June 2, 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. 

Gary Houston reported that the 45 MPH speed limit sign that was placed on Osage Road last Friday has been torn down. 

Commissioners discussed upcoming road projects. 

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

David Neville thanked the commissioners and expressed his thanks to the road department for the new parking lot.  However, he has had several complaints from the public and some employees about tracking the oil and chips into their cars or into the courthouse and oil splashing onto vehicles.  Commissioners feel the lot should set up completely by the end of the week. 

Mr. Neville also reported that the Appraiser’s Office noticed someone trip on the east steps of the courthouse.  No report has been filed. 

Ed French informed the commissioners of a minor oil spill this weekend involving a train. 

There was discussion of high weeds at the old county barn.  The county will have it mowed when it is dry. 

Members of the Bourbon County Extension Council presented the 2004 budget request.  Those present were:  Doris Ericson, Sarah Fogleman, Larry Gilliland, Ann Ludlum, Marge Stringer, Sheila Blubaugh, Lori J. Stephens, Teresa Bahr, Laura George and Robert Claypool.  Doris Ericson, Chairman of the Council, presented the request for $97,306.00, noting that it is less than what was requested in 2003.  The commissioners commended the council for requesting less.  The members of the council invited the commissioners to lunch at El Charro at noon.  Commissioners broke for lunch at 11:55 am. 

In the afternoon session, commissioners Terry Graham, Robert Query and Gary Houston met with Doug Rozean, General Manager, and Sonny Sagar, Director of Marketing, of InfiniTec, for answers to questions and an explanation of benefits of the proposed computer contract.  The meeting resumed at 1:30 pm.  Department Heads, Susan Quick, Sharon Elder and Judy Orton, and Lynn Smith also attended the meeting in the afternoon. 

Mr. Rozean and Mr. Sagar spoke in depth about all aspects of the proposed contract renewal, answering the commissioners’ questions about the need for a new AS400 and benefits of locking in prices with the pre-payment plan.  They also explained that with the pre-payment, no money is spent from Bourbon County for a year, as payments are in arrears.  The loan would be bonded by their parent company, Wheatland Electric, to protect Bourbon County should any financial troubles plague InfiniTec; and they will provide a letter to that effect for Bourbon County to present to any financial institution for our protection. 

As to the need for a new AS400, they explained that any future mandates by the federal government or the State of Kansas could necessitate a newer machine, as our current machine would not be capable of powering newer, larger operating systems and larger programs after a time.  They explained that if there were never any updates or new programs, our AS400 would be fine for many years.  Sonny assured the commissioners that the current Cat-5 wiring throughout most of the courthouse offices is sufficient to handle all of the proposed program additions, such as RVI. 

Mr. Rozean reminded the commissioners that InfiniTec honored the contract with Kohl Software for $45,000.00 per year, essentially providing $46,000.00 worth of services free each year of the contract.  He also stated that having an in-house programmer, like Crawford County, or like we had in Denny Kohl, would cost upwards of $100,000 per year for salary, benefits and hardware; and that training someone just out of school would take years for them to master the county programming needs. 

Doug summed up the discussion by stating that the current Bourbon County budget allotment for computer services and what is set aside for future needs in hardware, provides for the proposed contract and would not necessitate additional tax dollars to compensate, thereby avoiding an additional tax burden on the citizens of Bourbon County. 

The commissioners thanked the gentlemen for attending the meeting and addressing their concerns and asked that InfiniTec write up a new contract, as the 30 days has past from the last proposal. 

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:

June 6, 2003        Friday       9:05 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and Danielle Wells present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

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

Charlie Workman, 821 Scott Ave., Fort Scott, spoke to the commissioners about the ambulance contract.  He has kept up with the reports in the paper and feels the commissioners should accept the lowest price offered. 

Doylene Kennedy presented the 2004 Weed Management Plan for approval.  Commissioners signed the Plan.  Ms. Kennedy also presented the 2^nd Quarter Sales Tax report for the landfill for approval.  Chairman Graham signed the report. 

Don Russell and Richard Nienstedt presented a resolution for the commissioners to consider for adoption of the update of the 1999 Overall Economic Development Program for the SEKRPC.  Terry Graham made the motion to adopt the resolution as 12-03.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Jack Black reported part of Wagon Road was washed out from the rain. 

Gene Parker spoke to the commissioners about a downed fence along the railroad tracks on his property.  Robert Query gave Mr. Parker the contact number for the railroad for assistance. 

Mr. Parker also requested some gravel on a street in Garland in front of the old post office.  The commissioners forwarded the request to the Public Works Department. 

Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:50 am to view a road problem. 

Sheriff Harold Coleman asked the commissioners why there is still a stop sign at Max’s Way Station.  He recommends removing the sign until road construction on Hwy 54 is complete in the area, necessitating the sign for cross traffic.  Robert Query made a motion to remove the stop sign in front of Max’s Way Station on 225^th Street while Hwy 54 is under construction at the junction—to be replaced upon completion.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

Gary Houston returned to the meeting at 11:35 am. 

Valorie Leblanc informed the commissioners that road gravel has been washing into her drive.  She wanted to see what the process was to get it fixed.  No action. 

Terry left the meeting at noon for lunch.  The meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm until 1:30 pm. 

In the afternoon session, Robert F. Chase, Mary Bruner and Sam Mason presented the 2004 budget proposal for the SEK Mental Health.  They are requesting the same funds as in 2003. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 2:05 pm. 

                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                      OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                      (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                      (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                      (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

June 9, 2003        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Danielle Wells was also present. 

Commissioners received the monthly expenditure report from the County Extension office. 

Gary Houston arrived at 9:20 am. 

Don Russell presented the Overall Economic Development plan for Southeast Kansas.  He informed the commissioners that if they had any major projects coming up that they could receive funding for them and left a blank form to be filled out and returned.  No action at this time. 

Lee Davis gave a report on weed spraying for the day and confirmed the location of another job. 

After routine business the meeting adjourned at 11:20 am. 

                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                           (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                           (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

June 13, 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 meetings were read and approved. 

Commissioners reviewed accounts payables and approved bills and payroll for the period. 

Jerry Williams, Executive Director of the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), presented the 2004 budget request and an invoice for 2003 payment.  Commissioners discussed programs available through the SEKAAA. 

Clyde Killion gave an equipment update. 

Joanne Long reported that she had received a phone call in regards to the ambulance situation stating that the county doesn’t owe Mercy anything (in reference to a statement in the newspaper) and that we should go with the best deal. 

Ms. Long asked the commissioners if they were ready to rent duck blinds at Elm Creek Lake.  After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to increase the duck blind rental to $35.00 for lake improvements.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Commissioners authorized Ms. Long to contact the previous renters to give them first opportunity to rent.  They will have 30 days from notification to rent the blind or it will be offered to someone on the waiting list. 

Robert Query made a motion to appoint Terry Graham voting delegate and Gary Houston alternate for a KAC election.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Ms. Long informed the commissioners that Personal Property values were certified to her by the County Appraiser on June 12, 2003. 

Ms. Long also stated that she had received requested paperwork from InfiniTec.  The commissioners would like the county attorney to look them over. 

Part of the morning was spent discussing the ambulance contract.  Mr. Query was gathering information from the county appraiser on revenues the county would get from taxes on ambulances that we currently do not get because Mercy is tax exempt.  He feels that this information will be helpful in making a decision on which proposal to accept. 

Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about an employee’s overtime. 

Terry Graham informed Clyde Killion of a requested project with West Bourbon Elementary, which involves having a small patch of grass graded down and would like to purchase gravel, if possible. 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:30 am. 

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

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am. 

                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                           (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                           (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

June 16, 2003     Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Deputy county clerk Cecelia Key was present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

County Treasurer, Susan Quick, presented legal documents related to bank account transfer for approval.  The commissioners signed the documents. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Larry & Wilma Graham asked the commissioners if there would be any money available for the Redfield Park this year.  The commissioners informed the Graham’s that there is no money for parks this year.  Mrs. Graham then requested a 24’ culvert for an extension for the park.  The City of Redfield will pay for the culvert.  Mrs. Graham also asked if the County would be providing chip and seal for the City of Redfield.  She asked for an estimated cost for chip and seal and for asphalt.  Mrs. Graham ordered 10 tons of winter mix. 

