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

August 4, 2006 August 7, 2006
August 11, 2006 August 14, 2006
August 18, 2006 August 21, 2006
August 25, 2006 August 28, 2006

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August 4, 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 9:05 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Commissioners received an email regarding communication issues on the radios for Mapleton Fire Department.  It was said that those issues have been corrected.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said he hasn’t been able to locate a cheap truck for the landfill yet.  He’s looking for something in the $10,000-$11,000 range.  Commissioners discussed alternate options of hiring some company to take loads or buying a baler to lessen loads.
 
Robert Lamb spoke to commissioners about a part of Soldier Rd over to Hwy 3 that needs work.  He thought the County was going to do this after the rain stops.  Commissioners assured Mr. Lamb that it was on the schedule.
 
Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about transferring funds from Road & Bridge Sales Tax to Road & Bridge.  Commissioners approved transfer of $66,524.30 for rock and the wages of one employee, at this time.
 
Commissioners discussed the possible need for a burn ban if we don’t get rain soon.  No action at this time.
 
Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about Phoenix Coal Company.  She had a site visit and advised them to put plan in place for security.
She also said that the Pandemic sub-committee is meeting regularly and asked for a $5,000 allocation for next several years to store supplies in case of emergency.
 
Other topics of discussion included money for storm sirens for rural communities such as Hiattville, Garland and Devon.
 
Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.
 
Terry Graham left the meeting to view the asphalt program on Soldier Rd.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners about replacing some rural voting booths and purchasing an extra M100.  She said after this first election, she wants to sell four AutoMarks to help pay for it.  She reviewed the election and that some people didn’t like where they had to vote.  She explained to commissioners why the voting was divided like it was.
 
Karen Paddock asked about increasing jury fees.  Commissioners haven’t made a decision yet but will make a decision by Monday.
 
Bob Hartley and Ron Chaney of Phoenix Coal Company met with commissioners to sign an agreement between the County and Phoenix Coal Company concerning county road and bridge damage that could occur from the transportation of heavy equipment or trucks by Phoenix Coal Company.  Mr. Hartley and Gary Houston signed the agreement.
 
Laura Hyer returned to the meeting to discuss the Millcreek Watershed emergency response action plan.  She said it needs to be signed off on by the commissioners and sheriff.  Commissioners Houston and Brittain signed the agreement.
 
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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August 7, 2006         Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.
 
The Board of Canvassers met at 9:00 am to finalize the August 1, 2006, Primary Election.  38 provisional ballots were reviewed, of which, 29 were counted in whole, three were partially counted and six were rejected.  After the Provisional Ballots were added to the unofficial Tuesday totals, the commissioners finalized the Primary Election results.
 
Ruth Waring, Lester Waring and Jarred Dunlay met with commissioners to discuss Fire District 2 calls in Missouri.  Dispatch will not tone them into Missouri claiming they have liability issues with sending across the state line.  The fire district has had an agreement to cover parts in Missouri, since its organization, and people in Missouri pay dues to the fire district in Kansas.  Commissioners will discuss the situation with City officials to try to work it out.
 
Commissioners discussed raising jury fees.  After some discussion, commissioners decided not to raise jury fees at this time.  They will revisit the situation toward the end of the year.
 
Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:15 am to take his father to a doctor’s appointment.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:55 am to speak with city officials about the dispatch question from Fire District 2.
 
Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:55 am to view the road program on Soldier Road.
 
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 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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August 11, 2006       Friday  9:00 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 9:55 am after viewing road problems.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about two areas near Fulton which don’t have signs indicating curves in the road.  He thinks it could be a liability problem for us.  Commissioners will have Clyde look at it.
 
Laura Hyer discussed a regional Homeland Security meeting where individual requests were more prevalent than regional need, which is not permitted.  Therefore, the majority of the Homeland Security funds for the region remain unused.
 
Joanne Long asked if the commissioners want to put on a burn ban.  Commissioners don’t want to put on a burn ban but will send a press release out asking people to refrain from open burning.  This would not prohibit using a barbeque grill for food, but should stop the accidental fires from sparks and embers traveling from other burning.
 
Kyle Lobley met with commissioners.  He is putting up a cell tower on 69 Hwy 7 ½ miles south of Fort Scott.  He confirmed that there is no zoning in Bourbon County.  Joanne Long stated that several times she has signed a form from the State of Kansas indicating there is no zoning in the area which someone is building.
 
Ron Taylor spoke to commissioners about road problems.
 
Terry Graham arrived at 9:55 am after viewing roads.
 
Kevin Wynn spoke with commissioners about Elm Creek Lake.  He wants to fix up the caretaker’s house and live in it.  He said he needs a place to live and has been somewhat of a caretaker of other properties, fixing them up to be livable after a long period of inhabitation by people.  Commissioners gave him the key to inspect the house.  After he left, Joanne Long mentioned the County’s liability of giving a non-employee access to County property which we already know is in poor physical shape.  She also mentioned the possible difficulty of getting a squatter removed from the premises after they take over, since he said he needed some place to live.  Commissioners repeated that they only allowed Mr. Wynn to inspect the premises, not to live there.
 
Frank Shelton met with commissioners to discuss the landfill lease.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Frank Shelton and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:05 am and ended at 10:15 am with no action.
 
Marty Pearson spoke with commissioners to discuss public works equipment and vehicles.
 
Phil Hanson met with commissioners to discuss speeding on Maple Road.  He was passed this morning by someone going over 60 MPH.  He also spoke about potholes on Maple Road that need filled.  He also discussed a conversation he has had with his grader operator, asking him not to grade the area around his house unless he requests it from Clyde Killion.  Mr. Hanson also inquired about the possibility of chip and sealing his portion of road.  The commissioners said they have discussed chip and sealing the entrances to Cedar Creek Lake.  Commissioners asked Mr. Hanson to speak with the sheriff about the speeding. 
 
Gene Parker, SEKRCC, reported to commissioners on the medical bill savings we’ve experienced this month already.  On four claims, we saved $915.48.  At $17.50 per claim, we’re still saving nearly $850.00.  This includes charges for the emergency room, dental and eye doctor. He said that some of our contractors are already charging us less than the Medicaid rate.
 
Mr. Parker informed commissioners that the architects will be here later this month to discuss jail renovation plans.  He also said that Jimmy Nichols started the work program today.  There’s one female inmate helping David Neville around the courthouse.  As for the taser class last weekend, Mr. Parker said it was very successful.
 
Joanne Long said that the report from Preferred Health Insurance for the mid-point of the year looks good.  They are going to get us renewal quotes soon.
 
Bill Brittain discussed an email regarding dispatching to the Garland Fire District in Missouri.  He said dispatch needs a written agreement between Vernon County and Bourbon County detailing the area involved.  Ruth Waring will work on that paperwork.
 
Doylene Kennedy met with commissioners to discuss an employee’s health.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of three minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Doylene Kennedy and Joanne Long.  The session began at 11:24 am and ended at 11:27 am with no action.
 
Joanne Long mentioned a few bills in to be paid this time that she has questions about, including a cellular phone battery for a personal phone that is used for County business, a department subscribing to the Fort Scott Tribune with no apparent need and some bills that are not including complete statements.  She also said she is updating the mileage sheet to be more specific about destinations, reasons for the trip and to be signed by department heads to cover her if anyone has any questions about them.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 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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August 14, 2006       Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He will be driving to Joplin today to look at trucks.  Commissioners discussed proposed renovations to Elm Creek Lake.  No action.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved after two were removed.
 
Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.
 
Ed French spoke with commissioners to say that the Fort Scott Community College trail project will be starting in the next two weeks.
 
At 10:00 am, the Bourbon County Budget Hearing was opened.  Those present were the commissioners, Joanne Long, County Clerk, Brett Dalton, Fort Scott Tribune reporter, and Terry Sercer, auditor.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt resolution 20-06, in reference to the 2007 Bourbon County Budget.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  With no opposition, the public hearing was closed at 10:20 am.  Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt the 2007 Bourbon County Budget as published.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Several copies of the budget were signed by the Board.
 
Terry Sercer said that the 2005 audit is complete but he has a few items to speak with department heads about before presenting a report to the commissioners later this week or next week.
 
Gene Nelson reported road problems at 95th between Sycamore and Unity Roads.
 
Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports from the Extension Office.
 
Gary Houston left the meeting at 11:10 am to attend a working lunch at Mercy Hospital to discuss dispatch.
 
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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August 18, 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.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners of the SEK Officials meeting scheduled for September 28, 2006, in Crawford County.  Two commissioners indicated they would attend.
 
Ms. Long asked commissioners if they would be putting on a burn ban.  As they have not been asked, commissioners did not put one on.
 
Jimmy Nichols, SEKRCC, spoke with commissioners about the jail.  He said the volunteer prisoner work program is going well.  Mr. Nichols informed commissioners of a recent incident in the jail in which a prisoner burned a correctional employee with a pot pie.  The guard responded with a taser to subdue the inmate.  He is here today asking to use the leftover work release funds to purchase four additional tasers so the entire Sheriff’s Department will have one.  At approximately $820 each, that would cost about $3,300 for four taser guns and holsters.  Mr. Nichols reported that the Taser-cam covered most of the incident in the jail.  After discussion of housing reimbursements, commissioners approved the expense, but advised that the work release funds be deposited into the County’s general fund before purchasing the weapons.
 
Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.
 
Darrell Spencer, Gene Parker and Jimmy Nichols, SEKRCC, and Adam Kuehl and Mike Christianer, Shaughnessy Fickel and Scott Acrhitects,  presented proposed jail renovations.  The proposed improvements would bring the County’s facility up to about what Allen County has now and would take about a year of work to finish.  The design would keep the facility open by moving prisoners to another area while an area is being worked on.  It also relocates the control area into a central location.  The plans also take up part of the west parking lot.  Commissioners asked if the architects reviewed the original jail design where it planned future expansion upwards.  They did and found that it only allows for office space over the existing offices.  This is based on the load-bearing figures.  Commissioners like the design and now only need to come up with a way to pay for it.  The correctional center is finishing up the survey of Scott Township but that would only allow $400,000 in grant funds.  We may look into bonds or a sales tax to fund it.  Commissioners asked what the difference in cost would be to start from scratch in building a jail of this design.  The architects said it would cost about double the existing estimate of just under $3.2 million.  The increase would still require the same amount of employees.  Darrell Spencer also advised that the laundry equipment is in need of replacement and any increase in bed size would require more machines too.  This plan allows for 76 beds.  If we increased the west side to a two tier it would put us around 100 beds but would require possibly closing Judson Street.  Commissioners thanked the men for their information and also asked what it would cost to build over the existing offices for storage space.  They will look into that.
 
David Neville met with commissioners to discuss the sidewalk repairs.  He presented a list of contractor’s responses to the proposed ramp for the east entrance of the courthouse.  Only four were interested and presented quotes.  Five others were too busy and two didn’t respond after several attempts.  Commissioners also suggested contacting Dale Rickerson too to see if he’s interested before getting into actual figures.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also presented a request from Rocky Brown to access the community pool.  Commissioners authorized holding a meeting of department heads next Monday at 10:00 am.  Mr. Killion reported he has looked for trucks for the landfill on the internet,  in Joplin and in Kansas City and has found a 1999 Volvo model for $17,700 that he and Marty Pearson approve of.  This truck has 610,000 miles but was overhauled 40,000 miles ago.  Terry Graham made a motion to purchase the truck, for $17,700, out of Landfill fund.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Clyde asked that a position at the landfill rock quarry be increased from Maintenance II to Maintenance III.  Commissioners approved the request, effective September 1, 2006.  This means that both hourly positions at the landfill rock quarry are now Maintenance III.  Clyde reported on the hard surface program.  He also mentioned he hired someone to test the wells at the landfill.  KDHE suggests getting someone else because all the samples were contaminated, according to KDHE.
 
Judy Orton met with commissioners to discuss a couple of items.  She thanked commissioners for leaving the GIS funds in the 2007 budget and again said how this program will help nearly every department of the county.  She also said that Shane Walker in her office will be the GIS Coordinator.  This is so that funds from Homeland Security may be available to assist with GIS, as it cannot be associated with the appraiser’s office. She said the first digital maps are scheduled to arrive in September and that everything is working well so far. 
 
Mrs. Orton also asked about the courthouse landscaping and lawn.  The flowers look lovely but the grass looks terrible.  She brought some information about weeding and re-seeding from the extension office.  She asked if the commissioners would hire someone to put in a new lawn.  The commissioners said they would not.  They did agree to a possible soil test before any extensive work is done.  The Extension office can do that to see if there’s something we’re lacking.  She said that the Courthouse is the center of the community and needs to look its best.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners to discuss training required from FEMA.  She informed commissioners of those who have completed some training and said that there is more training required.  She asked commissioners if they want to do it on their own or with her in a commission meeting like before.  Commissioners want to do it like before.
 
She also said that the commissioners’ radios need to be reprogrammed to eliminate all transmissions from fire and police.  As all radios in the County will have to have this done, there was a question as to who will pay for it.  Commissioners feel each department should pay for its own. 
 
Commissioners and Laura Hyer discussed a dispatch meeting earlier this week.
 
Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Frank Shelton and Joanne Long.  The session began at 11:28 am and ended at 11:38 am with no action.
 
Joanne Long asked about the air conditioning.  Since July 28, 2006, we’ve had air approximately 2 days in the clerk and treasurer’s office.  It’s over 82 degrees in the office already and the outside temperature is going to be well over 100 again today.  She said that of the 8 employees in the two offices, 7 are either over 50 or have a weakened immune system.  She asked if the employees could go home in the afternoon.  Commissioners said that they can come into the commission room to cool off and rest but should remain at work.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 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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August 21, 2006  Monday      9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Commissioners approved an early check to purchase the truck for the landfill for $17,700.  Clyde will pick up the truck today.
 
Bill Van Kirk, 6th Judicial District Community Services, met with commissioners to obtain a signature from the Chairman stating that the commissioners have been informed of a new Life Skills program.  Gary Houston signed the document after Mr. Van Kirk explained the program.
 
Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners to discuss communications.  She has informed all departments that they need to have their radios re-programmed.  Since they’re paying for their own, she won’t know if or when it gets done.  Commissioners suggested sending out a checklist to have the departments mark when it gets done.
 
David Middleton asked for chip and seal in Hiattville in front of the fire station.  Commissioners will look into it.
 
Darrell Spencer, SEKRCC, and Steve Davis, HMN Architects, met with commissioners to discuss possible jail improvements.  In order to present a proposal, HMN Architects would require a minimal reimbursement.  As for types of funding, there is a public vote where HMN Architects would present a schematic plan for $2,500 so voters will know the plans, or a lease purchase where funding can be paid by out of county prisoners housed here in the additional beds.  He could help us with the financial institution to obtain lease purchase information and that wouldn’t cost us anything.  Commissioners like that idea and asked him to take care of that.
 
Lee Davis met with commissioners to discuss noxious weeds.  He has received information on classes he plans to attend.
 
Clyde Killion, Judy Orton, Susan Quick, Terri Johnson, Joanne Long, Terry Graham, Bill Brittain and Gary Houston met for a meeting of the Executive Board for the Community Pool.  Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, to discuss the Community Pool, for a period of five minutes.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Joanne Long, Terri Johnson, Clyde Killion, Susan Quick and Judy Orton.  The session began at 10:02 am and ended at 10:07 am with no action.  In open session a vote was held as to whether the person requesting access to the community pool may have access.  The vote was 8-0 allowing the community pool access.  The executive board also allowed that any time in the community pool, given to an employee who no longer needs it, may be put back into the pool with no name attached so that other people may use it.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He is now going to pick up the truck the commissioners agreed to purchase last week.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Joanne Long and Frank Shelton.  The session began at 10:18 am and ended at 10:23 am with no action.
 
Elwin Ermel met with commissioners to discuss whether a road in the northwest area of Bourbon County is a platted road.  According to our records, it is not.
 
Jerry Lyons spoke with the commissioners about purchasing chemicals for weeds.  Commissioners gave him the number to the noxious weed barn to call and ask Lee Davis if there is any available.
 
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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August 25, 2006       Friday            9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long was also present. 
 
Commissioners were informed that another air conditioner unit went down this week.  That means the entire 2nd floor is now without air conditioning and the parts won’t be available until after September 1st.  Bill Brittain wants to send a letter to all Bourbon County HVAC contractors to see who may be interested in becoming the County’s maintenance contact for air conditioning by quoting an hourly rate and promising to come when called.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners to approve a correction to the August 18, 2006, minutes.  She inadvertently wrote that the increase from Maintenance II to Maintenance III was for a Landfill position, when in fact it is for a Rock Quarry position.  Commissioners approved the change and commented that they missed the error too.  Ms. Long will also make the change to the minutes on the internet to reflect the correction.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said that an employee quit yesterday.  He will try to fill it from within.
 
Gene Parker met with commissioners with a representative from Xerox to discuss leasing a new copier.    His current copier is about 10 years old and is starting to cost a lot in repairs.  The copy charges are also adding up.  There is a new unit available for lease for 60 months.  The lease payment includes 5000 copies per month, training, all maintenance and all supplies except paper and is $132.47/month.  All parts and labor are covered for the term of lease.  When asked, the commissioners were told that if the machine goes down it will be repaired or replaced as part of the lease.  Commissioners approved the lease.  Paperwork will be faxed today for the Chairman to sign.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Frank Shelton and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:45 am and ended at 9:55 am with no action.
 
Terry Sercer presented the 2005 County Audit report.  He reviewed the audit procedures and reminded commissioners of their responsibility of checking the payments each period to look for any questionable payments to ensure that all expenditures are legitimate.  The commissioners do ask questions about bills nearly every pay period.  Mr. Sercer stated that he found no indication of fraud, but stressed that he looks for evidence in his audit procedures.  He also stated that he worked with the Treasurer on balancing the checking account and reconciling the tax roll.  A lot of payments are now electronic and they’re harder to keep track of.
 
Laura Hyer, Harold Coleman and Delwin Mumbower met with commissioners.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of 10 minutes, under the security exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Laura Hyer, Harold Coleman, Delwin Mumbower and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:40 am and ended at 10:50 am with no action.  Commissioners want to meet with Jeff Davis next week to discuss communications.  After speaking with Chief Davis, it was determined that Harold Coleman and Laura Hyer and one commissioner will meet at the Police Station at 11:00 am Monday.
 
Terry Combs met with commissioners.  He quit his job with the County yesterday.  He discussed money-saving things he’s done for the county in his tenure and asked if there is another place in the County he can continue to work.  Commissioners will have to speak with Clyde Killion about it.  Mr. Combs also said that he is owed a day of vacation from April when he didn’t end up taking a day off because of rain.  The day was taken and never given back.  He said that Marty Pearson and Doylene Kennedy know about it.
 
Commissioners spoke with Marty Pearson and Clyde Killion about Terry Combs.  It was confirmed that he is owed a day of vacation, but after discussion, it was decided not to hire Mr. Combs in another capacity.  His employment with Bourbon County ended August 24, 2006.
 
Marty Pearson also thanked commissioners for the new oil truck we purchased.
 
Commissioners discussed an email from Don Russell, Bourbon County Economic Development Council, requesting the donation of culvert pipe and gravel in the Industrial Park for the entrance for a new business which is relocating to Kansas from Missouri.  We’ve done this in the past.  The company will create approximately 40 new jobs.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
Doylene Kennedy met with commissioners to resign as L.E.P.P. secretary as of September 1, 2006.  She also presented a permit application for a road closing and cut at 95th and Yale Rd. for commissioners to approve.  This is part of the blacktopped Mapleton to Blue Mound road.  Commissioners did not approve the road to be cut or closed.  They feel the company should bore under the road.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about employees working in the hot conditions again.  With the other unit now out on the 2nd Floor, there is no reprieve.  She said that employees are going home sick.  Though the commissioners indicated concern for the employees in the situation, no action was taken.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 pm.
 
                                                                    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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August 28, 2006     Monday      9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners received an email request for access to a road in Scott Township.  Commissioners asked Clyde Killion to check if the road is actually a platted county road.  No action.
 
Laura Hyer informed commissioners that the County received $5,182 to go toward equipment purchase or salary.  She wants to include Frank Shelton in it since she’s been working with him on a project.  No action.
 
Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met with commissioners at Clyde Killion’s request to discuss leasing or purchasing a roller.  The one he’s talking about is a used roller with 180 hours on it, but about 170 hours were put on in Bourbon County.  It’s a demo unit.  Commissioners want to rent it on a month-to-month basis.  Mr. Harris will get the paperwork together.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners and county clerk.  The session began at 9:40 am and ended at 9:45 am with no action.
 
Commissioners spoke briefly with Dale Leward and Loren LeGree of TMR Marketing.  Mr. Leward has purchased the old Western buildings in downtown Fort Scott and will be opening businesses there.  Among other businesses, they hope to open a daycare center and arcade.  Commissioners welcomed the new business and advised them to speak with Don Russell about Economic Development ideas.
 
Jim Pickett, Gary Ward, Norval Schnichels and Mike Kalb, KDOT, met with commissioners to discuss the Locust Road turnback agreement.  It turns over approximately 2.83 miles of the former US 54, east of Fort Scott, from the State of Kansas to Bourbon County to maintain.  Commissioners signed the agreement, effective September 1, 2006.
 
Commissioners also took time to discuss the maintenance of roadways from State highways to County roads, especially on US 69.  When it was improved, the State bought land and asphalted access roads partially to where they meet up with the State highway.  That portion of road past the fencerow is the responsibility of the County.  The commissioners and KDOT believe there needs to be an agreement of responsibilities worked up for these situations.  No action at this time.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:45 am to attend a communications meeting at the police department.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 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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