These are the minutes for August 2003, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
| August 1, 2003 | August 4, 2003 |
| August 8, 2003 | August 11, 2003 |
| August 15, 2003 | August 18, 2003 |
| August 22, 2003 | August 25, 2003 |
| August 29, 2003 | |
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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. Accounts payable and payroll for the period were approved. Commissioners received the monthly report from the Extension Council. Robin Hixson, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, was present. Clyde Killion, Road & Bridge Supervisor, updated commissioners on road assignments. County Commissioners signed a waiver of property damage for a landowner regarding the Fulton Bridge project and rejected a request for payment from another landowner. Lois Coyan verified waiver of landfill gate fees for C & D from a demolished house. The agreement was that the City of Fort Scott would haul the loads and the County would waive gate fees for this property. Commissioners spent part of the morning discussing the county mowing situation. David Mullies, Attorney, and his client, Lewis Allen, spoke to the commissioners regarding a road near Fulton. Title issues were resolved in March of this year and the fence was removed but the county has not cleared the road so Mr. Lewis can access his property as of this date. Commissioners apologized and Gary Houston will meet Mr. Lewis Monday morning at 9:00 am to assess what will need to be done to clear the roadway. Terry Graham spoke about a proposed clean-up of ash at the old county barn. After speaking with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, he has learned the county must pay $4,000 to KDH&E and hire a consultant. They will send a list of available consultants. The benefits of clean-up now are that the county can control the cost by using our own machinery. If we wait, we will be at the mercy of the cost set by KDH&E. Terry Sercer, CPA with DBBJ&B, met with the commissioners to finalize the 2004 budget for publication. After much discussion it was approved for publication with a mill increase of 4.155 mills over 2003. Mr. Sercer will reprint the documents and have them this afternoon. The budget hearing will be at 10:00 am, Friday, August 15, 2003, in the Commission Room. Susan Quick, County Treasurer, spoke to the commissioners about tax issues. There is a property north of town with delinquent taxes that is set to go for tax sale. The property is essentially a piece of road that is the only access for 12 properties and would cut off their access if sold to another person. Ms. Quick would like the commissioners to consider writing a letter to the owner stating the county would forgive the taxes if he would deed the property to the county to maintain the road. The commissioners agreed to write the letter. Ms. Quick also spoke about 6 mobile homes that were taxed as real estate with no attached land. The homes have since been removed and they are set for tax sale, but there is nothing to sell. She would like the commissioners to wipe them off the books. The commissioners asked Ms. Quick to discuss the matter with the County Attorney. Joanne Long asked the commissioners if they were ready to sign the InfiniTec contract. The commissioners would like to wait to decide on the contract until after the budget hearing. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present. Joanne Long was also present. Gary Houston was viewing a road near Fulton with Lewis Allen and arrived at 10:10 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Dan Laughlin met with the commissioners to ask about the County’s plans for road construction in the northwest section of the county. He asked what the time-table was and also how much of the sales tax money is spent on new construction and how much on maintenance of existing roads. The commissioners stated that the county is ahead of schedule on the Mapleton/Redfield Road as we are completing four miles per year but only estimated doing three miles per year. Mr. Query stated that the county spends approximately 50% of the sales tax money on new roads and 50% on maintaining existing roads. Mr. Laughlin stated he was at the meeting to quell the rumor mill that is saying the county will not asphalt the road from Mapleton to Blue Mound. Terry Graham admitted telling some residents that he did not have any commitments from the commissioners to asphalt that stretch of road and felt chip and seal would be an easier sell, but that the road to Mapleton will be asphalted and completed next year. Mr. Laughlin asked Robert Query for a firm commitment to asphalt the Mapleton to Blue Mound road. Mr. Query stated that any work on that project would be beyond his term of office and he cannot speculate on something that he may not be involved with. After further questions, Mr. Query stated that if he were still in office and if the money was available, he would be in support of chip and seal for the road as it needs a great deal of base work and the chip and seal would provide a solid base for later asphalting. Mr. Laughlin also asked about the weed man. He wanted to know what he does in the winter. The commissioners informed Mr. Laughlin that he works with the recycling trailers during the winter months. Delwin Mumbower spoke to the commissioners about the drought. He would like the commissioners to issue a burn advisory. He stated that nine out of ten accidental fires are due to unattended burns. The commissioners authorized Mr. Mumbower to send a press release warning people about unattended burns and asking them to avoid unnecessary burns. There is rain in the forecast so hopefully that will help with the dry conditions. Kenny Howard called the commissioners to ask if Indian Road, south of the Fort Scott Airport could be temporarily closed on September 13, 2003, for Airport Days. It would only be for the periods when planes are coming and going from the airport. The commissioners approved the request. Clyde Killion gave a road report and was asked by Terry Graham to change a yield to a stop sign at 130th and Tomahawk. Gary Houston arrived at 10:10 am, after viewing the road near Fulton with Lewis Allen. He reported that he needed to send a mower with a side arm to trim back some trees and there may need to be a little rock to fill some holes. He stated that Mr. Allen will have the large trees removed from the road. He would like this done this week. Mr. Houston stated that he was not able to contact the other owner, Terry Henning. Robert Query left the meeting at 10:45 am to attend to a cattle problem. Alec Beth spoke to the commissioners about a housing situation. The county attorney and the attorney general’s office want two prisoners separated. The second prisoner has already disrupted and damaged the cell in Linn County and has since been transferred to Neosho County. To offset the cost of the housing, we are housing one of Neosho County’s prisoners. Verdon Dauben presented a petition for a benefit district to be formed from Franklin to 240th Street. He asked if the State, who owns some property on the road, would be required to pay a portion. The commissioners would like an opportunity to speak with Robert Query about the road, as the county may be chip and sealing it next year on the schedule, without the district being formed. After routine business, 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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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. Debbie Hurd asked the commissioners to look into where the debris from the Mercy demolition is being taken. Terry Henning asked the commissioners for something in writing stating the road that the commissioners are clearing for Mr. Lewis Allen near Fulton is a county right-of-way. No action at this time. Commissioners asked Terri Johnson, County Attorney, to write a letter on behalf of the commissioners to Tower Metal defining the truck route on south 69 Hwy to Fern Road and then east to 260th Street and north to the dump site. After the letter was written, it was signed by the commissioners. Jonathan Hunt observed part of the meeting. Clyde Killion updated the commissioners on road repairs. David Neville and Karen Paddock requested the commissioners’ permission to run cable from the south pole on 3rd Street to the courthouse for high speed internet for court services. Commissioners approved the request. Susan Quick spoke to the commissioners about where to deposit money for a benefit district. Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of fifteen minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel. Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners, Cecelia Key, Terri Johnson and Delwin Mumbower. The session began at 10:45 am and ended at 11:00 am. No action. Robert Query left the meeting at 11:05 am to check the progress on the black top. The meeting adjourned at 12:10 pm, after routine business. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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August 15, 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. Accounts payable and payroll for the period were approved. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Robert Query briefly left the meeting to ask a billing question of District Court. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Commissioners signed corrected road closure and road variance paperwork for Phoenix Coal Company. Gene Parker spoke to the commissioners about the brush near Garland that he asked be sprayed. It has only been hit and miss sprayed and much of the brush was not sprayed at all. Terry Graham will view the brush and speak with the weed man again. Robert Query brought up eliminating a grader position to cut the budget and Joanne Long stated that any discussion should be postponed until the budget hearing at 10:00 am. At 10:00 am, Terry Graham opened the public hearing on the 2004 proposed county budget. Those present were the commissioners, the clerk, Laura Hyer and citizens Charlie Blevins, Albert Beadell, Bob Claypool and Barbara Wood. Terry Graham opened the floor for comments regarding the budget. Mr. Beadell stated he was just