April 2, 2004   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. 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Robert Query introduced discussion of the need for a “Do Not Block Intersection” sign at 3^rd Street and the bypass for the US 54 east detour.  A prior sign was damaged in an accident and never replaced.  For semi trucks to continue east on US 54, they must turn north on Ransom, west of the railroad underpass.  And if the intersection is blocked to the semis, the traffic backs up, causing a jam which would stop all access to the east side of town if a train was on the tracks.  For emergency vehicles, this is unacceptable.  City officials have been contacted and say they have contacted State officials, since the detour is for the State highway.  Mr. Query feels that something needs to be done immediately to prevent these jams. 

Terry Graham reported that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has implemented new regulations for Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfills.  This requires us to write a new plan to comply with these regulations within 90 days.  Triad Environmental Services, Pittsburg, has experience and a good reputation and indicate they can do the survey and plan for between $1,000 and $4,000.  Terry Graham made the motion to hire Triad Environmental Services to work on the revised plan for the C&D landfill.  Robert Query seconded and both voted in favor. 

Elm Creek hay bids were opened at 10:00 am.  Two bids were received.  They were as follows:  Dwayne Neil for $717 and Brent Smith for $525.  Robert Query made the motion to accept the bid from Dwayne Neil for $717.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  Mr. Neil’s check was deposited and Mr. Smith’s will be returned. 

Judy Orton informed commissioners that valuation notices were mailed yesterday.  She stated that crop land values were mostly up but that grasses were down this year.  That means that agricultural values were down for the most part.  However, residential valuation totals are over last year, due mainly to new construction of many big houses in the County. 

Jake Underwood spoke with commissioners about rural fire districts and the petition to join Fire District 3. 

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

                                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                           (ss) Robert Query, Chairman         

                                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 5, 2004   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 update. 

Harold Coleman spoke to commissioners about rebuilding a berm or installing a guardrail at the bridge east of Fulton.  A car went over the edge last week.  Everyone was okay, but something should be done to prevent any future problems.  Clyde Killion will speak with the construction crew to see if they are finished working on that area. 

Jeff LaRoche asked commissioners if they planned to turn Elm Creek Lake into a private hunting area.  Commissioners said they would not, as it is public property.  Commissioners couldn’t speculate on the future of renting spaces for duck blinds, as two commission seats are up for election this year and no one knows who will be sitting in them next year or what they will do. 

Commissioners spoke about the intersection at 190^th & Maple Road.  There have been complaints about wrecks because people don’t stop at the stop sign.  There has been a request for a “Stop Ahead” sign and to trim the brush at the intersection.  Commissioners asked Mr. Killion to take care of it. 

A request for help from Clarksburg Cemetery was received by phone.  Someone dumped a load of trash at the cemetery burn hole but the trash will not burn.  Commissioners will send a county backhoe and truck to remove the debris. 

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

Terri Johnson met with the commissioners and asked to speak with them as County Counsellor regarding non-elected personnel.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session for a period of ten minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were all three commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:15 am and the regular meeting resumed at 10:25 am.  No action. 

Commissioners discussed the clean-up at the old county barn. 

Commissioners discussed a truck at the quarry and whether or not it should be parked at the County Barn.  Terry Graham asked that nothing be decided about the truck until the commissioners speak with Clyde Killion about it. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                               (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                               (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 9, 2004       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 with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Commissioners received the monthly report from the Extension Office. 

Joanne Long presented Resolution 07-04 for consideration.  It is the notice of Primary Election.  Robert Query made the motion to adopt Resolution 07-04.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Jack Ecrement asked the commissioners for gravel at the entrance to his road.  Terry Graham will inspect it this afternoon to determine whether gravel will solve the problem or if a tube is needed. 

Joanne Long asked Terry Graham to sign a letter of support for Tri-Valley as chairman of the county Solid Waste Planning Committee.  Mr. Graham signed the document. 

Carrie Snyder and Melissa McDow, 4Bac Inspection Services, LLC, met with commissioners to introduce themselves and their company.  They inspect rock samples and road and bridge construction products.  They would like Bourbon County to consider them for future projects. 

Commissioners were informed that once Ed French is no longer Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, the City of Fort Scott will no longer offer office space for that position.  Ed was in earlier in the week and relayed that message from Richard Nienstedt. 

Joanne Long presented the lease-purchase documents from UMB for re-financing 2 road graders.  It is for three years at 3.5% interest which will save several thousands of dollars in interest each year over the existing lease.  Robert Query made a motion to adopt the agreement, Resolution 08-04.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  

Robert Coon met with commissioners to discuss the valuation of his property at 15 S. Holbrook.  He says that because he removed buildings he feels the valuation should have lowered instead of raised.  He asked the commissioners to talk to the Appraiser’s Office about this.  Commissioners advised Mr. Coon of the appeals process and recommend he keep his appeal appointment. 

Lee Davis presented chemical quotes at 11:00 am.  Four were received from the following: 

Robert Query made the motion to accept the quote from UAP/Timberland for a total of $6,276.20.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Commissioners discussed truck tires. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 am. 

                                                                                THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                 OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                                 (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                                 (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                                 (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 12, 2004           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. 

Tom Matson, Paul Mendicki and Gerald Shepherd of General Machinery were present for the opening of machinery bids at 10:00 am. 

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

Cindy Gillispie spoke with commissioners regarding pay for holidays that fall on her scheduled off day.  Up until the end of February 2004, she had never been paid for such a day.  Joanne Long indicated the change was due to new personnel in the payroll position asking if Sheriff employees would get the same benefit as Correctional Center Employees.  Ms. Gillispie asked that it be looked into whether she should have been paid these wages over the years.  Commissioners asked the Clerk to look into the matter. 

Joanne Long reminded the commissioners and Clyde of the SEK Commissioners & Hwy Officials meeting tomorrow in Chanute.  Clyde will attend. 

Ms. Long also reminded commissioners of the 17-County regional officials meeting this Thursday in Anderson County.

Commissioners received a request from Bob Beckham at Fort Scott High School asking if the County would assist with Ecology Day, April 21, 2004.  The commissioners agreed to the request. 

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, was present for the opening of equipment bids.  At 10:00 am the bids were opened.  Two bids were hand-delivered and one was received by mail.  They were: 

The representatives from General Machinery and Berry Tractor confirmed that their prices include shipping and assembly/start-up of the equipment.  No action. 

Terry Graham and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 10:30 am to view several county roads and projects. 

Harold Coleman spoke briefly with commissioners about the request from Deputy Gillispie about the payroll issue. 

Judy Orton met with commissioners to discuss Robert Coon, who met with commissioners on Friday about his property valuation.  She gave a little background on the property at 15 S. Holbrook, including recent sale prices of the property, the 2003 and 2004 valuation amounts and the fact that the asking price of the property listed currently by H & H Realty is $62,500.  She stated that this property’s recent sale price, plus the sale of similar homes in similar neighborhoods has influenced the valuation and confirmed that she must appraise all property as it would sell tomorrow, whether it’s for sale or not.  That’s what Fair Market Value means.  This system is not advantageous for the property that will never sell, but that is the law.  She stated that she has a hearing scheduled with Mr. Coon for later in the month and will meet with him then.  She thanked the commissioners for not having an impromptu hearing in the meeting. 

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

                                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS         

                                                                         (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner                  

ATTEST:

April 16, 2004           Friday  9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Deputy County Clerk Cecelia Key was also present.   

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

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

Susan Quick spoke briefly with commissioners about delinquent taxes on a property. 

Dick Hedges met with the commissioners about a $250,000 grant for Fort Scott Community College to build a fine arts center.  Mr. Hedges asked the commissioners for a letter of support for the building.   

Ed Radatz, Bob Love, Dwayne Neil and Bill Schoenberger met with commissioners to discuss the Marmaton Watershed.  Mr. Radatz, NRCS Hydraulic Engineer of Salina, suggests that the County enact breech zoning for land in the Watershed District for flood purposes.  Other counties have such zoning and he feels it would benefit Bourbon County.  The watershed will draw up a draft of the proposed code for the commissioners to review. 

Clay Wilson spoke to commissioners about delinquent taxes.  Mr. Wilson wants the commissioners to abate his back taxes.  Commissioners advised Mr. Wilson that he would have to pay the owed taxes and then protest them after they are paid. 

Bob Love and Pat Flynn of Fort Scott Community College met with commissioners to discuss a continuation of a grant for composting waste from animals with straw.  They would like the commissioners’ support.  Robert Query signed in support with the other commissioners’ blessing. 

Judy Orton discussed with commissioners how property values are set.  Commissioners also discussed the proposed breech zoning with Ms. Orton. 

Terri Johnson released the KBI report of the investigation of alleged criminal violations by County Appraiser, Judy Orton.  Ms. Johnson summarized the report by stating that the KBI found no evidence of criminal activity by Ms. Orton. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                        (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

April 19, 2004           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. 

Randy Rockhold, USD 235 Superintendent of Schools, met with commissioners to discuss the upcoming walking trail project at the school.  The grant has been approved and Mr. Rockhold would like to know when County personnel can assist with base work.  Mr. Rockhold also asked commissioners about assisting with an emergency exit path at the north end of the school, whether the County is interested in the cinder from the old track field, if the County can sell the district asphalt to pave the Elementary lot, and if the County can pave the parking loop driveway around the Superintendent’s Building.  Commissioners will have Mr. Killion look into the cinder issue, the emergency path and the loop drive.  As for the asphalt, the commissioners stated that the proposed time will be during the busy paving season, but that the County would slip the projects in at the end of the season where they could. 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Terry Graham made a motion to adopt the Fair Housing book marks as the Civil Rights Activity in Bourbon County for 2004.  Robert Query seconded and both voted in favor.  The program is part of a requirement by the Kansas Department of Commerce for CDBG grant recipients. 

Commissioners reviewed quotes for culvert pipe.  Of the two presented, Judy’s Iron & Plumbing and Welborn Sales, the Welborn Sales prices were lower.  Therefore, Terry Graham made a motion to approve the prices of Welborn Sales.  Robert Query seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

Joanne Long informed the commissioners that the St. Paul Insurance Company has notified the county that there is no policy coverage to coincide with the Dikeman claim. 

At 10:40 am, the meeting adjourned when Robert Query and Clyde Killion left the meeting to view roads. 

                                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                      (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                      (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 23, 2004     Friday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Robert Query and Gary Houston 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. 

Joanne Long informed the commissioners of an inquiry into the spelling of a county 911 sign.  Should it be Cavalry or Calvary?  Commissioners said it was Cavalry; however it is believed that some of the signs on the west end of the county read Calvary.  Commissioners will check to make sure they are all spelled the same.  Ms. Long also informed the commissioners of a misspelled sign on North National at the Red Barn which should read “West Bound Traffic Does Not Stop”.  It currently reads “West Bound Traffic Do Not Stop”.  Commissioners advised the County Barn of the error and asked that it be corrected. 

Robert Query made a motion to adopt Resolution 09-04, certifying the review and revision of the Bourbon County Solid Waste Management Plan.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. 

Commissioners left the meeting at 11:20 am to view a retaining wall on Slick Rock Road. 

Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am. 

                                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                       (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                       (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

April 26, 2004           Monday         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, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Commissioners received a quote from Kaw Valley Engineering for a bridge project at Moore’s Creek.  Another quote, from Schwab-Eaton, was received via telephone.  No action at this time.  The prices were:  Kaw Valley, not to exceed $6,500; and Schwab-Eaton, not to exceed $5,500. 

Joanne Long spoke to commissioners about an employee who is off work due to an illness.  The illness was reported as a Workman’s Compensation injury but it will most likely be denied.  The employee is out of sick leave and does not want to use vacation.  Commissioners advised the clerk to confirm that the Workman’s Compensation will be denied and then notify the employee that he is being placed on FMLA leave immediately and that will provide health coverage for 12 weeks.  The employee is not to accumulate sick leave while on leave. 

David Neville met with the commissioners.  The commissioners asked Mr. Neville about the abundance of dandelions in the courthouse yard.  Mr. Neville reported that they will be sprayed tomorrow evening.  It has been difficult to have them sprayed due to the wet and windy weather this spring. 

Mr. Neville spoke to the commissioners about the air conditioner unit in the Register of Deeds office.  He reminded commissioners of a discussion from last year about the need to upgrade the unit from a 5-ton to 10-ton unit.  He has the prices from last year and commissioners asked him to see if the companies will honor last year’s quotes.  Mr. Neville informed the commissioners that the existing 5-ton unit will be ours to use in case another unit breaks down, perhaps in the county attorney’s office, as it is the oldest in the courthouse. 

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing preparations for the 17-County Officials meeting that Bourbon County is to host October 21, 2004.  A location for the dinner was reserved at the Scottish Rite Temple.  Other arrangements are yet to be made. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                            THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                            (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                            (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                            (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

April 30, 2004           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 gave a road report. 

Doylene Kennedy informed the commissioners of a situation next week in which she will either be out of the office on business or vacation in preparation for her sale and needs to therefore come in on Sunday afternoon, May 9^th, to prepare payroll for the 15^th.  The time worked will not be overtime, but will be deducted from the vacation time she is using that week.  Commissioners approved the request. 

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

Bills and payroll for the period were approved. 

Robert Query spent some of the morning trying to line up a sale of old county equipment which will help free up some storage in the basement.  Bill Dunn will meet with office heads Monday to make preparations. 

Alec Beth spoke briefly about the jail overcrowding situation.  He mentioned that Crawford and Linn Counties were full too. 

Bob Jackson met with commissioners to discuss his retaining wall issue.  He said that in the past, the maintainer operator left the gravel windrow along that side of the road which directed the water down to the culvert and feels that would work again.  Commissioners will instruct the grader man to do that.  Gary Houston also indicated he could supply Mr. Jackson with two railroad ties of his own to help. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am. 

                                                                            THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                            (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                            (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                            (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST: