February 2, 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. 

Larry Davenport and Dana Lamb came to answer commissioners’ questions regarding health insurance. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

David Neville gave commissioners estimates on the fire alarm work.  Six estimates were received.  They were: 

Mr. Neville explained that Ward/Kraft is for the electrical work on those companies who do not do electric work of their own.  He also explained that Electronic Design Services has the low price, but also has disclaimers about possible additional costs.  This concerns Mr. Neville because no one from Electronic Design Services has done a walk-through of the building for the plans.  Mr. Neville also clarified that all prices, except All Systems, have been increased by $3,000 for the purchase of the approved design plans.  Also, the design isn’t completely finished, as the courthouse plans are on the desk of the Fire Marshal but should be approved very soon.  All work must be completed by April 17, 2004.  No action at this time. 

Commissioners discussed Fire District 3.  Terry Graham made a motion to appoint the Board of Trustees, as suggested by written communication from the fire district.  Robert Query seconded and after discussion, all voted in favor.  The Board of Trustees of Fire District 3 is as follows: 

Ray Taylor informed commissioners that his father has a set of scales for sale if the County is interested.  No action. 

Commissioners spent much of the morning discussing health insurance. 

Gary Houston made a motion to refinance the asphalt plant/rock crusher package with UMB.  Terry Graham seconded the motion, contingent on the paperwork being in compliance with the cash-basis law.  All voted in favor.  Citizens Bank has informed us that early payoff is allowed only on the payment dates, so we’re looking into that.  If so, the re-financing is effective in June 2004. 

Terri Johnson spoke to commissioners about contracts between companies and Bourbon County and Fire District 3. 

Terry Graham made a motion to renew the County’s health insurance with Coventry and to change the County’s dental insurance to CompBenefits.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  The 2004 premiums for each are: 

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

                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

February 6, 2004 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. 

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

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Commissioners received the monthly progress report from the Extension Council. 

Joanne Long informed the commissioners that there has been a snag in the dental insurance.  The information the County received on CompBenefits was missing a $75 deductible on basic and major per year.  This now places Met Life as the best choice for dental.  Gary Houston made the motion to go with Met Life for the County’s dental plan, effective March 1, 2004.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  The rates are: 

Commissioners spent much of the morning going over jackhammer quotes.  No action. 

David Neville spoke to commissioners about shirts for the janitors from Cintas.  He and Emmett have been trying out different types and think they have found a shirt they like.  Commissioners asked Mr. Neville to hold off on contacting the company because the County may not have to keep the contract.  The county attorney is checking on the matter. 

Doylene Kennedy had Gary Houston sign a sales tax report for the landfill and also spoke to commissioners about implementing new time sheets in the Road & Bridge department.  No action. 

Clyde Killion asked commissioners if he could have an internet connection at the county barn.  He said it would be helpful in searching for parts and prices.  Terry Graham made a motion to allow internet service at the county barn.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  They will leave it to Mr. Killion to find the best deal. 

Susan Quick asked commissioners to sign a contract with Berlin Wheeler for collection of delinquent personal property taxes.  Commissioners signed the agreement. 

David Neville spoke to the commissioners about building maintenance. 

Joanne Long asked commissioners if they would allow payroll deductions for employees with dependent health insurance for the month of February, as we did not decide on the plan with enough time to make the necessary changes in the system.  Commissioners approved the request and said that an employee may pay the county once for the entire amount or through payroll deductions over six months. 

Ms. Long asked commissioners if they had inspected the natural gas well at Elm Creek Lake.  They had not but decided to do so this morning.  They left at 11:25 am. 

Meeting adjourned at 11:25 am. 

                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

February 9, 2004      Monday         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 9:08 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

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

Commissioners signed the 2003 Noxious Weed annual report. 

Commissioners asked Clyde Killion to inspect the site of an accident this week to check for damaged guardrails or signs. 

Joanne Long confirmed that the commissioners are to make two appointments to the See-KAN RC&D board.  No action at this time. 

Commissioners discussed the natural gas well at Elm Creek.  The Kansas Conservation Commission has offered to plug it and would like an answer.  Commissioners will decide on the matter Friday. 

Gary Houston made a motion to designate Diane Bertone as the Bourbon County Health Officer.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 

Jim Stewart stopped in to say that he is a new John Deere area salesman out of Nevada. 

Commissioners discussed the fire alarm proposal.  Terry Graham stated that he recommends All Systems based on the experience the Correctional Center has had with the other company.  Robert Query feels we should go with the company that will do all the work themselves, as he feels the more people in the job, the more possibility for delays.  Gary Houston feels that tax dollars should stay in Bourbon County if possible.  After continued discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to go with the quote from All Systems, pending a commitment to complete the job on the Fire Marshal’s schedule.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  Robert Query abstained. 

Commissioners spent the remainder of the meeting discussing the jackhammer proposals.  No action at this time. 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:40 am and 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:

February 13, 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. 

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

Clyde Killion introduced Larry Tappana of SEC Explosives.  Mr. Tappana’s company would like to be considered for future explosive needs the County has at the rock quarry.  They are licensed in Kansas and Oklahoma and charge .50 per ton wet or dry if Bourbon County furnishes the fuel for the drill.  Commissioners will consider them in the future. 

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

Robert Query reported that Phoenix Coal Company has begun moving equipment into Bourbon County. 

Judy Orton and Lynn Smith spoke to the commissioners about a State Board of Tax Appeals notice on County property north of town.  The property, which is public access into a trailer park, has been used as such for many years but the property was not deeded to the county until last year.  There are back taxes to 1993 for a total amount of $63.30 which we asked to be removed with the SBTA request but the order only covered since the date the County actually received ownership.  Commissioners will investigate what to do with the remaining back taxes. 