Larry Davenport checked with the commissioners regarding the county’s health insurance.

The Bourbon County Conservation District presented their 2004 budget request.  Those present were:  Ronnie Brown, Chairman, Wayne Thorpe, Cheryl Bennett, Robert Larkin, John Hine and Willard Schoenberger.  They request the same as 2003. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 am. 

                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                  (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                  (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

June 20, 2003     Friday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Robert Query and Terry Graham present.  Danielle Wells was also present. 

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

Charles Workman spoke with the commissioners regarding the ambulance service.  He wanted to stress that the 5-year proposal from AMR is better for the taxpayers.  He agrees that we should try to keep business in the county, but the deal from AMR just seems better.  He stated that Mercy pays no property tax on the ambulances and AMR would pay between $1,500 and $1,800 per ambulance. 

Laura Hyer asked the commissioners if they have spoken to the college about providing computer services.  No action. 

Commissioners discussed Hill’s fuel prices.  No action. 

Larry Nuss spoke to the commissioners about the ambulance.  He feels the county should sign with Mercy because they are local.  He feels that Mercy and AMR are close enough in price that the commissioners should go with the local contractor. 

Maury Thompson and Bill Fiscus presented the 2004 Tri-Valley budget proposal.  They request the same funds as in 2003. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm. 

                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                               (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

June 23, 2003     Monday      9:00 am 

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

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

Commissioners and Clyde Killion discussed repairing the chip and seal on Maple Road from the Sale Barn west two miles.   

The commissioners received input from several people regarding the ambulance contract.  Those present were Daryl Roller and Ron Wood.  Commissioners also received many phone calls about the situation.  Several points were made aware to the commissioners to consider: 

Carolyn Cooper spoke briefly to the commissioners about a problem with 4-wheelers. 

Commissioners signed firework permits for the upcoming holiday season. 

Commissioners discussed fuel prices. 

John Doty, Osage Road, spoke to the commissioners about the change in speed limits on his road recently.  The commissioners will discuss the matter with Gary Houston, the district commissioner on Friday. 

Joanne Long discussed the county credit card.  It currently has no name attached and many counties are getting county cards with specific names attached for tighter security.  The commissioners asked Ms. Long to look into it. 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:30 to meet with Clyde Killion and the Mayor of Mapleton to discuss chip and seal and tube prices. 

Meeting adjourned due to lack of a quorum. 

                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                  (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                                  (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

June 27, 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 meetings were read and approved. 

Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, was present. 

Those present to discuss the ambulance contract were:  Barbara Wood, Jerry Stevenson, President/CEO of Mercy, David Goodyear, Superintendent of EMS at Mercy, Dr. David Phelps, Chief of Staff, Paramedics Randy Glessner, Michael Forquer and Jon Lowery, EMS student Robert Meyers, Delwin Mumbower, RFD #3 Coordinator and Sheriff Harold Coleman.  Mrs. Wood asked the commissioners to look at the big picture when considering the contract options.  She stated how bad times used to be with ambulance service and stated her hopes of continuing with the fine service we have now.  She also said that Bourbon County should take care of its own and stated that Mercy is our own.  The commissioners discussed the possibility of setting up an ambulance outpost in the western section of the county to cut down on response time as a future enhancement of the ambulance service.  Mr. Stevenson stated that Mercy is very interested in continuing to handle the ambulance service for Bourbon County and is interested in looking into the outlying station idea in the future.  On that front, Robert Meyers discussed a paramedic school which, if formed, could help staff an outpost with volunteers and a paramedic, possibly defraying costs of having the outpost.  Dr. Phelps also stated that having ADD (defibrillators) and trained people to use them at schools and other buildings in the western part of the county would help save lives. 

Mike Forquer told the commissioners that he began his career with Mercy 10 years ago and left briefly to work for a for-profit company.  He didn’t like how it worked and came back to Mercy.  He, and the other paramedic staff, have had to put their lives on hold for a decision about their jobs.  He feels Fort Scott’s EMS program is one of the best in the state of Kansas and will strive hard to continue that.  Mr. Meyers told the commissioners how Mercy EMS saved his unresponsive wife a few years ago.  He feels that local paramedics, like those at Mercy, have a connection with the community, unlike an out-of-town company that may be here today but gone tomorrow.  Delwin Mumbower stated that the First Response Program was a great success thanks to Mercy. 

The commissioners apologized for what their delay in decision has put the EMS staff through and thanked everyone for coming.  Gary Houston made the motion to sign the ambulance contract with Mercy for a period of two years.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  The contract was signed by all parties. 

Ed French, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, spoke to the commissioners about the telecommunications tower on 4^th Street that fell over this week.  The tower is on county property but is owned by another party.  Authorities still don’t know why the tower fell. 

Terry Graham brought the tower lease file to the County Attorney to review. 

Delwin Mumbower presented the RFD#3 budget request for 2004. 

Commissioners received the 2004 budget request from the Bourbon County Fair Board. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Accounts payable and payroll for the period were approved. 

David Neville informed the commissioners of a water leak in the basement caused by a short drainage spout.  He received authority to extend the water spout. 

The remainder of the morning was spent discussing the computer service contract.  Commissioners spoke to the clerk, treasurer and register of deeds about monies they have available to supplement the contract.  Commissioners feel they have the money in several budgets this year to pay for the hardware in the contract, which would leave a balance of about $47,000 annually for the three years—only approximately $2,000 a year more than the county currently pays.  They would like to know if InfiniTec will take these payment conditions.  Joanne Long contacted the company and is waiting for a return call. 

Valorie Leblanc spoke to the commissioners about her road.  Clyde Killion will inspect the road with Ms. Leblanc for a solution to the problem. 

Jim O’Brien popped in to tell the commissioners he is pleased with Osage Road. 

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:

June 30, 2003     Monday      9:40 am 

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.  Gary Houston arrived at 10:00 am. 

Laura Hyer, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, was in attendance. 

Terri Johnson spoke to the commissioners about the lease with the company for the tower on 4^th & Couch Street.  We have proof of insurance but not a financial statement.  Commissioners asked Ms. Johnson to request the statement.  Commissioners discussed liability on the tower as it fell down. 

Lee Davis presented chemical bids.  Two bids were received as follows: 

Terry Graham made the motion to accept the bid from Van Diest.  Robert Query seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

Pat Wood, Mid-Continental Restoration, Jay Newton and Dan Rowe met with the commissioners to discuss a jail addition or construction of a new jail facility for the county.  There are pros and cons to either adding onto the existing facility or building a new one.  They also discussed the four payment options and stated that a jail costs approximately $30,000 to $70,000 per bed.  They recommend having a feasibility study done by a professional firm. 

Dixie McDaniel, Older American Action Program, gave the commissioners a statistical report for 2002 and the first half of 2003.  She is retiring as of July 1, 2003, but will continue to volunteer for the program.  She informed the commissioners that she has an office chair, a file cabinet and a 10’ x 10’ screen that belong to the county.  The commissioners had suggestions for relocating the items.  The commissioners thanked Ms. McDaniel for her 31 years of service. 

Randy Rockhold, USD 235 Superintendent, met with the commissioners to discuss plans for improvements to Uniontown.  He is in the process of grant applications for four projects.  Phase One is the creation of a 2.1 mile walking trail and picnic area around the Uniontown school campuses.  Phase Two is to build a 2 acre fishing pond with handicap piers.  Phase Three will be to improve the track field and Phase Four is to improve the softball field and build a baseball field for summer recreation. 

At this time, Mr. Rockhold asks the commissioners for a letter of support of the project for the walking trail and also asks the county to volunteer the blading of the trail and hauling the base rock for the trail.  The commissioners approved the request and signed a letter of support. 

Susan Quick and Sharon Elder asked the commissioners if there was any progress on the InfiniTec contract.  As we have not heard back on a question, the commissioners will not make any decisions at this time.  The contract will be re-written with an August 1, 2003, date. 

Susan Quick updated the commissioners on Road & Bridge Sales Tax funds. 

Robert Query left the meeting at 11:45 am. 

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