an observer, but noted that taxes on his house have risen each year and it’s almost to the point where he will have to move out of the county. He stated that he has been retired for 27 years and is on a fixed income and the taxes are already too high. Charlie Blevins stated that his land in Bourbon County is higher than in Linn, Bates or Vernon County. He feels that selling the property of those persons who are delinquent up to nine years could recoup a great deal of money for the county. After learning that a tax sale is set for next year, he stated that it shouldn’t take that long. Commissioners also stated that the average Missouri county has twice the population of a Kansas County and more people means more valuation which helps with taxes. Barbara Wood stated that she had questions but looking at the budget answers them. She stated that she appreciates the tough decision the commissioners need to make. Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 13-03, the budget resolution. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Gary Houston remarked that no one wants to raise taxes. Barbara Wood commented that the murder trial accounts for 3 mills. No action was taken on Robert Query’s proposal to eliminate a grader operator. After discussion, Terry Graham made the motion to adopt the 2004 budget as published. Gary Houston seconded. Graham and Houston voted in favor. Robert Query opposed. Motion passed. The public hearing was closed at 10:32 am. Jake Underwood, Wilma Graham, Ken Holt, Tom Gorman, Leon Sinn, Chad Holt, Nels Smith, Carroll Deer, Lewis Williams, Otis Snyder, Loren Higginbotham, Dan Laughlin, Randy Rockhold, Joan Smith, Jim Wier, Deanna Wier, and Raymond George met with the commissioners to discuss the hard surface road project. They wanted to know how the sales tax money is split between districts, what the plan is for future road improvements and what happens when the ten years is up? Commissioners stated that the money is divided equally among the districts each year and varies depending on what is received. The commissioners are ahead of the plan presented by the sales tax committee initially stating that several roads were done as benefit districts and the Mapleton/Redfield road is ahead of schedule because we’re doing four miles per year instead of three. As for after the ten years are over, Robert Query commented that the asphalt plant and rock quarry will be paid in full so that payment that is currently in the budget each year could be directed toward maintenance. Terry Graham also stated that the one cent could possibly be lowered to a half cent to cover the maintenance. The committee would like the commissioners to update the list of roads to give an idea of future projects. Terry Graham stated that he would like to meet with the citizens in his district in the future to get an idea of their plans for future roads. Commissioners received a compliment on the road grader in the Redfield area. Robert Query left the meeting at 11:50 am. Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about the computer contract. She asked if the commissioners wanted her to speak with the Attorney General’s office about a lease purchase agreement. The commissioners stated they did. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:40 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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August 18, 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. Terry Graham left the meeting with Lee Davis to view a weed complaint near Garland. Mr. Graham returned to the meeting at 9:38 am. Clyde Killion gave a road update. He stated that asphalt work should be completed today in the 2nd District. Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, was present. Commissioners discussed ways to help cut costs in the courthouse. Different possibilities included a layoff, altering the pay scale and changing the courthouse hours to a four-day workweek. The commissioners asked the clerk to write a letter to department heads about the shortened workweek idea and ask for feedback next Monday. Susan Quick informed the commissioners that the Melcher property was deeded to the county. The deed has been filed in the Register of Deeds office. Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:05 am to go to City Hall. He returned at 11:30 am. Lynn Smith asked the commissioners if a decision has been reached on the InfiniTec contract. The commissioners informed her that they are waiting to hear from the county attorney on the matter. Ms. Smith also asked for clarification on the approved Computer budget. Commissioners received a request from the State of Kansas to participate in an Arbor Day project in which each county plants a tree next April places a plaque next to it. Due to the budget problems and the cost of the tree and plaque, the commissioners decided not to participate in the program. 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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August 22, 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 9:30 am after speaking with constituents. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Hunt Farley of Phoenix Coal Company asked the commissioners for clarification on road variance specifications. Commissioners confirmed the 40’ easement and 24’ road bed and signed an agreement to that effect. Delwin Mumbower, Rural Fire District #3 Coordinator, met with the commissioners to request they enact a burn ban on the county. After consulting the statutes, Robert Query made a motion to put Bourbon County under a burn ban, effective immediately, for a period of seven (7) days. Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor. Joanne Long presented Resolution 14-03 for consideration. It is a request to correct clerical errors on six parcels which are mobile homes that no longer exist. They keep coming up for the tax sale but there is nothing to sell. The order would remove them from the tax rolls. Terry Graham made a motion to adopt the resolution to correct the errors. Robert Query seconded and both voted in favor. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Red Stradley met with the commissioners. The VFW wants to place a plaque in front of a tree to remember the Korean War Veterans. It would take an act of Congress to do this in the National Cemetery so they would like to use one of the courthouse trees. The commissioners approved the request. Robert Query asked if the plaque could be changed to a granite stone so it would match the other stones at the courthouse. Mr. Stradley will check into it. The dedication ceremony will probably be sometime in October. Mr. Stradley thanked the commissioners. Joanne Long reported that a bill from the Girard Juvenile Detention Center that was in question is indeed a Bourbon County bill. Tobin Wright was the Juvenile officer and Judge Stephan ordered the child be sent to Girard. The bill was submitted for payment and totals approximately $5,500. Gary Houston arrived at 9:30 am after speaking with citizens about concerns in the county. Paul Pavey met with the commissioners to discuss the north Fort Scott rural fire station on US Hwy 54. Years ago, Mr. Pavey donated the land and he and several other neighbors created that station. He has heard that there is talk of closing that station and having the Devon station cover the area. He is concerned that property and lives will be in greater danger to move the station away. It would also cause insurance rates to increase. He asked the commissioners who makes those decisions. He stated that the other stations (Devon, Hiattville and Fulton) have more say over that station than the people who live there do. The source of this information, Mr. Pavey stated, is Delwin Mumbower, the coordinator of the fire district. Terry Graham stated that he had not heard anyone say anything about closing the station and feels it’s just talk. The Board of Trustees, consisting of the fire chiefs, is the voting delegation. Fort Scott, though it has two stations, only has one vote. A few years ago there was an attempt to change that but it failed. The commissioners set the budget but they run their own business. Mr. Pavey thinks the citizens should have more say in the matter because the citizens created it. He feels that each station should have a guiding committee of local citizens. Mr. Pavey also doesn’t like that Delwin Mumbower gets a salary and expenses of about $26,000 annually in a volunteer fire department to do the paperwork of the chiefs who knew about the paperwork when they volunteered for the job. Mr. Pavey is also not happy that the chief of the north station, Don Banwart, doesn’t even live in the district, but in the City of Fort Scott. Terry Graham assured Mr. Pavey that the north station will never close. Gary Houston and Robert Query also stated they had not heard anything about closing the station. During Mr. Pavey’s statements, Delwin Mumbower joined the meeting. The commissioners brought Mr. Mumbower up on Mr. Pavey’s concerns and gave Mr. Mumbower an opportunity to respond. Delwin stated that the talk is of consolidating the north and south Fort Scott Stations into a larger station and closing the south building since it is within the City limits. The land was donated by one of the industrial businesses so that’s why it’s in the city limits. Mr. Mumbower invited Mr. Pavey to the Devon station to see what he does and stated that the work he does takes the burden off the chiefs to they can keep up with their business. He also stated that the volunteer fire fighters are the people and can take their concerns to their chiefs. J.D. Duren met with the commissioners to request a job. He can work nearly any machinery with wheels and would like to be kept in consideration. Mr. Graham stated that with the budget situation there would probably not be many openings but would keep him in mind. George Erny met with the commissioners again to discuss the signs for the 4-wheel drive club being on the Dayton Cemetery sign on county property. Terry Graham stated that he had agreed to allow the sign on the Dayton Cemetery sign in exchange for two new painted cemetery signs. This was done in his capacity as a member of the Dayton Cemetery board. As far as the signs being on county property, there are no provisions prohibiting signs on county property, providing they do not obstruct view. Mr. Erny reiterated the problems with the club cutting fences and driving through creeks. Mr. Graham advised Mr. Erny contact the Department of Water Resources. Robert Query left the meeting at 10:50 am for an appointment. Susan Quick spoke briefly with the commissioners about selling a grain bin at the tax sale. Commissioners directed her to pursue the matter with Dan Meara. The bulk of the meeting was spent in discussions with Laura Hyer about communication, newspaper article content, corrections to articles and what was requested and eventually cut from the county budget. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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August 25, 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 corrected. A delegation of Fire District 3 representatives met with the commissioners. Those present were: Josh Perry, Fort Scott, Don McBride, Devon, Joe Sheehy, Fort Scott, Marty Messer, Fulton, Lou Howard, Hiattville, Jack Sutterby, Mapleton, Terry Henning, Fulton, Delwin Mumbower, Coordinator, and Mike Hueston, Mapleton. The group came in response last Friday’s meeting in which Paul Pavey spoke of the District and Delwin Mumbower’s role in it. Terry Graham relayed Mr. Pavey’s concerns and then told the group what it was like 20 years ago when he was a volunteer fireman. Mike Hueston stated that there is a lot more paperwork involved now and Delwin helps with that. All those present support Delwin and the position of Coordinator 100%. They stated that if the coordinator position was eliminated, many of the volunteers would quit. There was discussion of the need to clarify the guidelines of the fire district to make clearer the authorities of each member. Commissioners want to stay out of the day-to-day activities of the fire district as much as possible. Part of the discussion centered on the possibility of giving the Fort Scott stations two votes on the Board of Trustees. There was some talk of that last year but it failed to pass because the Fort Scott volunteers didn’t want to limit their ability to go to either station. If there were two chiefs, the roster would be split and that was unacceptable to them. If the two assistant chiefs were the voting delegates that could work, they felt. However, there was some concern over the same delegation having two votes. Commissioners realize that the Fort Scott station has the most populous area and more needs and could use the two votes but there is no clear way to come by that at this time. Terry Graham stated that the guidelines may need to be addressed before any changes are made to the voting structure. Adding a vote would also result in six votes which could result in ties. There would have to be a way to break ties in those situations. Commissioners would like the Fort Scott stations to talk about this situation and meet again with the commissioners to see what they think. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Department heads of the courthouse met with commissioners at their request to discuss the proposal of changing the courthouse work week to alleviate the burden on the utility funds of the county. Those present were: Terri Johnson, Judy Orton, Monique Umphenour, Susan Quick, David Neville, Doylene Kennedy, Joanne Long, Karen Paddock and Judge Gerald Hart. The basis of the meeting was that the commissioners proposed a 4-day workweek for courthouse employees which would give either Friday or Monday off to save in utilities, also allowing longer hours for the public to do business on the other days. Judge Hart stated that State employees work a 40-hour week which differs from the County’s 35-hour week. The personnel guidelines are all set on an 8-hour/5-day week. Though there are no laws prohibiting a shorter week, there would certainly be some approval needed from the Chief District Judge and from the State Supreme Court. Judge Hart said that if the commissioners wanted to do it they would see what needs to be done. The clerical employees are in favor of a shorter week. Terri Johnson stated that Fridays off would work better for her office, but that her a 4-day week would work for her office providing the court system was on it also. Judy Orton stated that it would not work for her office at all because during final review, it gets dark earlier and several of her employees have other jobs or need to get home to small children or elderly relatives. Rosalita Allen and Debbie Engstrom of Othick Abstract Company were also present to express their opinions. They feel that cutting professionals, such as bankers, realtors and abstractors off from county records one day per week would be detrimental. David Neville feels that the savings from utilities would be minimal. Susan Quick thinks a 4-day week would be a positive to employees in lieu of a monetary raise and Monique Umphenour stated that realtors she spoke with would rather have the hour change than lose county personnel and services. The RVI program and web modules would allow businesses to access county documents on the off days. Ms. Allen also stated that there are lots of real estate closings on Fridays and it would cost the buyer more in interest to wait over the weekend, when they usually want to move, to be able to sign paperwork. Hearing all sides, the commissioners decided not to change the courthouse hours but asked all those present to bring any ideas for money savings to their attention. Before the group left, Terry Graham took the opportunity to remind them of the 4 ½ % budget reduction to the 2003 general fund and asked those present to continue to keep spending down, stating that any over-spending in 2003 will hurt 2004’s carry-over. Susan Quick asked the status of the InfiniTec contract. Commissioners stated the paperwork was with the County Attorney who was verifying the legality of the lease agreement with the Attorney General’s office. Commissioners feel that we will stay with InfiniTec, either by signing the new contract or paying as we go. Robert Query also brought up the option of placing the hardware only on the lease agreement and paying annual maintenance for the services, which was agreed to by the company. Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about overtime for a courthouse employee. After verification it was approved for payment. Commissioners stated that all overtime worked in another department must be approved on the timesheet by the department head in which the overtime occurred. This applies mainly to the computer work done for other offices after hours. Jingles Endicott met with the commissioners. He stated that Rural Water District C-2 has banned non-essential water usage in the rural areas. Mr. Endicott also requested gravel. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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August 29, 2003 Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Cecelia Key was also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present for part of the meeting. Robert Query discussed changing courthouse hours to a 4-day week again. No action. Gary Houston requested 2 miles of asphalting in his district. Terry Graham asked to finish his road first, since it is ready and the equipment is there. Mr. Houston agreed with that plan and asked for his road to be prepared for completion after Terry’s. Gary also agreed to have his roads chip and sealed instead of asphalted. Clyde Killion gave a road update. He also spoke of the recent vandalism to county road signs. Commissioners authorized Mr. Killion to order a transmission for a county truck. Sheriff Coleman also spoke to the commissioners about the acts of vandalism, as well as theft in the county. Jonathan Hunt asked the commissioners how they decide who will be chairman of the commission. The commissioners explained the position is rotated each year. Mr. Hunt also asked what will become of the 3 mills in tax being set aside for the murder trial if the trial does not take place. Commissioners stated that it will be up to the commissioners to decide. Mr. Hunt thinks the money should be permanently set aside for murder trials. Mr. Hunt also spoke to the commissioners about a 4-day workweek. Whendi Embry informed the commissioners that Domestic Violence Awareness Week is October 3, 2003. She asked the commissioners if there could be a rally on the courthouse steps at noon that Friday. Commissioners approved the request. Kevin “Skitch” Allen spoke with the commissioners about asphalting. Joe Savage requested that the grader in his area not haul any dirt off or work on the back slope or field side near his fence. Gary Houston said he would pass the word along to the grader man. Terri Johnson spoke with the commissioners about the InfiniTec contract. She stated that the Attorney General’s Office will only give a verbal opinion at this time, which is not binding. A written opinion will take 6 to 8 weeks. Ms. Johnson asked the commissioners if they wanted a written opinion. No action. Ms. Johnson also informed the commissioners that Kansas Attorney General, Phill Kline, was in Bourbon County earlier in the week. She reiterated that the county is responsible to pay for the murder trial but the county does not pay any expenses incurred by the Attorney General’s Office. Judy Orton asked the commissioners to sign the Phase Delineation chart. Commissioners signed the chart. Gary Houston made a motion to extend the county burn ban for an additional seven days, at the request of Delwin Mumbower. Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Chairman Graham signed a letter to Paul Bodner of the Kansas Department of Transportation requesting a change in the proposed letting of Project 6STP-C3695-01. Commissioners Query and Houston discussed the possibility of the community college handling the county’s computer needs. Mr. Query will look into the matter. Susan Daly spoke with the commissioners about special assessments. 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: (ss) Joanne Long County Clerk |
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