January 3, 2003   Friday          9:15 am 

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

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

Clyde Killion met with the commissioners.  The commissioners praised the work of the road crew after the latest snowstorm. 

Don Russell and Ron Graves, Bourbon County Economic Development Council, met with the commissioners for a preliminary discussion on a tax abatement for a proposed new business.  As it will be in the county, they would hope that the Commissioners will support it.  No action at this time. 

Rod Nelson, Ash Grove Aggregates, introduced Sara Weatherman, a new associate.  They also encouraged the county to think of them for rock purchasing needs. 

Joanne Long presented the Workman’s Compensation renewal from KWORCC. 

Bob Marshall notified the commissioners of an Issues After Hours meeting, Tuesday, January 7, 2003, at 5:15 pm at the Best Western.  He encouraged the commissioners to attend. 

David Neville thanked the commissioners for having the courthouse parking lots cleared of snow yesterday.  He also mentioned that the snow was too heavy and deep for the blower the county has and hard to remove from the sidewalks.  The commissioners said that they would have road crew from the County Barn help shovel during future snows.  Mr. Neville thanked the commissioners. 

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  

ATTEST:

January 6, 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. 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Cleland Allen asked the commissioners for gravel for the driveway entrance of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Terri Johnson heard from the tax people at the state.  She said that the church should show its tax exempt certificate to be exempt from the county’s sales tax. 

Doylene Kennedy asked the commissioners to approve an early check for a loan payment on a benefit district.  Approved. 

Ron Brown spoke to the commissioners about the possible financial assistance on noxious weeds. 

Commissioners received a Water permit for Elm Creek Lake. 

Bob Steele complimented the commissioners for the good work the road crew did at clearing roads after the last storm. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm. 

                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                              (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

January 10, 2003   9:00 am      Friday 

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 corrected.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:25 am. 

Laura Hyer was present for part of the session. 

Clyde Killion and the commissioners discussed the road grader schedules.  Some grader operators have a lot fewer miles than other operators.  No action. 

Larry Davenport and Dave Rexroat presented a health insurance proposal.  The commissioners asked that a dental plan and life insurance be added.  The gentleman will be back with those numbers next week. 

Lee Davis spoke to the commissioners about the sericea lespedeza grant opportunity.  After the petition is circulated, the commissioners must declare the county a sericea lespedeza disaster area.  Then the paperwork will continue on to the state level. 

Ann Ludlum presented the monthly report from the extension office.  She also presented her annual report and discussed the commodities distribution briefly.  She also informed the commissioners of Glenn Newcomer’s upcoming retirement.  There will be a reception next Friday, from 3 pm to 6 pm in the first floor lobby.  Ms. Ludlum informed the commissioners that the county would be without an extension agent for a few months. 

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about fence viewing. 

Ron Brown spoke to the commissioners about the sericea lespedeza grant progress.  The commissioners updated him. 

David Neville presented prices for repairs to the south courthouse door and for sidewalk repair.  No action. 

Commissioners approved the recycling trailers to be in Fort Scott, Saturday, January 18, 2003. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:35 pm. 

                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

January 13, 2002         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. 

Clyde Killion discussed recycling and the deadline for filing applications for the open Landfill position.  Commissioners asked Clyde to speak to Lee Davis about helping with recycling during winter months.  Clyde will talk to Mr. Davis. 

Joanne Long presented resolutions to the commissioners for approval.  After discussion, Gary Houston made a motion to adopt Resolution 01-03, Holidays for the Courthouse and Landfill employees.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor. 

Resolution 02-03 was presented for approval.  It is the designation of official financial institutions and official county newspaper.  Robert Query made a motion to adopt Resolution 02-03.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Resolution 03-03, the waiver of generally accepted accounting principles, was presented for approval.  Robert Query made a motion to adopt Resolution 03-03.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Resolution 04-03 was presented for approval.  It sets the mileage reimbursement for Bourbon County at .36 (thirty-six cents).  Gary Houston made a motion to adopt Resolution 04-03.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor. 

Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Terry Graham Chairman for the 2003 year.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor.  Robert Query then made the motion to appoint Gary Houston Vice-Chairman for 2003.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

The commissioners spoke to Clyde Killion about a downed fence. 

Ed French presented Terry Graham with some reimbursement information for an Emergency Preparedness meeting they attended in Wichita. 

Wilma Graham asked the commissioners if Redfield could purchase 2-20 MPH signs and 1-30 MPH sign for the city.  The commissioners approved the request, but are uncertain of the availability. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm. 

                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                   OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                   (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                   (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                   (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

January 17, 2003         Friday       9:00 am 

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

Clyde Killion presented the commissioners with the applications received by the deadline for the position at the landfill.  The commissioners reviewed the applications and noted their considerations.  Clyde Killion will hire someone while considering the commissioners suggestions. 

The county clerk noted that Don Elbrader has demanded payment for the vehicles purchased by the Sheriff’s Department at the end of the year.  The Clerk noted that accounts payable were not ready for payment on the 15^th as they would normally be, with all the end of year activities and reports that needed to be completed before entering any payables.  She stated that Danielle was working on them but it would be Tuesday or Wednesday before they would be complete.  After discussion, the commissioners authorized cutting an early check for Elbraders, under the circumstances, but indicated they would not make it a habit. 

David Neville presented estimates for sidewalk repairs.  The commissioners wanted to wait on a decision for one more estimate. 

Mr. Neville also spoke to the commissioners about purchasing a snow-blowing machine.  The one we have broke down during the last snow.  The commissioners approved the purchase of an MTD 8 HP snow-blower.  David will check with both Heidrick’s and Mayco for the better price. 

Larry Davenport and David Rexroat presented Dental and Life insurance for County employees. 

Delwin Mumbower presented the commissioners with election results from the fire stations.  Robert Query made a motion to approve the Election Results.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  The commissioners appoint the chiefs and assistant chiefs and trustees and alternates to Fire District 3. 

After much discussion, the commissioners agreed to have the county health insurance through Coventry, locally Larry Davenport.  The county will also provide the employees with dental insurance and life insurance at no cost.  The premiums, beginning February 1, 2003, will be $367.06/single, $788.40/emp-spouse, $705.04/emp-child(ren), and $1,126.38/family. 

Susan Quick informed the commissioners that UMB would like to get back into rotation for the county’s main account.  Since we no longer deal with warrants, the accounting should be easier than before.  The commissioners will keep it in mind for the future.  Ms. Quick also notified the commissioners that an employee in her office quit.  She is planning to fill the vacancy, but not immediately.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 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 

January 24, 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 9:15 am.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion informed the commissioners that the road crew is working on the county sign inventory during the hard freeze. 

Commissioners received a letter of resignation from Michael Shead as Drywood Township Trustee. 

Commissioners discussed whether or not to keep the 8^th road grader position.  After much discussion, the commissioners decided to keep all 8 road graders running during 2003, to hire Bob Miller full time to operate a road grader, and to divide the county miles more evenly among the 8 graders.  Since the lease on the grader ends at the end of 2003, we can revisit doing away with the position. 

Clyde Killion informed the commissioners that he hired Bill Keith for the Landfill truck driver position.  Mr. Keith starts Monday. 

Kevin “Skitch” Allen presented a price estimate for repairs to the county’s sidewalks.  The commissioners will review all the estimates before making a decision. 

Alec Beth met with the commissioners to discuss vehicles and housing work-release inmates.  Mr. Beth has been speaking with Dan Meara about renting the old Boy’s Home on Heylman.  The home could house up to 18 work-release inmates and free up several beds to rent out for out-of-county prisoners to make up the cost of off-site housing.  Any off-site housing would still require 4 additional correctional officers and would cost several hundred dollars per month in utilities.  Alec feels it would be a short-term fix until the county can work out a long-term solution. 

Mr. Beth also discussed the need for a car.  He would like to talk to Don Elbrader about acquiring one of the Sheriff’s old cars since his has transmission problems. 

Commissioners re-instated the normal recycling schedule now that an employee has filled the open position. 

Joanne Long requested permission to purchase two filing cabinets.  Approved. 

After reviewing the estimates for sidewalk repair, commissioners agreed that Skitch Allen’s was the low estimate.  The gave the estimate to David Neville to review specifications and then approved the work be done. 

Gary Emry, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced himself to the commissioners and discussed various ways to include the county in community projects. 

Susan Quick spoke to the commissioners about a request by the City of Fort Scott to forgive back taxes on two parcels on Main Street.  The commissioners want her to research further before making any decision. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 pm. 

                                                    THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                    OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                    (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

                                                    (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

January 27, 2003         Monday     9:00 am 

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

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

Clyde Killion presented a work update to the commissioners.  The sign inventory is coming along well and the road crew is working on finishing up Elm Creek Lake. 

The commissioners discussed a reported dangerous structure on Condensory Road and Franklin Streets. 

Robert Query made a motion to re-appoint Don Russell, Don Stewart and Terry Graham to the Local Revolving Loan Fund Committee of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC).  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  A letter was drafted to notify the SEKRPC of the appointments. 

At 10:00 am, a public hearing was held for Millennium Industries.  Robert Query, Gary Houston, Joanne Long, Laura Hyer, Don Russell and Linda Weldon of the SEKRPC were in attendance.  The public hearing is for application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).  Millennium Industries is purchasing Twister Trailer.  After hearing no opposition, Gary Houston made a motion to approve application for a CDBG for Millennium Industries.  Robert Query seconded and both voted in favor.  The public hearing ended at 10:25 am.  Several forms were signed for the application, including Resolution 05-03, which was placed in the Resolution book. 

Judy Orton, Bourbon County Appraiser, spoke with the commissioners about a 911 address query.  Near Mapleton, Wagon Road, an east-west road, turns south for part of a mile and then continues easterly-westerly again.  There is a portion of a road that does not line up with either Wagon Road or Victory Road.  A landowner in the area who is concerned what that road should be named.  After consideration, the commissioners agreed it is Wagon Road. 

