These are minutes for the month of January 2004, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
| January 2, 2004 | January 5, 2004 |
| January 9, 2004 | January 12, 2004 |
| January 16, 2004 | January 19, 2004 Holiday |
| January 23, 2004 | January 26, 2004 |
| January 30, 2004 | |
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January 5, 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 approved. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Roger Lee spoke to commissioners about some people who have set up new residences in the county using old septic lines that are not up to current standards. He asked the commissioners how he should proceed. After discussion, commissioners asked Mr. Lee to write to the offending residences to notify them they are not in code and to set up a schedule with Mr. Lee to get into compliance or face water shut-offs. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Susan Quick, Sharon Elder and Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about RVI, a recent Tribune article and alleged derogatory public comments made by Commissioner Query about them regarding the RVI purchase. As the article implied that courthouse employees would not be getting a raise due to the purchase of the program, Ms. Elder offered to forgo the purchase if the commissioners would give a 5% pay increase across the board to county employees. Ms. Elder offered to put the proposed RVI funds toward any raise if possible to assist. Mr. Query denied allegations of bad-mouthing elected officials in public over the purchase. Commissioner Houston stated that he did not want the Technology funds used in a manner not allowable by law. He also stated that the proposed purchase was very generous in that it allowed for all courthouse offices to tap in to the program rather than a program that would only work for the Register of Deeds office. He also stated that he feels that Ms. Elder, Ms. Quick and Ms. Long are trustworthy officials who spend their budgets wisely. Ms. Quick asked how the article was written since the reporter wasn’t present during the previous meeting but quotes were placed in the article that were not spoken at the meeting that the public is now believing to be fact. Ms. Elder stated she would check to see if her Technology funds can be used for employee raises and will report back to the Commissioners with the information she learns. David Neville met with commissioners to discuss the fire alarm situation. Robert Query received a quote from Electronic Design Services to compete with an earlier quote that was presented. Mr. Neville asked if the other companies would be allowed to re-quote the job since an outside firm was allowed to quote. After discussion, it was decided that Mr. Neville prepare a complete list of specifications and that he would allow all companies to re-quote the job ASAP, in order to comply with the Fire Marshal. Commissioners and Clyde Killion discussed vandalism at Elm Creek Lake. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner (ss) Robert Query, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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January 9, 2004 Friday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present. Joanne Long was also present. Charlie Blevins sat in on the meeting. He wanted to discuss raises but wants to wait until the press is here. As Ms. Hyer did not arrive at the meeting until after 10:00 am, Mr. Blevins left but indicated he would be back Monday. Terri Johnson reported to the commissioners that she has received official word from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that there will be a preliminary investigation into the allegations against the County Appraiser to determine if there was any criminal wrongdoing. He is reviewing documentation and will be down in the next few weeks. Commissioners were pleased that the situation is moving forward to a resolution. Darrell Spencer and Anna Miller of the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center (SEKRCC) met with commissioners about employee raises. After recent newspaper articles, Ms. Miller is concerned that the County can purchase an asphalt paver and computer machinery but not give employees raises. Commissioners explained that the Road & Bridge Sales Tax pays for the paver because that’s what it was voted in to do and the computer equipment is being purchased mainly with fees specifically geared towards technological improvements. Ms. Miller doesn’t like that new employees make as much as employees who have been here for many years and feels that the wages are not a living wage. Mr. Spencer stated that it is essentially a waste of money with the turnovers in the Jail because all the money is spent to train new employees who don’t stick around instead of in the wages to ensure quality employees stay. Ms. Miller also doesn’t understand why the commissioners set the wages at all. Commissioners explained that they are the ultimate authority on the way county tax money is spent. Commissioners explained that there has been no decision as to whether there will or will not be employee raises this year, but that it will be discussed after reorganization of the Board on Monday. David Neville updated commissioners on the fire alarm situation. He has re-sent the specifications to all interested parties and is waiting for responses. However, any response will have to have plans drawn up and approved by the Fire Marshal before work can begin, and work is supposed to be completed by the end of February. The initial quote that was presented last week had a plan that has been approved but Bourbon County doesn’t own that plan until it pays $3,000 for it. Commissioners asked Mr. Neville to contact the Fire Marshal to ask for an extension, citing the delays, and then to ask what a penalty for late compliance will be if there is no extension awarded. Mr. Neville is to report back on Monday. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Joanne Long informed commissioners that the Southeast Kansas Commissioners and Highway Department annual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at the KDOT building in Chanute. Labette County is hosting and would like to know the names of Bourbon County officials who will attend. Terry Graham, Gary Houston and Clyde Killion indicated they would attend. Doylene Kennedy spoke to the commissioners about a problem with Cintas, the company who cleans uniforms for the Road & Bridge Department. Ms. Kennedy has found a cheaper alternative but Cintas says Bourbon County has a 5 year contract and must pay it off if we are going to break the contract. As the employees actually pay the fees out of payroll deductions, Ms. Kennedy doesn’t think the County is liable. Commissioners asked Ms. Kennedy to speak to the county attorney about it. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Commissioners asked Mr. Killion to put an illegal dump site clean-up on the spring schedule. Joanne Long directed commissioners to the budget report for the end of 2003. Though there are encumberances that are yet to be paid, the General Fund has not exceeded the original published expenditures. This is due to the fact that most departments kept way under budget to make up for the five departments that exceeded their budgets. 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 |
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January 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 meetings were read and approved. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Terry Graham made a motion to appoint Robert Query as Commission Chairman and Gary Houston as Vice-Chairman for 2004. Motion failed for lack of a second. Terry Graham then made a motion to appoint Robert Query as Commission Chairman for 2004. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Terry Graham made a motion to appoint Gary Houston as Vice-Chairman for 2004. Robert Query seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Resolutions 01-04 through 04-04 were presented for approval. They were approved as follows: Robert Query moved to adopt Resolution 01-04, Holidays and Closed Days for the Courthouse and Transfer Station. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Robert Query moved to adopt Resolution 02-04, Official Depositories and Newspaper. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Robert Query moved to adopt Resolution 03-04, GAAP Waiver. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Robert Query moved to adopt Resolution 04-04, Mileage Reimbursement. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Claudia Christianson, Interim Director of Transportation, and Steve Lohr, Executive Director of the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEKCAP), met with commissioners to discuss the General Public Transportation Program. They want everyone to know the Program is available to anyone, regardless of age or income, and encourage its use. Ann Ludlum and Delta George presented commissioners with their annual reports from the Extension Office. Ms. Ludlum also noted that she may have some old office furniture for the county to include in a future auction. Ross Schwalm spoke to commissioners. He is an employee with the Road & Bridge Department and has been off work for health reasons. He is hoping to get released from his physician and come back to work soon. Joanne Long relayed information from Terri Johnson regarding what changing the makeup of the Fire District 3 Board would entail. David Neville reported that he spoke with the Fire Marshal’s office. They will extend us to April 17, 2004. The job must be completed by that date. He also stated that Bourbon County can purchase the approved plans from All Systems for $3,000. Dean McFarland, Kirkpatrick Pettis, spoke to the commissioners. He asked if Bourbon County had any plans to expand the jail. We do not. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 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 |
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January 16, 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. Terri Johnson, Bourbon County Attorney, spoke with commissioners about lack of storage for files. She fills about three file cabinets each year with criminal court cases and has no room to place any more. She cannot purge old cases because of appeals and parole hearings. She gave an example of a prisoner who is coming up for parole who was convicted in the early 90s. She was not the prosecutor but as County Attorney, must familiarize herself with the case to answer the request for parole. She spoke about the possibility of scanning case files onto a disk; however that would require overtime for the actual scanning process. Commissioners will try to locate space for three file cabinets as a short-term solution. Ms. Johnson also spoke to commissioners about the contract with Cintas for uniforms at the county barn. As she reads the contract, she feels that Bourbon County is responsible for the remainder of the contract. She wants commissioners to make sure employees do not enter into contracts on behalf of Bourbon County. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Clyde Killion spoke to commissioners about the possible purchase of a jackhammer attachment for the rock quarry. A jackhammer would also help the Bridge Department in breaking up concrete. Before making any decisions, Commissioners would like Mr. Killion to check for local prices. Mr. Killion also submitted quotes for entrance tubes. Two quotes were received. They were:
Terry Graham made a motion to accept the quote from Welborn Sales, as it was the lower. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Eula Crowder, Darrell Spencer, Anna Miller and Paul Bollinger of the Southeast Kansas Correctional Center (SEKRCC) spoke to commissioners about employee raises. Commissioners stated that they had not addressed wage increases since the last time Ms. Miller and Mr. Spencer came to the meeting. Mr. Bollinger spoke about how dangerous it is to work in the jail and that danger contributes to the high turnover. Commissioners spoke about how they are responsible to all taxpayers to keep taxes at a minimum and that every year costs rise. It was discussed that a new employee makes about the same as an employee who has worked for over 10 years. They feel that there should be some benefit to employees who are here for longer periods. Mr. Bollinger put it as such: If you take care of your employees, they take care of you. Commissioners understand and will look into it. Pam Speer spoke to commissioners about gravel on 105th Street off Maple Road. There was some gravel brought, but it has not completely taken care of the problem. Clyde will send someone out to complete the job. Commissioners received results of the Fire District 3 elections and a request to appoint the Trustees. Robert Query suggests that the county commissioners receive a copy of the FD3 minutes after every meeting so that they will know what’s going on. No action at this time. Commissioners discussed the Fire District for a great part of the meeting. No action at this time. There was also no action on appointing trustees at this time. David Neville updated commissioners on the fire alarm project. He has yet to receive a quote from the Pittsburg company, as it is waiting to hear from an engineer. Mr. Neville also spoke about the pecan tree in the courthouse yard. It is recommended that it be removed due to a major split happening with a large section of the tree. If not removed, the splitting section will need to be removed at least. The City of Fort Scott might lend us their bucket truck if we need it. Commissioners were grateful for the gesture but feel it should be professionally done. They would like at least two estimates on trimming. Another tree, just outside the SEKRCC entrance, has a very large hollow part that needs to be addressed. Commissioners would like a separate quote for that tree. Gary Houston made a motion to re-appoint Sam Mason to the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board, for a period of three years, effective January 1, 2004. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Joanne Long presented Resolution 05-04 for approval. It is to cancel all warrants that are over two years old. Robert Query made the motion to adopt the resolution. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Gary Houston heard from Codes Officer for Fort Scott, Brent Crays that children have been playing on the old county barn. Commissioners would like to hear whether the Sheriff is still using the building to store impounded vehicles. 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk Monday, January 19, 2004 Holiday No meeting |
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January 23, 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. Ed French spoke briefly about a Foreign Animal Disease class he attended this week for Emergency Preparedness. Commissioners received the monthly progress report from the Extension Office. Robert Query signed a quarterly C & D report. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Robert left the meeting at 9:35 with severe back pain. John Swarts asked about the county’s computer contract. He has a brother-in-law who is an expert with computers and based on figures reported in the Tribune he would be considerably less expensive. Mr. Swarts was informed that the information in the paper was incorrect and that the contract is $180,000 for three years, not per year. Joanne Long reminded commissioners that Senator Sam Brownback would be in the courthouse lobby at 3:00 pm for the awarding of nearly $2 million to the Marmaton Watershed. Charlie Blevins wanted to speak to commissioners but decided to come back Monday when all commissioners are present. David Neville presented three quotes for tree removal. They were:
Terry Graham made a motion to approve the quote from Wiebelhaus Tree Service. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Delwin Mumbower brought commissioners a copy of the latest Fire District 3 minutes. Terri Johnson reviewed the licensing agreement for the RVI package and it meets statutory requirements for the cash-basis law. She feels it is okay to sign but since it involves three departments, perhaps the commissioners should sign it. Gary Houston signed the documents as vice-chairman. Ms. Johnson also stated for the record that if there are any salary increases that she would like them for her office personnel also. Susan Quick spoke to commissioners about the upcoming tax sale. She stated that there are approximately 50 parcels ready and Othick is working on another 25. Could we do a partial sale of about half the parcels? She would like to work toward a date so that people will know when the sale will be. Commissioners agreed to see if the lawyer and Othick can work toward a date in July for the first half and next January for the second half. After this is cleared up we should be able to have a tax sale annually. David Sweat, Public Relations Officer with Emergystat, spoke to commissioners about ambulance service. Emergystat is based in Alabama and serves Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee and Louisiana and recently got the contract in Linn County. They would like us to consider them when the next ambulance contract negotiations occur. 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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January 26, 2004 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. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Joanne Long passed a message to commissioners to consider Jim Harris and Berry Tractor for the sledgehammer as he is “local”. Richard Johnson of Martin Tractor presented commissioners with a check for $20,000 for the buyback of two road graders. Mr. Johnson also presented a Service Re-purchase Agreement for the Chairman to sign. Robert Query signed the standard document. Commissioners considered applying the $20,000 to the principle of an outstanding debt on a road grader. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Charlie Blevins spoke to the commissioners about the tax sale. Those also present for the discussion were County Treasurer, Susan Quick, County Attorney, Terri Johnson and Sheriff Harold Coleman. Mr. Blevins opposes the fact that people don’t pay their property taxes. He is unhappy that there is 9 years worth of back taxes that are up for sale. He stated that he and many others do without luxuries to make sure that their property taxes are paid. Last March there were 166 taxpayers that were eligible for the tax sale. The back taxes were upwards of half a million dollars. He feels that should be collected. Ms. Quick informed Mr. Blevins that the properties are sold for the highest bid at the sale and that hardly ever covers what’s owed in the back taxes. Many parcels sell for as little as one dollar. Mr. Blevins thinks the County should purchase those properties then. Robert Query informed Mr. Blevins that if the County owned them they would be tax-exempt and would provide no future revenue. Commissioners also stated that most viable properties are redeemed prior to the sale and that amounted to about $200,000 in revenues and fees at the last sale. Susan Quick informed Mr. Blevins that the plan is to sell about the first 75 parcels in July and the second half next January. Then we will be caught up to 99. We are working toward an annual sale like other counties have. Ms. Quick also spoke about the escrow program she has with about 35 people on it. Three have completely paid off their back taxes. Mr. Blevins restated that he wants the sale to happen as soon as possible. Ken Anderson, President, and Cindy Bowman, Vice-President of UMB Bank, N.A. met with commissioners to propose re-financing some of the county’s debt--specifically the asphalt plant/rock crusher package and two road graders. The proposal is for a two percent lower fixed interest rate which will save the county around $100,000 over five years. Commissioners like the proposal but would like to give Citizens Bank, N.A. an opportunity to match the proposal. Ms. Bowman stated that UMB will not charge any fees to re-finance, unlike the $10,000 Citizens charged to write the original lease-purchase and UMB is willing to work with the county on payment options, including a balloon payment at the end of five years, if needed. Commissioners will think about it and call UMB on Friday with their decision. Joanne Long reported that she received word from the State Board of Tax Appeals that the county’s request for exemption on a property was granted. Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:00 am. 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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January 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. Don Parr and Carroll Deer spoke with commissioners about a lake Mr. Parr is building on his property. It will be approximately 30 acres of surface water and state regulations require permits and information for anything over 5 acres. Part of this required information is a letter from the County stating the proposed lake will provide public benefit. Upon inspection of the plans, commissioners agreed the lake will slow water which floods a bridge near Mr. Deer’s residence. That is a public benefit. Therefore the commissioners agreed to write a letter to that effect for Mr. Parr. Commissioners reviewed a spreadsheet of amortization schedules from UMB and Citizens at the proposed 3.75%. Gary Houston made a motion to re-finance with UMB. Motion failed due to lack of a second. Commissioners asked UMB to set up a schedule of 10 payments at $150,000 and a balloon payment at the end of five years. No action at this time. Clyde Killion presented another quote for the jackhammer. Commissioners reviewed other quotes but no action at this time. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Accounts payable and payroll for the period were approved. Joanne Long asked commissioners if they had contacted Harvalee Waltmire about his request for funds for the Fulton Community Building. The County has not received Alcohol Tax distributions from the State in over a year, due to an overpayment of about $9,000 and we still owe $4,300 at this time. This means we will not receive any Alcohol Tax in 2004 either. Commissioners denied any Special Parks & Recreation requests for 2004, as Alcohol Tax funds it. Charlie Blevins met with commissioners and Treasurer Susan Quick to talk about the tax sale again. He is unhappy with the newspaper article of his last visit and the delays in the progress of the sale. He says that he’s found a lawyer who is interested in conducting the sale. Commissioners asked Mr. Blevins to have this lawyer come to a meeting and present a proposal. The commissioners also stated that the current parcels that are in the process of a tax sale are under contract with Othick and Dan Meara, but future sales are open for whoever is interested. Joanne Long relayed information from the Kansas Corporation Commission about a request to plug a natural gas well at Elm Creek Lake. Commissioners made no action at this time as they want to inspect the well. Ms. Long presented a spreadsheet of quotes for employee health and dental insurance. Though there was much discussion, no decision was made at this time. Larry Davenport will meet with commissioners on Monday to discuss aspects of the proposal. Dan Meara stopped in to answer questions about the tax sale. He went over the numerous steps of the sale that must be followed in order to get a binding judgment and stated that about 50 parcels are almost ready to be sold. Commissioners relayed the concerns set forth by Mr. Blevins and asked if we could have a sale of those parcels sooner than July. Mr. Meara will get on that immediately. Commissioners also informed Mr. Meara that they are very pleased with his work in prior sales. Mr. Meara thanked the commissioners for their praise. Susan Quick reported that another installment of Road & Bridge Sales Tax money was received in her office. Robert Query spoke with the other commissioners about setting a written policy that forbids non-elected County personnel from entering into financial commitments with companies. They asked Ms. Long to speak to the County Attorney about wording so that it will be binding. Doylene Kenney stated that Doug Niemeir of the Conservation Board would like to set up a charge account at the landfill. Commissioners approved the request. Terry Graham left the meeting at 11:55 am. The meeting adjourned at 12:10 pm. 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 |
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