November 3, 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 arrived at 9:05 am. 

Undersheriff Dion O’Dell spoke to the commissioners about a presence at Elm Creek Lake on the weekends.  There is a lot of vandalism there and he wanted to know if the caretaker has weekend hours to make an appearance to fend off any trouble.  The caretaker has weekend hours but they are not set for a specific time. 

Richard Johnson, Martin Tractor, presented the commissioners with a fuel report for the 12H Caterpillar road grader. 

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met with commissioners to answer any questions the County may have about his proposal for a road grader and to see if there is anything different he can offer to suit the needs of the County.  Mr. Harris stated that Allen County reports their Komatsu grader is performing as well as or better than the Caterpillar on fuel usage and clarified that the Berry warranty has no deductibles, unlike the Martin warranty.  No action at this time. 

David Neville reported that the courthouse basement has termites.  Commissioners authorized getting quotes for a contract and/or one-time treatment, provided there is a guarantee on service. 

Elaine Shroyer, County Health Nurse, spoke to the commissioners to confirm that it is okay for the health office to construct a small shed behind the health office, next to the County’s shed.  The commissioners confirmed it.  Ms. Shroyer asked for a load of gravel to make a pad before the shed is built.  Commissioners will see to it. 

Ms. Shroyer also spoke briefly about the County Health Officer.  There has been a temporary officer due to health problems and she wanted to clarify that the temporary has all the duties of the Health Officer in the interim.  Commissioners agreed. 

Charlie Blevins spoke to the commissioners about a problem with one of his neighbors.  He is unhappy with construction and feels it will de-value the neighborhood and be an eyesore, as well as a noise nuisance.  Commissioners stated that since the property is within the 3 mile limit, the City of Fort Scott controls the zoning and the County cannot do anything for Mr. Blevins. 

Ed French checked in to see how many applications have been received for the Emergency Preparedness position.  To date there have been four turned in.  Today is the last day for applications.  Mr. French stated that he would remain as Emergency Preparedness Director for a raise of $200 per month.  No action. 

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing leasing road graders.  After considerable discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to lease one Caterpillar and one Komatsu road grader.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  The payments will come from the Road and Bridge fund except when the graders are used for base work for the asphalt season, when they will be charged to the Sales Tax fund.  Representatives from Berry and Martin Tractor were informed of the decision. 

The meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                         (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                         (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

November 7, 2003     Friday  9:05 am 

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

Ed French presented the commissioners with information regarding an Animal Emergency Plan. 

David Neville presented four quotes for termite spraying.  They were: 

Commissioners approved the quote from Independent Exterminators. 

Hunt Farley, Phoenix Coal Company, met with the commissioners.  He asked that the commissioners sign an addendum to the Road Variance Agreement which states the easement width of Deer Road.  Commissioners signed the document stating the width of the easement is 50 feet. 

Clyde Killion gave an update on the work on the 240^th Street low-water bridge.  Mr. Killion also reported that the new Komatsu road grader was delivered this morning. 

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

Dan Harden, engineer with BG Consultants, introduced himself to the commissioners and discussed engineering needs.  Commissioners asked Mr. Harden for a price rate for services.  Mr. Harden will supply the list at a future date. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 am. 

                                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner                  

                                                                     (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

November 10, 2003     Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  Robert Query arrived at the meeting at 9:10 am.  Cecelia Key was present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Jason Richison spoke to the commissioners about the special assessment on a property he owns which is scheduled for tax sale.  Commissioners will speak with Dan Meara and City Commissioners and get back to him. 

Bill Brown met with commissioners to discuss a problem with the Sheriff’s Department not filing a report on an accident.  Sheriff Coleman said he would take care of the problem. 

Terry Graham signed a quarterly sales tax report. 

Maybelle Mertz updated commissioners on Silver Hair Legislation. 

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

Joe Antrim spoke to commissioners about a gate across a road near his house.  Commissioner Query said the road in question had not been closed. 

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:

November 14, 2003     Friday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  Joanne Long was present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:13 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Gerald Beerbower spoke to the commissioners about a roof problem over the elevator and along the uprights.  He believes the cost for repair will be in the range of $800 to $1,000.  Commissioners will consider the matter. 

Ed French dropped off a list of equipment available from a federal Emergency Preparedness Grant.  Bourbon County will be receiving approximately $150,000 from the grant, administered by the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the monies can be used for courthouse security also. 

Commissioners approved bills and payroll for the period. 

Commissioners received a notice of claim from a prisoner in the SEKRCC. 

Commissioners discussed the low-water bridge at 240^th Street.  The gravel is set to be dumped today and will need time to settle.  Commissioners agreed to leave a “Road Closed to Through Traffic” sign up at the site. 

Joanne Long relayed a message from Mike Forquer commending Ed French as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.  He said that Mr. French has obtained a lot of grant money for Bourbon County and he would like the commissioners to see if there is any way to keep Mr. French as LEPC Coordinator.  Joanne Long added that, since Mr. French submitted his resignation and applications were taken for the position, she feels we have a legal obligation to continue as Mr. French is resigning effective December 31, 2003.  Ms. Long will check with the county attorney. 

Marty Pearson reported on repairs in the Road & Bridge department. 

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

Don Russell, City of Fort Scott, presented the commissioners with a letter to sign in support of Millenium Industries.  Terry Graham signed the letter. 

Mr. Russell reminded the commissioners of the CDBG training in the commission room next Thursday at 10:30 am. 

Dennis Meech sat in on part of the meeting. 

Joanne Long reported on a refunded Bourbon County received on a Workman’s Comp audit.  Bourbon County will retain 50% of the $5,907.  

Doylene Kennedy informed the commissioners that the license for the rock quarry has been renewed through 2004. 

Commissioners received Lease Purchase paperwork from UMB on the AS400.  Terri Johnson has reviewed the document and it meets statutory guidelines.  Terry Graham made a motion to enter into the lease purchase agreement, which includes Resolution 18-03.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session for a period of 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those to be present in the session were:  Terry Graham, Gary Houston, Robert Query, Joanne Long and Cecelia Key.  The session started at 11:08 am and the regular meeting resumed at 11:18 am.  No action. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 am. 

                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                               (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                               (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST:

November 17, 2003     Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met 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. 

Delwin Mumbower and Mike Hueston of Rural Fire District 3 spoke to the commissioners about dispatching.  They feel that no improvements have been made with communication regarding the dispatch center and rural fire.  They would like the commissioners to possibly form a 911 committee to come up with a way to improve dispatching.

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

Joanne Long reminded commissioners of different meetings this week. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Roger Alexander met with commissioners to discuss 240^th Street and US 54.  Those present were:  Wayne Thorpe, Bob Schweikert, Jeanette Schweikert, Rayma Bower, Katie Haviland, Larry Faulkner and Karen Hines.  Mr. Alexander presented the commissioners with a letter of recommendation for the immediate future of 240^th Street.  KDOT recommends reopening 240^th Street using a temporary connection and reassessing the situation in the future.  After going over the letter, Mr. Alexander asked for the commissioners’ concurrence of the recommendation.  After discussion, all commissioners stated they support the recommendation.  Mr. Alexander will be presenting the same recommendation tomorrow at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting. 

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:

November 21, 2003   Friday  9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Robert Query present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:50 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Ed French met with the commissioners.  There was discussion that the City of Fort Scott may help supplement his salary in the hopes of persuading him not to retire.  There has been no official word from the City at this time. 

Joanne Long presented Resolutions 19-03 and 20-03 for consideration.  Resolution 19-03 is a fee schedule for copies and faxes for the courthouse.  Sharon Elder spoke to the commissioners about the fees for copies.  Her office currently charges .35 for regular paper and .50 for legal copies and this would be a loss in revenue for her.  After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 19-03 as written.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor. 

Resolution 20-03 is the statement of concurrence with the KDOT plans for 240^th Street, as requested by Roger Alexander at Monday’s meeting.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 20-03.  Robert Query seconded and all voted in favor. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Terry Graham received word that the contract has been let for the Fulton Bridge Project. 

Don Dikeman spoke to commissioners about an erosion/drainage problem on his property known as “Wolf Creek Pass”.  Work completed seven years ago has nearly eroded to his fence line and he wants the county to repair the ditch and pay him $3,000.  Commissioners will consider the request.  No action at this time. 

Jean O’Dell spoke to the commissioners about a two mile stretch of 170^th Street between Fern and Hackberry.  She said that the road is lined with beautiful trees and is a walking path for many area residents.  She would like the county not to cut the trees back as they are not covering the road. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:10 am as commissioners left to view Don Dikeman’s property. 

                                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 

                                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                        (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner

ATTEST: