December 3, 2004       Friday        9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  County Clerk Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Delwin Mumbower spoke with commissioners to clarify an inquiry from earlier in the week in which Wilma Graham believed Fire District 3 was requesting a change in boundaries of Fire District 4.  Delwin confirmed that the only changes were to include Marion Township in Fire District 3 and to remove Scott Township from Fire District 3 as it is now Fire District 5.  No other boundary changes were or are being made. 

Charlie Blevins requested culvert work on Yellowstone Road west of Fulton. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update.  There have been a lot of calls about roads with all the rain of late.  There is no road rock at this time.  Doylene Kennedy is working up budget figures to see if we can purchase rock until the next blast at the quarry.     

Joanne Long asked commissioners about Pat Keating.  His FMLA time is nearing an end and a decision will need to be made about his position.  He still has sick and vacation days he’s being paid for.  Commissioners agreed to hold his position and to continue his benefits as long as he’s being paid. 

At 10:00 am, a public hearing was opened to discuss the proposed tax abatement for Liberty Labels Limited, which is opening up in the old John Deere building.  Those present were Terry Graham, Gary Houston, Joanne Long, Jason Silvers, Don Russell and Dennis Stewart, President of Liberty Labels Limited.  The company is requesting the 100% abatement for a period of 5 years.  The property is outside the city limits of Fort Scott.  There is interest to annex the property but Mr. Russell is not in favor stated that was not possible as the property is not contiguous with the existing city limits, there would have to be another property annexed with it to conform to city regulations and running city sewer lines to the property would be costly.  The business will begin with 7-8 employees, mostly local, and has the ability to expand to around 20 employees.  Gary Houston made the motion to adopt the City of Fort Scott resolution for Liberty Labels Limited.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  The commissioners stated they were excited about the new business and wished Mr. Stewart luck.  (Reflects amendment, dated 12-10-04 with strikethrough and a change indicated in italics.)

Sharon Elder and Susan Quick spoke with commissioners about raises for office heads.  They stated the neighboring counties salaries as a comparison.  Commissioners asked the department heads to compile a list of money-saving plans they’ve implemented to help the budget and to come back at the beginning of next year when wages are discussed. 

Don George met with commissioners with an offer from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to make lease payments to the County for fishing and boating rights to County owned lakes.  This is a plan by KDWP to increase fishing and boating in the state.  KDWP will pay Bourbon County $550 per month in 2005 for Cedar Creek Lake after it opens to the public.  It will also pay approximately $3,200 in 2006 for Elm Creek Lake after it is re-opened.  This money is paid so that local entities don’t charge for fishing or boating in these waters.  Mr. George stated a similar offer is being made to the City of Fort Scott, as well as all over the state.  The money that is paid to the entity must be spent on the lake, for instance on mowing, trash pick-up, fish feeders, etc, so that is no problem.  No action at this time. 

David Neville requested the west parking lot, behind the courthouse, be repaired.  Commissioners will have the holes patched. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 pm. 

                                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                                (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                                (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                                (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

December 6, 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. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Joanne Long explained a problem with 2004 tax statements in USD 235 school district.  Incorrect budget figures were used to calculate the mill levy, shorting the district approximately $49,000.  She is working with InfiniTec to correct them and generate new statements. 

Ms. Long informed commissioners that the credit card bill for the KAC rooms is in and the correct nights have been billed to all the participants.  Commissioners then decided that the phone bill for Sharon Elder would have to be paid by Ms. Elder.

Wilma Graham spoke with commissioners about fire district boundaries and potholes in Marmaton Township. 

Joanne Long informed the commissioners that the tax abatement policy for the county would need to be amended to reflect a minimum wage allowable of $8.50 per hour.  The original policy states that jobs would have to pay a minimum of $6.00 per hour but that needs to be increased, per Don Russell.  Gary Houston moved to amend Section 14 of the Bourbon County tax abatement policy to state that “A full-time position created by new employment must pay a minimum of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50) per hour wage, not including fringe benefits.”  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Laura Hyer discussed Emergency Preparedness training she has recently completed. 

Joe Watts, Western Land Service, met with commissioners regarding a request for drilling for natural gas on County property.  Commissioners stated that the county attorney would like the lease re-typed so that all information is above the commissioners’ signatures, but other than that the lease is good. 

Don George spoke with the commissioners about fishing and boating rights to county lakes.  No action. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm. 

                                                                            THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                             (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                             (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

December 10, 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. 

Don Russell, Bourbon County Economic Development Director, was present to finish up paperwork for Liberty Labels Limited.  Joanne Long presented the commissioners with a resolution for it.  It was not with the original paperwork from last week but has since been sent.  Robert Query made the motion to adopt the resolution.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  The resolution was numbered 20-04 and signed. 

Mr. Russell also asked that the minutes from December 3, 2004, be amended regarding the annexation of the property for Liberty Labels Limited.  Mr. Russell did not say he was against the annexation, only that annexation could not happen due to the reasons listed.  Terry Graham made a motion to amend the December 3, 2004, minutes to reflect that change.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. 

Harold Coleman presented a claim from a former inmate which the Clerk forwarded to the County’s insurance company. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Clyde Killion, Public Works Supervisor, gave a road report.  He also informed the commissioners of an opportunity to apply for radios/communications upgrades through LEPC. 

Terry Sercer, county auditor, met with commissioners to report on current funds and to say whether any budget amendments will be necessary.  He stated that all funds in question (the general and all road/bridge funds) appear to be in fine financial shape for the end of the year and no amendments are necessary.  He also mentioned that the Road and Bridge fund is looking like it will have more carry-over to start 2005 than was estimated.  Commissioners thanked Mr. Sercer. 

Karen Paddock, Clerk of District Court, spoke with commissioners about storage.  She has spoken with local businesses about renting space and with the Underground Storage facilities.  The storage situation is critical again.  Robert Query suggested the old Middle School building.  Karen will speak with Rick Werling, superintendent of USD 234 about it.  After consulting with Dr. Werling, Ms. Paddock reported that the Middle School was not available for storage. 

Laura Hyer, Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, spoke with commissioners about developing a plan of notification for emergencies.  The commissioners approved the request and asked to see the plan when she develops it.  Ms. Hyer also asked commissioners to attend the regular LEPC meetings.  State law provides that there be 6 per year and if the commissioners take turns they would only have to attend two each year per commissioner.  The commissioners will consider the request. 

Lee Davis, Noxious Weed Director, asked to purchase chemicals before the end of the year.  After check budget and cash figures, they approved the request.  Mr. Davis will send out requests for chemicals to be opened Monday, December 27, 2004, at 10:00 am. 

Robert Query reported a phone call the commissioners received from an individual on Locust Road, east of Fort Scott.  The man stated a situation where an ambulance could not find his house and had to call twice.  He thinks there needs to be better signs to show where Locust Road begins.  Since the entrance to Locust Road is in the City of Fort Scott on a state highway, he called Don Russell to see if the City and/or State could place a highly visible sign showing the entrance to Locust Road off Wall Street. 

Commissioners discussed the offer from KCAMP about the settlement on the wrecked County truck.  They would like to get the settlement and keep the truck. 

Don George, Fish Biologist with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), met with commissioners again about the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP).  The County asked to negotiate the lease amounts for the lakes which were approved by Pratt.  Bourbon County will receive $8,100 per year for Cedar Creek Lake and $3,900 per year for Elm Creek Lake.  Payments will not begin until the lakes open (2006 for Elm Creek and May or June 2005 for Cedar Creek).  Robert Query signed the three-year contract as Chairman.  The agreement isn’t finalized until signed by Wildlife and Parks.  Mr. George also stated that work should be done before the lakes re-open to beautify the properties as first impressions count for a lot.  He also suggested the county advertise the lakes and suggested creating a brochure of county and city lakes for tourism. 

Joseph Watts, Western Land Services, Inc., met with commissioners with a revised oil and gas lease.  Robert Query signed the three year lease. 

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 

ATTEST:

December 13, 2004      Monday      9:00 am 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He mentioned that we should have a blast this week so we will have road rock after that. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Robert Query signed a 2005 Cereal Malt Beverage license for Union Station. 

John Coyan requested gravel.  Commissioners relayed the information about the blast this week. 

Bills and payroll for the period were approved. 

Ann Ludlum and Delta George presented commissioners with the monthly and annual reports for the Extension Council.  They answered commissioners’ questions about programs.  They mentioned that the Bourbon County Fair dates for next year are July 17-23, 2005. 

Laura Hyer reported that there is a truck on fire west of Hiattville.  No other information is available at this time.  Fire personnel are on the scene. 

G.K. Miller asked commissioners for road rock on a road south of Mapleton.  Commissioners told Mr. Miller about the upcoming blast also. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                                (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                                (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

December 17, 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 corrected. 

Laura Hyer reported on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training she completed this week in Topeka.  Five people from Bourbon County are now certified trainers of the class.  In addition to Ms. Hyer, Alan Drake, Milt Ackerman, Mike Hueston and Wanda Coffman attended the classes. 

Doylene Kennedy spoke to commissioners about a grader payment that is due January 6, 2005.  It is a little over $4,000.  Commissioners approved the payment December 30^th. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  There was a blast yesterday so we are making road rock. 

Doug Miller spoke with commissioners and Clyde Killion about gravel for a school bus turn-around. 

Joanne Long informed commissioners of a lost accounts payable check.  It has not cleared the bank.  Commissioners authorized a stop payment on the lost check and asked the clerk to issue a new check. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

The clerk reminded commissioners that there would be no Friday commissioner meetings for the next two weeks, due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Lynn Smith spoke to commissioners about the need to re-wire computers in the Clerk and Treasurers’ offices now.  Other offices will be re-wired in the future as needed.  The computers are currently wired to a central hub before being relayed to the AS400 and that is causing a bottleneck effect.  She has one estimate for the electrical work.  Commissioners would like to see another estimate before making a decision. 

Commissioners received word from KCAMP compromising on the offer for the wrecked truck.  KCAMP will pay the County $20,000 (less a $500 deductible) and allow the County to keep the truck.  Commissioners accepted the offer. 

Terry Graham mentioned the need to contact Schwab-Eaton to get a damage estimate on the bridge east of Mapleton on which a truck fell through last week. 

Commissioners signed an excavation permit for SBC on Eagle Road. 

Susan Quick informed commissioners of a situation which has arisen with the corrected USD 235 tax statements in which a sale closed with the incorrect tax amounts and now an additional $1,000 in taxes is owed.  The abstract company has had to pay the difference out of their profits because the change came after November 1.  There could be other instances of sales in the area. 

Dale Russell spoke to commissioners about large potholes on his road.  He has had dust control so the road men have been told not to put gravel on the road but now something needs to be done. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 am. 

                                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                             (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                             (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

December 20, 2004      Monday      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. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners discussed road rock.  The commissioners informed Mr. Killion of a possible truck to replace the wrecked truck.  This 1996 International is located in Dallas, Texas.  We will get a couple of employees to drive down and check it out. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Gerald Beerbower spoke with commissioners about the correctional center roof.  He feels it needs to be completely replaced.  Though he is incapable of doing the work himself, he offered to assist the County at no charge in finding someone to do the work and making sure it is done to specifications. 

After discussion it was decided that Clyde Killion and Marty Pearson will drive to Dallas to test the truck.  If we want it, it will be brought to Joplin, Missouri, to finalize paperwork. 

Laura Hyer discussed emergency preparedness.  There will be a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) class at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in January. 

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

                                                                                THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                 OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                                 (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                                 (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk 

December 27, 2004      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. 

Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Doylene Kennedy asked commissioners if we would have recycling in 2005.  They answered yes. 

Clyde Killion presented two truck bids for a replacement truck for Clyde.  They were: 

Terry Graham made a motion to purchase the truck from Shepherd’s for $21,877.65.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  The commissioners agreed to purchase the slightly more expensive truck from Shepherd’s who is a local business who pays Bourbon County taxes. 

Lee Davis presented chemical bids at 10:00 am.  Three bids for 750 gallons of generic Round-up were received.  They were: 

Terry Graham made a motion to approve the bid from Van Diest, as it was the lowest.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. 

Sharon Elder, Susan Quick and Joanne Long met with commissioners to discuss raises.  At commissioners’ request, they presented several money-saving plans they have implemented to help justify the raise.  No action at this time. 

Commissioners approved three 2005 cereal malt beverage licenses. 

Larry Bryant, Ken Parker and Ken Hoop met with commissioners representing Meritage met with commissioners to request to bury natural gas lines in county right-of-ways.  Commissioners expressed their wish that the company use private lands instead of public right-of-ways, to avoid any problems in the future.  The commissioners stated that they don’t like any pipes, whether they be water, phone lines, or even fiber optics to be in the ditches to avoid problems in the future.  The commissioners informed the gentlemen that the other two gas companies who are drilling in the county have used private land for the lines.  The commissioners were told that the lines will be low pressure and low volume and that Anderson and Linn Counties have allowed Meritage to bury their lines in the ditches.  Terry Graham stated that he didn’t want to make any decisions that cause the company to pull out and discontinue business in the county, he just wants to avoid problems in the future—for instance when cleaning out a ditch.  The commissioners asked the company to use private land wherever possible and to come back if they run into any areas in which they can’t use private lands.  The commission asked that the entire plan be presented at one time so that any variances or permits can be obtained at the same time. 

Terri Johnson informed commissioners that KCAMP, the County’s insurance company, doesn’t insure the County’s bridges.  They suggest that a state engineer evaluate the damage to the bridge east of Mapleton and then Ms. Johnson can proceed from there. 

Joanne Long asked commissioners when they would like to schedule a meeting with Kansas Department of Health and Environment to review the County’s Local Environmental Protection Plan (LEPP).  Commissioners asked that it be during a regular meeting.  It is scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, February 14, 2005. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                            THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                            OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                            (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                            (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk