March 3, 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. 

Ed French distributed a warning about UPS uniforms to the commissioners. 

Roger Lee discussed a dispute between neighbors and a septic system.  He feels the county may become involved and wanted the commissioners aware. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update.   

At 10:00 am, a public hearing was held to close out the CDBG Tri-Valley Grant.  Sandy Erbe, Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC) was present, along with the commissioners and county clerk.  At 10:10 am, after no objections, the hearing was closed and the paperwork was signed. 

Lyal Burt complained about the status of the Courthouse parking lot.  The commissioners informed Mr. Burt that it would be fixed as soon as weather permits. 

Gilbert Fleeman stopped in and informed the commissioners he is looking for work.  No action. 

The commissioners discussed the recycling program.  The county has received several complaints about moving Fort Scott recycling to the Landfill.  After much discussion, the commissioners agreed to move the Fort Scott recycling center to the parking lot of Gene’s IGA West, beginning in March 2003. 

Elaine Shroyer, Public Health Nurse, asked the commissioners for permission to place a storage building west of the health office.  The commissioners approved the request but informed Ms. Shroyer to contact City officials for any requirements.  Ms. Shroyer also asked if the courthouse is equipped with a generator.  The courthouse has a generator but it is only for the Correctional Center and courthouse phone system.  Ms. Shroyer will speak with Alec Beth about possibly hooking up the health office to the generator. 

A great deal of the morning was spent discussing the upcoming asphalt season.  There was much debate over whether to do our own asphalting or to hire out.  No action at this time. 

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

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:

March 7, 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. 

Clyde Killion met with the commissioners.  He presented Pat McKenna, a sales representative with G W Van Keppel Company from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Mr. McKenna presented a proposal on a new Model 351 Tire Paver.  No action. 

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

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

David Mullies, Attorney, and Lewis J. Allen spoke to the commissioners regarding the property dispute between Mr. Allen and Terry Henning.  Mr. Henning has recently conceded that the property in question is Mr. Allen’s but he has not removed the fence that blocks access to the property and blocks a county road.  Mr. Mullies and Mr. Allen would like the commissioners to speak to Mr. Henning about it.  The commissioners will speak to him today. 

Joanne Long spoke to the commissioners about possible future expenses for the election fund.  The passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is changing the way counties handle elections and will require compliance in the upcoming years.  Ms. Long also informed the commissioners that she plans to combine voting places to cut costs and to prepare for the upcoming expenses. 

Robert Query mentioned that the Infinitec contract expires at the end of November and asked that we contact them to start negotiations as soon as possible.  A letter was drafted to that effect. 

Terry Graham and Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:50 am to speak to Terry Henning about the property dispute earlier in the day. 

Meeting adjourned due to lack of a quorum. 

                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                       (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                       (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner                                     

ATTEST:

March 10, 2003        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Robert Query arrived at 9:35 am. 

Roger Lee spoke briefly about a proposed 911 address and an ongoing septic dispute.  The problem can be settled by a water sample test that costs around $130 or by using dye.  The dye method required permission to enter one of the homes and he is having trouble contacting the homeowner. 

David Neville asked if the county was finished with repairs to the south parking lot or if it would be adding a layer of gravel.  Clyde Killion reported that the oil should be dry, eliminating any need for gravel. 

Mr. Neville also spoke of the ascending sidewalk on the east side of the courthouse.  The county has patched the cracked steps in the past but it is not holding.  He also stated that there are several incidents of persons tripping or falling on the steps.  He suggests making the walk into a ramp.  This would enable handicap accessibility to the base of the steps and access to the handicap accessible doors at the correctional center.  The commissioners asked Mr. Neville to get at least three estimates. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update.  The commissioners mentioned a few problem areas. 

Joanne Long asked if the commissioners will be accepting sealed bids for hay at Elm Creek Lake.  The commissioners said they would and asked the clerk to publish it and accept bids through April 11 and open them April 14, 2003. 

Robert Query arrived at 9:35 am. 

Ken Keller, State Division of Emergency Medical Services, met with the commissioners to discuss the ambulance contract with Mercy Health System.  Also present were:  David Goodyear, Director of EMS for Mercy Health System, Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, and Roger Holt, Director of Linn County Ambulance.  Mr. Keller stated his appearance was as a fair and impartial observer.  He has had dealings with nearly all Kansas Counties regarding ambulance negotiations.  Mr. Keller explained that all municipalities are seeing an increase in the ambulance subsidy due to decreases by the federal government and what insurance companies will pay for services.   Mr. Keller stated that the direct expenses he has been given seem to be on-line.  He has questions with the indirect expenses, as do the commissioners.  Cafeteria expenses in excess of $50,000 are included in the indirect expenses.  Mr. Keller stated that the commissioners should set aside the indirect expenses and concentrate on what the county wants and is willing to pay for.  The commissioners argued that they couldn’t set aside the indirect expenses because they haven’t been explained by Mercy and they are the justification for the increase in subsidy.  Commissioners did state that they are pleased with the EMS service provided by Mercy and feel we have excellent Paramedics.  Mr. Keller gave the commissioners several documents containing figures from all ambulance providers over the state to help the commissioners compare “apples to apples.”  The option of a county or fire department run EMS was also discussed.  Mr. Keller stated that the public will have to become involved in this decision or they cannot blame the commissioners if they do not become involved.  After the discussion, Terry Graham stated he felt that the county was in the same position it was before Mr. Keller’s visit.  Mr. Keller encouraged continued negotiations with Mercy. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm. 

                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                     (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

March 14, 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 9:08 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Joanne Long presented Resolution 07-03 for commissioner approval.  It is the request for bids for hay at Elm Creek Lake.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt the resolution.  Robert Query seconded.  All in favor. 

Ms. Long presented the commissioners with information, provided by David Goodyear of Mercy Health System.  It is the documentation Mr. Keller was reporting about in Monday’s meeting.

Ms. Long also discussed a problem her office is having with Mill Creek Bank in reference to accounts at Mayco Ace Hardware revolving around finance charges and late fees.  Terry Graham called Mayco Ace to speak to John Maycumber.  Mr. Maycumber was out of the office but will call Mr. Graham back on Monday morning. 

Patty West, Atkins Insurance, delivered the county’s insurance policies and spoke with the commissioners about other insurance.  She mentioned that the county is covered for terrorism insurance this year at no cost, but there will be a charge in 2004.  She said the commissioners will have to decide whether or not to take out the insurance coverage.  Though Bourbon County is not a likely target, anything can happen, she said.  She encouraged the commissioners to think about it for a while. 

Ms. West also discussed uninsured motorist coverage.  She explained that only county employees are covered for accidents in county vehicles caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists but that non-employee passengers are most likely not.  This insurance only covers medical expenses and employees would be covered under the Worker’s Compensation Laws.  The coverage is not mandatory to municipalities but may be useful.  It costs $57 per vehicle for the fleet, however only about 10 cars are likely to carry non-employees.  The commissioners stated that the only non-employee persons who are in county vehicles are prisoners and are our responsibility medically, so they felt that uninsured motorist insurance is probably not needed.  The commissioners asked if you could only insure the 10 that are likely to carry non-employees.  Ms. West said she would find out.  She learned that prisoners are covered under our insurance so the uninsured motorist coverage is not needed. 

Ms. West also discussed housing work-release prisoners off-site.  She stated that security measures would have to be approved and that we would be liable for anything that happens to or from a prisoner held off-site of the correctional center.   

The commissioners discussed Elm Creek Lake with Ms. West.  She will find out information on securing the county is not negligent by having hunting and fishing at the lake. 

Otis Allen met briefly with the commissioners to discuss a proposed road closing. 

Bill Ewan and David Ferson of Victor L. Phillips Co. met with the commissioners and Clyde Killion to present prices on a paver. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm. 

                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman

                                                         (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner                                

ATTEST:

March 17, 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.  Gary Houston was attending a funeral.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion reported on the health of one of the road employees—he is in the hospital.  Mr. Killion also gave a road report. 

Carol Davis requested gravel at a low water crossing near her home.  The commissioners forwarded the request to Clyde Killion. 

Terry Graham spoke with John Maycumber about the county’s difficulty with the credit card accounts for Mayco Ace.  Mr. Maycumber stated that the county is not the only business having difficulty and instructed us to cut up all of the Mayco Credit Cards and they will go back to the charge ticket system. 

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

                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                      OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                      (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                      (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

March 21, 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 was ill.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion presented prices on a paver.  Commissioners will wait until all commissioners are present before making any decisions. 

Employee Leonard Ramsey spoke to the commissioners.  He is scheduled for surgery on his foot next week and will be off work for 21 weeks.  He wants to make sure that his health insurance is covered for the duration.  His sick and vacation time will get him to early June and FMLA leave will cover 12 weeks.   

David Neville spoke to the commissioners about safety issues regarding the courthouse doors.  The only problem we forsee is the locked doors at the correctional center while the public is present.  The commissioners discussed the situation with Alec Beth and it was decided to keep the east doors unlocked when/if the public is in the building after hours.

Mr. Neville also discussed a tree in the yard that appears to be infested with boar worms.  The commissioners suggested speaking to an exterminator. 

David also asked the commissioners if they would allow yellow ribbons to be tied to courthouse trees in support of our troops.  The commissioners approved the request. 

Alec Beth spoke to the commissioners about vehicle problems.  The front end of his car fell off this week.  His vehicle also has 145,000 miles on it.  With the tight budget there is no money to purchase another.  The commissioners suggested getting the car repaired and reminding them of the need at the time of preparing the 2004 budget. 

Karen Paddock spoke to the commissioners about the need for storage.  Terry Graham viewed the basement with Ms. Paddock. 

Bill Fiscus, Tri-Valley, met with the commissioners to discuss SB242 which would eliminate several Community Developmental Disability Organizations.  Tri-Valley opposes the bill and they are asking for the commissioners to write to the KAC about it.  The commissioners will send an email. 

Marvin Lewis requested some gravel on a road. 

Judy Orton, Appraiser, and Susan Quick, Treasurer, gave the commissioners background information on the situation with Josh Lundberg, which he will be speaking about this morning.  The county has documentation of what was paid and when. 

Josh Lundberg spoke to the commissioners about a tax issue.  He believes he paid taxes that were not his.  After discussion, it was determined that Mr. Lundberg will be reimbursed half of the interest he was assessed for delinquent taxes collected by Berlin Wheeler. 

Judy Orton informed the commissioners that valuation notices will be mailed next Friday. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                   OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                   (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                   (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner                              

ATTEST:

March 24, 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. 

Clyde Killion discussed road assignments and also discussed lay down machines with the commissioners. 

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

Leon Fry discussed a road in need of repair. 

Patty West, Atkins Insurance, brought a waiver of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to be signed. 

The commissioners spent part of the morning discussing the ambulance contract.  They decided to advertise in several area newspapers for the service.  An ad will be placed in the Fort Scott Tribune, Pittsburg Morning Sun, Nevada Daily Mail, Joplin Globe, Linn County News, Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star and Topeka Capital Journal during the week of March 31, 2003 through April 4, 2003. 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, spoke to the commissioners about requesting a grant for fish feeders at Elm Creek Lake.  Grants will be awarded in July and could help the county buy food and feeders for the lake.  The commissioners agreed to have Mr. George apply for a grant.  If we receive a 75/25 grant, the county’s portion will be about $925.  The grants are available through the Community Lake Assistance Program supported by Kansas Anglers. 

