April 2006 Minutes

These are the minutes for April 2006, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

April 03, 2006	April 07, 2006
April 10, 2006	April 14, 2006
April 17, 2006	April 21, 2006
April 24, 2006	April 28, 2006

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April 3, 2006 Monday 9:00 am

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

Curtis Shankel spoke with commissioners about the County cutting trees back on Indian Road and 185^th Street. Commissioners said that we do this periodically for driver safety and visibility. Mr. Shenkel wants people to be sensitive to the lake area as it has a nice canopy.

Duane Ledford met with commissioners at their request to discuss caretaker duties. He said that during the summer he generally works 40 hours caretaking. He said he generally works from 3:00 pm to dark Tuesday through Friday and several hours on Saturday and Sunday. He said that Cedar Creek has not been much work; just transporting equipment back and forth is difficult. Commissioners asked Mr. Ledford if he will be able to or has the desire to do the caretaking at both Elm Creek and Cedar Creek now that both are open for fishing and camping. He said he can get to Cedar Creek twice a week if we have a way to wash out restrooms. Commissioners considered attaching a power washer to the back of the truck. However, he has to deliver fish feed which would fill the back of the truck. Commissioners also discussed getting a small trailer to transport mowers and/or power washers. The commissioners asked Clyde Killion to work up a price for those options. They also asked Mr. Ledford for a written work schedule of his duties.

Mark Ward spoke with commissioners about a large pothole on the west side of Lake Road past beach area at the second hill. The pavement has been eaten away and it drops off sharply. Clyde will look at it today.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. He will assist Duane in writing up lake caretaker job duties.

Mitzi Shead, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Joe Johnson spoke to commissioners about Limestone Road east of Fort Scott.

Commissioners were asked if they would be continuing the Burn Ban. After speaking with Delwin Mumbower and receiving several calls asking for it to be lifted, the commissioners did not renew it. They do ask that anyone that burns use common sense, keep the fire chief aware of your intention to burn and to burn responsibly.

Don Russell presented a grant application for Ellis Park. Joanne Long signed it.

Rebecca Crowder, Austin Peters Group, presented commissioners with the final report on the wage study. As the commissioners requested, she has compiled information which would place Bourbon County wages in the 50^th percentile of those entities surveyed. It would require bringing 68 employees up to the minimum of a scale designed to the 50^th percentile. Commissioners thanked her. The commissioners want to speak with employees and department heads about ways to save in our existing budgets in order to implement results. Commissioners asked the clerk to share this information with department heads.

Sharon Elder met again with commissioners to discuss user fees for the web module. She hasn’t been able to find any helpful information from other counties. She is waiting to hear from Infinitec on whether we can track individual hits to the module.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
(ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner
ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 7, 2006 Friday 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 after a meeting with a business. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. Commissioners discussed possible rigs for Elm Creek Lake for a water tank and trailer. He also mentioned that he looked at the road Mark Ward mentioned at the lake. The culvert needs cleaned out and the road repaired.

Mr. Killion also presented a list of roads for the asphalt/chip and seal season that he feels need the most attention. Commissioners will review the list and possibly make changes.

The mowing season is coming up quickly. Commissioners authorized publication for 6 part-time personnel.

Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about the storms last night. No tornadoes developed in Bourbon County.

Ms. Hyer also updated commissioners on applying for tornado sirens in rural areas of Bourbon County.

There was discussion of the policy to sound sirens in Fort Scott when storms are in western part of county. The current policy is that when the National Weather Service sounds a tornado warning for anywhere in Bourbon County, the entire county sounds alarms. She said we may want to speak with the City and decide whether to change the policy. Commissioners are concerned that sounding the alarm so frequently without storms in town will cause people to not heed warnings when they need to.

Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about CFAP reports. The grant now allows us to start charging administrative fees. Commissioners authorized charging an administration fee for the time it takes her to complete the work.

Mrs. Kennedy also presented Sales tax quarterly reports which were signed by Gary Houston.

Doylene asked commissioners for an executive session to discuss communications. Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session for a period of five minutes under the security exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners, Clyde Killion, Doylene Kennedy and Joanne Long. The session began at 9:47 am and ended at 9:52 am with no action.

Harold Coleman informed commissioners that Mercy Health Center donated an old ambulance to the Sheriff. It will be used as a mobile command center for the County.

Charlie Cress met with commissioners. He cleaned out old furniture from a creek and took it to the landfill. The landfill was going to charge him to dispose of it. He said that he informed the County of the dump site and this was not cleaned up by the County. He feels he should not be charged for picking up litter. He asked if dumpsters could be placed strategically throughout the County. Mr. Killion added that Mr. Cress probably went on private property to retrieve the furniture. The County does not go onto private property but we did pick up whatever was in the ditch.

Susan Quick informed commissioners that the LEPP Grant fund is the red approximately $3,000. We pay wages out of it every month. Grant moneys and inspection permit fees go into the fund. The permit fees are only $10 and need to be raised. No action.

Gene Parker met with commissioners about purchasing a restraint chair for inmates when they are combative or suicidal. We’ve borrowed one from Linn County but have to return it. He showed commissioners pictures and prices for two different chairs. The one identical to the Linn County chair is $1,775 and is used in many correctional facilities. The other chair is $1,300 and appears less stable and effective. Both chairs are on wheels for easy transport away from other prisoners. Having a chair like this will also cut down on medical bills from inmates banging their head into walls. He recommends we get the one like Linn County has even though it is more expensive because it has better restraints. Commissioners approved the request.

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about an incident that happened this week. The janitor’s mower threw a rock through a sheriff vehicle window. Commissioners authorized the repair to be paid out of the courthouse general fund.

Commissioners received a request from Don Russell at the City to waive landfill fees for a “Clean Sweep” program. For four Saturdays, volunteers will pick up trash, not associated to a specific individual, around neighborhoods in Fort Scott. They will take the trash to dumpster at City Public Works where that dumpster will go to the landfill. Discussion but no action at this time.

Commissioners discussed Landfill fees. Gary Houston relayed information from talking with Allen County. They will probably not come down on their gate fees. That leaves the Arcadia landfill which has roads that need maintenance and the possibility of getting stuck in the mud. Commissioners discussed the possibility of building a structure at our Transfer Station and installing a baler to limit trips. No action.

David Neville presented quotes for two air conditioners and the cooling tower. The cooling tower and one air conditioner are from the insurance claim on the roof and the other air conditioner was damaged from a belt break. They were:

40-Ton Cooling Tower	DC Refrigeration	Delta Pioneer	$ 7,710.00
	Gold Service	Marley	$ 9,875.00
	B&L Sheet Metal	Marley	$10,595.00
	Norris Heat & Air	Marley	$11,062.10
	SEK Heat & Air	Marley	$11,936.00
	Vinardi	Marley	$12,953.00
	Air Service	Marley	$14,838.00
	Cotter Heating & Air, Kapple Heating & Air, Van Patten Heating & Air, Stoughton’s, Williams, Pittsburg Refrigeration, Doc’s Heating & Air, Spencer’s Heating & Air, Pettibon Heating & Air and Fagan	No estimate

5-Ton Condensing Unit	B&L Sheet Metal	$1,681.00
	Cotter	$1,850.00
	Doc’s	$1,948.00
	DC Refrigeration	$1,968.00
	Pettibon	$2,100.00
	Air Service	$2,172.00
	Norris	$2,217.00
	Vinardi	$2,291.00
	Williams	$2,322.00
	Spencer’s	$2,337.50
	SEK Heat & Air	$2,375.00
	Gold Service	$2,470.00
	Kapple	$3,300.00
	Stoughton’s, Van Patten Heating & Air, Fagan	No estimate

6-Ton RTU	Replace Evaporating Coil Only	DC Refrigeration	$1,865.00
		B&L Sheet Metal	$2,235.00
		Norris	$2,375.55
		Pettibon	$2,400.00
		Gold Service	$2,415.00
		Vinardi	$2,471.00
		Kapple	$2,500.00
		Doc’s	$2,620.00
		Cotter	$2,882.91
		Air Service	$2,905.00
		Williams	$2,940.00
		Spencer’s	$3,050.00
		Stoughton’s, Van Patten, Fagan	No estimate
	Replace Entire Unit	DC Refrigeration	$3,780.00
		Cotter	$4,130.00
		B&L Sheet Metal	$4,385.00
		SEK Heat & Air	$4,578.00
		Norris	$4,637.44
		Spencer’s	$5,200.00
		Vinardi	$5,866.00
		Doc’s	$5,937.00
		Pettibon	$6,100.00
		Kapple	$6,500.00
		Air Service	$6,869.00
		Williams	$6,984.00
		Gold Service	$7,360.00
		Stoughton’s, Van Patten, Fagan	No estimate


Bill Brittain made a motion to purchase the Cooling Tower from D.C. Refrigeration for $7,710, the 5-ton unit replacement from B&L Sheet Metal for $1,681 and to replace the evaporator coil on the 6-ton unit from DC Refrigeration for $1,865. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.

Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about Credit card receipts. A few charges this month didn’t have corresponding receipts. We need them for auditing purposes and to prove what is being purchased. Commissioners asked the clerk to send letter around stating that from this day forward, if you don’t turn in the receipts, you will have to pay for the charge.

Joanne Long asked if we would be having a City/County luncheon in April. Bill Brittain will ask the City if April 24, 2006, is convenient for them.

Sharon Elder spoke again with commissioners about web module fees. Infinitec cannot track by users by transaction at this time. Commissioners received a letter from Othick Abstract Company about the fees. Commissioners want to know if they can charge a separate price for abstractors from everyone else since an abstract company will use it more frequently. This is a question for Terri Johnson. The commissioners agree there should be uniformity in the charges.

Mrs. Elder also presented the annual RVI agreement for $2,000, paid out of the Deeds Technology fund. Gary signed the agreement with the approval of the Board.

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:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 10, 2006 Monday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present. Joanne Long was also present. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

Susan Quick met with commissioners to discuss the roof spill clean-up. Part of the claim was for equipment in her office. The table and printers which were involved are okay to use now. She wants the commissioners to make a gentleman’s agreement with her that when the check printer does need to be replaced, not all of the cost will come out of the Treasurer’s fund. The commissioners agreed to the request.

Joanne Long informed commissioners of a meeting which has been scheduled for April 17, 2006, at 6:00 pm, at the Mapleton Community Building concerning wild hogs in the area. Those who plan to attend are Representative Lynne Oharah, members of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the USDA. Mike Wilson would like the commissioners to attend.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. Commissioners discussed locking the fuel tanks around the county and setting up specific times for them to be filled. This will prohibit any theft of fuel and verify that we’re receiving what we’re paying for. No action at this time.

Duane Ledford called to advise commissioners to contact the duck blind owners before we burn off Elm Creek Lake so that they can remove any structures on their spot.

Terri Johnson spoke with commissioners about the web module fees. Infinitec is trying to see if there can be two tiers on DMS like there is on the CAMA search. Most people are only interested in limited information about deeds, but abstract companies want everything. If we can separate the levels we can charge two different amounts. She feels that if we can’t separate the tiers, we shouldn’t charge two different amounts for the same information.

Rhonda Fernandez and Jennifer Elliott, Preferred Health Systems of Kansas, met with commissioners to give a quarterly report on the County’s health insurance plan. Based on 1^st quarter information, things are looking good so far. We have no claims over $10,000 to date. The ladies reminded the commissioners that if anyone needs anything, don’t hesitate to call. They are happy to work with employees on any problems.

Doylene Kennedy presented the CFAP quarterly report for Gary Houston to sign. Mr. Houston signed the report.

Bill VanKirk, 6^th Judicial District, Community Corrections, met with commissioners for a program update and to present a 3-year comprehensive plan for approval. Mr. VanKirk gave a brief summary of new programs that have been implemented and reviewed the 3-year plan. Gary Houston signed the plan with the approval of the Board.

Darrell Spencer, SEKRCC Director of Security, met with commissioners with further information on the prisoner pods. Commissioners would like to maybe try one at first, since they are for a minimum of a three year lease. Mr. Spencer will talk with the company to see if they can design one to our specifications for a price we can afford.

Ben Mitchell spoke briefly with commissioners about the Millcreek Watershed.

Gary Houston said that the County has agreed to assist with the “Clean Sweep” program to waive the dump charges for everything except what the County has to pay to dispose of trash. The City will notify us of who will be driving the truck on those days. We will weigh all loads when they come in and present a total bill of County charges to the City for reimbursement.

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:55 am.

Terry Graham made a motion to transfer $21,000 from the General Fund to the LEPP fund to cover wages. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

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:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 14, 2006 Friday 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.

Frank Shelton gave a sanitary update.

Clyde Killion gave a road report and presented quotes for culverts from Welborn Sales, Inc. and Judy’s Iron and Metal, Inc. as follows:

Welborn Sales, Inc.	25	15” Arched x 24’	$3,846.00
	13	15” Bands Dimple	$ 221.00
	6	36” Arched x 24’	$2,937.60
	3	36” Bands Dimple	$ 89.70
	FSC		$ 52.00
	Total:		$7,146.30
Judy’s Iron & Metal, Inc.	25	15” Arched x 24’	$4,901.00
	13	15” Dimple Bands	$ 176.80
	6	36” Arched x 24’	$2,789.28
	3	36” Dimple Bands	$ 109.50
	Total:		$7,976.58


Gary Houston made a motion to accept the quote from Welborn Sales, Inc. Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.

Clyde Killion requested doubling the order since the price was so low. Commissioners approved the request.

The Clerks office asked for clarification on some earlier minutes about camping at Cedar Creek Lake. Commissioners said there are no electrical hook ups but people can stay and camp if they are self-sufficient.

Kendell Mason asked commissioners what to pay for a part-time correctional officer. Commissioners want to get feed back from Darrell Spencer before making a decision.

Bills and payroll for the period were approved.

Lynn Smith met with commissioners to request to purchase block time for the computer and to purchase paper. She is asking for 40 hours of block time, which is technical support on the computer, at $4,000.00. The commissioners also approved the purchase of 40 cases of paper at $35.01 per case, at a total price of $1,400.40.

Bob Hartley and Ron Chaney of Phoenix Coal Company asked commissioners if they can raise the elevation of 260^th Street and Deer Road south, for the length of the mine. Commissioners approved the request.

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 9:50 am to attend a funeral.

Laura Hyer and Delwin Mumbower spoke with commissioners about repeaters for Homeland Security. No action.

Kate Sweetser met with commissioners about a project to name a stretch of US 69 Hwy in Bourbon County for Gordon Parks. She is working with Senator Jim Barone on it. Commissioners will discuss this on Monday when all commissioners will be present.

Lee Davis presented quotes for chemicals as follows:

Vegetation Management Supply, Inc.	PastureGard	400 Gal x 2 ½ @ $45.70	$18,280.00
	Tordon 22K	32 Gal x 1 @ $88.99	$ 2,847.68
	Total:		$21,127.68
Van Diest Supply Company	PastureGard	400 Gal x 2 ½ @ $43.77	$17,508.00
	Tordon 22K	32 Gal x 1 @ $83.79	$ 2,681.28
	Total:		$20,189.28
UAP/ Timberland	PastureGard	400 Gal x 2 ½ @ $42.44	$16,976.00
	Tordon 22K	32 Gal x 1 @ $84.49	$ 2,703.68
	Total:		$19,679.68


Gary Houston made a motion to accept the quote from UAP/Timberland for the total price of $19,679.68. Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.

David Neville informed commissioners of a deficiency with the fire alarm sprinkler. We need to make a replacement to be up to code. Commissioners want David to get quotes and use the cheapest.

Sharon Elder spoke with commissioners about web module fees again. No action.

Mike Hueston asked commissioners for a load of gravel on the street south of the Latter Day Church on 4^th Street in Mapleton. Mike will purchase it. Commissioners approved the request.

Mr. Hueston also asked commissioners for some sort of Fire Burn Rules when someone causes damage during a burn that gets out of control. No action.

Commissioners set the City/County lunch for Friday, April 21, 2006.

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:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 17, 2006 Monday 9:00 am

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

Clyde Killion gave a road report. He also mentioned a problem with telecommunications lines buried in county ditches. Last week we were cleaning out a ditch that wasn’t draining and hit a phone line that wasn’t buried as deep as they’re supposed to be. We received a bill for damages. The commissioners want a letter written to the company disputing the charge because the lines are buried on county rights of way and it was an accident. The commissioners want the company to know that if there is a problem, the phone company is welcome to move all of its lines off the county’s right of way to avoid any accidents in the future.

Commissioners received a phone call about someone dumping cleaned fish carcasses at Pavey’s Ford. Clyde will look into it.

Mitzi Shead, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Karen Paddock met with commissioners to say that the court reporter is quitting. State policy is that she can’t advertise for replacement until after the State gives permission to fill it. There is a murder trial set for June. Will the budget pay for the court reporter? The Contingency Fund has $225,000 to cover the cost of a murder trial but it won’t pay for a court reporter.

Joanne Long reminded the commissioners that there’s a meeting tonight at the Mapleton Community Building at 7:00 pm concerning wild hogs in the area.

Darrell Spencer met with commissioners. Commissioners asked for input on what part-time wages should be for a correctional officer. Mr. Spencer feels they should be comparable to full time wages or maybe a little less. Joanne Long reported that starting wage for a full time correctional officer is $8.86 per hour and goes to $9.21 after six months. Terry Graham made a motion to amend the salary resolution to set a part-time wage for correctional officer at $8.86 per hour. Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

Mr. Spencer reported back that the cell pod company will work with us for the specific needs we have at $10 per bed per day as long as we keep 12 beds. Commissioners want assurance in the contract that all installation is included and that any repairs to the unit are covered. Mr. Spencer will have the contract reviewed by Terri Johnson.

Doylene Kennedy asked commissioners about the cost of putting flashing school lights in Uniontown. She will review the minutes as to the allocation of the cost.

Commissioners learned that we lost the trucks from KDOT to Great Bend. The paperwork wasn’t filed quickly enough.

Kate Sweetser met with commissioners to discuss the possibility of naming US 69 Hwy in Bourbon County for Gordon Parks. Commissioners signed a letter asking Senator Jim Barone to sponsor a bill as such.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Gary Houston, Chairman
(ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
(ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 21, 2006 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 corrected.

Terry Graham reported on the meeting Monday night about wild hogs running loose in the northwest part of the county. They have been brought in for hunting purposes but are doing a lot of damage.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. There was discussion of speeding on 240^th Street. The speed limit is 30 MPH but people are driving in excess of 70 MPH. It’s a matter of enforcement. Commissioners said that whenever you blacktop a road, you’re going to get people driving faster.

Clyde said he received a request from Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) for assistance with the walking trail expansion. They would like some gravel and for us to grade the track. He said that FSCC officials will make a formal request to the Commission.

Joanne Long asked if the commissioners had decided on fees for the Web modules. ~~According to Sharon Elder, InfiniTec can do two tiers of information for DMS which would allow for two different fees. Sharon is checking around to get an idea of what to charge~~. Terri Johnson says it is okay to charge two different fees. No action.

Commissioners received a letter from the SEK Multi-County Health Department. They need a letter from Bourbon County, as well as the other contributing counties in the district committing to fund the health department with ¾ of a mill in 2007 or a letter saying that we are pulling out of the district. The letter also stated that if any other county pulls out, we will need to fund our health department with one full mill. The commissioners authorized the clerk to send a letter committing to ¾ of a mill in 2007, stating that Bourbon County needs a health department.

Michael Glover, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Terri Johnson, County Attorney, met with commissioners to talk about increasing the fingerprint fees. We currently collect $20 for the service. She stated that only those persons who have been adjudicated, diverted or convicted are charged the fee. The statute allows up to $45 for the fee. She said that both Miami and Linn charge $45. She looked up what we collected last year and to date this year to see what it would bring in and it calculates to approximately $500 per month. If we raise the fee we will collect more than double that amount. She said the commissioners must pass a resolution raising the fees. The commissioners asked the clerk to write up the resolution for consideration.

Mrs. Johnson asked commissioners for an executive session to discuss matters under the attorney/client privilege exception. Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the attorney/client exception to KOMA. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. Those present include the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long. The session began at 9:27 am and ended at 9:33 am with no action.

Frank Shelton, County Sanitarian, met with commissioners to report on possible solutions and cost at Lake Fort Scott. He has four possible solutions:
1. Discharging lagoons which require holding fluids for 120 days before releasing them into the lake
2. Evaporating lagoons which would need to be quite large to sustain the load
3. Connecting the properties to the City of Fort Scott sewer system
4. County maintained holding tanks.

He has a meeting scheduled with Lake residents tomorrow at the airport where he will relay the information he has gathered for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The residents will ultimately decide which course of action to take. The lagoon systems will be the most expensive. County maintained holding tanks would require each resident to bring their tanks up to code, at their expense, and connecting to the City’s sewer line would allow other residences between the City limits and the Lake to join onto it, which would lower the overall cost of the project. Mr. Shelton needs to get some figures from the City before he talks to the residents at the Lake about possibly getting on the sewer line, however there would be potential for growth in the area. The commissioners will soon set up a meeting between the City and County to discuss the plans.

Don Russell met with commissioners to discuss the Old Military Bridge, north of Fort Scott. The County wants to apply for a Federal grant for a walking trail at the historic bridge. It is on the Historic Register and officials from Topeka will be here in May to view it. The date is to be Monday, May 15, 2006. She will meet with Don Russell at 11:00 am and wants to view the bridge afterwards. In preparation, road crews will mow a path up to the bridge. Everyone thinks that Arnold Schofield can help us with the historic presentation to the officials.

Mitzi Shead, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune was present.

Katie Casper, Agricultural Future of America asked the commissioners for funds to help give an agriculture scholarship to Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School. They are currently $500 short of awarding two $3,200 scholarships. They want to award one to a student in both Uniontown and Fort Scott. The money is raised through community businesses and individual donations. Gary Houston made motion to donate $300 to AFA from the Special Parks and Recreation Fund. Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:35 am to run an errand. He returned at 11:00 am.

Dan Saye spoke with commissioners about his home owner’s insurance and rural fire districts. He lives three miles west of Fort Scott on Maple Road, in Fire District 3. He has been notified by his insurance carrier that his insurance is going up over $800 because of a change in ratings on fire districts. Always before he was included within Fort Scott because of a mutual aid agreement, which gives a lower rating and keeps costs down. Now, he has a higher rating which has made his insurance jump nearly 70%. The only thing that has changed is the creation of Fire District 5 which is now between his house and Fort Scott. He thinks there must not be a mutual aid agreement in place anymore. The commissioners would like to discuss the matter with Delwin Mumbower and set up a meeting for 9:30 am this coming Monday.

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about staffing the sheriff’s office. He plans to hire a part-time person if he can find one to help cover patrolling.

The Fort Scott City Commission and the Bourbon County Commission met at El Charro Restaurant at 11:30 am with Terry Graham, Gary Houston, Bill Brittain, Barbara Wood, John Keating, Nick Graham, Gary Billionis, Richard Nienstedt and Joanne Long present.

Topics of discussion included the contract for dispatch which ends in 2006, water levels at the lake due to the lack of rain of late, the Visioning Committee, the possibility of county-wide zoning, naming US 69 Hwy in Bourbon County for Gordon Parks, the Lake Fort Scott report from Frank Shelton, security in government buildings when concealed carry law takes effect and asphalt rock.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Gary Houston, Chairman
(ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
(ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 24, 2006 Monday 9:00 am

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

Bill Keith, Landfill employee, informed commissioners of a request by the State of Missouri to view the gate tickets of a company that they believe may be dumping illegally in Missouri. The company in question claims to take their loads to our landfill. Commissioners confirmed through the county attorney that the request is for an open record and is available to be viewed but the clerk asked that the landfill receive a request in writing for the information so we have a record of the request.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of a request from the unincorporated areas of the County for Sunday Sales. Commissioners asked Terri Johnson to investigate how it would work, whether for the entire unincorporated area of the County or township by township.

Mitzi Shead, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Delwin Mumbower met with commissioners at their request. They discussed mutual aid agreements between County fire departments in conjunction with home owner’s insurance. Delwin confirmed that all are in place, between all districts in the County, and with neighboring counties. Dan Saye spoke with his insurance agent and confirmed that his ISO rating went from a 5 to 9, increasing his homeowner’s insurance by over $800. Delwin said the best areas outside of the city limits of Fort Scott are Uniontown and Bronson because of hydrants within the city limits. They are a 7 for this purpose. Delwin thinks that insurance companies are looking a lot closer than they used to at the ISO ratings. Delwin hopes to have ISO re-evaluate Fire District 3 and lower their rating. The main concern is water availability, but manpower and distance from a fire station are also important criteria.

Terri Johnson investigated the Sunday Sales question. If the County were to get involved with this, as in any other resolution it passes, it would affect the entire unincorporated county area. Therefore, any protest petition would require more signatures than if it just involved one or two townships. Joanne Long reminded commissioners that such an election would have to be within 45 days of any petition that is turned in, unless there is a primary or general election in the next 90 days. The commissioners said they plan to take no action until a formal request is made on the subject.

Laura Hyer discussed ICS and NIMS requirements. There was also discussion of emergency preparedness concerns, such as a pandemic.

Sharon Elder met with commissioners, at their request, to further discuss pricing of web modules. Sharon Elder clarified that Terri Johnson said it was okay to have two tiers of payments, one for abstractors, and a lower one for realtors, and other businesses. InfiniTec cannot break out the information into two tiers. This was incorrectly stated on previous minutes. On the subject of pricing, Sharon reported that 10 non-abstractor businesses have signed up for the modules. Those ten businesses spent about $573.00 in copies last year, total. She said she has 10 other businesses which didn’t sign up, which spent over $800 last year on copies. Those businesses will still get manual copies in the office. After discussion, the commissioners decided to set the DMS web module registration at $200 for Tier One and $1,500 for Tier Two, as a trial for 2006. The commissioners will revisit the fees at the end of the year. The clerk will prepare the resolution.

Ray Taylor reported that there’s a part of 55^th Street north of 54 Hwy that was washed out in the rain. Terry Graham notified Clyde Killion of the problem.

Commissioners received the lease agreement with UMB for $174,000 for the one-man Entyre chip spreader and oil truck at 4.5% interest. In conjunction with the paperwork, Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt resolution 15-06 relating to the lease. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. Gary Houston signed the resolution and the commissioners signed the lease documents.

Gary Houston reported that the Soil Conservation Departments are consolidating and there is talk of the Fort Scott office closing. He urged the commissioners to call and write letters asking for it to stay open. Mr. Houston will find out who to contact.

Marty Pearson reported that there is a request for a plasma cutter at the Shop. Commissioners asked for quotes.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Gary Houston, Chairman
(ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
(ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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April 28, 2006 Friday 9:00 am

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

Bills and payroll for the period were approved.

Joanne Long informed commissioners that Emergency Preparedness wants its own 223- number to be contacted after hours and during weekends for emergencies. Currently, you must go through the switchboard to get her office and the switchboard is not active at night and on weekends. If there were a real emergency, the cellular phones may not work either. Our phone man is going to do an audit of the County’s current phone numbers to see if there is one available there or we would need to get a new line, which may include an installation charge. Ms. Hyer has also requested to activate the emergency backup numbers too. Commissioners approved the requests.

Dan Laughlin spoke with commissioners about a gas company cutting up a blacktop road near Mapleton.

Joanne Long discussed the courthouse cable bill. Emergency Preparedness, Public Works and the Sheriff’s Department have cable but the bill comes too late for payment the first half of the month and paying the last half of the month makes the payment late. She stated that since the company will not move the due date to accommodate us, she will put in for payment and hold the check until the bill comes to attach it to the voucher. Commissioners think that is a good idea.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. He reported that he bought a plasma cutter at the lowest price around.

Joanne Long relayed a request from several employees who asked if payday could be moved up from 3:00 pm to noon? After discussion, the commissioners agreed to move payday to a target time of noon. The only times it should be tough to be ready by noon are the first pay period of the year and after we change payroll systems.

Mitzi Shead, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Dave Martin spoke with commissioners about the proposed Water Park. He asked the commissioners for funds for a request for proposal (RFP) for a feasibility study for an Aquatic Center. The total cost is approximately $7,000-8,000. The study will examine the feasibility, costs, operating costs, and location for the park. After discussion, Bill Brittain made a motion to donate $1,000 from Special Parks and Recreation to the Aquatic Center project. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

Mr. Martin also mentioned the SOS party for Fort Scott High School. He requested funding for that. Commissioners discussed that we’ve never been asked before for financial assistance for the senior party. Commissioners feel that if we donate to Fort Scott we would also need to donate to Uniontown. No action.

Lorence Weddle asked for an application for a mower position. Commissioners directed him to the Public Works Office.

Joanne Long presented Resolution 16-06 for web module fees. Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt it. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. The resolution was signed and added to the resolution book.

Pat Flynn, Fort Scott Community College, met with commissioners to discuss the FSCC trail grant, which has been awarded. It is for a 7/10 mile trail to tie in to the existing ½ mile trail. He is asking for in-kind services again from the County and City to help like they did on the 18^th Street project. The walking trail will be 6’-8’ wide. He is requesting for us to do the cut work and sell and haul rock for project. Rough calculations estimate that it will require 523 tons of gravel. Commissioners agreed to the project and verified with Mr. Flynn that if we didn’t have the rock at the time of the project that we would buy it from a local quarry and sell it at cost to the college. Mr. Flynn said that he appreciates the County’s support.

Gary Houston signed a rock quarry permit for Public Works.

Joanne Long reported that the $20.00 Fingerprint fee was set by Judge Hart when John Swarts was County Attorney. The statute reads that the commissioners set it not to exceed $45.00. Gary Houston made a motion to raise the fingerprint fee to $45.00 effective May 1, 2006. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

Gary Houston stated that SEK Multi-County Health wants another letter signed by the commissioners stating that Bourbon County intends to stay with the Department. Linn County dropped out so they will require a mill for funding in 2007.

Commissioners received by mail a request by the City of Uniontown for asphalt this summer. The commissioners will put them on the schedule.

Jimmy Nichols, Darrell Spencer, Ken Anderson met with commissioners to discuss inmate pods. Darrell has a letter from Branton Industrial Group, Inc. confirming approval of the requests the County has before we enter into agreement for a pod. It also includes an option to extend the lease for the company to recoup any additional fees if the hook-up expenses exceed what they plan it to be. Commissioners don’t feel that is a problem. Commissioners informed Mr. Anderson that the contract will need to conform to the cash-basis law. Commissioners feel it is okay to proceed. Mr. Spencer went over March expenses and revenues in the jail. A housing pod will allow for an additional seven prisoners to house, considering that we are currently slightly over capacity at present. Commissioners wondered if some non-violent prisoners could be sentenced to house arrest. Mr. Spencer said that would have to be ordered by a judge and it is harder to get than jail time.

Mr. Nichols updated the commissioners on the survey the correctional center is conducting. They are at the mid-way point with 246 surveys back to date. He said it is not looking promising for LMI (Low-moderate income), which will not help with funding opportunities.

Jimmy Nichols asked if there are any plans to refurbish the jail. Commissioners said the survey is the key to the funding.

David Neville met with commissioners to discuss the emergency generator. We are still experiencing problems. He reminded commissioners that it had repairs lately but is still unreliable. Cummins doesn’t think we should spend any more money on this generator. David would like to purchase a new one. Though we currently have a natural gas generator, diesels are more reliable. He explained that on the newer ones the generator sits on the tank like a platform, so it will take less space than if there was a diesel tank. Bill Brittain asked if we can check on grants. Commissioners asked Mr. Neville to re-check our size needs and get at least two prices. Mr. Spencer asked if we can split costs between the correctional center and general fund when we do purchase a new generator.

Mr. Neville also discussed the sprinkler head replacement to the fire alarm system. He said it is hooked to the main line in the City. He said that the City of Fort Scott is going to give us a shut-off valve at the City’s expense.

Jim Pickett and Sue Riley, KDOT, met with commissioners to discuss the roadside park at the junction of Kansas Hwy 7 and US Hwy 54. It has been a roadside park for over 50 years. KDOT has decided to close the park. Barricades have been up for some time. Mr. Pickett said KDOT has received complaints about trash blowing out of the can at the park form adjacent property owners. That type of park is not the typical KDOT project in the current day. He said that KDOT wouldn’t put one there if it was building US 54 today. He says it’s not in KDOT’s best interest to continue to maintain it as a roadside park. KDOT has made the determination. Mr. Pickett said if we want to maintain it they’ll leave the access. If not, they will likely remove the access and asphalt and possibly dispose of the property altogether. Commissioners asked what the maintenance costs are for the park for a year. Mr. Pickett said it takes approximately 4 man-hours/wk to mow during mowing season. The trash pickup is the main problem and would be a problem for us too.

Mr. Pickett also reported that a curving T-intersection is to be turned into 90 degree angle at Kansas Hwy 7 and Kansas Hwy 31, north of Devon.

Commissioners relayed that the County hasn’t received the $5,000 from LaForge and Budd for damage to County roads. In the future, the County wants to be involved in these projects to determine designated haul roads to prevent future damage. Mr. Pickett will follow up on the payment. He also presented the commissioners with information from the latest regional KDOT meeting.

Ms. Riley informed commissioners that there will be a display with area historical information at the junction of Kansas Hwy 52 and US Hwy 69 in Linn County. The commissioners asked Ms. Riley to speak with Arnold Schofield about Bourbon County historical information.

Sandra DePoe, Rosalita Allen and Debbie Engstrom, Othick Abstract Company met with commissioners to discuss two clauses in the contract for web module services. They would like the 30-day change clause regarding cost changed because as written it would allow for the County to repeatedly increase the fees. Commissioners said that is not the intention and gave them a copy of the fees resolution that was signed earlier today. The other clause, 3.5, discusses selling the information they receive. They feel that it hinders their business. The commissioners will discuss their concerns with the County Attorney.

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:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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