Ms. Orton also asked the commissioners if there would be any raises for courthouse employees this year.  The commissioners explained, that even though raises were budgeted, with the 4.5% cuts the General Fund is experiencing, some departments cannot afford a salary increase without the possibility of layoffs, so the commissioners decided that there would be no raises instead of sporadic raises.  They noted that the county was trying to compensate by increasing benefits with the county’s health insurance. 

She also spoke to the commissioners about Mercy Health System.  By law, any exempt building that is no-longer functioning under its exemption is to go back on the tax roll.  This includes the old Hospital, Health For Life and Fort Scott Family Physicians. 

Commissioners discussed the recycling schedule.  The regular schedule has been re-instated but the location of the Fort Scott recycling has been changed to the landfill.   

Doylene Kennedy updated the commissioners on the status of the road sign inventory.  She believes that the road crew is doing an excellent job. 

Susan Quick, County Treasurer, spoke to the commissioners about the City of Fort Scott’s request to abate back penalties on two Fort Scott properties.  One of the properties has been signed over to the City and the second will be, but they each have back taxes and special assessments going back 3 or 4 years.  The City is planning on paying the tax but would like the County to waive the penalties.  The commissioners tabled any decision until Terry Graham could be here. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS                               

                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                     (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

January 31, 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. 

Laura Hyer, reporter for the Fort Scott Tribune, was also present. 

Robert Query informed the commissioners of a new coal company, Phoenix Coal Co., Vinita, Oklahoma, that is leasing ground in southern Bourbon County.  The coal trucks will require a route to drive to reach the highway and Deer Road is the most direct route.  The coal company has stated it will pay for the sturdier tubes that will need to be placed under bridges to withstand the weight of the trucks and have also indicated that they will pay for dust control for the houses that are affected and help maintain the gravel road.  Robert requested that the stop sign at Deer Road and Old 69 be removed and re-located to the Old 69 intersection due to the steep incline of the road just west of Old 69.  It will be dangerous for the coal trucks, filled with 20+ tons of coal to stop on an incline and have to start again to cross the intersection.  If the signs are changed now, they will be established when the company begins hauling coal in July.  The commissioners agreed to change the stop sign and to erect Truck Crossing signs on Old 69 to warn drivers.  The commissioners would like the coal company representative to put in writing that they will provide the dust control service and maintain the roads, but were happy with the arrangement.  The commissioners will ask Terri Johnson or Valorie Leblanc to prepare the written statement. 

Daryl Roller and Bob Eckles, Fort Scott Kiwanis, met with the commissioners to discuss the new recycling location for Fort Scott.  They were curious as to the change in location from the Courthouse to the Landfill, as the recycling at the courthouse is always well attended.  The commissioners explained that due to budget cuts, it was necessary to change the location to save the overtime needed to transfer the recycling trailers to and from the courthouse on a Saturday.  Mr. Roller and Mr. Eckles are concerned that many people will refuse to drive to the landfill and the recycling program will suffer.  The commissioners stated that the road to the landfill was surfaced with blacktop last year and is in excellent condition and the road crew has built a gravel pad at the landfill to protect vehicles from the mud.  The commissioners will see how everything works for a few months.  The Kiwanis Club has committed to volunteer at the recycling through June of 2003. 

Joanne Long stated that the hearing for the sericea lespedeza disaster area designation is scheduled for 1:00 pm, February 19, 2003, at the rural water office. 

Robert Query stated that he was told about a 4-way stop north of Redfield that people are running.  The commissioners spoke with Dion O’Dell about it. 

Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about smoking in the courthouse.  The commissioners asked Ms. Long to pass a letter around to all the offices reminding them that the courthouse is a smoke-free building. 

Commissioners received a recommendation from the Drywood Township Clerk and Treasurer for Darrell Bloomfield to fill the vacancy in the position of Drywood Township Trustee.  Robert Query made a motion to appoint Darrell Bloomfield to the position of Drywood Township Trustee, based on recommendations from the board.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

The commissioners discussed the request by the City of Fort Scott to waive interest and penalties on two lots on Main Street.  After discussion, commissioners Graham and Query approved the request.  Gary Houston was not in favor of waiving the fees.

It has come to the commissioners’ attention that a local dentist, Dr. Steve Payne, has showed interest in being the Bourbon County deputy coroner.  Commissioners would like to discuss the matter with Sheriff Coleman and Police Chief Reyes.  They will meet with the commissioners next week to discuss it. 

Commissioners approved payroll for the period. 

Commissioners reviewed accounts payable for the period.  After removing a fuel delivery charge from the Hill’s Service bill, accounts payable were approved for payment. 

David Neville spoke to the commissioners about a need for a panic bar on the north door of the boiler room.  Commissioners have asked Mr. Neville to check with the codes officer to see what is an acceptable solution. 

Howard Watson of Amino Brothers spoke to the commissioners.  He is requesting to dump some broken concrete.  The commissioners will speak to Clyde Killion to see if there is a location that is suitable and get back with Mr. Watson.   

Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:50 am to meet with Clyde Killion. 

Alec Beth spoke to the commissioners about his vehicle situation.  It is solved.  He will be getting a new transmission in his current car.  He also discussed the work release housing situation.  He has spoken with the New Horizon’s people and with Charles Parsons and is working on prices. 

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: