These are the minutes for June 2005, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
| June 03, 2005 | June 06, 2005 |
| June 10, 2005 | June 13, 2005 |
| June 17, 2005 | June 20, 2005 |
| June 24, 2005 | June 27, 2005 |
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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 corrected. Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Sharon Elder asked commissioners to listen to the air conditioner unit in her office, which she thinks is very loud. Marty Pearson gave a road report. Harold Coleman spoke to commissioners about where Locust Road dead-ends east of Fort Scott. He asked if the commissioners could tie it into 265th Street. Commissioners will check with KDOT but in the meantime will get Dead End signs put up. Harold also told commissioners of his intention of purchasing 5 taser guns for his deputies. Bill Brittain said that there is probably a grant available and to check with the City. Marty Pearson also reported on tire quotes. He said that tire prices increased 10% yesterday. He found Goodyear tires at $576 each and Bridgestone tires at $540 each. Commissioners asked if he could wait a week. He thinks he can. Susan Quick presented the Road & Bridge Sales Tax in the amount of $70,275.74. Commissioners signed the 2006 Noxious Weed Plan. Jim Henning met with commissioners to discuss Indian Road, west of Fort Scott Municipal Airport 2 ½ miles and 160th Street between Indian and Hackberry. Others in attendance included: Dale Russell, Betty Russell, Leo Hartman, Lawrence E. Brown, Tim Brown, Charles J. Dwyer, Charles A. Gift, Don Adams, Donald E. Adams, Doris Mason, Bob Mason, Bob Russell, Randy Brasuell, Vickie Brasuell, Paul Russell, Barry Wheller, John Townsend, Tim Harper, Kitty Lewis, Donald Fink, Alice Fink and Larry Russell. They feel that the road is dangerous in its current condition. It hasn’t had any work done in over two years. A person risks injury or death when they meet a second car on the road. They also feel that the Sales Tax Plan should have resurfaced the road by now. Terry Graham explained the road plan and said that unfortunately, someone has to be last on the list, but that the sales tax plan is on schedule. Commissioners said that the County is not doing any asphalt work this year and will only do chip and seal projects to try to keep up the existing roads we have. Base work for those projects is being done now. Bill Brittain suggested checking with KDOT about this road project and all commissioners agreed that immediate repairs would be done by the County as soon as possible to make it passable. Doylene Kennedy asked commissioners about the Community Fisheries Assistance Progam (CFAP) money and where to deposit it. Commissioners agreed to deposit it into the general fund and to make any payments back to Road and Bridge as necessary. Lee Davis gave the commissioners phone quotes for chemicals. They were:
Commissioners approved the purchase from UAP/Timberland. Commissioners received a letter from Dick Hedges about maintenance at Cedar Creek. Commissioners called the county barn to have someone tend to the lake as soon as possible and will schedule something more permanent when Clyde returns from vacation. Commissioners reviewed the request from Gary Palmer to begin a County-sponsored intern program, similar to that in Linn and other counties. The program would allow local businesses to hire interns and the business and County would split the cost of the wages. Commissioners denied the request, citing no funds to support such a program. Bill Brittain reported that KDOT will look into the Locust Road request. Judy Orton met with commissioners and distributed the budget figures that were requested in the last meeting. The commissioners will review the figures and meet again with the Appraiser next Friday about her contract. Laura Hyer met with commissioners along with the following Rural Fire personnel: Jeff Reed, Steve Herring, Dave Edwards, Norman Bockover, Randy Gregg, Dave Wilkins, Mike Hueston, Lou Howard and Delwin Mumbower. Laura Hyer reviewed her meeting with Governor Sebelius this week and the 800 MHz program that is being piloted in Southeast Kansas. Laura stated that the State is mandating the use of the Heartland Tower and Emergency Preparedness frequency in order to receive funding. Bill Brittain asked if the State could get a letter to the effect that using the Heartland Tower is a directive from the State and not a local choice. Delwin Mumbower also asked about dispatch. Commissioners explained the formation of the dispatch advisory committee and that Gary Houston will be on that committee. Delwin and the commissioners agree that cooperation is key to good communication. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
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 corrected. Dave McClimans met with commissioners concerning access to his property in Franklin Township. He spoke with a neighboring landowner last week and heard that the County closed access to his property. Mr. McClimans was misinformed. Commissioners explained that they allowed Rodnie Beckham, the other landowner, to put a gate at the entrance to the road but that did not mean the access was closed to Mr. McClimans. Mr. McClimans thanked the commissioners for the explanation. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Commissioners also discussed setting up a maintenance program for Cedar Creek Lake. Mr. Killion also reported that he has spoken with a member of the Amish family and they don’t require, but would use, 205th Street if it was opened for them on the south. This would ensure the safety of their families and those in motor driven vehicles on 215th Street. Charlie Blevins met with commissioners. He misunderstood a recent article in the paper about taxes and the commissioners cleared it up. Commissioners spoke with Clyde Killion about Indian Road west of the airport. The commissioners would like to see if we could use the City’s milling machine to peel off layers of the road in order to repair it. Commissioners agreed the County would pay for workers if the City crew could run the machine, since no one from the County is trained. Bill Brittain will ask the City about it. After contacting Richard Nienstedt, Bill Brittain reported the City would be happy to help and would only ask the County to pay for the fuel. The City will not charge us for any manpower. Commissioners were very pleased. Laura Hyer met with commissioners about storm sirens in rural areas. Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel. Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners, Joanne Long and Laura Hyer. The session began at 11:04 am and ended at 11:09 am with no action. Joanne Long asked the commissioners if they had any interest in raising the fireworks permit. It has been $75.00 since 1991. Commissioners do not want to increase the fee. Members of the Bourbon County Extension Council met with commissioners to present the 2006 proposed budget. Those present were Ann Ludlum, Delta George, Doris Ericson, Dr. J.D. McNutt, Sheila Blubaugh, Teresa Bahr, Bob Love, Jim O’Brien and Jim Womeldorff. The request is for $107,304.00, representing a 2.7% increase over 2005. The budget also has money for replacement of the Extension Council van, which has over 70,000 miles on it. Other topics of discussion were the Bourbon County Fair, the Walk Kansas Program, and regionalization of Extension Boards in western Kansas. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
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. Lee Davis called and asked to purchase 100 Gallons of Pasturegard. His phone quotes were:
Commissioners approved the purchase from UAP/Timberland for $4,385.00. Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Clyde also discussed summer hirings. Bill Brittain reported that Bob Farmer has prepared a rough draft of the roof contract for us to review. Judy Orton offered the commissioners some flowers that were a donation to the Bourbon County Master Gardeners. She will plant them herself and the only cost to the county would be any additional potting soil and mulch. Commissioners welcomed the offer. Ms. Orton also came to speak about her contract renewal. She reviewed the information she has previously provided to commissioners from across the state and here in southeast Kansas and stated that, aside from appraisers who are shared between counties, she is about the 10th lowest paid county appraiser in the state. Commissioners discussed various pay options with the Appraiser with no action. Ms. Orton would like a good faith effort in the contract, which she believes includes in increase in the salary. Commissioners reminded Ms. Orton that other officials have asked for an increase but were told to wait until a salary survey is completed on all county employees. Ms. Orton would also like a stipulation in her contract to allow for any additional increases a salary survey would say her position is due. Commissioners said that there is no guarantee that what the survey says employees/officials should make can be given in one year and that a plan to implement increases will need to be created. Commissioners will review the information and get back to Ms. Orton. Judy also presented her 2006 budget request. She stated that it is contingent on any salary increases and includes money for GIS mapping. She spoke with commissioners about GIS and said that a demonstration could be given to commissioners on the program. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and Cecelia Kramer present. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Terry Graham reported that he would not be here on June 20th. Charlie Blevins spoke to commissioners about high taxes. He also asked that the speed limit on 215th Street (Old 69 Hwy) be controlled. Marilyn Love visited with commissioners about pot holes on old 39 Hwy. Bob Schweikert spoke with commissioners about the progress of paving 240th Street near the new access to US 54. Bill Brittain asked the County Attorney, Terri Johnson, to review SB 298, concerning alcoholic sales on Sunday. Commissioners left the meeting at 9:50 am to view 205th Street as a possible route for horse and buggy traffic.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and Cecelia Kramer present. Clyde Killion gave a road report. Sheriff Harold Coleman spoke with the commissioners about hiring a CMA instead of a RN for the correctional center on a part-time basis at $10.36/hr. Commissioners approved the request. Doylene Kennedy confirmed with commissioners that she is to bill Phoenix Coal Company monthly for maintenance of Deer Road. She also presented a bill for $4,200 for fish food for Elm Creek Lake. This expense will be covered in the CFAP grant. The bill was sent to the clerk’s office for payment. Ms. Kennedy also spoke to commissioners about Flood Plain Management. Apparently, this has been taken over by Homeland Security and now there is a question as to whether Emergency Preparedness will have to administer it. Currently, Doylene is paid for this service. No action. Andy Johnson and Bonnie McCall spoke with commissioners over a fence disagreement. Terry Graham explained the process of a fence viewing. Mr. Johnson wants to bull doze the existing fence row and Ms. McCall doesn’t want Mr. Johnson on her property. Commissioners asked Mr. Johnson to get the price of this job and report back to the commissioners. Bill Danley asked commissioners for a guard rail to keep cars out of Mapleton Cemetery. No action. Commissioners left the meeting at 10:00 am to attend Public Officials Training at FSCC. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 am.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Bill Brittain present. Terry Graham was not present, as indicated he would be at an earlier meeting this month. Joanne Long was also present. Jimmy Nichols, Work Release Coordinator of the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center (SEKRCC), met with commissioners to discuss using work release prisoners for the county. Commissioners would like to find out about liability issues of using prisoners for work and asked Mr. Nichols to contact the Department of Corrections to see what they have. Bill Brittain also suggested Mr. Nichols speaks with the City of Fort Scott once he has information, because the City may be interested as well. Doug McGown, McGown Drilling of Mound City, spoke to commissioners about the possibility of running a gas line on the County’s right-of-way, for approximately 2 ½ miles, in order to link up with existing pipe. He has gained access via private land for all but this small stretch and cannot reach an agreement with the landowner. Commissioners explained their preference of companies using private land but said that they have allowed public right-of-ways in circumstances where no access can be gained. They asked Mr. McGown to approach the hold-out landowner one last time about leasing his ground with the knowledge that the County will allow the public right-of-way if he refuses the deal. Commissioners also gave Mr. McGown a copy of the minutes from when the County dealt with similar situations with Meritage Corporation and asked Mr. McGown to draw up a lease with the legal description information for Friday if the landowner still refuses. Commissioner Brittain discussed the need of Economic Development (BEDCO) to have something in writing from the commissioners regarding the County’s agreement to lay asphalt for a BEDCO project in which the City will provide the asphalt to lay. Minutes from earlier discussions do not reflect any action so Bill Brittain made a motion to enter into an agreement with Bourbon County Economic Development (BEDCO) to lay City of Fort Scott asphalt for a parking lot. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Bill Brittain left the meeting at 9:33 am. Meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum.
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 past several meetings were read and approved. Clyde Killion gave a road report. He also asked to purchase sand for asphalt production at $9.10 per ton. Commissioners approved purchase of 500 tons at $9.10 per ton for a total price of $4,550. Mr. Killion also discussed the number of applications received for summer mowers. Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. Don Russell and Diane Clay met with commissioners to have the County sign the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Commissioners agreed to add the County to the plan in the Historic Downtown District of Fort Scott after the Fire of March 11, 2005. The area consists of: 3rd Street to the railroad tracks north of the Fort and from Judson to the US 69 Hwy bypass. Susan Quick spoke with commissioners about the County’s postage machine. Representatives with Pitney Bowes have informed her that our current machine is outdated and needs replaced. It was purchased in 1985 for $10,000. The new machines are $6,000. We would still have to rent the actual postage component, as federal law prohibits the ownership of that meter. We can rent a machine for approximately $300 per month, which would include maintenance and would allow for upgrades with new technology. Commissioners would like to see some more figures about costs before committing. Sharon Elder spoke with commissioners about her air conditioning unit. It runs continuously and is very loud. Commissioners said that Brock Electric was not finished with her and would be back to try to correct those problems. Ms. Quick and Ms. Elder asked about the progress on the wage survey. Bill Brittain said that he hadn’t spoken to Richard Nienstedt recently but would make a point to get an update. The officials also asked about putting raises in for the 2006 budget. Commissioners reiterated that they don’t want departments to put figures in for personal services because in the past, different amounts were presented which didn’t accurately represent the costs of wages and this way they know where they will stand on budgets in order to figure any wage increases. Sharon Elder asked if she could put about $1,500 in her 2006 budget for part-time help. She said it’s needed when she and Diana Durbin are both gone for classes so one person is not left to man the office alone. Commissioners agreed to let her put that request in her budget. Susan Quick also asked that the discrepancy between the Appraiser’s Office wages and the rest of the clerical staff be corrected this year. Several years ago, an employee quit in the Appraiser’s Office and part of her salary was split amongst the remaining employees. The position was filled shortly after with no change in wages. That has put the Appraiser’s Office staff approximately $65/month ahead of all other offices’ staff per employee. Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about a communications meeting this afternoon in Chanute. She is going and hoped a commissioner would also attend. No one can go from the Commission. She also discussed Flood Plains Management, which is now under the control of the Department of Homeland Security. This requires a certification. Doylene Kennedy has indicated that she is not interested in the certification. Laura says that she can do it and that it may open up the possibility for funding. Ms. Hyer also spoke about a Governor’s task force for cities of under 2,000 population and a SAFR Fire Fighter’s grant. It is a five year matching grant which would provide an additional fire fighter in the rural area. Currently, Delwin Mumbower and Mike Hueston are the only EMT certified rural firemen and a third would be beneficial to assist in the western part of the county until an ambulance can arrive. Commissioners asked that Ms. Hyer speak with Fire District 3’s board about it. Lee Davis asked to purchase 180 Gallons of general Glyphosate and 80 Gallons of Pasturegard. His phone quotes were:
Commissioners approved purchase from Vegetation Management for $5,720.00. Cheryl Bennett, Ronnie Brown, Bill Schoenberger, Bob Larkin, Wayne Thorpe and Bob Miller presented the 2006 Soil Conservation budget request. They are asking for $36,000. They received $35,000 in 2005. They also reviewed several programs the district takes part in. David Neville spoke with commissioners about the air conditioning unit in the Register of Deeds Office. Matt Brock is still working on why only one compressor seems to be working and why it is so loud. David also spoke with commissioners about the roof contract which Bob Farmer wrote up. He was asked to review it and has come to relay some of his concerns. Milton L. Lowmaster, Cook, Flatt & Strobel, met with commissioners to discuss engineering. Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:50 am to meet with an engineer about Indian Road. Judy Orton presented commissioners with a breakdown of the flower expense/donations. She mentioned that she and the janitors have received several compliments on them. Ms. Orton also spoke with commissioners about her contract renewal. Statute dictates that a contract must be signed on or before July 1st and she is not going to be here on the 1st. Therefore, commissioners must act on the contract by Monday, June 27th. Joanne Long will write up the contract to be signed Monday and clarified that a stipulation should be included for consideration after a wage study is completed. Maury Thompson and Bill Fiscus presented the 2006 Tri-Valley budget request. They are asking for the same funds as 2005--$54,000. They also asked commissioners to re-appoint Steve Sewell to the Tri-Valley board. Terry Graham made the motion to appoint Steve Sewell to the Tri-Valley board for a three-year term. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about the possibility of changing the times commissioners meet. In recent weeks it has been difficult to complete the items on the agenda with commissioners being gone. If we meet less frequently, and had a more structured agenda, perhaps more business can be accomplished. Commissioners suggested going all day, but Ms. Long indicated that would take away from time to do her other work in the office, as she would have to take minutes. No action. Commissioners spent the rest of the morning discussing wages of county employees. No action. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Bill Brittain present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected. Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 14-05. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. Many Vermillion spoke with commissioners about the condition of Jayhawk Road. Commissioners will have Clyde Killion view the road and report to them. John Greene, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) presented the 2006 budget request with no increase over 2005. Mr. Greene reviewed some of SEKAAA’s programs in Bourbon County. Bill Danley asked commissioners if anything had been done about putting a guard rail at Mapleton Cemetery. Commissioners informed Mr. Danley that Terry Graham was working on that and they would have Mr. Graham contact Mr. Danley with an update. Harold Coleman discussed with commissioners speeding problems in Bourbon County. His office has been writing many tickets and he would like to coordinate with the Kansas Highway Patrol to assist the County on some of the more troublesome roads. Sharon Elder asked the commissioners for an update on her air conditioner problem. Commissioners stated they spoke with David Neville who says that the electrician will be working on the situation this week and if he can’t solve the problem, the manufacturer will be called down to work on it. Commissioners discussed meeting times/dates again. No action. Bills and payroll for the period were approved. After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 am.
ATTEST: (ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk |
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