These are the minutes for May 2003, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

May 2, 2003 May 5, 2003
May 9, 2003 May 12, 2003
May 16, 2003 May 19, 2003
May 23, 2003 May 26, 2003  Holiday-no meeting

May 30, 2003

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May 2, 2003        Friday       9:12 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. 

Clyde Killion spoke to the commissioners about road assignments. 

Susan Quick, County Treasurer, spoke to the commissioners about possibly moving the County’s active checking account from Citizens Bank to UMB as UMB has offered better interest rates.  The County hasn’t banked with UMB since a problem a few years ago with the Warrant Account, but since we deal in checks that should not be an issue.  Gary Houston made a motion to amend Resolution 02-03 to change the County’s active account from Citizens to UMB, effective July 1, 2003.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

David Neville spoke to the commissioners about an inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.  He has cited 11 problems, primarily with the Correctional Center.  We will probably need a new fire detection and alert system.  Mr. Neville is working with Alec Beth and Darrell Spencer to get prices for the commissioners. 

Commissioners received a proposed amendment to the Special Bio-terrorism Service Agreement with the SEK Multi-County Health Department.  The amendment is required by the Attorney General’s Office.  Gary Houston made a motion to sign the amendment.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  Terry Graham signed the document as Chairman. 

Lynn Smith presented the annual license agreement with IBM for the commissioners’ approval.  As it is a requirement with IBM to use its products, Gary Houston made a motion to sign the licensing agreement.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Terry Graham signed the document as Chairman. 

Ann Ludlum presented the Monthly Progress Report for the County Extension Office. 

Commissioners discussed the Ambulance situation.  They have received word by phone that the AMR proposal will be in the neighborhood of $150,000 annually for comparable service with Mercy.  AMR will be sending the information in writing. 

Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session at 10:45 am, for a period of 10 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Joanne Long and Doylene Kennedy.  The regular meeting resumed at 10:55 am with no action. 

Terry Combs asked the commissioners to consider him for an opening at the County Barn. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 am. 

                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner                              

 ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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May 5, 2003          Monday        9:05 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 was not present, as he was assisting friends in Crawford County after the devastating tornado. 

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

Clyde Killion reported that there is apparently no damage in Bourbon County from the storms on Sunday.  He has been in contact with Bob Davied, Crawford County Road and Bridge Supervisor.  Mr. Davied says that there is no help needed today but perhaps tomorrow he will contact Clyde for Bourbon County assistance in the clean-up efforts. 

Mr. Killion also reported that Robert Query asked him to report that department heads are to contact Jim Vinze in Crawford County to discuss the computer situation. 

Ed French, Director of Emergency Preparedness, reported on the storms. 

Amy Rhodes checked on a vacation of streets in Xenia that was requested last year.  It had not been completed but will be immediately. 

Wayne Thorpe spoke to the commissioners about a problem with his drive.  Gary Houston will view the problem this afternoon. 

Carl Eyman introduced Philip J. Rippee as the new area Loss Prevention Specialist from KWORCC. 

Clay Wilson spoke to the commissioners about any zoning regulations in the county. 

Tom Bradbury requested a culvert.  The commissioners notified Clyde Killion to put it on the list. 

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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May 9, 2003        Friday       9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County Courthouse with Robert Query and Gary Houston present.  Terry Graham was attending a State Commissioners meeting in Wichita.  Deputy County Clerk Cecelia Key was present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

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

Robert Query discussed ways to cut the county budget to respond to budget cuts from the State.  No action. 

David Neville presented an estimate from Ward Kraft Electric for lighting to comply with State fire codes.  Commissioners asked for more quotes.  No action. 

Bob Hartley and Hunt Farley, Phoenix Coal Company, met with the commissioners to ask for approval to remove coal up to 25 feet of the edge of county road ditches instead of the 100 foot regulations set by the State.  Commissioners asked for an additional line to be added to the agreement before they would approve it.  It will be added and faxed to the commissioners on Monday. 

Robert Query spoke to Crawford County Commissioner Tom Moody about the computer.  Each department head is to set up a time to meet with his/her counterpart in Crawford County to see a demonstration of the software. 

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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May 12, 2003        Monday     9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am.  Joanne Long was also present.   

