March 3, 2006     Friday        9:00 am

 

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

 

Gary Houston signed the lease for the new Xerox copier in Public Works.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He went to Illinois last weekend to view an oil distributor truck.  It was very nice.  He also looked at chip spreaders while he was there.  They were one-man units rather than the three-man units we currently use.  They would free up the bridge crew which normally works on the chipper in the summer.  They are being sold by the same company that is selling the truck we went to see and could be financed with the truck.  Commissioners are committed to purchase the oil distributor truck only at this time but would like to see a picture of the chip spreader.

 

The commissioners received two compliments on brush cutting in the county which they shared with Clyde.

 

A group of people at Bourbon/Allen State Lake would like to purchase some dust control.  They will try to get assistance from KDWP because of the area being by a state lake.  They want magnesium chloride, which we have to purchase by the truckload.  The area is approximately ¾ mile.  They will wait to hear back from the state.

 

David Neville thanked the commissioners for the compensation on the roof assistance.  Commissioners said it was well deserved and he is well appreciated.

 

Mr. Neville stated that we’re having trouble with our generator.  It is very old and needs to be replaced.  There are no funds in Emergency Preparedness to cover it.  Bill Brittain wants to check into whether there are any grants available.  A repairman has come twice to work on it.  It is a little better, but because of the increased load on it, it is not acceptable since it’s for emergencies and needs to be reliable.  Once it gets started, it runs well, but it’s become difficult to start.  It dates back to the 40s or 50s.  He priced a new unit, which would be large enough to handle both the courthouse and correctional center, installed outside in a weather proof container, at about $25,000.  No action at this time.

 

Gary Houston made a motion to extend the burn ban for an additional seven days.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Sharon Elder informed commissioners about a request from an individual for a copy of every document in her office relating to a specific property.  She is asking for an increase in the research cost.  We currently charge $10.00 per hour.  She presented a copy of the resolution from Miami County which charges $30.00 per hour.  Terry Graham thinks that $18.00 per hour may be fair.  Joanne Long reminded Mrs. Elder that copies relating to a taxpayer’s property are free.  The commissioners agreed that from the time he owned the property there will be no charge, but prior to that he will have to pay.  There was no change to the fees resolution at this time.

 

Bill Brittain spoke with Jingles Endicott about putting the road and bridge antenna on a rural water tower.  The matter will be discussed at the rural water board meeting next week.  This has come up because David Middleton has asked for $1,000 per month to continue to have the antenna on his silo and that is unacceptable.

 

Karen Paddock asked to clean the courtroom carpet which has never been cleaned in 19 years.  She received a bid from Vernon County for $60 to clean the pathways and asked if the general fund would pay for it.  Bill Brittain asked to get a local bid first.

 

Joanne Long asked if we are going to publish the Elm Creek Hay Bid.  Commissioners said we need to speak to Lee Davis about a spray date for the noxious weeds so we can put a date by which the hay must be removed.

 

Joanne Long asked the commissioners what, if anything, they know about the flat panel, large screen television and DVD player that were delivered from Ruddicks this week to the Emergency Preparedness office.  Terry Graham spoke with Laura Hyer this morning and she said that they were purchased with Homeland Security Funds.  Joanne Long asked why she needs a large screen television with DVD player when she has a projector and a computer which will do the same thing for a lot less money.  Commissioners agreed that the Homeland Security funds are to be spent wisely.  Ms. Long asked commissioners to speak with Ms. Hyer about a cake that was purchased with county money and her cellular phone bill which has gone up again to almost double the normal cost.

 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 9:50 am to view a road with Clyde Killion.

 

Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports from the Extension Office.  She also asked commissioners to pick the Commissioners’ Choice of the Walk Kansas Teams as they do each year.  Commissioners picked the team Destination Unknown out of the 41 teams signed up this year.  Walk Kansas begins Saturday, March 11^th.

 

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

 

Bill Brittain said the City wants to schedule a City/County luncheon for Monday, March 13^th at 11:30 am at Mayberrys.

 

Harold Coleman and Laura Hyer asked if we could finish the NIMS training today.  Terry Graham will be back so it is a possibility.

 

Bill Brittain relayed a conversation with Bill Brinker about the location of the repeater at present, which will hurt either the City or the County’s reception.  It will cost about $13,000 to make the best for everyone with a second location.  Laura Hyer said that it would take about $400 to modify the licenses to eliminate the problem with interference. 

 

Laura Hyer stated that Heartland Tower has offered to negotiate a price with the County to place the Public Works antenna on the tower.  We’re looking for an alternative to the proposed $1,000 per month David Middleton has requested.

 

Terry Graham returned to the meeting at 10:15 am.

 

Laura Hyer decided to have the final NIMS training on Monday at 10:30 am.

 

Bill Brittain showed pictures of portable jail cells to Harold Coleman.  He received the pictures from someone who went to Louisiana.

 

Sheriff Coleman informed commissioners that there have been several citations written in violation of the burn ban.  Joanne Long asked commissioners if they thought any more about assessing the cost of fighting the fires to anyone who violates the burn ban and the fire gets out of control.  Commissioners want to know what is legal to do on this.  There is a possibility of rain this weekend and next week.

 

Susan Quick and Sheriff Coleman spoke with commissioners about delinquent personal property taxes.  The Sheriff has collected them in the past with great difficulty.  Susan has offered to mail them in the Sheriff’s envelopes and collect the tax in her office.  If anything has to be served, the Sheriff will still handle that part.  Commissioners liked with the idea.

 

The Sheriff spoke with the commissioners about the amount of trash in the ditches since the burn ban.  He asked if we can afford to hold a free trash day.  He has been picking up sacks on the side of the road to help out, but it’s getting bad.  According to our records, we spend about $2,700 to take a month’s worth of trash.  A free trash day should not exceed that.  We would also only allow household trash in bags, not tires, appliances, etc. 

 

Bill Brittain made a motion to set up a free trash day at the Transfer Station, for Saturday, March 11, 2006, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, for Bourbon County residents to dispose of household bagged trash which cannot be burned because of the burn ban.  This is not for commercial businesses or trash haulers or for anything other bagged household trash.  You must have a Bourbon County tag on your vehicle.  No C&D, no appliances, no tires, no brush, no contaminated containers.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

 

Commissioners received a request to release the surety bond on the roof.  Commissioners don’t want to release it until the insurance claim is completed.

 

The lease to the Transfer Station is up May 12, 2006.  Commissioners are looking at what the County will do afterwards.

 

Gary Houston attended a board meeting of the SEK Health Board this week.  They are asking for a mill in 2007.  That will calculate out to about $85,000.  We currently pay $32,000.  They would like a verbal commitment to this support.  No action at this time.

 

Clyde Killion presented commissioners with a picture of the one-man chip spreader the commissioners wanted to see.  It is for $85,000.  No action at this time.

 

Bill Brittain spoke to Don Russell about the generator issue.  He thinks there’s a generator at Heartland Tower that was replaced and the original is for sale.  He will speak to Laura about it. 

 

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

March 6, 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.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:30 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  There was discussion of the upcoming hard surface road season.  Clyde indicated that the ground temperature must be 50 degrees to lay asphalt.  The crews started last year in June.  Mr. Killion reminded commissioners that purchasing the one-man chip spreader would help out and free up the bridge crew during the summer.  Commissioners asked to see an amortization schedule with the truck and spreader.

 

Commissioners discussed possible upgrades to the park facilities at Elm Creek Lake.  Bill Brittain wondered if there are any grants available.

 

Joanne Long mentioned an office in the courthouse which has presented an invoice for a Culligan Water system.  She said it has been the County’s policy not to pay for water, since there is filtered water available in the water fountains.  Commissioners agreed it may have come about from the few weeks when the water had a bad taste.  Another department has the water system but it is paid for by the employees, not the County.  The commissioners asked the clerk to send a note to the office stating the County’s policy not to pay for water, and the history of another office paying for it with their own money.

 

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, presented the requested amortization schedule with the oil truck and one-man chip spreader for payments over five years.  If we were to purchase the spreader, we could sell our old one.  Mr. Harris stated that he knows of a few smaller cities that are looking for an older spreader.  Commissioners also think that Bronson and/or Uniontown might be interested.  There is also a 2002 model for $100,000.  The one Clyde mentioned is a 1995 model for $85,000.  Commissioners feel that it may be worth it to get the newer model with fewer hours.  The commissioners will have a decision on the matter by Friday.

 

David Middleton met with commissioners about his proposed rental fee for housing the road and bridge antenna on his silo.  He has requested $1,000 per month.  We are pursuing other options and should be able to give him an answer on Friday.  He may be interested in a longer contract at a lower monthly fee.

 

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

 

Joanne Long presented commissioners with a revised Fees resolution.  It changes the research per hour fee from $10.00 to $18.00 per hour and updates some of the line item fees.  Gary Houston made a motion to adopt Resolution 10-06.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Darrell Spencer, Jimmy Nichols and Harold Coleman met with commissioners to discuss a proposed jail expansion.  Bill Brittain relayed the information on the individual cells that he showed the sheriff on Friday.  Shaughnessy, Fickel & Scott Architects, Inc. prepared the blueprints.  A CDBG grant could encompass what we’re requesting to do, but it has never been proposed before.  It would be a $400,000 matching grant and there is another county hoping to get it.  The proposed plan is to make a twelve bed dorm out of the exercise yard and a women’s dorm out of the current eating room, as well as renovations to existing pods.  It would increase capacity to approximately 75 and modernize the control room.  The total cost is approximately two million dollars.  The design allows for the jail to remain open during renovations.  When completed, it would meet federal standards.  Housing federal prisoners would bring in $160 per day as opposed to the state prisoners we house for $40 per day.  This plan would not require any more corrections officers than we currently have.    Before we can move forward, we need to complete a survey of the income in the county and come up with funding ideas.

 

Harold spoke with the commissioners about instituting a reserve officer program.  He has prepared a written policy; he just needs to finalize it about workman’s compensation insurance coverage.  He wants to start this because of the need for more officers in the County.

 

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:50 am to attend another meeting.

 

Laura Hyer and Harold Coleman conducted another session of NIMS training with the commissioners.

 

Ms. Hyer discussed communications issues with the commissioners.

 

Commissioners spoke with Sheriff Coleman about a request from Randy Rockhold for a School Resource Officer in the Uniontown schools.  The Sheriff said it would have to be achieved with a grant and he said that Mr. Rockhold is applying for such a grant.

 

Karen Paddock reported back on the carpet cleaning.  A local company will charge $250.  She already had a cost of $60 from the Nevada business.  Commissioners approved the work to be completed by the Nevada business.

 

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

March 10, 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..

 

Doylene Kennedy asked commissioners to sign the warranties on graders.  With approval from the rest of the Board, Gary Houston signed the documents as Chairman.  She also reminded commissioners that they need to develop the five-year bridge plan and that they need to look at the Slick Rock information in her office in preparation to discuss it with Schwab Eaton.

 

Joanne Long asked commissioners if they would be continuing the burn ban.  There have been several calls this morning.  Laura Hyer was present for this discussion.  Neighboring counties have kept theirs on.  The commissioners contacted several area fire departments for their input.  They were informed that fire hazards are greater now that there has been a little rain.  The warm temperatures and south winds will quickly dry the brush and fire trucks will get stuck in the mud.  In addition to the free trash day on Saturday, they recommend keeping the burn ban on.  Gary Houston moved to continue the burn ban.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He presented pictures of the mud yesterday at the Arcadia landfill.  Commissioners arranged for Max Murray to view the pictures, as getting stuck in the mud was one of the County’s concerns in using their landfill.

 

David Neville gave commissioners a generator update.  It is running better than ever.  There is a new gas valve and regulator and choke pull-off.  He has tested it the last three days and it started up fine.  Commissioners still want to look at the generator at the Heartland Tower.  David will look into it.  Bill Brittain asked David to remember to contact Don Russell about the size and need for us.  David later reported that there are several generators of varying sizes available but no prices were given to him at this time.

 

Commissioners contacted the Rural Water department to see what was decided about placing an antenna on a water tower.  It was learned there was no definitive answer given at the meeting.  Joanne Long spoke about responses from other counties where some people/entities place County antennas for free, feeling it is a community service.  Others pay anywhere from $100 - $400 per month.  The commissioners don’t think we should pay more than $100/month.  We need to give response to David Middleton today.  The commissioners offered $100/month for 3 years with the option to extend for 3 years three times.  The clerk left message on his answering machine.  His wife called back to decline on his behalf.

 

Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about a meal reimbursement where an employee took a contractor to lunch in Fort Scott.  The County usually doesn’t pay for in town meals for its employees and never for outsiders.  After discussion, the commissioners reconsidered in this particular case because the contractor had done work for the County at no charge.

 

The commissioners discussed the possible purchase of chip spreaders.  Gary wants to look around and get some competitive pricing.

 

Jimmy Nichols met with commissioners at the request of the sheriff.  He received a bill from Vista Pharmacy with a Past Due amount.  We don’t know what it is.  Commissioners confirmed we need an itemized statement for audit purposes.  Mr. Nichols will send a letter to the pharmacy with that information.

 

The commissioners opened the public hearing at 10:00 am, for the purpose of disposal of county property.  Those present were the commissioners, Joanne Long and Leon Fry.  Hiattville Fire Station wants to leave the proposed strip of land public and they presented the commissioners with a written commitment to maintain it.  The fire station wants to use the ground for parking at events and for training purposes.  Commissioners approved the request from the Hiattville Fire Station to keep the land public.  The County will speak with Terri Johnson about whether we should transfer ownership to the fire station or leave it with County.  The public hearing was closed with no action.

 

Jarred Dunlay, Lester Waring, Ruth Waring and Darrell Bloomfield met with commissioners asking for designation from the Board of Mr. Dunlay’s personal vehicle to be designated an emergency response vehicle, as provided by K.S.A. 8-2010 et. seq.  This would allow lights and sirens on it to allow him quick passage to a fire scene.  He is not asking for any insurance coverage or anything, as he will cover that on his end.  Commissioners have done this in the past but require proof of insurance from the owner.  Commissioners approved the request.  Mr. Dunlay will provide the proof of insurance to the County and we will give him the letter of designation at that time.  The group thanked the commissioners.

 

Lee Davis recommends that July 1 be the last day to have hay removed at Elm Creek Lake in order to spray the weeds.  It was reported that the bales from last year haven’t been removed yet and we need to burn off this spring.  Mr. Davis feels about the burning the later the better, which would be about May 1.  That wouldn’t leave much time for hay to grow for anyone to bale this year.  Because of the infestation of sericea lespedeza, commissioners decided not to take bids for hay at Elm Creek Lake this year so that we can treat the weeds.

 

There was discussion of recent purchases for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The County has a purchasing policy that any purchases above $500 must be approved by the Commission.  Grant money or not, this is the policy.  The actual cost of the television was $2895, not $1000.  The total cost of 4 chairs, a 50” television and DVD/VCR combo was $3,810.  Commissioners asked the clerk to send letter to Laura as well as reminder to all offices of the County’s purchasing policy.  There was also discussion of several local options which may have presented a lower overall price.  The commissioners don’t know if there were other considerations, aside from Ruddicks.

 

Gary Houston made a motion to amend the March 3, 2006, minutes to reflect that Heartland Tower has offered to negotiate a price with the County to locate an antenna on the Tower.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Commissioners signed the contract with Schwab Eaton for engineering fees for a project at the Slick Rock bridge over the Marmaton River south of the intersection of 255^th and Native Road.

 

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:

March 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 Management Corp., met with commissioners to see the pictures of the mud at the Arcadia landfill.  He also presented a price for a year for the County to dump at the existing $18.50/ton.  There is a 3% increase per year after that.  Commissioners will consider the offer.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road update.  The Free Trash Day collected about 10 tons of garbage this past Saturday.  There was discussion about the fueling of road graders and locking the tanks.

 

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

 

Mike Lewis, Victor L. Phillips Co., presented commissioners with prices on chip spreaders at the commissioners’ request.  He will return with financing information.

 

The commissioners received questions from several people wondering if we are keeping the burn ban on.  The clerk spoke with Delwin Mumbower about it.  He says that his chiefs except for Mapleton want to keep it on.  He suggests keeping it on and having people call their fire chief to see if they will allow a permit because some areas got more rain than others.  Commissioners agree with that idea and issued a statement to the effect.

 

David Neville reported on the generator.  We need 800 kilowatts at the quarry.  The ones that are available will not suffice as they are too small.

 

David Middleton spoke with commissioners about the County’s antenna on his silo.  He’s not interested in the County’s offer of $100/month for 3 years 3-three year extensions possible.  The commissioners said we will get it out of there as soon as we can.  Commissioners asked Clyde to deliver gravel to Mr. Middleton when we remove the antenna as final compensation for housing the antenna for so many years.

 

Bob Beckham at Fort Scott High School wants to know if the County will be participating in Ecology Day on April 28^th.  Gary Houston called Mr. Beckham back to say we would and finalize plans for use of three trucks and six employees at 8:00 am—the same as we have in the past.

 

Wilma Graham asked commissioners to put Redfield on the list for chip and seal this summer.  She also spoke with Clyde Killion about a road with a crown that needs attention.  Mr. Killion will look at the road this afternoon.

 

Laura Hyer met with commissioners.  There is a Storm Spotters course in April.  Two sheriff’s vehicles were damaged in the hail yesterday.  There is also damage in western Bourbon County from hail and wind estimated in the hundreds of thousands. 

 

Ms. Hyer received a call from a citizen last week asking if the courthouse is opened as a shelter in a storm.  She will call around to see what buildings are used as shelters.

 

Laura Hyer also gave a communications update.  Voter stations have been installed and the final pieces should be in place soon.

 

Commissioners asked Harold Coleman to look into the safety aspects of the intersection of 120^th and Hackberry Rd.

 

Commissioners discussed the five-year bridge plan.

 

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:05 am to run home and tend to a sick child and will meet the other commissioners at the City/County lunch at 11:30 am.

 

Members of the Bourbon County Commission and the Fort Scott City Commission met at Mayberry’s Restaurant at 11:30 am.  Those present were Terry Graham, Bill Brittain, Gary Houston, Dick Hedges, Barbara Wood, Nick Graham, Richard Nienstedt, and Joanne Long present.  Michael Glover represented the Fort Scott Tribune.  Phil Hammons made an appearance.

 

Items of discussion included the Fort Cinema, the storms over the weekend, the burn ban, PawPrints and Historical Society funding requests (Richard wants to know what we do), health department funding request from $32,000 up to one mill, (approximately $85,000), the KDOT railroad overpass study date March 30, 2006, Gordon Parks’ funeral, discussion with Matt Ida about working on the area near airport road, the City wants to borrow the lay-down machine from the County for a project, the dispatch contract— we need to get together (Jeff Davis will be back in April), the proposed jail expansion,  and the proposed aquatic park.

 

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

March 17, 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.

 

Delwin Mumbower spoke with Terry Graham this morning.  He has contacted the rural fire chiefs and the majority of them want the burn ban lifted.  As it expires today and there is rain in the forecast, the commissioners did not renew it at this time.

 

Mike Lewis, Victor L. Phillips Co., met with commissioners with financing information from Baystone Financial on a chip spreader.  He also has a buyer for our current chip spreader which would lower the total of the finance agreement.  Commissioners would like to discuss it with Clyde Killion and see about local financing options.

 

Jack Black dropped off information for commissioners to read about disaster planning.  He also recommended preparedness training to the public with Laura Hyer and a reserve force for the Sheriff’s Department in case of a pandemic.

 

Commissioners discussed the antenna for road and bridge.  They spoke with Craig McKenney about placing it at his place.  He will consider the request.  We may still have the option to place it on the rural water tower or on the Heartland Tower.  We need to have it removed from its current location as soon as possible.  The antenna can be professionally moved early next week and the license will need to be reissued with the new location.  Bill Brittain made a motion to move the antenna to the Heartland Tower for a ten-year agreement.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Commissioners made arrangements through Laura Hyer to have the work done early next week.

 

Marty Pearson spoke with commissioners about State Surplus trucks that are for sale. Bill Metcalf and Clyde Killion looked at them this week and they are in good shape.  Commissioners approved purchase of two 10-wheel International trucks from State Surplus Property at $12,000 each.

 

David Neville met with commissioners to discuss replacing a water fountain on the third floor.  He has priced a handicapped style, wall mount rather than a pedestal style, as he feels we should make improvements when replacing such items.  Businesses priced included Heidrick’s, Mayco Ace, Judy’s Iron and Plumbing in Fort Scott and C&L Supply in Nevada.  Commissioners approved purchase of a stainless steel handicapped unit from C&L Supply in Nevada for $425.00.  Plumbing and electrical costs should not exceed $500.

 

Commissioners received word from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment releasing the old county barn site after cleanup and gave notice that they will be refunding the County $563.84.

 

Gary Houston left the meeting at 10:30 am.

 

Jarred Dunlay presented commissioners with proof of his insurance and received a letter from the commissioners designating his personal vehicle as an emergency response vehicle as agreed in an earlier meeting.

 

David Neville asked commissioners if the County is interested in getting a maintenance contract for the generator.  Commissioners want to wait to see if we can get a grant to upgrade it before we commit to anything.  It is still running good and is checked every other day.

 

Joanne Long informed commissioners of a meeting she had this week with Freeman Hospital.  As a provider for Preferred Health they hold employee health screenings from time to time.  Commissioners are interested in having one for Bourbon County.  Ms. Long relayed that they are free and confidential, Freeman just requires at least 50 people to attend.  Those people don’t have to be covered by the County’s insurance but must be employees or employees’ spouses.  If/when it gets set up, Ms. Long will notify the employees.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 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

March 20, 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. Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners spoke with Mr. Killion about chip spreaders.

 

Commissioners discussed the possibility of dust control at Bourbon/Allen State Lake.  No action at this time.

 

Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about a situation this week in which her office may have to be closed.  There was a death in her family and the funeral may be Wednesday and Lois has an out of town dentist appointment that day.  There is no set date for the funeral yet, but it will most likely be Wednesday.  Commissioners are okay with the office being closed and the clerk’s office answering their phone calls.

 

Ms. Kennedy presented commissioners with the contract for placing the road and bridge antenna on the Heartland Tower.  Commissioners want the agreement to be reviewed by the county attorney.  Commissioners also left an offer for David Middleton of what we would pay elsewhere.  No answer yet.

 

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

 

Bill Lalman and Leonard Wheeler spoke with commissioners about chip and seal work scheduled for this summer.

 

Commissioners discussed the Arcadia landfill.  Our trial period is up and we need to decide if we are going to sign a contract.  No action at this time.

 

Gary Davidson met with commissioners with a breakdown of estimates for the claim through Contractor’s Alliance for the damage to the courthouse and some contents on February 2, 2006.

 

After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to purchase the 1995 expandable head, one-man Entyre chip spreader for $85,000.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:30 am to view roads.

 

Joanne Long presented the audit/budget contract from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe.  Bill Brittain made a motion to approve the contract for 2005 audit and 2006 budget for a total cost of $13,665.  Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.  Gary Houston signed the contract for the County.

 

Wanda McGilvra spoke with commissioners about dogs running at large in Devon.  She has not had any luck with the Sheriff’s Office getting them kept in.  Commissioners will speak with the county attorney to see what enforcement the county has in protecting people from dogs in rural areas.  The commissioners reminded Ms. McGilvra that there are currently no leash laws in place in the county.

 

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

March 24, 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.

 

Gary Houston informed commissioners that David Middleton has agreed to keep the Road & Bridge antenna on his silo for $1,500 per year.  Terri Johnson is preparing a lease contract to that effect.

 

That being said, Bill Brittain made a motion to rescind the earlier motion to move the road and bridge antenna to the Heartland Tower.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

 

Kenneth Cochran spoke with commissioners about Maple Grove Cemetery.  He is currently in charge of the finances of the cemetery but is soon leaving the county.  He asked if the commissioners had found anyone who was interested in taking it over. 

 

David Neville spoke with commissioners about the cooling tower.  It is 22 years old and has served the county well until recently.  It was damaged by the spill off the roof and we will be receiving $375 from the insurance adjustor to clean it but we may want to replace it.  Commissioners want to see additional quotes for replacement.

 

Mr. Neville also spoke with commissioners about an air conditioner on the correctional center side.  It had belt failure and cause damage to the unit which will cost $2,500 to repair.  Bill Brittain suggested Mr. Neville contact the unit manufacturer to see if the malfunction was covered under the warranty.  The belt failure damaged an evaporated coil.  Commissioners want to see additional prices on a new unit.

 

David also spoke with commissioners about damages in the Treasurer’s Office.  A new table to replace the damaged one costs $230.99.  He also said that Susan Quick got a quote for repair to a damaged printer for $1,439.00.  Bill Brittain wants to see it in writing that the printer needs repair before a decision is made.

 

Rebecca Crowder, Austin Peters Group, met with commissioners to discuss the wage study.  She explained some early figures about wages.  She will be back with more detailed information on the 35 hr to 40 hr workweek and information on merit increases.

 

Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, for a period of 10 minutes.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Those in attendance were the commissioners and Cecelia Kramer.  The session began at 10:38 am and ended at 10:48 am with no action.

 

Kevin “Skitch” Allen met with commissioners to ask about a culvert the County installed for someone.  Bill Brittain explained the County policy that the citizen pays for the culvert and the County installs it in the area which joins the County road and the person’s driveway.

 

Terri Johnson, County Attorney, spoke with commissioners about the proposed contract for the road and bridge antenna with David Middleton.  She also explained some grant documents the County is applying for regarding improvements to Ellis Park.

 

Commissioners discussed the rural fire district map.  There is a possible discrepancy with regard to Fire District 2 and Fire District 5.  When Fire District 5 was created in 2004, a map was drawn showing the taxing district lines of the fire districts.  In January of 2005, members of some of the rural fire departments met with the commissioners to discuss response areas.  At that meeting, part of the tax area of Fire District 2 was allocated to Fire District 5 on that map.  This has caused a problem with who is to be called when there is a fire.  Commissioners want to speak with the Garland (Fire District 2) Fire Chief before any changes are made.

 

Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring the month of April as Fair Housing Month in Bourbon County.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am.

 

                                                                      THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                      OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                      (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                      (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

March 27, 2006   Monday      9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Cecelia Kramer was also present.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

 

Terri Johnson went over the contract for the road and bridge antenna.  Gary Houston signed the contract for the County.  It will be mailed to Mr. & Mrs. Middleton for their signature.

 

Mrs. Johnson also spoke with commissioners about the vicious dog resolution in conjunction with the problem in Devon.

 

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

 

David Griffiths spoke with commissioners about a dust problem at his dairy farm.  It is a heavily traveled road.  Commissioners explained the dust control policy requiring a doctor’s note stating a respiratory problem.  Mr. Griffiths thinks that because it is a business, he should be allowed to have the dust control.  Commissioners acquiesced, but said that Mr. Griffiths would need to measure the footage and will have to pay for it, like everyone else.  No action at this time.

 

Lester Waring, Chief, Garland Fire District (Rural Fire District 2), met with commissioners at their request to discuss the fire district map.

 

Commissioners spoke with other rural fire departments about whether or not to reinstate the burn ban.  The chiefs asked for it to be put back on.  Gary Houston made a motion to reinstate the burn ban.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Billy Nungessor, Brandon Industrial, Ken Anderson and Darrell Spencer met with commissioners to discuss housing pods for prisoners as a possible addition to the jail size.  Mr. Nungessor explained how the modular pods would work for Bourbon County.  He will put some layouts together and get back to us.

 

After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to correct the 911 map, dated 1/10/05, to show the area from the intersection of Jayhawk Road and 240^th Street, north ½ mile, east to the Missouri State Line, south to Jayhawk Road, west to 240^th Street as being in the Fire District 2 response area.    Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.  Joanne Long will send corrected maps to the dispatch department for changes. 

 

Commissioners also discussed the existing mutual aid agreement between Fire District 2 and Fire District 5 for the area from 240^th Street and Hackberry, north on 240^th Street to ½ mile north of Jayhawk Road, east to the Missouri State Line, south to Hackberry Road, west to 240^th Street.  This agreement provides for both Fire District 2 and Fire District 5 to respond to structure fires and auto accidents in that area.

 

Commissioners received word that the County will receive $12,808.50 for the insurance claim for the roof spill in February.  This is to repair or replace the building and equipment which was affected by the spill.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am.

 

                                                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                                    (ss) Gary Houston, Chairman 

                                                                                    (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

March 31, 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.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and corrected.

 

Bills and payroll for the period were approved.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road update.  He sent a worker into the northern part of the county with a chainsaw to help cut up downed trees if there are any after the storms last night.  Commissioners discussed asphalting the County parking lot.

 

Commissioners left a message with Duane Ledford to contact the Commission about caretaking at the lakes this year.

 

Bill Brittain discussed a meeting yesterday with the railroad and KDOT for a proposed overpass or underpass for access to the east side of Fort Scott.  A feasibility study is expected by this fall.

 

Laura Hyer relayed that the Governor’s office has reported that Bourbon County will be under a drought warning this summer due to projected drier than normal conditions in May, June and July.  She also reminded commissioners that when burning is allowed, that people should contact the sheriff and fire chiefs when they plan to burn.  Bourbon County is currently under a burn ban and commissioners do not plan to lift it at this time.

 

Mrs. Hyer spoke with commissioners about warning sirens.  The County can only apply for two grants per year and with the correctional center addition and the ADA ramp that leaves no room for grants for rural storm sirens.  We need to prioritize the grant requests.  We will probably never get the ADA ramp because the courthouse already has one on the north end at the correctional center.

 

Laura also updated the commissioners on training of county employees and officials on NIMS and ICS training and communications issues.

 

Commissioners discussed landfill fees.

 

Sharon Elder spoke with commissioners to ask about a fair fee for the web module access.  She has one large user and several small users and is having a difficult time coming up with a fee that balances use.  Commissioners feel the county should not lose any money with this system.  Joanne Long reminded everyone that the commissioners will have to pass a resolution setting any fees we will collect.  Bill Brittain asked Sharon to contact other counties to see what they do and contact Infinitec to learn if we can track web hits to use a “per use” basis.

 

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

 

Commissioners spoke with Lynn Smith about the fees.  She used history and the new expense when figuring the fees for the CAMA and TAX search modules.  Commissioners asked Mrs. Smith to give the proposed fees to Joanne Long to set up a fee schedule resolution.

 

Ann Ludlum presented monthly reports for the Extension Office.

 

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

 

                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                              (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk