April 4, 2003        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 10:55 am. 

Terry Graham signed a Special Bioterrorism Service Agreement for the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department. 

Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress report for the Extension Office.  She also mentioned that the office is selling Radon tests and stated that the Walk Kansas program is going very well this year. 

David Neville presented two cost estimates for making the east walkway to the courthouse into a ramp.  No action at this time. 

Mr. Neville also mentioned that he hasn’t been able to contact MCM Restoration to have the work done on the south entrance of the courthouse.  The commissioners will contact the company. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Laura Hyer of the Fort Scott Tribune was present. 

Chemical quotes were opened at 9:45 am.  Three quotes were received.  They were: 

Commissioners accepted the Vegetation Management Supply prices, as they were the lowest. 

At 10:00 am, the Board of County Canvassers convened to finalize the election from Tuesday, April 1, 2003.  47 Provisional ballots and one Advance ballot were presented for consideration.  After discussion, 39 ballots were considered valid and added to the unofficial totals.  Commissioners supervised the count. 

The meeting adjourned when Robert Query left the meeting at 10:50 am.  Gary Houston arrived at 10:55 am and the meeting continued.  The official Canvass of Votes Cast was approved. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am. 

                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS       

                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                        (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 7, 2003 9:00 am        Monday 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:45 am after attending to county business off site.  Joanne Long was present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Lee Davis spoke to the commissioners about recycling concerns. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Commissioners discussed Elm Creek Lake.  There have not been any fee increases for many years.  With all of the grants and improvements to the lake, it would be beneficial to raise the fees to help recoup the electricity and maintenance costs as well as make it possible to expand the electric hook-ups to the south end of the lake.  After discussion, Robert Query made a motion to raise the shelter house rentals to $20 per day and the electric hook-up fees to $10 per day, beginning May 1, 2003.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  For anyone who currently has reservations, the old rates will apply. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                   OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                   (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                   (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                   (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 11, 2003           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. 

Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about solicitors.  The commissioners authorized each department to handle them. 

Susan Quick spoke to the commissioners about a request from the City of Fort Scott regarding back taxes and interest on City owned property in the flood plain.  The property was foreclosed from a business after a flood and has been used to store salt for the City of Fort Scott Public Works.  The City is willing to pay the taxes if the County will waive the interest.  Otherwise, the property will be appealed to the State for exemption and no monies will be collected.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Ms. Quick also spoke to the commissioners about the upcoming tax sale. 

Don Russell phoned the commissioners and Wayne Stringer met with the commissioners to discuss the possibility of hauling torn down trash, which was cleaned up for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta to the county dump.  As there are roof shingles and paint cans included, the EPA will not allow these items to be burned.  Mr. Stringer will try to separate the items and burn what they can and haul the rest to the dump.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Robert Query received a phone call from a resident of 195^th St. asking about the time frame for the benefit district work to begin.  Mr. Query stated that it was on the schedule for the year, possibly in the next few months. 

Robert Query left the meeting at 10:25 am to view a road project. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 am. 

                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner         

                                                        (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 14, 2003           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. 

Commissioners approved bills and payroll for the period. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

John Skubel, Kaw Valley Engineering, introduced himself and his company. 

At 10:00 am, bids for Elm Creek Hay were opened.  Two bids were received.  They were: 

                   Charles Brewer          $495.00

                    David Schwalm          $525.00 

Commissioners accepted the bid from David Schwalm, as it was the high bid.  The $525.00 check was cashed and the other was returned. 

Bill Ewan, Victor L. Phillips Co., met with the commissioners to report that the asphalt machine the county rented will be delivered in the 2^nd week of June.  The county hopes to lay 23,000 ton of asphalt in 40 days. 

Matt Anderson and Laura Blossom, InfiniTec, met with the commissioners to present a proposal for ITTS for a period of three years.  There was much discussion, but no action at this time. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 pm. 

                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                           (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                           (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 18, 2003        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 9:20 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update and reported that no applications were received for the latest job opening on the Road & Bridge. 

Gary Houston arrived at 9:20 am. 

Wayne Stringer thanked the commissioners and praised the work of those on the road crew who helped clear up the trash for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.  He will write a letter of thanks that Clyde will post at the County Barn. 

Commissioners approved cutting a payroll check for a new employee who was not included in payroll on the 15^th. 

Ed French had Terry Graham sign a guarantee of the $200 local match for an Emergency Preparedness grant. 

Robert Query left the meeting at 9:50 am to attend a funeral. 

Chemical quotes were opened at 10:05 am.  Two quotes were received from: 

Gary Houston made a motion to approve the UAP Timberland quote, as it was lower.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

At 10:30 am, department heads met with the commissioners to give input on the proposal from InfiniTec for continuation of contract.  Those present were:  Judy Orton, Lynn Smith, Sharon Elder, Susan Quick and Joanne Long.  The department heads advised the commissioners to approve the contract, which includes installation and maintenance of a new AS400 machine, education, block time, and two new packages:  Real Vision Imaging (RVI) and Web Modules which will allow searches of county records from off-site and the capability to recoup funds from those who use it.   

An article in the Fort Scott Tribune earlier in the week incorrectly stated that Crawford County hires two in-house programmers for $11,000 annually.  The correct figures are over $11,000 monthly for the payroll and benefits for the employees.  That does not include any hardware, such as a new AS400.  Commissioner Query calculated that hiring one in-house employee, based on the Crawford County figures, would cost approximately $58,000 annually, or $172,600 for 3 years.  The department heads added that that figure does not include any computer equipment or maintenance or the cost of writing and implementing the over 20 programs used in the County.   Lynn Smith reminded the commissioners that she asked for $20,000 each year for the last three years in the Computer Budget to purchase an AS400 but it was cut to keep taxes down.  Mr. Query also stated that the department heads were complaining about the software less than a year ago and saying the county went backwards.  The ladies acknowledged that and stated that the company is updating its programs to incorporate many of the aspects the County was accustomed to and that the initial problems with InfiniTec centered around our ignorance of the original contract and what it did or did not contain.  Now that we have learned the software and know what many things mean, things are going much better. 

Mr. Graham thanked the department heads for their input and stated that he valued their opinions because they work with the programs daily.  No action. 

Robert Query returned at 10:50 am, during the computer discussion.  Gary Houston left at 11:30 am. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 am. 

                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                        (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 21, 2003        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. 

Robert Query made an appointment to meet with the Crawford County Commission on Friday, April 25^th.  County Clerk, Joanne Long, will also attend. 

Gary Houston and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 9:25 am to meet with representatives of All-Tel at a Fulton bridge location.  They returned at 10:35 am.

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

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Terri Johnson, County Attorney, met with the commissioners.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, at 11:10 am, for a period of ten minutes to discuss contract negotiations.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those in attendance were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The regular meeting resumed at 11:20 am with no action. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am. 

                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 25, 2003           Friday          9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  Cecelia Key was present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Robert Query and Joanne Long were attending a Crawford County Commission meeting. 

Clyde Killion introduced Dave Creek from American East Explosives Company.  Mr. Creek discussed aspects of his proposal.  After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to accept the proposal from American East Explosives.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. 

Clyde Killion gave a road and machinery update. 

Harold Coleman spoke to the commissioners about problems with persons riding 4-wheelers and disturbing residents.  The commissioners advised Mr. Coleman to speak with the County Attorney. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Joanne Long returned from the meeting in Crawford County and discussed the computers.  The Crawford County Commissioners seem interested in seeing if they can provide Bourbon County with computer programming, but will have to do a lot of research to see how much it would cost and what it would take away from Crawford County in the meantime.  Ms. Long feels that the programming will be compatible for the most part but it is too early to know if anything will happen. 

Larry Davenport of Birk, Sather and Davenport spoke to the commissioners about the county’s health insurance.   

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

                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                             (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman         

                                                             (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 28, 2003        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am. 

Charlie Blevins spoke to the commissioners and Sheriff Coleman about a problem he is having with a neighbor driving a Bobcat on the road, tearing it up and throwing mud all over it.  Sheriff Coleman will speak to the neighbor. 

Bill VanKirk, Community Corrections, presented the annual Adult Intensive Supervision Plan for approval.  Terry Graham signed the plan. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update and was informed of some problem areas with road rock and signs. 

Gerald Beerbower spoke to the commissioners about the roof over the Correctional Center.  He said that insulation board is in need of replacing along a section of the roof.  He feels the cost will be between $500 and $700.  Commissioners approved the work. 

Robert Query reported to the other commissioners about his meeting with the Crawford County Commission on Friday.  He feels that the commissioners are very interested in helping out but are waiting on cost proposals from their computer personnel to act. 

Mr. Query also spoke to the Crawford County Commissioners about asphalting.  Crawford County purchased a lay-down machine and only used it for one summer before hiring their work out again.  Mr. Query asked about renting their equipment.  The Crawford County Commission will work up a price and get back to us. 

Clyde Killion asked if the county would be hiring seasonal mowers/laborers this year.  The commissioners agreed and Mr. Killion will advertise for 6 part-time positions. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about possible disposal of liquid mercury that was found over the weekend.  Commissioners suggested some area counties that may have facilities or contacting Safety-Kleen in Joplin. 

Terry Graham spoke to Wabaunsee County Commissioners by phone regarding Ambulance Service.  For a population of 6,800, they have two ambulance sites and supplement $200,000 annually. 

At 10:10 am, Terry Graham left the meeting to attend a funeral. 

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 am. 

                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                         (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner                               

ATTEST: