These are minutes for the month of February 2006, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

February 3, 2006 February 6, 2006
February 10, 2006 February 13, 2006
February 17, 2006 February 20, 2006 Holiday
February 24, 2006 February 27, 2006

To return to the main Commission Minutes page, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 3, 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 approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
David Neville spoke with commissioners about the liability of the roof contractors regarding a spill yesterday down the side of the courthouse and into the treasurer’s office.  Commissioners advised Mr. Neville to contact the insurance company and let them handle it.  Susan Quick asked commissioners about cleaning the check writing machine, which was hit by the mix when it came through the window.  The adjusters will probably want to see it first.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to extend the county-wide burn ban for an additional seven days.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to reappoint Janet Braun to the SEK Mental Health Board for a three year term.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Frank Shelton asked commissioners for approval to have Schwab Eaton conduct another report of Lake Fort Scott.  Bill Brittain advised Mr. Shelton to check with the City of Fort Scott, as they may have already gotten an update.
 
Dennis Meier, Triad Environmental Services and Hunt Farley, Phoenix Coal Company, met with commissioners to discuss mining activity in Bourbon County.  They also asked for and received a road variance agreement for an area described as:
 
        “The south right-of-way line located on the north side of Section 12, T27S, R25E, beginning at a point approximately 1,384 feet east of the northwest corner of Section 12, and extending east for a distance of approximately 1,350 feet to the west railroad right-of-way line.”
 
Mr. Farley and Mr. Meier also spoke with commissioners about using part of 245th Street for about 6-8 months on a new project.  Commissioners want to view the area before deciding on it.  Other topics of discussion were blasting, signage, spillage and road maintenance agreements already in place.
Laura Hyer and Harold Coleman met with commissioners.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, under the Security Exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, to discuss communications.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Laura Hyer, Harold Coleman and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:43 am and ended at 10:53 am with no action.
 
Laura Hyer introduced Alice Maffett, the new health nurse.  She needs the commissioners’ help with an ICS flowchart.  Commissioners want Laura Hyer to assist her.
 
After routine business, the commissioners left the meeting to view the parking lot for the new theatre 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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February 6, 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.
 
Diane Bertone, Administrator, SEK Multi-County Health Department, met with commissioners to discuss funding.  Over the past three years, funding from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been drastically cut and revenues have not been increased to cover the loss.  Therefore, the SEK Multi-County Health Department, as well as all other Kansas Health Departments, is hurting for money.  She is requesting an increase in the allocated funds from each of the counties in 2007 double to what they have previously funded.  For Bourbon County, that would be from $32,000 to $64,000.  According to documentation provided by Ms. Bertone, Bourbon County is currently operating at a near $10,000 loss.  Commissioners aren’t sure what the budget is going to look like this summer and can’t commit to doubling the levy at this time but will do what they can, as a health office is very important to the people of Bourbon County.  They said they could give a verbal commitment to $10,000 more, to cover the loss, at this time.  Gary Houston also told Ms. Bertone that Dr. Allen mentioned that a doctor or nurse practitioner who does clinics for the health center may be willing to donate his/her time, which would save the clinic some money.  Bill Brittain wondered if there are any FEMA or Homeland Security funds to help keep health offices open, since they are such an intricate part of planning for disasters.  Ms. Bertone will work with Laura Hyer to see if there is anything.
 
Laura Hyer informed commissioners that she received an 80/20 grant, in the amount of $10,000, to contract Corrao Consulting, aka Pat Corrao, to do data entry work for emergency preparedness.
 
Karen Paddock asked commissioners if they had heard anything about the grant application for the ramp to the east entrance.  Commissioners informed Mrs. Paddock that we did not get the grant but that we would reapply.  Mrs. Paddock also asked if Contractor’s Alliance would be replacing the damaged ceiling tiles in the courtroom.  Gary Houston assured Mrs. Paddock that they would.
 
Becky Crowder, Austin Peters Group, met with commissioners regarding the compensation study her firm has been contracted to perform on County employees.  She has met with nearly all employees for interviews and told commissioners that they had a wonderful, loyal, dedicated workforce and that the commissioners should be proud.  She said that turnover is very low and that indicates a group of employees who enjoy being where they are.  She said that they are dedicated to public service.  She needs direction from the commissioners for the market study of other counties, cities and private businesses to know where the County wants to be in conjunction with those figures, at the top, top quarter, in the middle, bottom quarter, etc.  Ms. Crowder said that generally counties want to end up in the middle of the pack.  Commissioners agreed that was a good position.  She said she would also provide a plan to get there over two to three years, depending on the difference from where we are to where we want to end up turns out to be.  They discussed merit increases/COLA increases, employee evaluations and job parity.  She will be done in approximately nine weeks.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He spoke with Brandon Mann of KCAMP, the County’s liability insurance and learned that signs like “Slow, Children Playing” could cause a liability to the County should a child be struck in an area that is not covered by a sign.  Therefore, all such signs should be removed and we should use speed limit signs in those areas.
 
Commissioners signed an affidavit from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) stating that no further work is needed at the old county barn site.  It will be recorded in the Register of Deeds office and sent back to KDHE.
 
Commissioners left the meeting at 11:10 am to view 245th Street at Deer Road.
 
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 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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February 10, 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 9:07 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  The road crew is removing “Slow, Children Playing” signs as directed and straightening up other signs in the County.
 
Hunt Farley, Bob Hartley, and Ron Chaney, of Phoenix Coal Company, met with commissioners to hear what the commissioners have decided about allowing coal trucks to drive on 245th Street, approximately 1000’.  After discussion, commissioners agreed not to allow the trucks to use 245th Street, as they would severely damage the asphalt road and the culvert under a bridge.  They feel the company should use Deer Road as it is already under maintenance contract and a familiar haul road for the residents of the area.  Commissioners would prefer that the company run parallel to 245th Street rather than riding on 245th Street.  Phoenix Coal Company will make changes to comply with this decision.
 
Jim Pickett, KDOT Area Engineer, spoke with commissioners about 18th Street and Jayhawk Road and damage caused by trucks from LaForge & Budd. He informed the commissioners that the County will receive $2,500 each from KDOT and LaForge & Budd to fix the damage.
 
When we made Frank Shelton full-time, we neglected to tell Roger Lee and Roger has still been doing inspections on septic tanks..  We need to inform Roger of the change.  Frank is to do it all and we’ll see if Roger will do them in Frank’s absence.
 
Joanne Long asked if Mr. Shelton is eligible for overtime and vacation and sick leave.  After discussion, commissioners agreed he is eligible for overtime, though if he starts to have any overtime they want to know why.  Commissioners also agreed that he would earn sick and vacation leave.
 
Commissioners discussed the request from Helen Greene for culverts for her ditch.  Clyde is aware of this situation and has tried calling her unsuccessfully.  She wants to have her entire yard flat so she can mow across the ditch to the road.  She would have to purchase the culvert tubes she wants and the county would install them.  Clyde is concerned that the County will be getting into landscaping private property.  Commissioners asked Clyde to write a letter to Ms. Greene explaining what the County will do for her.
 
Jerry Heckman has requested a 16’ blade on his grader.  That would require purchasing an extension.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
Commissioners discussed repairs to Deer Road.  Clyde feels it is a full day’s job so that it can set overnight.  Bill Brittain said that Phoenix Coal Company is paying for the upkeep and has said to keep the residents happy, so he feels that it should be done soon.  Clyde is looking for a period of warm weather to do the job.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners if they will be renewing the burn ban.  Gary Houston made a motion to extend the county-wide burn ban for another seven days.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long presented interest rates, as requested, from area financial institutions for lease-purchasing three road graders from Berry Tractor.  They were:
 
Berry Tractor Financing
4.5%
Landmark National Bank
5.4%
Union State Bank
5.5%
Citizens Bank, N.A.
4.94%
UMB Bank, N.A.
4.375%
Liberty Savings
6.0%
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to sign with UMB Bank, N.A. for the road graders.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Commissioners asked the clerk to be sure it is written up in compliance with the cash-basis law.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners about Pat Corrao of Corrao Consulting and whether they are requiring worker’s compensation insurance on him.  If he does not have his own, we will have to claim him on the County’s policy.  The grant is for the calendar year 2006.  Commissioners agreed to cover him on the county policy.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to renew the Berlin-Wheeler contract for collection of delinquent taxes, for a period of two years.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Commissioners signed the contract.
 
Joanne Long said that Becky Crowder of Austin Peters Group wants to know if the commissioners want to include any counties/cities from Missouri for comparison in the wage study.  Commissioners decided only to include Kansas information.
 
At 10:00 am, Gary Houston opened a public hearing for the purpose of disposal of county property.  Those present were the commissioners, Joanne Long, Terri Johnson, Leon Fry and Gary Page.  Mr. Page left when he learned that there would be no bids on the property.  Mr. Fry is here representing the Hiattville fire station regarding a strip of property that was not included in the public notice.  However, part of this land involved is used by the fire station and church for public events, such as Homecoming.  Bill Brittain made a motion to transfer the property in question to the abutting landowner, Verle Brown, in accordance with K.S.A. 19-211(e).  Gary Houston seconded and Bill Brittain and Gary Houston voted in favor. Terry Graham voted no.  Motion failed.  Commissioners asked the clerk to schedule another public hearing for this piece of property and will see if the fire station can come up with a plan for use and maintenance of the land.  Joanne Long will publish the notice for a hearing on March 10, 2006.
 
Commissioners received the monthly progress report for the month of January from the Extension Office.
 
Terri Johnson asked Terry Graham to clarify a question about fence lines for her research.  Mr. Graham said the question is “Once a fence has been in place for a certain number of years, does the property line change to the fence line?”
 
Terri Johnson updated commissioners on training her office has undergone this week.  It is in conjunction with new District Court software.
 
Leon Fry spoke with commissioners about Elm Creek Lake.  He thinks the new roof on the shelter house looks really nice.  He spoke about the hay bales that are on the property from the hay bid last year.  They are a fire hazard from someone setting them on fire.  Commissioners agreed that for the next hay bid, we will require removal of the bales by a certain date to eliminate this potential hazard.  Mr. Fry asked if there is a budget for Elm Creek Lake.  Commissioners explained that the funds are in the General Fund and maybe something from Parks and Recreation we can use.  Some improvements that Mr. Fry would like to see are guardrails at the dam and repair of the old caretaker’s house for future use.  Bill Brittain will check into any park grants that may be available for improvements.  As the Elm Creek Committee, commissioners appreciate the ideas and also asked that future recommendations be presented in writing so commissioners can have a copy.
 
Lee Davis met with commissioners to present the annual Noxious Weed Report for signature.  Gary Houston signed the report.  Mr. Davis also asked for authority to sign up for internet service to obtain an email address at the weed barn in Uniontown.  Commissioners want Lee to look for a splitter at an electronics store before they make a decision.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners to discuss the roof contract.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under attorney-client privilege.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Joanne Long and Terri Johnson.  The session began at 10:52 am and ended at 11:02 am where Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the attorney-client privilege.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 11:03 am and ended at 11:08 am.  Commissioners want to tour the roof before any decisions are made.  They agree that the contract needs to be fulfilled.  There was discussion as to the form of contact to Mr. Parsons about the items that the commissioners don’t feel have been completed according to the contract.  There is also the issue of liquidated damages, according to the contract, which is allowed for each day over the contract completion date in the amount of $1,250 per day.  Commissioners discussed some of the work with David Neville.  Commissioners discussed whether to have the work done to the contract, which will require removal and replacement of some of the roof materials or whether to accept the work as it is with a deduction in the contract price.  Commissioners will contact an outside source to help advise the commissioners on the subject.
 
Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about communication issues.  She will send a letter to the City of Fort Scott detailing Bill Brinker’s recommendations, which are different from some plans the City have.  She also presented grant documents for the chairman to sign for the data processing personnel.  There was discussion as to whether it is a $12,000 or $10,000 contract.  Commissioners understood it to be a total of $10,000.  Laura will have Pat Corrao to present an amended invoice reflecting a total of $10,000.
 
Laura Hyer and Harold Coleman met with commissioners to continue NIMS training.
 
Commissioners viewed the roof work.  They discussed having a third party professional look at the work and decide whether additional work should be done by Contractor’s Alliance to comply with the contract and if so, what that would cost and what would it do to the warranty; or whether we accept the roof as is for a discount based on the cost of the work that was not completed to the contract specifications.
 
There was a claim sent in on the spill from the roofers this month.  Commissioners want to discuss the findings with the adjustor.  Ms. Long made an appointment for 10:00 am, Monday to speak with him.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 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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February 13, 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.
 
Max Murray, Waste Corporation, checked in with commissioners to see how everything has been going with the landfill.  Commissioners said the truck drivers have voiced concerns of having to back out on to the trash in order to dump.  Also, the conditions in wet weather, though we haven’t had any for a long time, are a possible concern.
 
Commissioners discussed the roof warranty.  No action at this time.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He and the commissioners discussed sign replacements and mowing around signs for better visibility to motorists.
 
David Middleton met with commissioners.  He has a County repeater on his silo.  It’s been there since 1996 approximately.  He came to ask commissioners to compensate him for it.  When it was first agreed to be placed, there was a handshake agreement for a load of gravel when he needed it.  It’s the only location in the County and at a very high elevation.  Commissioners have asked for a week to see what other counties do in this situation.
 
Commissioners approved bills and payroll for the period.
 
Gary Davidson, Davidson & Co., Inc., met with commissioners to discuss the claim through Contractor’s Alliance for a spill on the roof which damaged some county equipment and portions of the west side of the courthouse.  The air conditioner outside is recommended to be replaced.  Some Treasurer’s Office equipment, carpet windows and walls will need to be cleaned.  There will be a claim for the structure separate from the contents.  He will provide the commissioners with a complete list of items for clean-up.  The check writer printer is the most expensive of items to be cleaned.  Charles Parsons, David Neville and Susan Quick were present for portions of the discussion.  Susan Quick stated that her equipment is working, it just has stains.  Mr. Davidson said there would be cleaning of the building and sidewalks.  He will ask for bids for each item separately and asking for local bids.  He will provide commissioners with an itemized scope of the damages, as well as the bids.  He said it will be up to the commissioners to decide who will do what with the cleanup.
 
Charles Parsons met with commissioners about finalizing the roof work.  He is replacing expansion joints today.  Gary Houston asked and was told they will not replace the metal covers after the expansion joints are installed.  Bill Brittain said that according to Scott Young, this will not affect the warranty.  Charles said he did a lot that was not on the contract specifications.  He said he used extra layers of materials, at Scott’s request, to ensure the quality of the roof product for the warranty.  Terry Graham said that doing extra work at Scott’s request was not up to the commissioners and doesn’t override what was written out in the contract.  Terry Graham and Gary Houston want the contract to be fulfilled.  Bill Brittain thinks we should consider the extra costs to Parsons for the extra work he did do.  Charles offered a $500 reduction for the replacement of metal coping which was not done.  He painted the existing metal and says that the existing metal should last long past the warranty.  Commissioners believe it would be fair to swap out the cost of the paint for the installation of the metal and we need to be compensated for the cost of the metal that we didn’t get replaced.  According to Charles’ estimated figures, that’s $542.00.  The janitors believe it should be more than that and will measure it today.  Joanne Long asked commissioners if they would be enforcing the liquidated damages clause of the contract.  Terry Graham and Bill Brittain feel that is not necessary if we get a quality roof.  Commissioners authorized the clerk to void the existing check to Contractor’s Alliance and offered to cut a new check less 15% of the total contract price.  Charles Parsons said that is not acceptable.  Gary Houston reminded Mr. Parsons that we could assess liquidated damages of $1,250 per day that passed after January 27, 2006, when the contract ended.  Bill Brittain explained to Mr. Parsons that we would split the money out and hold final payment until the clean-up is done and he is completely gone from the premises, not indefinitely.  It does not have anything to do with the insurance claim.  Charles says he can have everything cleaned up and gone today.  Gary said he is willing to finalize this today by assessing damages for 12 days and pay everything owed less those 12 days.  Charles said he is not trying to be belligerent.  Terry asked if he would go along with the original agreement the commissioners came up with to pay everything less the 15% until we find out the actual cost of the metal and then pay the rest when we know what it is and everything else is done and acceptable or we’ll have to go with Gary’s suggestion now.  Mr. Graham reminded Mr. Parsons that as a government entity, we have to answer to the people of the county.  Charles wants to compromise and get a check today less the 15% until all clean-up is done.  Gary is done and wants to assess the damages.  He said that Terry and Bill can override him, but as far as he’s concerned, he should have to pay the damages.  Terry Graham and Bill Brittain asked the clerk to cut a check to Contractor’s Alliance as soon as possible for the amount due on the contract less 15%.  The remaining 15% less the cost of the metal will be cut when we know what it is and may be cut as an early check.
 
Brad Fagan, Schwab-Eaton, met with commissioners regarding a bridge project for Slick Rock.  The cost to the County would be 20% of $1.16 million total with the remaining 80% in federal funds.  The County would also be responsible for paying the inspection fee.  Commissioners want Mr. Fagan to check into KDOT assistance in the 80/20.  Mr. Fagan will get back with us on Friday.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners that she needs to replace a computer in her office so that it will run the state’s election program.  It could be upgraded to a newer operating system but still not work with the program, so she is replacing it altogether.  She has the money for a new computer in her capital outlay fund.
 
Gary Houston viewed the ceiling tiles in the district court with David Neville.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:45 pm.
 
                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 
                                                                          (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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February 17, 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 meeting were read and corrected.
 
Bill Brittain said he spoke with Tom Robertson, Buck Run Recreation Center, about restrooms and a concession stand for Ellis Park.  The park is jointly owned by Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott.  He has bids and the lowest is for $31,000. He thinks we may qualify for a grant to help with that.  He said that sometimes counties can get grants that cities can’t get.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report. 
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners if they would be extending the countywide burn ban.  Gary Houston made a motion to extend the burn ban an additional seven days.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor. 
 
Commissioners approved an early check for Contractor’s Alliance for a payment agreed upon on Monday.
 
Ms. Long reported that Bourbon County has been declared as a Sericea Lespedeza Disaster County.  We received the word via email from the Conservation District.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners to discuss several topics.  On the fence line question for Commissioner Graham, she stated that there has to be more than acquiescence in the existing line.  Therefore, a survey is the only way to determine a real property line.
 
Mrs. Johnson also brought up concerns of courthouse security.  Commissioners will speak with Laura Hyer about the future of any funds for security at the courthouse.
 
Commissioners and Terri Johnson discussed the burn ban and the possibility of passing a resolution assessing the charges of fighting fires during a burn ban on the person who set the fire, as a means of stressing the importance of not burning anything during a burn ban.  No action at this time.
 
Terry Graham and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 9:50 am to attend a meeting in Iola about a bridge project.
 
Bill Brittain and Gary Houston viewed the EOC in the basement.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners about courthouse security.  Gary Houston relayed the concerns of Terri Johnson this week.  Ms. Hyer stated that the Homeland Security funds for this year are accounted for and will be used for communications.  She stated that Bourbon County needs more law enforcement.  As for locking down the courthouse, if we go to one door, at the correctional center, it is monitored 24/7 and is handicapped accessible, according to Ms. Hyer.
 
She informed commissioners that there is a FAD table-top exercise on May 11th.
 
Ms. Hyer is in the process of relocating her office into the EOC.  Joanne Long asked if she can have the old office for storage of election equipment.  The commissioners said that the sheriff is going to hire a detective and needs the office.  Ms. Long is concerned as to where her equipment will be stored.  Commissioners said that an agreement was made with the Law Library to store them there.  She was not aware of that and asked how it would work because there are no elevators and some of the equipment is very heavy.  Commissioners asked Ms. Long to calculate how much space is needed for storage.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 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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February 24, 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 meeting were read and corrected.
 
Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about NIMS and ICS training.  She said that everyone should be trained on it, including Public Works employees.  Training of these officials is required for continued federal and state funding.  Delwin Mumbower is certified and she and he are planning a class.  It would take several smaller classes to get everyone and allow for continued regular work.  Commissioners asked her to be ready to have it on a rainy day.  Clyde Killion will work up a list of those available and when and leave it for Ms. Hyer.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He stated that the first of the new road graders has been delivered and is now in use.  He showed commissioners pictures of an oil distribution truck available for sale in Illinois.  He is going to look at it this weekend.  It’s a 2000 model and would replace a 1971 model the County currently uses.
 
Because of continued dry conditions, Bill Brittain made a motion to extend the burn ban for an additional seven days.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long asked for clarification on the cable bill.  Is it going to be paid entirely by emergency preparedness or divided by department and or users?  After discussion, it was decided to divide it by department (Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff and Public Works) with any odd amounts paid out of Sheriff.
 
Frank Shelton updated commissioners on sanitation issues.
 
Delwin Mumbower asked commissioners if they would allow a free dump day to help people since the burn ban has been in effect so long, keeping them from burning their trash.  Commissioners will consider the request.
 
Lynn Smith, Susan Quick and Sharon Elder met with commissioners to discuss the new web modules on the county website.  They allow searches of CAMA, deed searches and tax searches.  The programs cost roughly $8,000-$9,000.  There is a fee for some of these programs that can be assessed to realtors, abstractors, banks, etc.  They would like to take the money that is paid in fees from registered users and hold it for computer upgrades rather than put it in the general fund.  Commissioners feel that should be approved by the auditor, because it may not be allowed.  Lynn Smith plans to send out the first of the invoices in March.
 
Paul Pavey met with commissioners to discuss a low water bridge near his home.  Commissioners said that Clyde is working on it.
 
The Board of Canvassers convened at 10:00 am to finalize the results of the Special Election held Tuesday, February 21st.  Commissioners, Joanne Long and Cecelia Kramer were present.  Of the 35 provisional ballots, 24 were deemed eligible to be added to the totals.  The other 11 were either not registered prior to the election, or not a Fort Scott resident.  The commissioners finalized the election with 429 yes votes to 648 no votes.
 
Harold Coleman met with commissioners to discuss expanding the jail facilities.  No action.
 
Laura Hyer reported that there are currently four fires burning in the County.
 
Bill Brittain discussed the possibility of adding a walking trail to Ellis Park, which may increase our chances of obtaining a grant to help put restrooms and a concession stand.  He is working with Don Russell on it.
 
The commissioners discussed the final payment on the roof contract.  Several independent businesses defined coping as the cap on top of a wall and not the metal on the side, however David explained to commissioners that when the contract was bid he said tops and sidewalls.  The measurements of the top of the walls is 600’.  Terry Graham priced coping @ $2.50 per foot, already bent.  He explained that having someone do the work, it would cost $1,500.  After speaking with Charles Parsons this week, he was told by Mr. Parsons that he doesn’t think it would be that much.  Terry said that he just wants to be fair to the County and to the contractor and feels $1,500 is a fair price for the work that was not completed.  Terry Graham made a motion to pay the balance of the roof contract, less $1,500.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to compensate David Neville $1,500 for his assistance with the roof contract, as he has gone above and beyond his regular duties.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It is to be paid on his next check with a thank you from the commissioners for his hard work.
 
Joanne Long presented commissioners with drawings and figures on the space needed to store the new voting equipment.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:15 am.
 
Ron Taylor asked commissioners if the County can sell gravel.  Gary Houston explained we do not, as we cannot compete with private businesses.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about an old laptop of the County’s that Doylene Kennedy has asked to be sent to the county barn.  No action.
 
Commissioners heard from the repairmen at the barn that there are two trucks that are costing a lot in repairs.  No action at this time.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 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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February 27, 2006       Monday      9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Lee Davis spoke with commissioners about noxious weeds.  He asked commissioners to publish a legal notice in the paper before April 1, 2006, about controlling noxious weeds.  Commissioners think it’s a good idea.
 
Mr. Davis also informed commissioners that he can get a phone line splitter for $50 to handle internet service at the Weed Barn.  He spoke with Joanne Long about setting up an email account.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
There is a Watershed RAPS meeting at Ag Engineering in Uniontown at 10:00 am this Thursday.  The commissioners have been invited.
 
Marty Pearson spoke with commissioners about County vehicle repairs.  Commissioners feel we should look for a replacement truck for the sign truck.  They feel replacing the quarry truck can wait a while.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 9:50 am to attend a funeral.
 
Sophie Purdy, t.a.c., met with commissioners to discuss her company.  She offers a review of utility bills to see if there is a way to save money to allow for improvements.  First, there is a free feasibility assessment and building walkthrough and then report back to see if there is anything she can recommend to us to save the County money.  It’s an efficiency program.  She stated that her company does not represent or promote any particular brand of equipment or contractor.  The commissioners asked for some references to contact and will speak with Ms. Purdy in about a week.
 
Commissioners authorized Pat Corrao to attend a Data Management class for Emergency Preparedness.  It includes a hotel room, which will be reimbursed by the state.
 
Terry Sercer called back to answer the commissioners’ questions about the web module fees.  He said that all fees we collect must originally be paid into the general fund but can be transferred out monthly or quarterly to the Equipment Reserve Fund or another fund we set up for future updates.  He did say that the commissioners must pass a resolution setting the fees.
 
Doylene Kennedy presented commissioners with a price for a new copier for the Public Works office.  Commissioners approved the purchase.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 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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