Joanne Long presented the commissioners with a plaque from KWORCC, the County’s workman’s compensation insurance for the third lowest loss ratio for the year 2002. 

Commissioners discussed the Elm Creek Lake well.  After discussion, the commissioners signed the affidavit to plug the well for the Kansas Corporation Commission. 

David Neville informed the commissioners that we had an inspection from the State Boiler Inspector and he had a list of deficiencies to correct in 30 days.  The inspection was due to a change in insurance carriers by the County.  Commissioners authorized the corrections. 

Mr. Neville also informed the commissioners that the sprinkler system inspection is due.  He recommends Simplex Grinnell as they have done a good job in the past.  They have a one year contract.  No action at this time. 

Robert Query left the meeting at 10:45 am to inspect the Phoenix Coal site. 

Commissioners spent the rest of the morning discussing the jack hammer situation.  Gary Houston made a motion to purchase the Tramac Medium Range Hydrolic breaker for $24,320 from Berry Tractor, to be paid out of Special Bridge.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

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:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk 

February 20, 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.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion updated commissioners on road repairs. 

Dave Creek of Explosive Energy explained the drilling and blasting processes at the rock quarry.  Mr. Creek also explained the security procedures of removing explosives from his business.  Terry Graham informed Mr. Creek that Bourbon County has received a quote from a competitor that is below Explosive Energy’s current prices.  Mr. Creek said he will go back and revisit with his company and get back at a later date with the Commission to try to be competitive.  No action at this time. 

Charles Roye and Russell Suggs from Galaxy Energy, Inc., approached the commissioners about leasing 320 acres at Elm Creek Lake at $3.00 per acre for a three year lease with 1/8 royalty on gas wells.  They will do 3’ deep pipes with 6’ x 6’ pipe wells.  Commissioners asked the county attorney to look over the lease agreement.  No action. 

Susan Quick reported that Bourbon County has received a check from the Department of Transportation for Special City and County Highway for $176,831.99. 

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 am with no further business. 

                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                              (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

February 23, 2004       Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and Cecelia Key present. 

Clyde Killion gave a road update. 

Larry Faulkner asked commissioners what commitment the County has on 240^th Street in connection with the new highway on and off ramps.  Commissioners stated that nothing can be done until the highway is done and we know more. 

Charlie Blevins wanted a copy of the three-mile zoning law.  Gary Houston called the City and left the meeting to go pick up the laws from City Hall for Mr. Blevins.  He returned shortly afterward with the zoning regulations.   

Cecelia Key reminded commissioners to appoint a non-lawyer member to the 6^th Judicial District Board.  No action. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am. 

                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                  (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

                                                                   (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST:

February 27, 2004     Friday  9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County Clerk present. 

Commissioners received a request from the City of Uniontown for help laying 15 blocks of asphalt this summer.  No action at this time. 

Commissioners approved bills and payroll for the period. 

Don Russell made a request on behalf of an individual for waiving of dump fees.  Commissioners denied the request, stating its policy to waive fees only if the City brings the loads. 

Clyde Killion asked for a letter verifying approval of purchase of a trailer from State Surplus Property.  Joanne Long typed up the letter at the commissioners’ request. 

Mrs. Loyd Wilson of Bronson asked the commissioners for dust control at her property and for gravel on the road to her house.  Commissioners reminded Mrs. Wilson of the doctor’s note requirement and put her on the list for both requests. 

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

Tony Burge of Cintas met with commissioners to discuss the County’s contract with his company regarding laundry cleaning for road and bridge employees.  The county has been using the service since 1997 and recently signed a new contract for 5 years.  Unfortunately, that contract was signed by an employee, not the commissioners.  This has been cause for concern with county employees committing county funds without approval from the Board.  Mr. Burge feels that the other company, which got a contract in November, invaded Cintas’s turf and could be considered invalid.  Mr. Burge wants to work something out because he does not want to lose our business.  He proposed a $10.00 per week minimum and said it did not have to be on laundry cleaning, but could be used for cleaning supplies also.  Commissioners will consider the request. 

Anna Miller, employee with the Correctional Center, asked commissioners if there had been any discussion on employee raises.  Not yet. 

Don Banwart, Joe Sheehy, Jeff Caldwell and Paul Pavey, met with commissioners to discuss Fire District 3, Fort Scott stations.  Much of the conversation was about ISO ratings and what that means to individual and business insurance premiums and how Mr. Banwart feels that severing ties from Fire District 3 and forming a new fire district would help rates for the houses and businesses in the rural Fort Scott area.  He also spoke of how being its own fire district would allow for more FEMA grant opportunities.  He said that he would need about $90,000 annually in taxes and/or grant funds to build the stations back up.  That is more than is generated from Scott Township.  No action. 

Joanne Long asked commissioners about assessing a processing fee to income withholding orders on county employees.  Currently, the county assesses $5.00 per month of an allowed $10.00 per month on garnishments and Ms. Long has received a new income withholding form which allows up to $6.00 per month on it.  She asked the commissioners what, if any, processing fee the commissioners would approve of assessing for the work it takes her office staff to manage the papers.  Terry Graham made the motion to make processing fees, when applicable, on income withholding orders $5.00 per month, beginning March 1, 2004.  Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Terri Johnson and Delwin Mumbower spoke to commissioners about including areas in an existing fire department.  Ms. Johnson stated that a petition of at least 10% of the landowners in the proposed area would be presented to the Board.  Once it is found to be sufficient, a resolution with the proposed change must be published twice.  This allows time for a protest petition to circulate and be presented within thirty days of the final publication.  Whether there is a protest petition filed or not, the final decision on whether to allow the addition of land falls to the commissioners. 

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

                                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

                                                                     (ss) Robert Query, Chairman 

                                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner                  

                                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner

ATTEST: