These are the minutes for March 2004, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
| March 01, 2004 | March 05, 2004 |
| March 08, 2004 | March 12, 2004 |
| March 15, 2004 | March 19, 2004 |
| March 22, 2004 | March 26, 2004 |
| March 29, 2004 | |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and Cecelia Key present. Clyde Killion gave a road update. Commissioners asked Clyde Killion to check out the quality of rock from Hunt Midwest which has been offered for sale at $3.00 per ton. Dave Creek of Explosive Energy met with commissioners with a new price list for explosive work at the rock quarry. The new prices are good for 30 days. Commissioners will consider the offer from Mr. Creek along with the competitor’s offer and get back with Mr. Creek. No action at this time. Dave Bruner asked about paving 205th Street between Jayhawk and Kansas Roads. Robert Query informed Mr. Bruner that that section of road was on the 10-year sales tax plan to be completed at no additional cost to the taxpayers, but that if he didn’t want to wait, a benefit district could be formed at the landowners’ expense. Mr. Bruner was not interested in forming a benefit district, but requested a Children Playing sign between Justice and Jayhawk on 205th Street. Delwin Mumbower and Louella Howard discussed concerns about new boundary lines proposed by Don Banwart for the fire district. No action at this time. Randy Lafferty reported damage to his vehicle from hitting a large rock on a county road near Xenia. Commissioners advised Mr. Lafferty to file a report of the accident with the County Clerk’s office for the insurance company. Robert Query visited with UMB about refinancing road graders and said we could save quite a sum by refinancing now. UMB is working on the paperwork. No action at this time. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 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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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. Gerald Beerbower, Kevin Sisseck and David Neville spoke to commissioners about the courthouse roof. It is leaking due to the heavy rain this week. Mr. Beerbower feels that it will cost at least $2,500 to patch the damaged section. He also feels that in the next two to four years we will have to replace the whole roof. He understands that we can only do what we can afford. When asked what a new roof would cost, Mr. Beerbower estimated about $12,000. David Neville reported that there is a leak in the Correctional Center office as well. Commissioners approved the work on the roof and asked them to get back to them on the repairs needed in the Correctional Center. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Raymond Taylor asked commissioners if some work could be done to correct the volume of water that is washing out his drive because of a school bus turn-around. Clyde will put it on the list. There was discussion of the rock quarry. There is a blast scheduled for next week. The heavy rain this week has filled the pit and that washes away part of the supplies. Commissioners wonder if there is any way to bore under the road to the river to release the water. Clyde spoke about getting a 6” or 8” pump to run to drain it. No action. Lynn Smith spoke to commissioners about purchasing a UPS battery backup for the computer. Our existing backup is no longer covered by maintenance. Of three estimates, the lowest is for $1,137 from InfiniTec. Commissioners approved the purchase. Ms. Smith indicated she would try to schedule its arrival during the RVI training so as to not use any extra block time. Commissioners approved of the idea. Robert Query passed out a copy of the expenses for Fire District 3 and Fort Scott Rural Fire for the years 2000-2003. There was much discussion. Gerald Beerbower reported that there is minimal damage in the Correctional Center. Commissioners approved the repairs. Verdon Dauben and Laura Hyer asked commissioners when the County would chip and seal Maple Road from Franklin Street to the foundry corner. Commissioners will do it this year, time permitting. Joanne Long alerted commissioners that the 17-County Meeting will be in Anderson County, Thursday, April 15, 2004. She needs to know how many commissioners will attend and reminded commissioners that Bourbon County hosts the next meeting this October. All commissioners indicated they would plan to attend. Commissioners agreed to allow Robert Query to sign re-finance paperwork with UMB Bank on road graders, when it is ready. There was discussion as to who the commissioners should appoint to the 6th Judicial District Board. Robert Query made a motion to appoint Ron Wood. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Robert Query made a motion to re-appoint Gary Houston to the Bourbon County Economic Development Board. Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. Gary Houston abstained from the vote. Robert Query signed paperwork for the Twister Trailer grant. Alec Beth spoke to commissioners about personal computers. When the new AS400 was hooked up, one of the office computers wouldn’t work any more. Commissioners suggested he take the extra computer in the clerk’s office. It is old and may not be enough but he will look into it. If it doesn’t work, he will purchase a new computer. Commissioners discussed the offer by Cintas to replace the laundry cleaning with supplies. Commissioners feel it is a good deal. No action at this time. Commissioners received a letter from Tom Job at KCAMP. After the inspection of buildings and contents it was discovered that the courthouse buildings are underinsured. This comes to an additional premium of $3,945. Commissioners authorized payment. 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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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. Commissioners also discussed Cintas with Mr. Killion. Clyde thinks getting supplies is a good idea. Gary Houston confirmed the arrangement with the Cintas representative. As long as Bourbon County purchases $40 per month, the contract is upheld. Commissioners discussed proposed blasting and additional screens at the rock quarry. They also discussed flooding at the quarry. The clerk and commissioners discussed the mortgage for Twister Trailer. When it is filed, there will be $1,281 in mortgage and filing fees that someone must pay. Don Russell asked via phone if the county could waive the fees. After checking with Monique Umphenour of the Register of Deeds Office, they learned that the fees cannot be waived. Mr. Russell is looking into whether the Economic Development can help with the fees. Joanne Long asked if the County would be accepting hay bids this year for Elm Creek Lake. Commissioners agreed and set the opening date for bids for Friday, April 2, 2004, at 10:00 am. Ms. Long will get the publication together. Ms. Long asked about Landfill employees’ sick and vacation accrual. They work 6 and 7 hour days but earn 8 hours of leave. As they work six days a week, it was agreed that the current accrual is okay. Gary Houston asked commissioners about obtaining rock for his district. Commissioners held a heated discussion about priorities and equal treatment per district. Commissioners asked the clerk to speak to the county attorney about placing a fire district under the supervision of a Township Board. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Gary Houston asked the other commissioners if they would agree to get an engineer to draw up plans for fixing a low water bridge north of Hammond. Once the plans are approved, permits can be obtained. Commissioners authorized Mr. Houston to negotiate with Hunt Midwest for base rock. Robert Query mentioned he may not be able to attend Friday’s meeting. 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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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. Wilma Graham spoke with commissioners to request patch work on 125th Street south of Maple Road. Clyde Killion stated it will be done. In fact, it would have been done today but too many workers are home sick. It will be done this afternoon if possible or Monday, pending rain. Ms. Graham also asked whether Redfield would get chip and seal work this summer. Commissioners stated we would. Ms. Graham also asked about culvert work. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Joanne Long asked if the County would participate in the Kansas Territory Sesquicentennial Commission’s tree planting ceremony. This request was made last summer and turned down, but Ms. Long asked again because we’ve lost two trees since then. Commissioners agree we need trees but there are less expensive means than the KTSC. Ms. Long asked what we should do about the delinquent property taxes on the piece of property that was dedicated to the county for a drive entrance. The State Board of Tax Appeals only exempted since the property was deeded, which leaves $65.72 in taxes since 1993. Commissioners authorized the clerk to pay the amount to the Treasurer out of the general fund. Ms. Long asked the commissioners to create a policy for attendance of funerals by county employees for family members of other county employees. For the funeral this week of the spouse of an employee, some offices closed completely while others left at least one person to keep the office open. She asked that the commissioners write a policy for future funerals. It seems appropriate that the office directly involved close for the funeral, but perhaps all others should leave someone to tend to courthouse duties. The employee handbook allows for employees to attend funerals, but that shouldn’t overshadow the public’s right to conduct business. Commissioners decided not to make a policy but as an advisory, they ask that offices stay open if at all possible. They agreed that the affected office should attend funerals. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Bills and payroll for the period were approved. Terry Graham mentioned that he and Clyde Killion would go to Uniontown on Monday to speak with Randy Rockhold of USD 235 about paving a school driveway. Don Banwart, Joe Sheehy and Josh Perry met with commissioners to discuss fire districts. Mr. Banwart informed the commissioners that if the County were to fax a letter of intent to form a new fire district to the State Fire Marshal, he could assign an ID number so Mr. Banwart can apply for FEMA grants for a pumper truck. Commissioners stated that no official action has been taken but that the consensus is that the County, Fire District 3 and Scott Township Board are all in agreement that forming a new district is in the best interest of everyone involved, but that the details still need to be worked out. Mr. Banwart has proposed a district with what he calls logical changes to areas based on response times. He also indicated that he would like to build a station on the west side of Lake Fort Scott and at Hammond in the future. Terry Graham confirmed with Mr. Banwart that if/when a split occurs, that the new district will assume the debt on the existing trucks. Mr. Banwart agreed. Other discussion involved severing administration fees as soon as a split occurs and finances. Alec Beth reported that the used personal computer that was offered by the Clerk is not sufficient for his needs. Commissioners authorized the purchase of a new computer. Gary Houston mentioned that he is negotiating with Hunt Midwest on base rock. 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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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 discussed a $20,000 grant for a mandated program for Emergency Preparedness. Commissioners gave approval for the intent to file for the grant. Clyde Killion gave a road update. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Terri Johnson spoke to commissioners about the steps needed to be made in order to split off part of an existing fire district to form a new fire district. A petition must be presented of at least 10% of the property owners of the affected district in order to remove territory from an existing fire district. It then appears that the commissioners can form a new fire district and appoint persons other than the county commissioners to the fire district board. Ms. Johnson has not found out how a township forms a fire district if that is what the County wants to do. She will look into it. Ms. Johnson also spoke to commissioners about a lack of storage. She will show the commissioners later in the week her problem. Commissioner Houston asked if the RVI scanning will benefit her in any way by storing files on CD. Ms. Johnson said that it will, but having someone transfer the data will be time-consuming and costly. Commissioners discussed that the City of Uniontown and USD 235 want asphalting this summer. Commissioners will see exactly what each entity is hoping for and then check the schedule. Robert Query stated that prices for road rock are between $5.40 and $6.50 per ton depending on the size of the rock, so he recommends that is what the Sales Tax fund is charged this summer for projects. Commissioners concurred. Terri Johnson came back to the meeting and requested an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Terry Graham made the motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under the non-elected personnel exemption of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners, County Attorney Terri Johnson and County Clerk Joanne Long. The session began at 10:25 am and ended at 10:35 am. No action. At 10:55 am, Clyde Killion and Terry Graham left the meeting to go to Uniontown to speak with city and school officials about asphalt wishes. 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: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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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. Rodnie Beckahm requested the commissioners allow him to erect a gate on 45th Street, approximately 2193’ north of 65 Hwy. Commissioners approved the request. Ed French spoke briefly with commissioners about his pay. The City of Fort Scott agreed last year to pay $200 to Mr. French for an increase in wages for Emergency Preparedness Director, but the manner which the payment is to be made is being questioned. Earlier discussions with the City indicated that the City would pay the $200 per month to Mr. French with his other pay for City work. Now, City officials say the agreement was that the City would pay the County $200 per month and the County would then pay that money to Mr. French in his pay as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Joanne Long received a check from the City for $600 for January, February and March, just this morning. Robert Query stated that was not the arrangement, as the additional $200 will cost more due to the benefits that will increase and since the City agreed to pay the money, they should also incur the additional benefits cost. Mr. French indicated that if the matter was not settled today, he was quitting, and indicated that he is quitting in August anyway. Mr. Graham and Mr. Houston stated that we should pay the additional benefits to keep the peace. All commissioners agreed that we should advertise for the position to get a replacement as soon as possible. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Terry Graham told commissioners about the meeting the previous night with Uniontown, Bronson and Marion Township about fire districts. Commissioners asked Ms. Long to write a letter of intent for Mr. Banwart to send to the state in order to facilitate grant possibilities. Whendi Embry gave commissioners a tour of the storage problem the County Attorney is facing. Bob Schweikert spoke with commissioners about 240th Street. An announcement was made recently stating that the temporary access is to be closed. Robert Query stated that he feels the storage problem can be helped by having an auction of old computer/office equipment to free up shelf space in the basement. Some items must be destroyed due to the confidential information on the hard-drive, but others may be sold. Commissioners asked the clerk to send around a letter to all departments asking for a list of equipment that can be sold at auction. Commissioners heard from Cindy Gillispie, sheriff deputy about a pay situation. She has been asked by the County Attorney to come in on her day off to prepare for a trial. Ms. Gillispie feels that the Sheriff’s office should not be forced to pay her overtime for this and asked if the County Attorney’s office can be charged. Commissioners tentatively agreed to charge the County Attorney for the time, pending word from the Attorney. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Robert Query, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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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. Commissioners received a letter of response from Terri Johnson regarding the overtime charge for Cindy Gillispie. She objects to being charged for the time, stating that part of the deputy’s job is to prepare for trial. She said that if the County sets this precedent, she will need to increase her budget for all additional law enforcement wages that will be flooding her office. Commissioners agreed with Ms. Johnson’s request and stated that the overtime will be charged to the Sheriff’s Department. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Daryl Roller spoke with commissioners on behalf of the Bourbon County Arts Council regarding the Chautauqua events scheduled in Fort Scott June 18-22, 2004. He explained that the Chautauqua events began in New York in the 1870s. They contain historical reenactments of Civil War personalities. This year marks the sesquicentennial of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Mr. Roller stated that the budget for the activities is conservative compared to other towns, and that there is a shortfall of about $2,000. He is asking for a donation from the County in the amount of $500 or $1,000. The commissioners stated they would love to help, but the Parks and Recreation Fund is still recovering from the overpayment of Alcohol Tax over a year ago. There will be no discretionary funds for approximately another year. They stated that this fund is where ballparks and community buildings and the Elks fireworks donations are taken and none of those things are happening either. Joanne Long offered to advertise the Chautauqua on the county website as an alternative. Mr. Roller also left some brochures to be available to the public. Mr. Roller asked the commissioners to support the Chautauqua with their attendance this June. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Marty Pearson informed commissioners that one of the county road graders is breaking down. Commissioners informed Mr. Pearson to send out the spare so the grader may be repaired. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 am. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Robert Query, Chairman (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner ATTEST: Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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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. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Gene Parker asked commissioners if the County will cut and spray brush this year on the east side of 245th Street, north of Grand road and south of the railroad tracks. Terry Graham stated that the spraying is on the schedule this year. He verified the location on the map to show Lee Davis later. Mr. Parker also asked if the County would put in some whistles on Grand Road from the state line back. He stated that all the gravel gets washed off the road into the ditches and plugs up the existing culverts. No action. Robert Query and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 9:40 am to view Birch Road. He returned at 10:30 am. Terry Graham and Lee Davis left the meeting at 10:30 am to view the proposed spray area Gene Parker spoke about. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 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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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Cecelia Key was also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Laura Hyer, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Bills and Payroll were approved for the period. Commissioners approved an early check for Hill’s Service to be paid Wednesday. David Neville spoke to the commissioners about the request from our insurance company to unplug all computers last Friday evening in case of bad storms. Commissioners asked Mr. Neville to contact KCAMP and inform them of the safety precautions we have in place in order to avoid disconnecting everything during a storm. Mr. Neville later reported that the insurance company is satisfied with our safety precautions and no longer needs to unplug during a storm. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Gerald Beerbower reported that the latest roof repair is leaking again due to someone stepping on it and breaking through. He said that he will repair it free this time, but next time he will have to charge. Don George, Fish Biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, met with commissioners to ask for permission to apply for a grant for the fish feeders at Elm Creek Lake. There are currently three feeders—two belong to the County and one belongs to KDWP. Commissioners agreed to the request and signed the grant application. It is a matching grant, however if the county does not have the money the grant may be cancelled. Terry Graham left the meeting at noon. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Robert Query, Chairman (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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