October 2006 Minutes

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

October 2, 2006	October 6, 2006
October 9, 2006	October 13, 2006
October 16, 2006	October 20, 2006
October 23, 2006	October 27, 2006
October 30, 2006

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October 2, 2006 Monday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Bill Brittain and Gary Houston present. Joanne Long was also present. Terry Graham arrived at 9:02 am. Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.

Curt Shankel met with commissioners to ask Bill Brittain to attend an upcoming Fort Scott Lake committee meeting, which will be held Saturday, October 14, 2006.

Mr. Shankel also asked that cracks on Lake Road (Indian Road) be filled and sealed before the cold weather sets in. He said they’re especially bad near the dam.

Joanne Long presented commissioners with 5 resumes for the sanitarian position for the commissioners to review. They asked the clerk to set up interviews with each.

Clyde Killion gave a road report and had commissioners review the applications received for the truck driver position. He will interview five of them.

David Neville met with commissioners to discuss the courthouse lawn. He confirmed that commissioners want to seed the lawn. He has estimates from two businesses.

J&J Custom Lawn Care	350 lbs. Super Easy Turf mixture, Starter fertilizer, lawn aeration, labor, equipment and supplies	$1,242.05
Clayton Greenhouse	Prepare Soil, fertilize, seed, straw mulch	$1,800.00
	Remove sod, prepare soil, fertilize, seed, straw mulch	$2,848.49
	Remove sod, prepare soil, Hydro seed (ferfilize, seed, mulch)	$3,375.00


Commissioners want him to check with Steve Stanton and Jay Wright and see if they can have an estimate by Friday. Otherwise, we’ll go with these two quotes.

David also reported that the air conditioner is up and running and the generator is hooked up and we’re waiting on Comet for start-up. He asked if we would use our old generator as a backup to this one. Commissioners agreed, provided it will start.

Gary Houston received a phone request from a constituent to place 30 MPH speed limit signs around the Amish school area, in northern Bourbon County, for the many children who walk to their school. That would be from Valley Road to Tomahawk Road on 205^th and also on 175^th from Soldier to Tomahawk. Clyde Killion will look into obtaining School Zone signs from the City for the area, since that’s not a sign we carry.

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:00 am to pick up a contract from Stewart Realty for the purchase of the landfill. He returned at 10:40 am. Bill Brittain made a motion to execute the contract to purchase the landfill property from Cullor, Inc., provided we obtain financing. Terry Graham seconded the motion with all in favor. Bill Brittain will take the information to the bank for financing.

Paul Pavey spoke with commissioners about a potentially dangerous drop off on 205^th Street on the causeway at the Mill Creek low water bridge. He would like to see reflectors there. Commissioners will have Clyde look into it.

Jay Van Buskirk asked that we put up more horse and buggy signs on 175^th between Soldier and Tomahawk for the Amish.

Laura Hyer reminded commissioners of the courthouse security meeting in Mound City on October 11^th.

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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October 6, 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 approved.

David Neville met with commissioners with additional and corrected lawn quotes. They were:

Wrights Full Line Hauling	200 lbs fescue K-31, Fertilizer, labor	$1,115.00
J&J Custom Lawn Care	350 lbs super easy turf mix, starter fertilizer, lawn aeration and labor	$1,242.05
Clayton Greenhouse	Overseed, et al	$2,091.96
	Remove sod & seed & mulch, et al	$3,495.59
	Hydro seeding, et al	$4,262.35


Clayton Greenhouse was increased because it initially forgot the south portion of the lawn. Commissioners want an opinion about what’s best and will let David know.

Clyde Killion met with commissioners. He held interviews for the truck driver position and now has three applicants he wants the commissioners to see. He thinks all would make excellent truck drivers for the County. Commissioners advised Clyde to choose who he feels will be the best and to keep the others in mind if something else were to come open.

Clyde also spoke with the commissioners about a request from the landfill employees regarding the Thanksgiving Holiday. We are closed the Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, but the landfill is scheduled to be open. They would like to be off for that Saturday also. The commissioners are worried about having the landfill closed for 4 days straight. No action at this time.

Judy Orton and Shane Walker met with commissioners. Commissioners asked Judy her opinion about what to do with the lawn. She thinks we should ask Delta George.

Mrs. Orton presented the GIS contract. She said that Terri Johnson wants one small addendum regarding cash basis law. The commissioners will do whatever County Attorney thinks is best and did not sign the contract at this time.

Harold Coleman discussed having inmates help with the lawn. He said Jimmy Nichols thinks that would be a good project.

Bill Brittain made a motion to appoint Terry Graham as Delegate and Gary Houston as Alternate for the KCAMP annual meeting at the KAC conference. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.

Commissioners received the renewal for the County’s dental insurance. They would like to hear what Blue Cross/Blue Shield would offer, as they have asked to be allowed to bid it.

Erik Broad, Kevin Wagner, Tom McNeil, Ronald Carlisle and David Shadden met with commissioners for job interviews for the Sanitarian position throughout the morning. Commissioners discussed the applicants. No action at this time.

Commissioners approved early checks for the grand jury and earnest money for the landfill contract. They also approved a final addendum to the lease agreement through October until the close on the sale of property for the landfill.

Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office. She also invited commissioners to the Extension Council’s annual meeting, Monday, October 30^th. Commissioners asked her to speak with Delta about what to do to the courthouse lawn.

Gary Houston updated commissioners on the most recent health board meeting.

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
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 9, 2006 Monday 9:10 am

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

Harold Coleman asked commissioners to view the Sheriff Department’s new Mobile Command Unit.

Clyde Killion gave a road report and said he hired a truck driver.

Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Joanne Long reminded commissioners of the courthouse security meeting Wednesday in Mound City and the Westar meeting in Topeka, also on Wednesday. She also said that we received a letter from the Southeast Kansas Solid Waste Operating Authority (SEKSWOA) asking for the annual review of the committee and adoption of a resolution, by October 20^th. No action at this time.

John McArthur and Michael Short, Oppenheimer & Company, met with commissioners to discuss financing for the proposed correctional center project. Adam Kuehl, Shaughnessy Fickel & Scott Architects was present for the discussion. Options such as bond issue, specific purpose sales tax approved by the legislature or a lease purchase were discussed. No action at this time.

At 10:30 am, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the SEKRCC. Susan Galemore, SEK Regional Planning Commission, Adam Kuehl, Shaughnessy Fickel & Scott Architects, Brett Dalton, Tribune reporter, Joanne Long, Terry Graham and Gary Houston were present. Ms. Galemore said this is the first grant application on a jail in over 20 years, so she’s not sure if that will be good or bad for our chances to receive the $400,000 grant. We will need a letter of commitment from our financial institution or an outline of a plan for finance to go along with the grant application, to show how our matching funds will be provided for the remainder of the $3.6 million project. She said the CDBG is a voluntary grant, so we can amend it or get out of it any time. Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 24-06, assuring the annual operation and maintenance of the jail, for the grant application. Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor. Terry Graham made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Terry Graham made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the Statement of Assurances and Certifications. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Terry Graham made a motion authorizing the Chairman to sign the CDBG Disclosure Report. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor. Terry Graham made a motion to hire the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC) as grant administrator. Gary Houston seconded and both voted in favor.

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
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 13, 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 approved.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

Louella Howard met with commissioners to clarify the area of grass the Hiattville Fire Department is supposed to keep up. The commissioners will send a letter with description of the area to the fire department and Earl Brown.

Karen Paddock met with commissioners to discuss the security meeting held this week which none of the commissioners attended. She said there will be an assessment of our courthouse in the near future, which will result in suggested improvements.

Mrs. Paddock also informed commissioners of some expenses in the coming weeks for refreshments for judge interviews and the retirement reception for Judge Hart. Joanne Long said that when Opal Hess, JoAnn Dalton and Barbara Wood retired, the employees paid for their retirement parties. No comment from commissioners.

Susan Quick and Terri Johnson met with commissioners to discuss the contracts for the attorney and abstractor for the next tax sale. We would like to set a date to work towards. Commissioners discussed setting a date for an annual sale. Susan Quick said that some counties have an annual tax sale on Columbus Day. That way, people know when their properties will be sold. Terri will work up letters for the abstractor and lawyer.

David Neville met with commissioners to discuss the lawn. He asked if commissioners have made any decision one way or another. Some experts feel we should wait until spring but the Extension Office says we should act now. Commissioners also discussed whether to hire professionals or use the inmate workers. Commissioners asked David to walk off the lawn to calculate the square footage so we can see how much seed we need, based on the Extension Office recommendations, and then ask those businesses which quoted the job to see what it would cost to do what K-State suggests.

Mr. Neville asked commissioners if we want to waterproof the courthouse porch. They said we should wait until spring.

David also talked to commissioners about installing handicap buttons on the correctional center doors. He’s thinking about it now that we have the ramp up the east entrance and in anticipation of having to go to one entrance for security purposes. Commissioners asked David to get updated estimates.

Jimmy Nichols asked if commissioners reviewed the pay recommendation. No decision made but we’ve looked at it. Commissioners said they have budgeted to have some raise but they can’t guarantee the 4-tier numbers as presented. Bill Brittain said he liked the ranking system.

Dave Arteberry, George K. Baum & Company, met with commissioners to discuss financing for the jail project. In order to apply for the grant, we need paperwork showing financing is in place with a commitment letter or intention to get bonds, sales tax, etc. He said we need to decide what we’re going to do by Monday. No action.

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about the yard. He doesn’t think we have time now to do the work. He thinks we should wait until February or March.

Jason King asked about asphalt on Locust Road (Old 54 Hwy). Commissioners said they are hoping to have it done next week.

George McLiney, McLiney and Company, met with commissioners about financing for the jail project. He said there are lots of loose ends right now and discussed the types of information that are still unknown about the project. After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to contract with McLiney and Company to prepare the financial package for the jail proposal. Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor. It is a financial feasibility study which would include fees of one percent of any bonds issued for the project and a clause stating if the financing is unsuccessful, for any reason, there will be no charge for the services.

Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 23-06, certifying the review and revision of the Bourbon County Solid Waste Management Plan. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Don Doherty met with commissioners to discuss the County’s insurance. He said the life insurance rate is guaranteed for two years, but he could shop some more if we want. He also wants to run an assessment on our health insurance to see if we can do better than what we have. It will include employees calling a number to answer some health questions. He said when we signed a renewal it’s a guarantee of price by the health insurance company for a year, but we’re still able to go elsewhere if we want.

Gary Houston said we got a request from the City to waive fees at the Landfill for trash removal at a house demolition for Ralph Carlson’s organization. Commissioners denied the request, as we have to pay to have trash removed.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

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

ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 16, 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.

Earl Brown showed commissioners pictures of properties in Hiattville.

Laura Hyer met with commissioners to inform them of upcoming ICS classes at the motel on November 8^th.

Ann Ludlum invited the commissioners and county clerk to the Extension Council’s annual meeting, Monday, October 30, 2006, at 6:30 pm at Fort Scott Community College.

Don Russell met with commissioners at their request. Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period 15 minutes, under the Employer-Employee Negotiations 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, Don Russell and Joanne Long. The session began at 10:30 am and ended at 10:45 am with no action.

David Neville presented new quotes on the lawn based on the square footage as the commissioners requested. Everyone was the same as before except for Wright’s Hauling which increased to $1,392.00. Phil Clayton of Clayton Greenhouse stopped in to say we should also put some top soil on the low spots in the yard. After discussion, commissioners decided to wait until early Spring to work on the courthouse lawn.

After discussion of the candidates, Terry Graham made a motion to hire Tom McNeil as the Bourbon County Sanitarian, beginning November 1, 2006, at an hourly wage of $12.50. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Commissioners will send letters to the other applicants.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

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

ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 20, 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.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

David Neville presented quotes for handicapped accessible buttons for the door at the correctional center. He has 5 quotes and the quote for the electrical work that would be required. They are:

Automatic Doors of Kansas	$3,200.00
Edelman-Lyon Company	$3,825.00
Springfield Door Controls	$4,067.00
Montgomery Door Controls	$4,165.00
Brock Electric	$4,624.00 * included electric


The electrical quote alone is $346.04 from Brock Electric. The commissioners will approve the Automatic Doors quote if/when we hear from other customers who are satisfied with the work.

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about a missing person in the area who was involved in a vehicle accident last weekend and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met with commissioners to discuss purchasing the 2006 Bomag Roller we rented this summer. He said the price is $70,186 with the trade in of our old roller. Commissioners asked Mr. Harris to see if he can give us a better price. Mr. Harris will see what he can do.

Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session, under the land acquisition exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, for a period of ten minutes. Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners and the county clerk. The session began at 9:48 am and ended at 9:58 am with no action.

Laura Hyer met with commissioners. Once we hire a sanitarian, she would like to use him a couple of days a week and said half his salary could be reimbursed by the state for this.

Ms. Hyer said she’s been appointed project manager over the Regional Emergency Management appropriations.

Joanne Long said that Blue Cross/Blue Shield quoted the dental insurance. There were two quotes: one similar to ours and one with better benefits. The one similar to the Delta renewal was 8% higher than the renewal. The better benefits plan was about 40% higher than the renewal. Terry Graham made a motion to renew the Delta Dental plan for 2007 with the following rates:

Single	$14.84
Employee/Spouse	$29.81
Employee/Child(ren)	$25.92
Family	$45.08


Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. The rates are effective for January 1, 2007, coverage.

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 am until 1:30 pm when it was reconvened with all commissioners present.

Gene Kimball, Midwest Security Systems, Kelly Starnov, The Kenralh Group, Steve Davis and Rick Freeman, HMN Architects, and Lyle Prior, Municipal Financial Group, met with commissioners and gave a presentation for their plans for the correctional center remodel. No action.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 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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October 23, 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 9:15 am.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. He also asked commissioners about the Veteran’s Day holiday. Veteran’s Day is on a Saturday, but the official County holiday is set for that Friday, November 10, 2006. He asked about the Landfill and whether they should be closed or open on Saturday, November 11, 2006. Commissioners agreed the Landfill should be closed on Friday with the rest of the County and opened for business as usual on Saturday. They did discuss possibly trading out workers to fill in Saturday to give the regular guys the day off if anyone wanted to work it. Joanne Long also confirmed the Friday Holiday, Saturday regular day for the Sheriff and Correctional Center, which are staffed 24/7. Commissioners agreed.

Brett Dalton, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met with commissioners with a revised offer on the roller. His new offer is $65,186 with our trade-in. Commissioners will look into financing options.

Jimmy Nichols and Gene Parker met with commissioners to discuss the jail proposals. Mr. Nichols explained he likes the plan from Shaugnessy Fickel and Scott better. He feels it’s got better visibility for the guards and requires no additional staff. While the HMN plan has more beds, it will require additional staff. He thinks the simpler plan is better overall. Bill Brittain stated that he would like to know the cost of building a whole new facility off site. Since we are land-locked on this lot, additions are nearly impossible here. But if we build a whole new facility, we could add on in the future. He would like to see the same plan for the remodel as a new structure. Jimmy will take care of it.

David Neville spoke with commissioners about Automatic Doors of Kansas. He called to ask for references, as the commissioners asked, and we’re waiting to hear back.

Raymond Taylor spoke with commissioners about ditch work.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the possible roller purchase with no action.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

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

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October 27, 2006 Friday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present. Joanne Long was also present. Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am. Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Payroll for the period was reviewed and approved.

Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met with commissioners to discuss purchasing the Bomag roller we rented this year. After discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to purchase the 2006 Bomag Roller from Berry Tractor for $65,185 after trade-in from the Sales Tax Fund. Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.

Bill Brittain made a motion to finance the purchase from UMB. Terry Graham seconded and all in voted in favor.

Jimmy Nichols met with commissioners to discuss law enforcement in the western part of the County—mainly for Uniontown and Bronson. They would like to see a deputy stationed out there or have a law enforcement department established for the region. The problem with the latter idea is that the dispatch rates are too costly to support themselves. Commissioners suggested he speak with the Sheriff about stationing a sheriff deputy out there.

Laura Hyer met with commissioners about setting up a date for classes for November 27-30^th for responders and then courthouse employees on office security and evacuation. She said it shouldn’t be over an hour for the class. Commissioners suggested November 27^th for the courthouse employees. She will let the Sheriff know.

Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 24-06, certifying legal authority to apply for the 2007 Kansas Small Cities CBDG Program. Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.

At 10:00 am, Terry Graham and Bill Brittain attended a security meeting in district court. Gary Houston left with Clyde Killion to attend to a road problem.

The meeting reconvened at 11:10 am with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present. Joanne Long was also present.

Kevin Allen spoke with commissioners about a theft he incurred over a month ago. The sheriff’s department is investigating and he feels he’s not getting any help. He’s frustrated. Sheriff Coleman joined the meeting. Sheriff Coleman will have Ron Gray call Mr. Allen for an update this afternoon. Mr. Allen asked if witnesses who saw a car in the alley would help. The sheriff said that only shows proximity, not the theft, and wouldn’t hold up in court.

Gary Houston returned at 11:37 am. He said the shop needs a shop saw and there is a one on sale until the first of the month. The saw on sale is better than what we usually have and will last longer. The commissioners approved the purchase.

David Neville met with commissioners to talk about security. As a first step, he would like to see if our elevator can lock out floor stops, so that when the prisoners are being transferred to and from court, the elevator won’t stop on every floor and potentially allow someone to get on who may become injured, or which may allow for an escape. Commissioners asked him to look into it.

John Zimmerman reported a sink hole at 167^th Terrace and Poplar Road. Commissioners reported it to Clyde.

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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October 30, 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 9:05 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

Accounts payable for the period were reviewed and approved.

Curt Shankel, Fort Scott Lake Committee, met with commissioners with a letter to Lake Property owners about the proposed sewer district. There is a meeting scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2006, at 6:30 pm, in the Round Room of Fort Scott Community College. The commissioners will attend also.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Lora Holdridge thanked commissioners for Redfield Road. She said it looks great.

Charles Cress met with commissioners to discuss his road issue.

Ray Coon asked commissioners for ditch work. Terry Graham said the asphalt season is almost over so we should be able to get to it after that.

Terri Johnson discussed several topics with commissioners.

Bill Brittain made a motion to enter into an architectural contract with Shaughnessy Fickel and Scott for the correctional center project. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. This contract will be part of the grant documentation for the CDBG grant application.

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

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Terry , Commissioner
(ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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