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

Charlie Blevins and Harold Coleman met with the commissioners to discuss oil that was apparently dumped onto the road in Rocher’s Addition.  Mr. Blevins would like the culprit arrested or he will request that part of his property taxes be refunded to him.  Sheriff Coleman will investigate the matter. 

Delbert Metcalf, Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, spoke to the commissioners about a proposed Human Services Summit for the State of Kansas.  He was asked to see if the County Commission would be interested in attending.  The commissioners showed interest in the summit.  Mr. Metcalf will get back with the commissioners with details as they become available. 

Commissioners received the revised paperwork from Phoenix Coal Company for approval.  Commissioners signed the documents and faxed them to the company. 

Clyde Killion, County Road & Bridge Supervisor, presented applications for the welder position at the county barn.  No action at this time. 

Marty Pearson, Shop Foreman, informed the commissioners about repairs needed to a county vehicle. 

Doylene Kennedy, Karen Paddock, David Neville, Ann Ludlum, Cecelia Key, Monique Umphenour and Susan Quick spoke to the commissioners about emergency procedures for tornadoes, fires, etc.  With the storm last week, county employees were unaware of emergency procedures and how to account for their employees and customers.  There are no specific plans for emergencies.  The commissioners asked Mrs. Kennedy if she would head a committee to resolve the matters.  Mrs. Kennedy accepted.  All offices will be involved and Ed French will be involved also.

Frank Crystal, Road and Bridge employee and Danielle Wells, Payroll Clerk, spoke to the commissioners about Mr. Crystal’s wages while he is on Worker’s Compensation.  Mr. Crystal does not wish to use any vacation while he is recuperating.  His last payroll check will need to be voided and reissued correctly. 

Commissioners received a proposal from American Medical Response (AMR) for ambulance service.  They will provide ALS service for five years at $150,000 per year.  After much discussion, Commissioners decided to contact Jerry Stevenson at Mercy to see if they will present a five-year contract for comparison. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 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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May 16, 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 corrected. 

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

Clyde Killion spoke to the commissioners about road projects, reported on the oil clean up reported by Charlie Blevins, and discussed a warranty agreement for a road grader. 

Commissioners reviewed budget printouts. 

Doylene Kennedy updated the commissioners on fire/emergency procedures.  The committee met yesterday and came up with guidelines.  The meeting minutes and proposed guidelines were presented to the commissioners.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt the Fire and Tornado Guidelines and Fire/Tornado Drill guidelines as resolutions 08-03, 09-03, and 10-03.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Ms. Kennedy also has maps with recommended escape routes for fires and tornadoes for each office and lobby of the courthouse. 

Art Moller, Ag Engineering Associates, and Pat Flynn, Director of Technology at Fort Scott Community College, met with the commissioners to discuss the project on 18th Street at FSCC to build up the road.  It will entail closing 18th Street and diverting traffic through the college.  They asked for assistance from the county in providing supplies and manpower with the project.  The project has been scheduled to begin in June or July and should be completed before the fall semester starts at the college.  As June and July are busy asphalting months for the County, the commissioners are not sure how much they can help with the project, but agreed to donate the base rock, furnish the asphalt for 580’ of 18th Street and compact the roadbed after it has been raised.  The City of Fort Scott will lay the asphalt.  The men thanked the commissioners and were directed to speak to Clyde Killion when the project is ready to begin. 

Scott Halsey spoke to the commissioners about his property.  He has recently purchased 40 acres in Franklin Township on Unity Road.  His neighbors would like to erect a gate at the end of the maintained road to limit traffic, but that would cut off access for Mr. Halsey to reach his property.  Commissioners stated that all owners could have a verbal agreement to erect a permanent gate without any action by the County.  All commissioners agreed it was the best solution to have the gate on Unity Road ½ mile east of 45th Street.  Mr. Halsey will have a key, which allows his access but keeps out any unwanted traffic.  The commissioners reminded Mr. Halsey, that if any of the landowners sell, the agreement wouldn’t necessarily continue. 

Lee Davis spoke to the commissioners about spraying weeds.  Mr. Houston asked Mr. Davis to contact Vivian Houston about Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

At 11:00 am, chemical quotes were opened.  Two were received from: 

UAP/Timberland

Remedy 2 x 2 ½

150 @ $76.80 =

$11,520.00

Van Diest Supply

Remedy 2 x 2 ½

150 @ $78.07 =

$11,710.50

Gary Houston made a motion to accept the quote from UAP/Timberland.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Terry Graham went to City Hall to discuss the 195th Street benefit district. 

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

                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                             (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner                          

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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May 19, 2003          Monday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Gary Houston arrived at 10:25 am. 

Robert Query inquired about Terry’s meeting with the City of Fort Scott about whether or not the City will participate in the 195th Street benefit district.  Mr. Graham stated that Don Russell said he would take up the matter with City Manager, Richard Nienstedt, but he didn’t feet it would be a problem. 

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

Clyde Killion, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported on road projects.  Mr. Killion also presented a request from Tom Hill for graders to call an 800 number to Hill’s directly when they need fuel, rather than calling the County Barn first. 
 

Commissioners and Mr. Killion discussed an accident Friday night on the Mapleton/Redfield Road, which involved a school bus.  There have been complaints that it is hard to see the road at night.  Commissioners discussed striping the road. 

Clyde reminded the commissioners that he would be on vacation for the next two weeks. 

Gary Houston made a motion to have Don Russell resubmit the application for the CDBG for Millennium Industries.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Gary Houston left the meeting at 11:00 am. 

Larry Brewer, Sales Associate with National Oil & Supply Company, introduced himself to the commissioners. 

Sharon Elder asked the commissioners if she should contact Crawford County about computer programming since they don’t have a Deeds package.  Commissioners advised Ms. Elder to speak with the Register of Deeds in Crawford County and Jim Vinze about what programs she would need, should the county use their services. 

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:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk 

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May 23, 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.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Mike Forquer and Jon Lowery were in attendance. 

Joanne Long updated the commissioners on the 195th Street benefit district.  Though the actual cost of the work will be higher than the published estimate, we are not legally obligated to republish to notify the landowners, but it is encouraged to inform them.  Higher oil costs are prompting the increase.  Robert Query stated that the higher amount will be minimal and costs for certified mail and publications would be more than the excess so he doesn’t feel we need to republish.  He also mentioned that all those present at the original public hearing were told that the price was dependent on fluctuating oil costs. 

Commissioners received word that a meeting on the Hwy 54 project has been changed to Thursday, May 29, 2003, at 10:00 am, in Iola.  The commissioners plan to attend. 

Susan Quick, Sharon Elder, Judy Orton, Lynn Smith and Joanne Long asked the commissioners for an update on the computer programming situation.  Joanne Long met with Crawford County officials about her office’s programs and reported on several aspects that would not be suitable for her office at present.  The commissioners would like Ms. Long to contact Doug Rozean of InfiniTec to set up another meeting to discuss optional contracts. 

Susan Quick also asked the commissioners if the County was still interested in the State health insurance.  We are waiting for next year’s figures before we decide. 

David Neville reported on the fire drill that was held Tuesday.  It was quite successful.  He also brought an estimate from Simplex Grinnell for work required by the State Fire Marshal.  We are also getting estimates from electricians for the work.  He reminded the commissioners that a plan for corrections is due Tuesday, May 27, 2003. 

Richard Nienstedt and Don Russell, City of Fort Scott, met with the commissioners to discuss the 195th Street benefit district.  The City will pay its portion of the cost and recommends republishing the public hearing because of the increase.  The commissioners stated that had already been addressed this morning. 

Mr. Nienstedt and Mr. Russell invited the commissioners to a cookout on June 7, 2003, at 7:00 pm at the National Guard Armory in support of the guardsmen and reserves. 

The commissioners briefly discussed the ambulance situation.  We are waiting for correspondence from Jerry Stevenson before making decisions.  Ms. Long mentioned a phone call from a citizen asking the commissioners to keep in mind the cost per run when considering alternate ambulance providers. 

At 10:15 am, Robert Query left the meeting to check on progress in the courthouse parking lot with the chip and seal work.  Gary Houston arrived at the meeting at this time also. 

Ed French discussed whether or not the 3rd Class Cities in the county are equipped with tornado sirens.  He also discussed information he learned at his seminar in Hays last week. 

Robert Query popped back into the meeting at 10:30 am to state that he would be checking the progress of the benefit district work on 195th Street. 

Clyde Killion gave the commissioners prices on used loaders, per request.  No action at this time. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 am. 

                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                      OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                      (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                      (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                          (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

 

May 26, 2003        Monday        Holiday, No Meeting

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May 30, 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. 

Bills and Payroll for the period were reviewed and approved. 

Susan Quick, County Treasurer, reported to the commissioners that she met with Crawford County officials regarding programming.  She stated that several programs looked similar but noted that all receipts and checks are hand-written.  She feels that a lot of programs would have to be written to accommodate her needs.  The commissioners thanked Ms. Quick for the report. 

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

Commissioners received word that the county’s backhoe is in need of repair. 

Joanne Long, County Clerk, reported that the county appraiser certified 2003 real estate values to her office.  Personal property will be certified at a later date as changes are received daily. 

Commissioners received correspondence from Jerry Stevenson of Mercy Health System, which included two contract proposals for ambulance services—a proposal for 2004 and 2005 with prices as stated in previous communication and a proposal for 2004, 2005 and 2006.  The 2006 proposal is $15,000 over the 2005 annual amount.  Mr. Stevenson reminded the commissioners of the July 1, 2003, deadline for response to the offers.  No action at this time. 

Ms. Long informed the commissioners that, per request by Ann Ludlum, county road personnel assisted the Extension Council Nutrition Assistants in relocating their office this week.  Ms. Ludlum has a bill for renting a dolly that she would like to find out who should pay.  The commissioners agreed that since the county donated the workers and truck, the Extension Council should pay the rental fee. 

Ms. Long reported that Don Russell encourages the County to pay the 2003 dues for SEK, Inc.  He feels it is a beneficial economic development tool for Southeast Kansas.  The commissioners presented the bill for payment. 

The 195th Street benefit district was discussed.  At the time of the forming of the district, John “Jingles” Endicott owned several lots in the district.  It was agreed that he would be responsible for 2 payments.  He has since sold several of the lots and only has two left.  He wanted to know how many, if any, payments he would be responsible for.  After discussion, the commissioners agreed that each landowner would pay one installment.  This makes the district have 18 participants, including the City of Fort Scott.

David Neville informed the commissioners that the air conditioner unit in the Register of Deeds office is down.  The compressor needs replacing.  Though it is under warranty, the new compressor will not fix the problem that the unit is too small for the area it covers.  The repairman recommends moving the Deeds office unit into the Public Works office and getting a larger unit to go into the Deeds office.  The commissioners asked David to remind them of this during budget preparations.

Mr. Neville also spoke about fire issues.  When the fire alarm sounds the doors to the correctional side close, thereby muffling the sound and it is very hard to hear on the courthouse side.  He would like to get an estimate for horns on the courthouse side.  The commissioners agreed but asked that the estimate stay separate from the Correctional Center work. 

Commissioners approved a request to allow Judy Orton to use a county laptop for work at the Open Class Division of the Bourbon County Fair, which she chairs. 

Terry Graham reported on a meeting he attended yesterday in Iola on the US Hwy 54 construction.  Work will begin in June east of the Fort Scott City limits to the Missouri State Line. 

Sharon Elder, Register of Deeds, reported that she has spoken with the Crawford County Deeds office and feels there is no need to visit, as they do not currently have a deeds package to view. 

At 10:00 am, a public hearing was opened to hear comments about a proposed street vacation in Xenia, Kansas.  Those present for the hearing were:  the commissioners, the county clerk and Laura Hyer.  At 10:15, after hearing no opposition, Gary Houston made a motion to approve the street closing, as written.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  The resolution was signed and sent to the Register of Deeds office to be filed. 

Doylene Kennedy asked the commissioners if the County would be applying for LEPP grants this year.  The commissioners said we would. 

Gary Houston made a motion to change the speed limit on Osage Road, between Old Hwy 69 and east of New Hwy 69, from 40 MPH to 45 MPH, effective immediately.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Mr. Houston explained that the speed limit was set to 40 MPH last year, but since the County had no 40 MPH signs, a 35 MPH sign was erected instead. 

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:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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