jack” Adams discussed a road he feels needs widened.  It is the Goodbody Crossing near Mapleton. 

Donald & Sharon Kenney requested gravel on their road.  The commissioners will notify Clyde Killion. 

Kevin “Skitch” Allen asked the commissioners if they had heard anything back from the city of Fort Scott on his water line problem.  Gary Houston was checking into that but his is not here.  The commissioners will let him know what they find out. 

Karen Paddock, Clerk of District Court, spoke to the commissioners about computers.  The Office of Judicial Administration is mandating upgrades on all 105 Kansas counties.  The new systems must be in place by Spring 2003.  Ms. Paddock presented the commissioners with a bid of $40,770 from Advantage Computers of Iola, which includes trade-ins on the old system.  Ms. Paddock should end 2002 with a surplus of approximately $35,000 and asked if she could purchase part of the system this year and the remainder in 2003.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Joanne Long asked the commissioners if the County would be sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner this year.  The commissioners said we would and asked Ms. Long to take care of the arrangements.  The dinner is set for Friday, November 22, 2002, at noon at the 4-H Building, and will be paid for by the pop commission money the county receives from the vending machines. 

Don Russell phoned in a request for the county to knock down the old blacksmith shop across the street from the old county barn.  The commissioners will have Clyde put it on the schedule. 

David Neville requested gravel for the courthouse parking lot.  The commissioners approved using chips for the lot and will have the road crew lay them Monday morning, November 4, 2002. 

Doylene Kennedy presented to the commissioners a grant opportunity in the form of a “Target Grant” from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  The commissioners indicated they were not interested.  Ms. Kennedy also informed the commissioners of a date change for Project No. 6C-3674-01, and asked commissioners questions for an engineering survey. 

Commissioners signed a letter of intended compliance for the county’s insurance. 

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:

November 4, 2002        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with commissioners Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Joanne Long was also present.

Clyde Killion presented a road report. 

Commissioners received a request from Don Russell at the City of Fort Scott to waive the dump fees for four tickets.  No action at this time. 

A group of citizens from the Redfield community met with the commissioners to discuss road conditions.  They were:  Oscar Younggren, Jean Younggren, Leo Hartman, Gerald Love, Marilyn Love, Lewis Williams, Donald Fink, Alice Fink, Paul Russell, Clarice Russell and Tom Christy.  The group stated that the roads around Redfield are very poor and need a lot of work.  The commissioners agreed that many of the county’s roads are in terrible shape, and the recent drizzling rains don’t help the situation. 

Larry Davenport came to speak to the commissioners about insurance but the commissioners tabled the discussion until Gary Houston returned. 

David Neville and Tina Matthews spoke to the commissioners about the fire alarm inspection.  After discussion, the commissioners agreed to Option 1, the inspection only. 

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:

November 8, 2002   Friday          9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present. 

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

Robert Query reported that Clyde Killion is taking advantage of the warm weather and attempting to finish 240^th Street. 

Gerald Beerbower presented the commissioners with a bill for roof repairs. 

The commissioners received the monthly progress report from the Extension Office. 

Commissioners received a request from Don Russell to mow weeds on Condensory Road near the Marmaton River Bridge. 

Karen Paddock met with the commissioners to share good news.  The bid she received for computers was added incorrectly.  The actual price of the computers will be $26,000.  The commissioners were happy to hear the good news and approved the entire purchase in 2002. 

Commissioners approved drawdown #8 for the Tri-Valley Grant. 

The commissioners discussed Emergency Preparedness with Ms. Hyer. 

Dion O’Dell spoke to the commissioners about the need to purchase cars for the Sheriff’s Department. 

At 10:00 am, the Board of County Canvassers convened to finalize the 2002 General Election, held Tuesday, November 5, 2002.  Those in attendance were the commissioners, Joanne Long, Cecelia Key, Terri Johnson, Thurston Cromwell, representing Chris Biggs and Karl Hansen, representing Phill Kline.  162 challenged and/or provisional ballots were reviewed.  Of those, 123 were found to be legitimate and their votes were added to the total from Tuesday.  The Board then signed the abstract of votes cast, finalizing the General Election. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 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

November 15, 2002        Friday       9:00 am 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He mentioned that a grader operator has quit.  There was much discussion of whether to re-hire or to eliminate the position and have the remaining road grader operators absorb the miles.  No action. 

Terri Johnson reported that the trial against Brandon Leighty will be using a mental defense.  Costs for a psychiatrist will be around $20,000.  We will have the ability to have the charges in 2002 or 2003.  The commissioners asked that the charges be set against the 2003 budget. 

Don Russell phoned in a request for 50 sandbags.  We have none.  

Lynn Smith met with the commissioners to discuss the need for a laser printer in the computer room.  She had two prices to consider.  No action at this time. 

Larry Davenport discussed the 457 Plan with the commissioners.  He would like to see 70% employee participation.  He mentioned that the county would save money on matching employee benefits due to the pre-tax program.  There is a minimum deferral amount of $25 per month per person. 

David Mullies spoke to the commissioners about a road west of Fulton.  The commissioners have no information at this time and asked Mr. Mullies to check back. 

Kitty Lewis met with the commissioners to discuss the Work Release Program in the Correctional Center.  She is unhappy with the current system, which allows Randy Carter, a convicted felon, to be out of jail every day.  Ms. Lewis would like the commissioners to review the current program and educate themselves on the system so that it may be changed.  She said that the commissioners have the authority to change the program.  She would also like a copy of the sign in sheets for Mr. Carter for the past two weeks.  She will check back with the commissioners when they have had opportunity to review the program. 

Ronnie Brown met with the commissioners.  He stated that Charles Bruner is resigning from the SeKan RC&D council due to poor health.  Mr. Brown would like the commissioners to appoint Joe Ludlum.  Terry Graham made a motion to accept the resignation of Charles Bruner and to appoint Joe Ludlum to the SeKan RC&D board.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Alec Beth, Liz Merriman and Harold Coleman spoke to the commissioners about the Work Release program.  The current policy is vague on church allowances, however work release inmates are not included in the general population church service that is held in the Correctional Center.  There are no state guidelines limiting or allowing church attendance ability. 

Commissioners agreed to waive dump fees on 4 tickets for the City of Fort Scott, and in exchange, the City will mow some weeds. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 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

November 22, 2002   Friday          9:00 am 

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

Clyde Killion discussed road repairs. 

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about Emergency Preparedness.  He is needing a computer for reporting needs.  No action. 

Lynn Smith and Judy Orton checked with the commissioners about the need for a laser printer in the computer room.  Ms. Orton also informed the commissioners that the folding machine in the basement is on its last leg.  Commissioners informed Ms. Orton to look into purchasing a new one.  Commissioners authorized the purchase of a laser printer for the computer room at a cost of $7,270.00. 

Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune, sat in on the meeting at this point. 

Kitty Lewis and Debbie West met with the commissioners to discuss the Work Release program.  They do not like that Randy Carter, a convicted felon and sexual offender, is out of jail everyday—sometimes up to three times a day.  They also do not understand why Mr. Carter can attend church services in the community when there are church services held in the jail.  The commissioners explained that the work release prisoners are kept separate from the general population and are not permitted to attend the church service with general population.  The commissioners also stated that Mr. Carter works Monday through Friday and attends court-ordered therapy in Joplin on Saturdays.  Ms. Lewis also expressed concern that Mr. Carter makes deliveries during his job and that he is in the community unsupervised.  Ms. Lewis asked the commissioners to curtail the church privileges for Mr. Carter until the policy can be changed.  The commissioners stated that was not possible as it would be discriminatory, but that they would contact the county attorney for advice.  Ms. West and Ms. Lewis will check back next week to see what the commissioners have learned. 

David Mullies visited with the commissioners regarding a dispute over property between Terry Henning and Lewis Allen.  Commissioners feel that this will not be settled out of court. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 am. 

                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                  (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

                                                                  (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

November 25, 2002        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:08 am.  Joanne Long was also present. 

Terri Johnson discussed the work release program with the commissioners.  Alec Beth is checking with other counties as to their policies on work release.  Ms. Johnson pointed out that the work release guidelines may be changed at any time.  Ms. Johnson clarified that Randy Carter does not make deliveries as part of his job duties.  It was also discussed that, for his therapy sessions in Joplin, he is allowed only to his doctor and home, and perhaps to a gas station to fill up the car tank.  Anything else is against the policy.  There is an extradition agreement in place.  Ms. Johnson and the commissioners feel that defining “church” in the regulations may be all that is required to clarify.  It may be possible just to interpret the policy rather than re-write it. 

Ms. Johnson also discussed the psychiatrist for the Leighty case.  He sits through the entire trial, which accounts for his fee.  If the motion is denied, he will not be needed for the whole trial.  Therefore, the fee can be a lot smaller than what is proposed. 

Jerry Williams, Executive Director of the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEK-AAA), met with the commissioners to discuss an opening on the SEK-AAA board.  Maybelle Mertz of Fort Scott has indicated her interest in serving on the board.  Robert Query made a motion to appoint Maybelle Mertz to the SEK-AAA board.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  A letter was drafted to that effect. 

Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about the 240^th Street benefit district.  She is sending letters notifying the owners of the completion of Phase One and their monetary obligation, and needs to clarify how many letters to send.  Robert Query told her to send 14, one to each property involved. 

Alec Beth reported that he would be defining “church” in the work release program, effective immediately. 

Commissioners approved accounts payable for the period. 

Chad Somers of Benefit Management, Inc., met with commissioners to discuss Medical and Dental insurance possibilities for the County.  He will check back after next Monday when the county will know what renewal rates will be for Blue Cross. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 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