The commissioners spent a great deal of the morning discussing the pros and cons of purchasing a lay down machine or hiring an outside company to lay asphalt for the county.  Robert Query is for hiring the work done, which will free up county workers to do their normal duties, not require overtime, and eliminate any repair expenses to a machine if it breaks.  Terry Graham is for purchasing a new machine and doing the work ourselves, which will save tax dollars in the long run.  As he is the tie-breaker vote, Gary Houston asked to think over the options and postpone any decisions until Friday. 

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                           

ATTEST:

March 28, 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. 

Delwin Mumbower met with the commissioners to talk about the ambulance.  He stated that currently, Fire District 3 gets its medical supplies from the hospital.  He also reminded the commissioners to think about ambulance dispatch and communication needs if Mercy is no longer the ambulance provider.  The commissioners thanked Mr. Mumbower for the information. 

Clyde Killion gave an update on Elm Creek Lake.  The valve is still open and no one has been able to shut it.  Robert Query said he would go out there to see what could be done. 

Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, attended the meeting. 

The conversation turned to the paver dispute.  Before Gary Houston gave his answer, Terry Graham stated that the City of Fort Scott may be interested in sharing the paver if we decide to purchase it.  Robert Query reminded the other commissioners that the City and County would want to pave at the same time and that would cause conflicts like in the days the county purchased asphalt from the city.  Gary Houston stated that, after much discussion, he feels the county should purchase a paver.  Mr. Query recommended renting a paver for a month to see if the county crew could handle the workload it hopes for before committing to a seven-year payment schedule.  If it can, we can go ahead and purchase the equipment, but if it can’t we won’t have any hard feelings in having to return equipment or be stuck with payments.  Gary Houston agreed that renting was a good idea, so the commissioners asked Clyde to contact the paver representatives to ask if part or all of the rental could be placed toward the purchase of a paver after we rent one. 

Robert Query and Clyde Killion left at 10:00 am to view Elm Creek Lake and try to close the valve. 

Ed French spoke briefly about Emergency Preparedness and mentioned that the county may be eligible for more grants. 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, met with the commissioners to correct information he erroneously gave on Monday.  The grant available is a 67/33 grant, which would mean the County’s portion would be about $1,200.  After discussion, the commissioners asked Mr. George to apply for the grant. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm. 

                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                     (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

March 31, 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. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Commissioners received a response from Dan Meara, a local attorney, about a proposed tax sale.  Mr. Meara is asking $65 per parcel, his first increase in 15 years.  It was also mentioned that Mr. Meara was the only response from attorneys about the tax sale.  No action at this time. 

The City of Fort Scott has asked if the County will participate in Ecology Day, April 16, 2003, by agreeing to pay half of the $495 fee to dump the collected trash in Crawford County.  Commissioners will not pay to have the trash dumped out of county when we have our own Transfer Station but will supply the trucks and accept the free trash as we have always done. 

Ed French spoke to the commissioners about the need for an Animal Emergency Plan Guide. 

Terry Graham signed documents for the application of the grant for Twister Trailer. 

The commissioners discussed renting a paver.  The Victor L. Phillips Company will apply half of the rental of a paver towards the purchase of a new paver so Robert Query made the motion to rent it.  Gary Houston seconded the motion.  Terry Graham voted against the motion.  Motion passed.  Commissioners then discussed the schedule of roads.  No action. 

Calvin Thomas came before the commissioners to commend them for their actions regarding the ambulance contract. 

Dan Meara met at the commissioners’ request to discuss the proposed tax sale.  They asked how long it would take to do the research for a sale.  Mr. Meara feels that it would take between six months and a year to do all of the legal filings and research needed for a sale.  Commissioners are shooting for a January/February 2004 date.  Gary Houston made a motion to hire Dan Meara to conduct the tax sale for years 1995-1998.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:00 am with Clyde Killion to view a river crossing near Redfield. 

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: