September 2, 2005    Friday  9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Bill Brittain present.  Cecelia Kramer was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Gene Parker spoke with commissioners about spraying Dusty Road & 245^th Street for noxious weeds.  Commissioners will relay the request to Lee Davis.  Mr. Parker also asked the commissioners about mowing Eagle Road. 

Phil Hanson spoke with commissioners about oil on his vehicle, a lack of law enforcement presence and debris in the road after the county mows the right of way. 

Melody Berry, 6^th Judicial District, explained Meth Education Awareness to commissioners.  Ms. Berry also discussed grant funds the District has received to help educate Bourbon Countians at a public meeting on September 29^th. 

Harold Coleman presented a change to payroll for an employee of the correctional center for a change from 8-hr day to 7-hr day.  Gary Houston signed the form which was then sent to the County Clerk for processing. 

David Neville presented a revised contract with Cintas for rug cleaning.  It includes a termination clause after 30 days.  Commissioners approved Mr. Neville to sign the contract. 

Richard Johnson, Martin Tractor, asked commissioners the status of the County purchasing new equipment.  Commissioners said they want to wait until December to see how the budget is doing. 

Marty Pearson spoke with commissioners about a problem with missing gravel on Osage Road.  Commissioners will have the sheriff’s office investigate. 

Lee Davis updated commissioners on weed problems.  Commissioners informed Mr. Davis of Gene Parker’s request from this morning. 

Doylene Kennedy presented commissioners with information on Dwayne Ledford, the Elm Creek Caretaker’s, hours.  Ms. Kennedy also informed commissioners that the State will be sending Flood Plains maps soon. 

C.H. Felt asked commissioners to clean out an old ditch near 2388 Juniper Road.  This has been an old dump area.  Commissioners will relay the information to Clyde Killion. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 am. 

                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS                                    

 

                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST: 

September 5, 2005    Monday         Holiday, No meeting 

September 9, 2005    Friday            9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Cecelia Kramer was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Doylene Kennedy informed commissioners that there have been requests to water Deer Road more frequently to keep the dust down.  She also had the Landfill quarterly sales tax report signed. 

Gene Parker asked for missing speed limit signs in Garland to be replaced.  He also discussed the need for weed spraying at 245^th & Grand Road.  Bill Brittain called Lee Davis about it and was informed that the area had been sprayed. 

David Neville informed commissioners that the work on the air conditioner in the Register of Deeds office is complete.  Commissioners Brittain and Graham visited the office.  They determined that the noise level is still too great for a working area.  They would like a second opinion from another company about what can be done to stifle the sound. 

Mr. Neville also spoke to commissioners about a request by some employees for a vinyl picnic table for employees to eat lunch in an effort to save gas.  As it is not wanted to put the table on the grass, the only option would be placing it on the parking lot on the west side.  It was brought up that it would be too hot in the summer in that location with no shade and too cold in the winter.  Perhaps the commission room can be used for those who bring their lunch on days when it is not in use.  No action. 

Laura Hyer was asked by commissioners if she is trained in blood-borne pathogens.  She is not, but will look into it.  Mrs. Hyer informed commissioners that Sheriff Coleman has stated that his office may be used in emergency situations.  The main emergency office is being set up in the basement.  Mrs. Hyer also discussed radio repeaters and the fact that the County has a satellite phone with which we buy minutes. 

A public hearing was opened at 10:00 am for discussion of an ADA ramp grant application for the courthouse.  Those present for the hearing were Bill Brittain, Terry Graham, Cecelia Kramer, Leah Riley, Lynn Smith, Fern Wratchford, Doylene Kennedy, architect Rick Zingre’ and Susan Galemore of SEK Regional Planning Commission.  The employees in attendance had questions about the location and size of the ramp.  Doylene Kennedy’s concern was that the turn was too narrow for power scooters.  Her late husband used a scooter and she has encountered this problem at other locations.  Fern Wratchford asked about handicapped parking in front of the courthouse.  Where would people get out of their vehicle and onto the sidewalk?  Or would they still park on the north end near the correctional center side?  Leah Riley was concerned with the ramp going along the side of the building at the Appraiser’s Office and the extra traffic and noise that would put at their window as a distraction.  Cecelia Kramer asked why we are not considering the October 2004 quotes we received on turning the steps into a ramp.  Bill Brittain said those were not quotes for ramps, but for repairs. 

Rick Zingre’, the architect who designed the ramp for the grant application, said that a scooter will make the turn just fine as it will be 5 feet wide.  Mr. Zingre’ was asked why the ramp can’t go down the porch steps.  He said that it’s not physically possible under the constraints of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  He did agree to modify his drawing to place the ramp on the north side of the sidewalk instead of the south so that the walking traffic won’t cross the handicap traffic.  Terry Graham explained that we will probably have to go to one entrance at the courthouse for safety and this will help that along. 

The public hearing was closed at 10:30 am after everyone had a chance to speak.  Ms. Galemore stated that only one set of qualifications for the project was received.  The grant application must be submitted by September 30^th.  She also mentioned that the hurricane could affect the chances of getting the grant as federal funds may be diverted for recovery efforts but we will proceed with the paperwork.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 19-05, which certifies the legal authority to apply for the grant.  Bill Brittain seconded and both voted in favor. 

Bill Brittain made the motion to sign a contract certification form for applicants of a CDBG grant.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

Bill Brittain made a motion to enter into a contract for consulting services with SEK Regional Planning Commission for a CDBG grant.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

Bill Brittain made a motion to apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for the ramp.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 20-05, for annual upkeep of the ramp after completion.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

Sharon Elder spoke with commissioners about the noise in her office due to the air conditioner.  It is so loud it is difficult to have conversations on the phone.  Commissioners informed Mrs. Elder that we will be requesting a second opinion on the unit to see if there is a way to quiet it down. 

Lee Davis reported that he sprayed the area of 245^th Street and Grand Road with Round Up. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 am. 

                                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                         (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

September 12, 2005    Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report. 

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved. 

David Neville asked what commissioners heard about the air conditioner in the Register of Deeds Office.  They are waiting on a second opinion from Van Patten Heating & Air. 

Sharon Elder shared information on the health insurance plan in Cherokee County.  She also asked for the progress report on the air conditioner in her office.  Commissioners gave her the same information. 

Terry Graham informed his fellow commissioners that he would not be present for the September 30^th and October 3^rd meetings. 

Doug Flatt of Cook, Flatt & Strobel, spoke with commissioners about using his company for any upcoming engineering projects. 

Verdon Dauben complimented the commissioners on Maple Road. 

Commissioners spent much of the morning discussing the County’s sanitation program. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:35 am. 

                                                                               THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

       

                                                                               (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                               (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

September 16, 2005            Friday  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. 

Roger Lee met with commissioners at their request to discuss sanitation.  They explained that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) feels the County needs someone on sanitation duties full time.  They feel that Roger has done a good job, but that the position now needs someone who can dedicate more time than he can give since his main job is with the Appraisers office.  The commissioners are considering hiring someone to do the sanitation job solely, as a part-time employee, and wanted Roger to know.  They would also like Roger to keep doing what he has been doing and to help train the new person when it’s time.  They asked Roger how many inspections he usually does per month.  He said he does anywhere from 8 to 16 depending on the weather and that about half of them are for new construction. 

Milt Lowmaster presented the commissioners with information to resurface 3 ½ miles of Indian Road.  His estimate was $800,000 and doesn’t include contractor’s fees, replacement of a bridge or ditch and culvert work.  Mr. Lowmaster said that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has revolving loan funds which are low interest loans.  Commissioners don’t feel that expending that amount of money is feasible.  Mr. Lowmaster told the commissioners that rural secondary roads carry a lot of traffic.  Another option would be to rip up the asphalt and take the road back to gravel.  Commissioners do not favor that option.  The commissioners feel something must be done this fall so they said they would think about it. 

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about prisoner meals.  He knows that the commissioners are considering re-bidding the contract to prepare the meals outside of the jail.  He explained that other jails prepare meals in-house for a fraction of the cost.  That is not possible with the current kitchen as ventilation is not adequate and it is too small for state standards. 

Robin Hixson, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Marty Pearson informed the commissioners that both welders are down at this time.  Commissioners suggested renting one in the meantime. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Bill Brittain asked Clyde if there is a way to mow back trees on county roads.  Mr. Killion explained that we have roenoke machines which can do that.  Another topic of discussion with Clyde included ways to fix chug holes on Deer Road.  As that is the tow road for Phoenix Coal Company, they would pay for any repairs needed.  Magnesium Chloride helps keep dust down. 

Joanne Long read an email indicating the Internal Revenue Service has raised the mileage reimbursement to .485 cents per mile to the end of the year.  Commissioners said that gas prices have begun to drop and they would like to wait a while to see if they stabilize before they decide on any mileage changes for the county. 

Joanne Long relayed information that the architect has raised a line item in his budget and SEKRPC needs new documents signed.  The total budget has increased over $12,600.  Commissioners asked the clerk to contact Mr. Zingre’ to find out why the price went up.  Ms. Long also stated that she is still not happy with the design the commissioners plan to send with the application.  She said that the stairs were the problem in the first place and that they should not be included in any ramp design.  She stated the ADA guidelines of 1:12 ramp slope for 30”, which would be a 30’ ramp.  The bottom yellow tape line to the top yellow tape line on the current steps is 30’ 2”.  This way you can have a sloping ramp with a flat surface at the bottom and top.  Bill Brittain said that couldn’t be done, according to the architect.  Ms. Long also stated that the minimum width of a ramp is 36” but there is no maximum width.  If you can have a 4’ wide ramp at the current design length, why can’t you have a 12’ wide ramp for the same length with hand rails on either side?  This would eliminate the steps altogether.  Mr. Brittain again said that couldn’t be done, according to the architect.  Ms. Long went on to suggest that the County solicit the advice of someone from the ADA community to review our plan to see if it makes sense or if there are any suggested changes.  She said that Maury Thompson was a great help to her last year on the ADA accessibility of her polling places.  Commissioners asked Ms. Long to contact Mr. Thompson. 

Harold Coleman met with commissioners and requested an executive session.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Harold Coleman and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:50 am and ended at 11:00 am with no action. 

Joanne Long asked the sheriff about autopsy fees for a person who died at Mercy Hospital.  Generally, the county pays for autopsies of unattended deaths and suspicious deaths, but since this person died under the care of the hospital, should the county pay for it?  Harold will look into it. 

Commissioners signed a permit for KDOT for a bridge project. 

Jeremy Smith spoke with commissioners about a controlled burn that got out of hand about three years ago which resulted in his house being burned.  It was conducted by the Garland Fire Department.  Commissioners advised Mr. Smith that he should contact the fire department to get a copy of the incident report and the fire department’s insurance information to file a claim.  The commissioners advised Mr. Smith to contact Lester and Ruth Waring. 

Karen Paddock spoke with commissioners about the progress in the basement.  She has moved several hundred boxes so far and is working on the rest.  There are several old public works maps in one of the corners that she wants moved out too.  Gary Houston viewed the maps with Mrs. Paddock. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon. 

                                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                         (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                         (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

September 19, 2005    Monday      9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:20 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Karen Paddock informed the commissioners of the progress on moving the files from the basement.  She got a lot of help this weekend from work-release prisoners.  She came up to ask for some help disassembling the shelves.  The wood is good and can be re-used but the shelves need to be taken apart.  David Neville is helping out but he can’t do it all and his regular duties.  Commissioners placed a call to the County Barn to see if anyone can help.  Then there will need to be a place to store the wood and she also has 10 file cabinets she won’t need anymore.  She suggested selling them, but they would need to be stored until a sale.  She later said she would ask the county attorney’s office if they want them.  They do.  Mrs. Paddock also stated that she no longer has any objection to the public works maps being in the room downstairs.  Bill Brittain suggested that if the storage man still intends to use the old middle school, perhaps we can store stuff there in the mean time.  Karen learned after contacting him that he doesn’t intend to follow through with the purchase of the old middle school. 

Gary Houston arrived at 9:20 am. 

Laura Hyer spoke briefly about the plans for dispatch.  Mrs. Hyer also asked Bill Brittain for verification of some information on the console equipment from Richard Nienstedt.  She also informed commissioners that the Bourbon County Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) plan has been completed and will be tested as to whether it follows the guidelines of National Incident Management System (NIMS).  There will be a class for those involved, such as the sheriff, LEPC director and chairman of the county commission, in October.   

Douglas Thompson asked commissioners to mow some large trees growing in the county’s right-of-way off Osage Road. 

Commissioners learned that the additional costs in the ADA grant application were a contingency for any increases in material costs. 

Karen Paddock returned to see if commissioners had any luck locating someone to help disassemble the shelves.  They had not as everyone at the County Barn was out working on the asphalt crew. 

Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:25 am as he was ill. 

Harold Coleman reported that Lee Norris has turned in her resignation.  Elbert Parker will be filling the vacancy in her position.  Commissioners and the sheriff filled out a Change to Payroll form with that information to give to the Clerk’s Office. 

Terri Johnson came up to talk to the commissioners about the ADA grant documentation.  She reviewed it all and feels it meets the requirements for budget law so the commissioners can sign them.  She also made sure that the new documentation has the new figures in them.  Bill Brittain made the motion to give Gary Houston the authority to sign the amended documentation and the agreement with Zingre’ and Associates.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor. 

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

                                                                 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                 OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                 (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                 (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                 (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

September 23, 2005            Friday  9:08 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Terry Graham arrived at 9:13 am after viewing a bridge site.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also updated commissioners on progress to the KCAMP safety suggestions. 

Joanne Long updated commissioners on the Elm Creek Shelter house project.  The adjuster from KCAMP, our insurance company, has reviewed the two estimates for similarities and has chosen Six Star Contractors, Inc. at $29,350.00, over Patrick J. Wood Construction & Design at $39,900.00.   

Ms. Long also reported on her meeting with Rick Zingre’ and Maury Thompson about the ramp design.  Though it is possible to make the entirety of the walk into a ramp, the slope is not suggested for a sidewalk, as it is.  Sidewalks can only be 1:20 where ramps are 1:12.  That would simulate a ramp in a stadium and is not suggested for this.  The idea of linking all the steps into one place helps the walker as it sends a message to the brain about a set of stairs that can be fooled when there is only one step at a time.  This will help eliminate future falls. 

Robin Hixson, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Laura Hyer updated commissioners on communications.  She also asked if the E911 advisory committee had made its report.  Not yet.  Mrs. Hyer also asked that the LEPC frequency be added to the new console that was approved for purchase by the city.   

The LEPC committee has made some suggestions about upcoming projects.  Dispatch should be located in a hardened facility.  E911 funds should be overseen by a committee of all response groups and there should be an annual audit of expenditures.  A county commissioner should be present at LEPC meetings.  The time has been changed to a working lunch on a Wednesday at Mercy Hospital. 

Delwin Mumbower asked that all guidelines are followed to ensure continuation of funds.  He also said that all responder groups are interested to know what the E911 committee recommends.  Gary Houston is a member of that committee.  Mr. Mumbower said that all responders need to be kept informed on all changes or enhancements to the system.  Good communication is key. 

Jimmy Nichols, SEKRCC, met with commissioners to discuss ways to lower the cost of inmate meals.  He has been asked by Sheriff Coleman to look into what other counties are doing for inmate meals and to ask locally for bids for the meals.  He said that Allen County pays about .90-$1.07 per inmate per meal, food costs, in their own kitchen, where Bourbon County pays $3.10 per inmate per meal, catered by Mercy.  The Bourbon County kitchen is too small and has ventilation problems.  If we were to expand the kitchen it would have to take over one of the inmate cells and would be very costly.  However, if it would save us tens of thousands of dollars in meal costs, we would make that money back after some time.  Commissioners would like the meals to be re-bid, at minimum calorie standards, as per the Department of Corrections (2,200 for females and 2,900 for males, daily), and to ask the area nursing homes and Mercy Hospital.  He was also asked to speak with Ann Ludlum of the Extension Office for nutrition information. 

Commissioners also spoke briefly with Mr. Nichols about inmate medical costs.  The Kansas Association of Counties is working on getting legislation to help Counties with the rising costs of inmate medical expenses.  Perhaps the County could contract with a local physician to see the prisoners for their medical needs.  Dental costs are also on the rise, even though we only do extractions, because the local dentist retired who used to do them for $40 per tooth and now it costs over $100 per tooth.  Some options are the free dental day at Pittsburg State University or going to a dentist in Missouri who is cheaper.  No action at this time. 

Frank Shelton met with commissioners to discuss the idea of a County Sanitarian.  Commissioners would like him to be that person.  Currently Roger Lee does septic tank inspections, but the job has gotten a lot more involved.  The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County would like to split costs of a sanitarian to handle the inventory of Lake Fort Scott.  Mr. Shelton said that he has a lap top computer and a Global Positioning System (GPS).  Possible solutions for Lake Fort Scott is the installation of a sewer line for the houses or contracting with a company to empty all septic tanks each month and assess a charge on the property’s taxes as a special assessment.  Terry Graham made a motion to hire Frank Shelton as County Sanitarian, part-time, for $12.50 per hour.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.  Roger Lee will continue doing inspections for the time being.  Mr. Shelton said he would get started right away collecting data for the survey.  He will record his time worked on a time sheet and get reimbursed for mileage. 

Joanne Long informed commissioners that they would have to amend the salary resolution to allow for the pay they just assigned to Mr. Shelton.  Terry Graham made a motion to amend the salary resolution to allow for the position of County Sanitarian at a wage of up to $12.50 per hour, to be determined by the Commission.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor. 

Joanne Long stated that KWORCC needs the County to elect a delegate and alternate for their annual meeting to be held during the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference.  Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Terry Graham as the voting delegate and Bill Brittain as the alternate for the KWORCC meeting.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor. 

Susan Quick reported that the County raised $15,678 at the tax sale this Tuesday.  That brings the total of all three sales to $69,135.50.  We will have about $10,000 in expenses.  We currently have no obligations for future sales and all parties believe we should start sending out for bids.  All agreed that we should set a date to work toward and not to pay any of the expenses until the sale.  The next sale will be for tax years ’99, ’00, ’01 and possibly ’02. 

Sharon Elder asked commissioners for progress on her air conditioner.  The commissioners are waiting to hear from VanPatten Heating and Air.  Mrs. Elder doesn’t think that insulating it further in her office will work as she doesn’t have that much room left.  She would like to see it removed from her office altogether and maybe placed in the center of the lobby with walls around it. 

Joanne Long reported that she received two responses for the wage survey.  One is vague on its contents and the other is very explicit.  There is approximately $3,000 difference in the price.  Commissioners would like more information from the vague response for better information before deciding. 

Ms. Long reported that Charles Parsons brought up the bond information for the roof contract.  He would like to start October 1, 2005.  Commissioners would like Terri Johnson to review his documentation before they sign the contract.  If she is uncomfortable, Robert Farmer could do it, Bill Brittain said. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 am. 

                                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                         (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                         (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:      

September 26, 2005            Monday         9:00 am 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Cecelia Kramer was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners asked Mr. Killion to inform the road crews that they are not to talk about any businesses on the County radios. 

Frank Shelton, newly hired County Sanitarian, discussed his procedure for mailing letters to residents at Lake Fort Scott.  The commissioners gave Mr. Shelton approval to send a letter to David Gurss at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding the potential to improve the water quality at Lake Fort Scott. 

Joanne Long asked commissioners about the pre-payment of $25,000 to Contractor’s Alliance for the courthouse roof.  There is a clause in the contract that discusses holding back percentages of payments.  Commissioners authorized the full payment of $25,000 provided the County Attorney approves of the contract documents. 

Joe White checked on progress to Poplar Road.  Clyde will check on it. 

Joanne Long asked how many commissioners would be attending the 17-County meeting on October 20^th in Columbus.  Only Bill Brittain indicated that he would try to make it. 

Ms. Long also asked what, if anything, the County is doing to help hurricane victims.  This is from a request by the Kansas Association of Counties to find out what Kansas Counties were doing.  Commissioners indicated that several groups were collecting clothing, food and money, there had been food fundraisers and some displaced people are being housed in the County. 

Lee Davis informed commissioners that he will be attending a national conference in Manhattan, Kansas, until Thursday. 

Jim Henning asked commissioners about Indian Road.  The county is working on it. 

Laura Hyer met with commissioners.  The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has contacted her and asked if she would like to go to Mississippi for 14 days to help with hurricane relief.  All expenses would be reimbursed.  Commissioners approved the request and signed an intergovernmental agreement.  She will take the satellite phone with her.  Delwin Mumbower will fill in as Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator in her absence.  There are no dates for the deployment at this time. 

Mrs. Hyer also spoke with commissioners about having someone help her on a part-time basis with Homeland Security issues.  She suggested Frank Shelton.  No action, however commissioners asked Mrs. Hyer to look into it. 

Laura Hyer also reminded commissioners of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) meeting in Dodge City on October 11^th.  It is a high level meeting and she would like Bourbon County to be well represented.  With the price of gasoline and the cost of renting hotel rooms, Bill Brittain suggested hiring a plane to take whoever goes.  No action. 

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Steele thanked commissioners for the dust control on 155^th Street. 

Terry Graham spoke with the other commissioners about installing solar lights for the stretch of Maple Road between Uniontown High School and West Bourbon Elementary School to assist children who travel between the two.  No action. 

Kenny Edgecomb, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, met with the county commissioners to look at land north of Fort Scott, which is owned by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).  The commissioners want to know if brush and debris along the area can be removed to allow for flood waters to flow unobstructed.  Terry Graham left the meeting with Mr. Edgecomb to view the area. 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 am. 

                                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS 

 

                                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                                  (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

September 30, 2005    Friday        9:00 am 

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

Bills and payroll for the period were approved. 

Max Murray, Waste Management Corporation, met with commissioners to offer a month trial use of the landfill in Crawford County at the quoted rates so the commissioners can have actual figures to compare with Allen County.  The county’s main concern was the mud that forms from the dirt surface in heavy rains.  Mr. Murray said that he has had a few trucks get stuck in the mud but they have always gotten them out without damage to the vehicle.  Commissioners will discuss the offer with Terry Graham when he is back from vacation. 

Frank Shelton reported that he has made contact with David Gurss at the state and will keep him informed of the Lake project. 

Bill Brittain stated that a county commissioner and Frank Shelton are to meet with Richard Nienstedt on Monday at 11:00 am to discuss the Lake Fort Scott progress. 

Joanne Long informed commissioners that they need to appoint a voting delegate and two alternates for the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) conference this November.  Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Terry Graham as voting delegate, Bill Brittain as 1^st alternate and Gary Houston as 2^nd delegate for the KAC conference.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

Bill Brittain said that he spoke with officials with Phoenix Coal Company and learned that Deer Road would be closed in the near future and that they need the County to authorize access from another county road, preferably to the north of Deer Road.  Commissioners will view the area later this morning. 

Robin Hixson, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present. 

Richard Perry came to ask commissioners for help with the approach to a bridge on a dirt road at what would be near 160^th & Jayhawk. 

Laura Hyer confirmed the FAD meeting in Dodge City from 10-4 on October 11^th.  A commissioner, Harold Coleman and Laura plan to attend.  Bill Brittain reported that it would be cost-prohibitive to fly. 

Laura Hyer also reported that the transmission on her truck has blown.  She has estimates from The Other Place.  Commissioners gave her a few more suggestions for shops to get estimates before making a decision.  Mrs. Hyer indicated that she wasn’t able to contact Findley’s because of a family situation. 

Mrs. Hyer also said that the Fort Scott Fire Department will be sending two firefighters with Laura to Biloxi, Mississippi.  Gary Houston signed the Intergovernmental agreement for one of the firefighters, Amanda Proffitt.  The second firefighter has yet to be named. 

Jimmy Nichols updated commissioners on the search for cheaper medications and meals for the prisoners.  He contacted Diamond Pharmaceuticals, per the commissioners’ request, and the correctional center is in the process of getting an agreement with them.  The county can save between 30-50% on prescription drugs and get a discount for unused drugs that are returned. 

As for prisoner meals, Mr. Nichols has contacted all the area nursing homes, Presbyterian Village and Mercy Hospital to get quotes on meal preparation and delivery.  He indicated that Fort Scott Manor is not interested.  He is also working with area dietary specialists on setting menus with minimum calorie specifications.  He will keep the commissioners updated. 

Mr. Nichols is also working with the staff to find a local doctor to provide medical care to inmates on site. 

Commissioners received the suggestions from VanPatten Air Conditioner about the air conditioner in the Register of Deeds office.  He recommends boxing the unit in.  DC Refrigeration has presented a quote for moving the unit into an area closet.  No action at this time. 

Harold Coleman presented commissioners with a report of the number of cases he has had for the last several years and in 2005 to date.  He indicated that the types of cases have gotten more involved and require more time from his deputies.  He said that he would like to see about hiring a part-time detective to follow up on cases.  No action. 

Laura Hyer reported that the basement room is empty and will be painted.  This will be the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  There was discussion of the color to paint the room.  The janitor intends to paint it the color of the rest of the basement—yellow walls and a grey floor.  The commissioners aren’t sure about that color scheme, especially for a room that we could hypothetically be stuck in for three days.  Commissioners will view the room later this morning. 

Terri Johnson met with commissioners to discuss the roof contract.  She asked for an executive session.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, for attorney-client privilege.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were Bill Brittain, Gary Houston, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 11:11 am and ended at 11:21 am.  Terri Johnson gave commissioners a list of things needed before she would be comfortable with the commissioners signing the contract. 

Commissioners left the meeting to view Indian Road, Deer Road, the sheriff’s office and the basement.  

Meeting adjourned at 11:25 am. 

                                                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                      OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                                      (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman       

                                                                                      (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 

ATTEST: